Discover Snyder County

Snyder County combines water activities, forest landscapes, and historical discoveries with regional traditions. Those planning a trip can focus on fishing and boating, explore moderate trails through old-growth forests, or learn about the history of mills, schools, and local families. This mix also offers families a variety of options, without requiring every day to follow the same rhythm.

Water, forests, and trails for active days

Faylor Lake offers 140 acres for fishing and boating. Another option on the water is Mahantango Access in Chapman Township in Snyder County. There, visitors have access to the Susquehanna River for fishing and boating. If you like to plan your trip around activities on the water, it is worth considering these options as preferred excursion destinations when choosing your vacation rental or vacation home.

The forest areas also offer different experiences. Tall Timbers encompasses 660 acres of secondary forest with oaks, eastern white pines, eastern hemlocks, and pitch pines. The Snyder-Middleswarth Natural Area is located in Bald Eagle State Forest and encompasses old-growth stands of eastern white pines, eastern hemlocks, and pitch pines. The area is accessible via footpaths. Two loops begin at the Snyder-Middleswarth Picnic Area on Swift Run Road and are rated moderate. This allows you to weigh an excursion centered on the water against a hike with a clearly defined route.

Isle of Que offers a different landscape experience: a quiet river island along the river and a nature destination near Selinsgrove. Those who like to combine nature experiences with a visit to a town can also include historic downtown Selinsgrove in their plans. It is easy to explore on foot and includes locally owned shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.

History, crafts, and regional traditions

The Snyder County Historical Society operates a library and museum with genealogical and local historical materials, as well as historical artifacts from Snyder County. For 2026, the following applies: From March 5 through December 10, the society is open every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., as well as by appointment. If you would like to explore historical topics in greater depth, you can incorporate this visit into your travel plans accordingly.

Sampsel’s Mill and the Old Herman School offer further insights into the past. Sampsel’s Mill was built in 1818 and operated with water power until 1951. The Old Herman School is a one-room schoolhouse built in 1842. Both examples reveal different aspects of regional history: one reflects the former use of water power, while the other shows daily life in a one-room schoolhouse.

Crafts and local cuisine are also part of the region’s character. Penns Creek Pottery has been producing pottery on the site of an old mill since 1978. The McClure Bean Soup and Home-Coming Celebration originated among the surviving Civil War veterans in the western part of Snyder County. During this celebration, Civil War bean soup is prepared and served. Alongside nature and visits to local towns, these themes give a trip an additional regional perspective.

Choose your accommodation based on your preferred travel plans

When searching for a vacation rental in Snyder County, you can first decide which experiences should shape your stay. Faylor Lake and access to the Susquehanna River are the main options for fishing and boating. For forests and outdoor activity, Tall Timbers and the Snyder-Middleswarth Natural Area offer different focal points. Those who want to combine historic buildings, local shops, and restaurants can include Selinsgrove in their wider plans. This allows you to choose a vacation rental or vacation home based on your preferred mix of nature, culture, crafts, and regional cuisine, without limiting the trip to just one activity.

Additional places to include in your travel plans

For your supplementary search for suitable places, you can also explore Shamokin Dam, Selinsgrove, and Middleburg. You can find additional regional points of interest in Somerset County, McKean County, Dauphin, Elk County, and Centre.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pennsylvania.