Susquehanna County: Nature, Culture and Winter Experiences
Accommodation in Susquehanna County
Susquehanna County surprises visitors with a varied mix of forest landscapes, historic sites, long trails and seasonal experiences. Those looking for a vacation rental or vacation home for their trip can plan their stay according to their own interests: with days spent in nature by the water, cultural discoveries, an extended tour on the Rail-Trail or winter sports at Elk Mountain.
Nature Amid Gorges, Waterfalls and Wetlands
One notable natural attraction is Salt Springs State Park. Old hemlock trees shape the landscape there, while Fall Brook flows through a rocky gorge. Three waterfalls add further scenic highlights to the park. Salt Springs State Park is open daily year-round from sunrise to sunset; the day-use areas close at dusk. These hours are important for planning your day, especially if you want to combine several destinations.
The Florence Shelly Preserve offers a different landscape perspective. The preserve includes fields, wooded areas and streams. A glacial pond surrounded by a floating bog is particularly unusual. This gives you a choice between different natural settings: rocky waterways and waterfalls on one side, and open spaces, woodland and a distinctive wetland landscape on the other.
Exploring Long Trails
The D&H Rail-Trail runs for 38 miles from Simpson to the New York border near Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. If you want to plan a longer hike or bike ride, you should take this route into account when planning your itinerary. When choosing your accommodation, it may be helpful to first decide whether you want to explore individual natural attractions at a relaxed pace or plan a stay centered on longer tours. You can then look for the right vacation rental or vacation home based on the location that fits your own travel plans.
Discover History and Culture Mindfully
The county’s history can be seen in several very different places. The building of the Forest City Area Historical Society was dedicated as a Methodist church on November 17, 1886, and closed in May 2013. The society preserves artifacts and documents relating to the history and heritage of Forest City and the surrounding areas. Topics range from logging and railroads to coal and clothing manufacturing.
Historic Dennis Farm is an educational and cultural site for students, scholars, researchers, educators and groups. The farm remained in the possession of the same family for more than two centuries. Tours can be arranged by phone through Keystone College at 570-945-8150. If you are interested in regional history, this can add an explicitly educational experience to your stay.
The Priesthood Restoration Site also combines historical orientation with a guided visit. The site includes two reconstructed homes. Tours of the Isaac and Elizabeth Hale Home begin at the visitor center. Trails also lead to a nearby sugar maple grove. For families with different interests, this makes it possible to plan a trip that alternates between information, sightseeing and a short time outdoors.
Winter, Agriculture and Seasonal Events
Elk Mountain offers skiing and snowboarding for all ability levels. An affiliated Professional Ski Instructors of America ski school offers ski lessons there with more than 75 trained ski instructors.
The traditional agricultural Harford Fair takes place as a country fair during the third week of August. The Penn-Can Berry Farm in New Milford, Pennsylvania, also offers seasonal experiences with pick-your-own blueberries and raspberries. Events like these give a trip a clear seasonal character. When planning, check whether you specifically want to travel during this August week or during berry season.
Places for Your Further Search
If you want to compare different starting points, you can also include Union Dale and Montrose in your search. What matters is which mix of nature, history, seasonal experiences and longer activities best suits your stay. This way, your accommodation search is not determined by a blanket location recommendation, but by the experiences you actually want to include.
For the broader travel overview: Pennsylvania.
More Destinations
More places within the same destination:
