recreation
seasonal:
- Hunting
The areas State Parks welcome hunters with a current Pennsylvania
hunting license; remember to obey the rules and regulations of
the PA Game Commission,
and enjoy the outdoors.
- Go to the Park
Florence Shelly Preserve,
a 357-acre preserve, boasts fields, woodlands, a stream, and a glacial pond surrounded by a
floating bog. A stewardship committee has created pleasant walkways, a self-guided trail and
an observation platform overlooking the swamp for visitors to fully experience the preserve.
A part of the Nature Conservancy, the Preserve is located outside of Thompson.
More information: 570-756-2429 or 570-727-3362
Merli-Sarnoski Park, an 840 acre park and woods with fish stocked mountain lake,
hiking trails, swimming, and picnic areas. Located on Sandy Banks Road off Rt. 106,
near Finch Hill.
More information: 570-876-1714.
Salt Spring State Park,
located in Franklin Township, Susquehanna County, offers hiking trails, waterfalls,
picnic facilities and camping sites in a woodland setting. There are events and workshops
for all to enjoy the natural surroundings. The park is open to all, without charge, throughout
the year from sunrise to sunset.
More information: 570-967-PARK
The Woodbourne Forest and Wildlife Preserve,
a 648-acre preserve, evokes a rural New England landscape of white pine, hemlocks, ash, maples,
oaks and other hardwoods, and ancient trees. Nearly 200 acres of the preserve contains the
largest remaining old-growth forest in northeast Pennsylvania. Open fields, wildflower meadows,
winding creeks, mossy bogs and historic stone walls invite visitors to explore and enjoy. The
preserve is located on Rt. 29, approximately 6 miles south of Montrose.
Info: (570) 278-3384
winter:
- Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Chet's Place
invites you to grab a boxed lunch and enjoy their scenic cross country trails.
Cross Country rentals are available.
The D&H, a local Rail-Trail,
provides 32 miles of wooded trail; local State Parks offer cross country
skiing on park roads, along snowmobile trails, through forests and open fields.
- Downhill Skiing
When you're looking for numerous trails with
excellent conditions, challenging skiing and spectacular views,
Elk Mountain
is where you want to be this winter!
For all your skiing and snowboard needs, stop by
Idlewild Ski Shop on the way to the slopes!
- Ice Fishing
Local State Parks welcome anglers with fishing licenses when
the ice is at least four inches thick; check with
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission
for more about ice safety.
- Ice Skating
Show off your talent, skate, spin and jump around a mountain lake at
Merli-Sarnoski Park on Sandy Banks Road off Rt. 106, near Finch Hill.
- Snowmobiling
The NE PA Sno-Trails Organization maintains and grooms 150 miles of a
snowmobile system. A trail pass is required; applications are available
by calling the Rail-Trails office.
summer:
- Biking
Enjoy the area's natural and unspoiled beauty while biking along country roads or
the Rail-Trails.
PA law requires all children under 12 to wear an approved helmet while riding. The
bicycle
laws help insure the safety of everyone on the road. Please become familiar
with our Commonwealth's regulations.
- Fishing
Susquehanna County streams, lakes and rivers offers some of the regions best fishing; places to get your catch:
Canwacta Creek-South Branch, Fall Brook, Gaylord Creek, Lackawanna River-West Branch, Lackawanna River, Martin Creek, Meshoppen Creek,
Messhopen Creek-West Branch, Nine Partners Creek, Quaker Lake, Salt Lick Creek, Silver Creek, Snake Creek, Starrucca Creek,
Tunkhannock Creek, Tunkhannock Creek-East Branch, Wyalusing Creek-East Branch, Middle Branch and North Branch.
For everything you ever wanted to know about fishing and boating, visit the
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.
- Golfing
The nearby scenic and challenging golf courses make the Elk Mountain area a golfers dream...
Play a round at Panorama Golf Course or
Scottish Glen Golf Course.
- Head to the River
The Lackawanna River Corridor Association sponsors activities and events on the river and nearby trails.
Visit www.lrca.org for a schedule and on-going volunteer
opportunities.
- Hiking
The local country roads and Rail-Trails
are also great for hiking, and for a workout and an experience to remember, climb
Elk Mountain.
