Pennsylvania
Enjoy an adventure in Central Pennsylvania: Columbia & Montour Counties
Nestled in the heart of Central Pennsylvania,
Columbia & Montour Counties
are a short half-day journey from a majority of East Coast cities, and just
two and a half hours northwest of Philadelphia. The area is first and
foremost renowned for its rural beauty and outstanding adventure
opportunities, though the quaint countryside also offers up a treasure trove
of local history and culture.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
The local landscape is comprised of idyllic river valleys, rolling hills and
green farmlands, as well as charming riverside communities, forests, parks,
and state gamelands. The area boasts beautiful rails-to-trails for walking
and biking as well as high-caliber races for the more competitive runners or
bikers. In Montour County, the J. Manley Robbins Rail Trail is America’s
oldest-known rails to trails system.
Ricketts Glen State Park Falls Trail
One must-see outdoor attraction is Ricketts Glen State Park, located in the
northeast corner of Columbia County and
extending into nearby Luzerne and Sullivan Counties. In the park, hikers can
enjoy a vast network of trails that take them past more than 20 stunning
waterfalls. There is also a beach, lake, campground, kayak rentals, and much
more.
The Montour Preserve is also an outdoor enthusiast’s dream with a 165-acre
lake perfect for fishing and boating, a bird sanctuary, maple sugaring in
the early spring, and plenty of great hiking trails. For history buffs and
archaeology lovers, a one-acre exposed Mahantango shale pit at the Preserve
is open to the public for finders-keepers fossil hunting from dawn until
dusk. For those looking for an aquatic adventure, the Susquehanna River is
the longest and oldest river on the East Coast, and weaves directly through
the area. The slow-moving Susquehanna is the perfect spot for a leisurely
summer kayak, canoe, or tubing excursion. If fishing is on the mind, Fishing
Creek is one of the best trout streams in the state.
Attractions for Everyone
Nostalgia is heavy in the air at Knoebels Amusement Resort, where the
old-fashioned rides and secluded woodland setting evokes sweet memories of
childhood. Knoebels has no entrance fee and offers free parking. The park
has been named the “Favorite Traditional Amusement Park” in the country and
the “Best Park for Families” by the National Amusement Park Historical
Association (NAPHA). The park also boasts the number one wooden roller
coaster in the world — the “Phoenix” — as awarded by Amusement Today in
their annual Golden Ticket Awards. Roller coaster enthusiasts visit from all
over the country to enjoy Knoebels’ iconic wooden coasters, as well as the
park’s newer thrill rides like “The Impulse” or “Flying Turns” – the world’s
only wooden bobsled coaster.
Phoenix Coaster at Knoebels
Columbia & Montour counties are
also home to 25 covered bridges, which is third most in the nation.
Picturesque and historic, these “kissing bridges” recall a time when life
was simpler and closer to the land. On a yearly basis, visitors from all
over the world come to admire the antique craftsmanship of the bridges and
relax in the quiet countryside. Symbols of small-town America, these covered
bridges coax travelers off the beaten path to explore little streams and
forgotten dirt roads.
For those looking for more time to rest and renew, the counties offer plenty of lodging accommodations that are sure to make you want to stay an extra
day (or two!). There are over a dozen bed & breakfast options as well as
a number of hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. After a tasty
home-cooked breakfast, visitors can set out for a day of downtown shopping
or antiquing. Alternatively, an early stop at a local farmer’s market could
lead to a day spent enjoying local flavors at any of the area’s wineries or
craft breweries. The ever-popular River Rat Brew Trail is Central
Pennsylvania’s premier craft beer trail and encompasses fifteen enterprising
breweries with countless specialty drafts.
Jud Christian Covered Bridge
Culture & Events
Jud Christian Covered Bridge
From earliest blossoms of spring to the last leaves of autumn,
the counties have no shortage of fairs, festivals, carnivals, and
parades. During April and May, many towns play host to weekend street fairs with
local artisans, performers and authentic cultural foods. July brings cowboys
and cowgirls to the Benton Rodeo and blues-lovers find their way to the
Briggs Farm Blues Festival.
However, the two largest events in the counties occur in September and
October. The Bloomsburg Fair is held for an entire week at the end of
September. It is the largest agricultural fair in the state and features
nationally known entertainment, agricultural exhibits, horse racing, games,
rides, and an incredible food selection. Held just a week later at the same
fairgrounds complex, the annual Covered Bridge and Arts Festival features
more than 350 crafters and food vendors. The festival is perfect for getting
a jump start on holiday shopping, as all of the items sold are handmade. The
counties are also a prime destination for fall foliage lovers, with peak
season often happening in mid-late October. Local corn mazes, seasonal
foods, pumpkin patches, and train rides all add additional reasons why
a trip to the Central PA countryside
in the fall makes for an unforgettable family getaway!
To request a free Travel Guide and to get more information, visit:
itourcolumbiamontour.com. You may also contact the Visitors Bureau by calling 1-800-847-4810.