Outdoor recreation possibilities abound at the top of the
Endless Mountains. Elk Mountain’s skiing and snowboarding rises above all others
in Pennsylvania and summers are perfect for golfing, hiking, mountain biking,
fishing and boating.
Golfers enjoy choosing from among six different golf courses, while the D&H Rail
Trail carries hikers, bikers and snowmobilers north from Forest City through
forests, fields and along the Susquehanna River to the New York State border.
Salt Springs State Park, the Florence Shelly Preserve, and Woodbourne Sanctuary
offer prime bird watching opportunities. State game lands provide excellent hunting
and fishing opportunities. Water sports include kayaking the challenging white waters
of the Upper Lackawanna River in Forest City, or floating in the path of history down
the North Branch of the Susquehanna River. Here, in 1778, General James Clinton led a
force of 1800 men from the headwaters of the Susquehanna River at Otsego Lake in
Cooperstown, NY, along the North Branch to join General Sullivan’s Expedition.
Residents and visitors also enjoy the performing arts, and exploring the history of the
area. History comes alive with exhibits and events sponsored by the
Susquehanna County
Historical Society,
Old Mill Village, the Soldier’s Orphan’s School, the Center for
Anti-Slavery Studies and the Susquehanna Depot Area Historical Society. The
D&H Rail
Trail passes near the Starrucca Viaduct, a National Civil Engineering landmark built
in the early 1800’s of locally quarried Pennsylvania Bluestone. Other notable landmarks
include the Martin’s Creek Viaduct, a concrete railroad bridge built in the 1920’s, and
the Forest City Coal Miner’s Memorial. The Joseph Smith Monument, located along Route 171,
Oakland Township, commemorates the baptism of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdrey in the
Susquehanna River. Joseph Smith’s homestead is nearby.
Festivals and fairs highlight the county’s agricultural products and crafts,
enhancing the changing seasons with the taste of maple syrup, strawberries, blueberries and apples.
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