the occasional black bear. Twenty minutes south of the Preserve, the J. Manley Robbins Trail at the Hess Recreation Area in Danville is the oldest known rail-to-trail in the United States and provides a scenic walk or bike. In the southern part of Columbia County, Weiser State Forest – Roaring Creek Tract offers the area’s largest trail system, including an eight mile shared use trail that is ideal for families out for a casual weekend jaunt. Weiser is also home to four historic miner trails from the 19th century that were restored in the early 2000’s to allow for present-day explorers to “walk in the footsteps” of miners from days past. In total, there are approximately 40 miles of shared use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing at the Roaring Creek Tract. Further east at the Susquehanna Riverlands near Berwick, hikers and bicyclists can traverse the 12.5 mile Susquehanna Warrior Trail that retraces an old Native American footpath along the mighty Susquehanna River.
Visitors looking to return to their roots and get out into nature will delight in the multitude of hiking options in Columbia & Montour Counties. Top highlights include: the Montour Preserve, Weiser State Forest, the Susquehanna Riverlands, and Ricketts Glen State Park. At the Montour Preserve, various trails totaling approximately eight miles are open from dawn til dusk. The majority of these trails are great for the visitor looking for a causal walk in a peaceful nature setting. While at the Preserve, guests are apt to see any number of woodland wildlife including but not limited to deer, squirrels, opossum, bald eagles, and
Ricketts Glen State Park Photo by Tyler Adams
2023 TRAVEL GUIDE
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