Chamber hosts a community hike to summit of Miller Mountain guided by Jeff Mitchell
Residents of Wyoming County have long appreciated the natural beauty of its rolling landscape and plentiful waterways. But what is often termed the “Gateway to the Endless Mountains” has, in recent years, become more of a destination in itself with the support of county and state officials.
“Wyoming County has always been an integral part of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) with its artistic and historic resources, as well as its scenic section of the beautiful Susquehanna River,” says EMHR director Cain Chamberlin. “But, with the recent additions of Wyoming County’s Seneca Park, Vosburg Neck State Park, and the newly opened tract of the Pinchot State Forest on Miller Mountain, Wyoming County now has so much more to boast about in terms of outdoor recreation opportunities and is now on equal footing with our other three counties – Bradford, Sullivan, and Susquehanna – in terms of accessible green space for residents and visitors alike.”
Seneca Park was acquired by the county in 2022 after a group of dedicated citizens and Eaton Township officials cleaned up the former Roadside Rest that had been a popular family destination for decades. Nestled between SR 29 and Bowmans Creek – stocked annually with trout to the delight of regional anglers – the park was historically a meeting place for members of the Seneca Nation into the 1700s. Thanks to the county commissioners and a newly formed County Parks Committee, the park is once again a focal point for family outings and other events.
“We have a great location for family fun,” said Wyoming County Commissioner Ernie King. “Large open fields for games. Many picnic tables and access to the creek. Rest rooms and fire pits are also provided.”
Vosburg Neck State Park (VNSP) was one of three to be designated in Pennsylvania in 2022, putting the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) in charge of 669 acres that were previously known as Howland Preserve and managed by the North Branch Land Trust and Friends of the Howland Preserve. The park features a non-motorized boat ramp and eight miles of well-maintained trails that connect to adjacent and similar-sized Camp Lackawanna.
VNSP environmental educational specialist Amanda MacTarnaghan has the enjoyable task of developing and implementing programs and activities that bring Park visitors and nature as closely together as possible.
“Awareness about park programming is still growing in the community,” she stated. MacTarnaghan started with pop-up programs on weekends to provide visitors, limited on time, a taste of what is to come and to learn about the park’s development. “A lot of people I interact with during these events are not aware that programs are happening at the park but are eager to attend future events when they find out.” Pop-up events will continue through Labor Day, and visitors can find information in the tent next to Riverside Barn. The park is primarily a day-use only facility, but MacTarnaghan has conducted several nighttime hikes that have proven popular. “I’m excited to continue to offer these experiences in the future,” she noted.
Miller Mountain was purchased by the Commonwealth in 2023 to become part of Pinchot State Forest. A 2,216-foot stand-alone peak rising above the Susquehanna River and Tunkhannock, Miller Mountain boasts a 5.9-mile trail loop with elevation changes of 1,607 feet.
In a 2023 press release, DCNR secretary Cindy Dunn stated, “We are excited to finally be able to add state forestland to the region. I can’t wait to view the area from the top of Miller Mountain and take in the beautiful sites from its vistas.” Dunn cited the Conservation Fund for “their tireless work on this project for conservation across the nation.”
Popular with birders and mountain bikers, hikers will find that the challenging route takes an average of three hours and 23 minutes to complete. The vistas from its summits are truly breathtaking and make the climb worth the effort.
“DCNR is extremely proud to add Miller Mountain to Pinchot State Forest and the 2.2 million acres of state forestland around the Commonwealth,” DCNR press secretary Wesley Robinson added. “We are excited to offer increased access to public lands in the northeast part of the state.”
The three large recreational parks and forests are not the only outdoor wonders of Wyoming County. The Susquehanna River, which enters Wyoming County from Bradford County at Braintrim Township and Laceyville and exits into Luzerne County between Falls and Exeter townships, is considered the fifth oldest river in the world at more than 300 million years. The meandering waterway wraps around Vosburg Neck and provides a unique view of the county’s farmlands, steep hills, and villages. The 146-mile segment that runs through Susquehanna, Bradford, and Wyoming counties has been designated by the National Park System as the North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail and is managed by the EMHR with help from several river outfitters, including Susquehanna Canoe and Kayak Rentals in Falls.
In addition to the aforementioned, Wyoming County is home to numerous smaller municipal parks, preserves and trails that connect people with nature and other outdoor recreationists in the community, as well as State Game Lands 57 near Forkston. A full list of these treasures can be found in the Explore Wyoming County Parks & Trails brochure produced by the Wyoming County Cultural Center, available at locations like the Dietrich Theater and Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau and accessible online at the Dietrich Theater’s website.
- Written by Rick Hiduk
Chamber hosts annual after hours family friendly kayak paddle guided by Art Coolbaugh, Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals – Falls, PA.