This Quiet Pennsylvania City Is Hiding In Plain Sight
Once known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” in the 19th century, Williamsport has evolved into so much more, becoming a go-to spot for outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania. With a population of 27,000, the town sits close to some of the region’s best rail trails and also makes a great base for exploring Pennsylvania’s own version of the Grand Canyon! And at the end of the day, travelers can make their way back to town to catch one of the local theater’s renowned performances or grab a locally brewed beer. If you are looking to explore one of Pennsylvania’s most underrated destinations, you will love everything that Williamsport has to offer.
Hiking & Biking the Susquehanna Greenway in Williamsport
The Susquehanna Greenway is one of the most notable trail networks in Pennsylvania, extending for 500 miles with many sections that wind along the Susquehanna River. Several of the trails in this greenway run either directly through Williamsport or nearby. The Lycoming Creek Bikeway, for example, connects Hepburnville and Williamsport, stretching along the old Penn Central Railroad corridor and Lycoming Creek for 5.3 miles. Starting near a community park and woodlot in the north, this trail takes hikers and bikers through open stretches of grass and cornfields before crossing the creek on old rail bridges.
About a 20-minute drive from town, travelers can also reach the Pine Creek Rail Trail, one of the Northeast’s premier trails that extends for 62 miles. Passing through the Pine Creek Gorge, this trail offers incredible canyon views, along with views of the water and surrounding rocky outcrops. In addition to biking, this trail provides access to whitewater boating and fishing. Horseback riding is also permitted on certain segments.
Want to stay closer to Williamsport’s downtown area? You should definitely check out the Susquehanna River Walk and Timber Trail, which runs along the northern and southern shores of the river, including two urban bridge crossings at Maynard Street and Market Street. As you walk or bike along this route, you’ll spot displays about the region’s lumber heritage, along with lumber-themed public art.
Pine Creek Gorge
Although the Pine Creek Gorge was mentioned earlier with the Pine Creek Rail Trail, it really deserves its own section. Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania,” this gorge runs for about 47 miles, reaching depths as great as 1,450 feet in some sections. If you couldn’t get enough of this gorge on the rail trail, consider driving out to one of the state parks that call it home. Although these two parks require a bit of a drive, they are well worth the visit. The first is Leonard Harrison State Park, which is an hour north of Williamsport. This park lies on the east rim of the canyon, covering 585 acres and offering a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The park also hosts occasional events, including geology hikes and workshops.
Colton Point State Park, meanwhile, lies about an hour and 15 minutes away and lies on the rim’s west. This park encompasses 368 acres and offers similar recreational opportunities to Leonard Harrison. Make sure to check out the rugged overlooks at Colton Point; from some, you can see Leonard Harrison State Park on the opposite side.
Indoor Attractions In Town
Rainy day? Or simply prefer to relax indoors? It is easy to fill a day in Williamsport with museum, theater, and brewery visits as well. You may not know, but Williamsport is actually the headquarters for Little League International, hosting the Little League World Series each year in town. One of the best places to learn about this history is at the World of Little League Museum. Welcoming tens of thousands of visitors each year, this museum dives into the organization’s history, initiatives, and goals through hundreds of artifacts and museum archives.
The Journey Bank Community Arts Center is another place to spend an entertaining afternoon, a live arts venue that hosts concerts, comedians, ballets, and other performances. Several breweries are in the area, such as Bullfrog Brewery, an independent microbrewery that has been a cornerstone in the community’s brewing scene since 1996. Along with a wide selection of beers, the brewery hosts an impressive weekly lineup of live music, featuring national, regional, and local acts.
A True Gem in Pennsylvania’s Countryside
Pennsylvania’s countryside is filled with breathtaking attractions, and Williamsport is no exception. Its small size may cause it to fly under the radar compared to some of the other vacation hubs in the state, but travelers should not miss out on the chance to visit. Rail trails, massive canyons, and museums are just a few of the attractions that await. Who knows what other gems you might discover during your own trip!
