You don’t have to spend a dime to plan an exciting day in the Endless Mountains. In our region, there’s no shortage of affordable family fun, including several activities that are completely free.
Take a Self-Guided Tour
Stunning Victorian architecture, majestic churches, and charming old homes are just some of the highlights along the Historic Tunkhannock Walking Tour. This self-guided tour features 40 unique stops around town. The newest edition, released in summer 2022, included four routes of varying difficulty, from an easy walk with gentle terrain to the two-mile Grand Tour. Brochures are available at the Dietrich Theater and the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau or you can access an audio tour at dietrichtheater.com/tour.
Hit the Trail
The Endless Mountains boast hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, from challenging routes to family-friendly nature walks. For a rugged adventure, embark on the iconic Loyalsock Trail. Or try easy day hikes like the walking paths at the Eagles Mere Conservancy or the flat, level Iroquois Trail in Tunkhannock. And don’t miss the D&H Rail-Trail, which was named Pennsylvania’s Trail of the Year in 2021.
Attend a Festival
All year long, our local communities host free parades, holiday celebrations, street fairs, and so much more. Explore our charming small towns with festivals like Tunkhannock’s Founder’s Day, the Forest City Trail Town Festival, Dushore’s Founder’s Day, and the Montrose Blueberry Festival. Celebrate local history at Nicholson Bridge Day or get a peek inside the studios at Artists’ Open House Weekend. And during Christmas, many towns hold free holiday festivities. Check out EMVB’s online calendar for the latest events.
Discover Susquehanna County’s History
The Susquehanna County Historical Society Museum in Montrose tells the fascinating story of our region. Their exhibits include Native American artifacts, military items, paintings, and more. Meanwhile, home furnishings and antique tools will give you a glimpse of life in the olden days. The museum is open to the public free of charge. Hours vary by season, so call ahead to confirm.
Visit a State Park
The Endless Mountains region is home to four state parks, which are free to enter. Ricketts Glen State Park in Sullivan County is famous for its 22 named waterfalls, most of which you can see along the challenging Falls Trail. Salt Springs State Park near Montrose boasts a plunging gorge and towering old-growth hemlock forests. Worlds End State Park in Forksville is known for its jaw-dropping vistas. And Vosburg Neck State Park, one of Pennsylvania’s newest parks, provides access to the serene Susquehanna River and surrounding woodlands.
Take the Kids to the Children’s Garden
Who knew that learning could be so fun? The Clifford Children’s Garden is a one-acre park filled with imaginative, heritage-based play areas. Kids can explore local history with a Native American village, a replica mine shaft, a pioneer homestead, and more. Meanwhile, science comes to life with a butterfly garden and a dinosaur play area. The garden was created by the Clifford Township Historical Society and is located next to the Clifford Township Community Park.
Step Back in Time at Eagles Mere
Learn all about “the town that time forgot” at the Eagles Mere Museum. Located in the heart of the historic village, this museum features interactive exhibits about the town and Eagles Mere Lake, the local glassmaking industry, agriculture, trains, and more. They even have a treasure hunt for children. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. The museum is open seasonally and by appointment, so call ahead to plan your visit.
Soak Up the Views
No need to hike deep into the wilderness to enjoy scenic views of the Endless Mountains. In Sullivan County, you can drive to several panoramic vistas. The Loyalsock Canyon Vista is a breathtaking overview of Worlds End and the vast forest beyond. You can reach it by taking Mineral Spring and Cold Run roads. High Knob Overlook in Muncy Valley is another local favorite that offers a bird’s-eye view at 2,000 feet.
Visit an Alpaca Farm
Meet some furry friends at one of our local alpaca farms. Alpacas of Sunshine Farm in New Milford and Artisan Alpacas LLC in Dushore welcome visitors to meet the herd, feed them treats, and learn more about these adorable animals. Both are small, family-run farms, so call ahead before you visit.
Go Birdwatching
Our pristine forests and wetlands not only draw in human visitors—they also attract countless species of migratory birds. Over 180 species have been known to visit the Woodbourne Forest Preserve near Dimock, which the Pennsylvania Game Commission recognized as one of the top 100 birding locations in the state. The glacial pond and dense woodlands at Florence Shelly Preserve in Thompson also boast diverse species. And bring your binoculars if you’re by the Susquehanna River because bald eagle sightings are common.