History of Woodbourne Forest and Wildlife Preserve

The Endless Mountain region offers many beautiful places to hike, from wetlands and riverbeds to high point lookouts. Our hikes range from easy to more difficult terrain, so that there are options for all levels of hikers. Our hikes explore several popular and some more remote areas, led by experienced hikers and knowledgeable guides. Lakes, streams, waterfalls and rock formations...hemlock and spruce forests...natural plants and flora...eagles, hawks, small mammals and other “critters". The door is open for all kinds of observations and adventures!

All you need is a child’s curiosity and a willingness to join the fun! Of course, some other common hiking essentials include plenty of water, snacks or lunch (depending on hike length and duration), sturdy and comfortable shoes/ boots. Hike leaders will have all other necessities. Special equipment is not necessary; optional items may include cameras, binoculars, GPS, guidebooks, etc. Feel free to share your expertise with the hike leader and other participants!

Please RSVP to the hike leaders if you would like to attend. THANK YOU!

Thursday, August 14th: Canoe/Kayak trip... Mehoopany to Tunkhannock

Meet at the boat launch just south of the bridge in Mehoopany at 8:00 am and take out at Riverside Park in Tunkhannock around 3:00 pm.

Those interested must contact me via email by August 12th to arrange coordination of cars, canoes and kayaks.

(Those without a canoe or kayak may still try to sign-up and I will try to find a canoe or kayak for them to use.)

CONTACT: Scott Myer to attend: smyer@epix.net

Saturday, April 5, 2008. Woodbourne Forest and Wildlife Preserve: Meet at Woodbourne Forest parking pavilion at 11:30 am. (One mile past blinking light on Route 29 north of Dimock.) Print a trail map found at: http://www.woodbourneforest.org/ Woodbourne, one of the few remaining tracts of old growth forest in the area, has many different terrains. We will traverse through hardwood forests, meadows, a 10-acre pond and wetland area, winding creeks, and bog islands—Woodbourne provides abundant opportunities to enjoy a diverse range of wildlife and plants, as well as the quiet of unspoiled nature. Explore the “newest trail” at Woodbourne, Cope’s Ramble (blue trail,) seeing the pond, many rivulets, hemlock old growth forest (a tree measuring about 4 feet in diameter!), a typical Susquehanna County vista, the “tree with legs” and more. 5 mile trek. Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate. Trail is well-marked.

We will hike the trail to a scenic overlook of the Susquehanna River. It is a beautiful spot to experience one of central Pennsylvania's most interesting waterways. Pack a lunch, grab your camera or binoculars and come with us to enjoy the quiet and beautiful nature that surrounds us!

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate. Trail is well-marked. Dress for the weather.

Mt. Pisgah State Park is located in the scenic Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania’s Northern Tier. Trails include woodlands, fields, farmland, and possibly some rough terrain. Wear appropriate clothing and bring water and binoculars if desired.

This hike features scenic streams, old house foundations from before the park was established, stone walls, nice views, and scenic hemlock and pine forests… lots of views of the lake.

Difficulty Level: Easy- moderate. One stream crossing may be difficult so wet feet are possible.

Meet at the Roadside Rest on Route 29, south of Tunkhannock, at 7:30 am. We will carpool to the trailhead near Williamsport, PA. (approx. drive is 2 ¼ hours each way).

Difficulty Level: Strenuous, due to its length (9.7 miles) and some steep climbing.

This trail is considered one of the most scenic in this part of the state. Native wildflowers are abundant.

Saturday, May 10, 2008. Canal Hike at EMNC
We will hike some of the trails along the Susquehanna River on the Vosburg Neck, experiencing the impressive bloom of the bluebells and the historic canal.

Distance: approximately 2.5 miles.
Hiking time: about 1.5 hours.
Difficulty Level: Easy. Trail is well-marked and very flat.

We will travel to the isolated Schrader Creek Valley and explore beautiful Falls Creek…a superb waterfall hike, including Bradford Falls, at almost 100 feet high. There are about 6 other falls. Will also see an abandoned mine.

Difficulty Level: Moderate - difficult. Hike is fairly short, but the terrain is rugged and does not always follow a trail.

Alternate / Additional Trail: We may also drive to Laquin and hike along the old S&NY grade which features Schrader Creek and wetlands which are ideal for birding or wildlife watching. We will hike up Little Schrader Creek with a spectacular series of deep, crystal clear swimming holes and cascades. Total mileage is an easy 2 miles. Hike will be cancelled if there is inclement weather.

Waterfall trail – meander the stream, scramble among rocks, and get a “hands-on” vista of all the falls at Salt Springs; continue into Friends’ adjoining lands, heading up to one of the highest points in the park.

Saturday, June 14, 2008. “Explore the Wild Side of Wyoming County”. South Mountain Hike in Game Lands #57 near Forkston

Difficulty Level: Strenuous. Will probably involve some bushwhacking. This is a remote area that is seldom hiked. Very steep climb up and back along a brook with small waterfalls. Dress for the weather.

Depending on interest for the first hikes, I may lead a very challenging hike into the wilderness of SGL 13, just west of Ricketts Glen. This hike is limited to experienced and fit hikers.

We will explore a spectacular waterfall wonderland, featuring about 15 waterfalls and a narrow slot chasm. There will be extensive bushwhacking, numerous stream crossings, and we will often follow the creeks. Feet will get wet. Must be experienced and take all safety precautions. Hiking poles and headlamps strongly encouraged. Hike will be cancelled if there is high water.

If we need some more options – maybe a weekday hike – I could do another hike that I ALWAYS enjoy:

Waterfall trail – meander the gorge, scramble among rocks, stop for NUMEROUS pictures along the 4-mile loop with over 2 dozen waterfalls!!!

Distance: 8-10 mile loop (starting at bottom and going to Lake Jean and back.) OR 4-5 mile loop (starting at the top)

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult; steep climb with numerous steps, total elevation change is about 1000 feet from bottom to top.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008. Ricketts Glen State Park

Waterfall trail - meander the gorge, scramble among rocks, stop for NUMEROUS pictures along the 4-mile loop with over 2 dozen waterfalls!!!

Meet at WALMART on Route 29, south in Tunkhannock, at 11:00 am.

Distance: 8-10 mile loop (starting at bottom and going to Lake Jean and back.)

OR 4-5 mile loop (starting at the top)

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult; steep climb with numerous steps, total elevation change is about 1000 feet from bottom to top.

Leader: Concetta Schirra

Monday, July 7, 2008. Golden Eagle Trail in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon

Meet at the Roadside Rest on Route 29, south of Tunkhannock, at 7:30 am. We will carpool to the trailhead near Williamsport, PA. (approx. drive is 2 ¼ hours each way).

Distance: 9.7 miles

Hiking time: time approximately 5 ½ hours.

Difficulty Level: Strenuous, due to its length (9.7 miles) and some steep climbing.

This trail is considered one of the most scenic in this part of the state. Native wildflowers are abundant.

Leader: Kevin Hilsey

Endless Mountain Hiking Club