Looking for something fun to fill your hot summer days? Here are 10 ideas to make your summer sweeter as you surround yourself with the region’s natural beauty.
1. Canfield Island
Walk around Canfield Island while drinking coffee and eating a donut. Just to the east of Williamsport in Loyalsock Township, Canfield Island is an archaeological site in the West Branch Susquehanna River. The location is believed to have been inhabited by prehistoric Native Americans, with the oldest discoveries dating back to more than one millennium before Christ. It’s the most decadent thing you can do while exercising in nature.
2. Rock Run
Explore Rock Run. Nestled in the hills near Ralston up Route 14, Rock Run is full of beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, swimming holes and picnic spots. And, if you drive up to the top, you can visit Band Rock overlooking the valley.
3. Rose Valley Lake
Drive to Rose Valley Lake and fly a kite at the little field off the south access. One of Lycoming County’s hidden treasures, this man-made lake is an ideal spot for fishing, bird watching, kayaking or picnicking. There also are some leisurely walking trails at the lake’s north access.
4. Blueberry Picking
Blueberry picking is the perfect outdoor activity for July. Ergonomic farming at its best. Enjoy this sliver of time when you can be out in nature among the greenery. You can eat what you harvest all the while standing upright in a civilized, dignified way. Here are some good spots to pick blueberries in and around Lycoming County:
- The Green Barn Berry Farm in Muncy,
- Bridge Avenue Berries in Allenwood,
- Bush Berry Farm and Greenhouse in Watsontown
5. S’mores
Make s’mores at a campfire. Use twice as much chocolate as your mom allowed.
6. Hiking
Lycoming County offers a number of great hiking trails, including Rider Park just past Warrensville and Jacoby Falls out Wallis Run Road in Gamble Township. These have paths of varying difficulty, perfect for the family or a competitive hike with a friend or four-legged companion.
7. Parks and playgrounds
Parks and playgrounds – wonderful easy-access locations for parents with young kids. Lycoming County has a number of good playgrounds, including:
- Indian Park in Montoursville
- South Williamsport Community Park on East Central Avenue
- Young Woods Park at 1001 George St., Williamsport
- Short Park on Northway Road in Loyalsock Township
- Bruce E. Henry Park at the corner of Ritchey Street and Miller Avenue in Williamsport
8. Kayak
Kayak down Pine Creek. Sitting low in the water gives you an intimate feeling of belonging – and they are easy to paddle. Act fast before the waters begin to recede for the season! Pine Creek above Jersey Shore is an ideal kayaking hotspot. Other good spots include Rose Valley Lake, Loyalsock Creek and Lycoming Creek.
9. Biking on Skyline Drive
Ride a bike (or walk) on Skyline Drive with a bunch of friends. It’s one of the few places you can travel five abreast – and it’s paved.
10. Movie time!
Watch a movie at a theater. Check out this 20th century technology while you escape from the heat with a bunch of your favorite strangers. OK, this has nothing to do with nature, but sometimes it rains …
Author
On #4 you could list Shirey’s Blueberry Hills in Linden. Great blueberries raised by a wonderful family.
#4 Blueberries picking is great at Shirey’s Blueberry Hill in Linden.