Jefferson County: Trails, History, and Groundhog Day

Explore Jefferson County through its distinct themes: lakes, streams, forests, farmland, and rail trails alongside museums, logging history, and Punxsutawney traditions. Options range from trails and river landscapes to collections of technological history and recurring events. You can shape your stay around the topics that interest you most.

Rivers, Forests, and Trails

Clear Creek State Park covers 1,901 acres in Jefferson County and provides access to the Clarion River for fishing and boating. Its nature museum features exhibits on logging and nature and is open from spring through fall. The self-guided, one-hour Ox Shoe Trail offers insight into the region’s logging history. The park, museum, and interpretive trail bring nature and history together in one place.

The two-mile Beartown Rocks Trail connects Beartown Rocks with Clear Creek State Park. Another route is the 15-mile Mahoning Shadow Trail, a rail-trail along the historic Pennsylvania Railroad corridor beside Mahoning Creek. The trail hosts the annual Mahoning Shadow Shuffle, featuring a half marathon and 10K and 5K races. Event dates may change; check them before your trip.

The Piney ATV Trail is a 24-mile, privately owned multi-use trail from Brookville to Piney Reservoir. It follows a former railroad right-of-way. Its length, route, and former use give this trail a different character from the trails at Clear Creek or the historic railroad corridor of the Mahoning Shadow Trail.

Museums and Technological History

At the Coolspring Power Museum, permanent exhibits trace the development of internal combustion engine technology. Types of engines on display include stationary gas and hot-air engines, with power outputs ranging from a fraction of a horsepower to 600 horsepower. In total, the museum houses hundreds of stationary engines in more than 35 buildings and outdoor areas. The wide range of engine outputs and different engine types highlight distinct aspects of technological history.

The Greenberg Cadillac Museum displays Cadillac memorabilia collected over many decades. In 2026, visits are available on select weekends, Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Check which weekends are scheduled for your visit before traveling.

Logging History and Local Collections

Many of Bowdish’s original pieces are on display year-round at the Jefferson County History Center. The collection also includes replicas of his buildings, as well as animated figures and sets created by volunteers. The Bowdish model railroad display operates on the last Saturday of each month, when volunteers are available to answer questions. Since the monthly schedule may change, it’s a good idea to check the date before visiting.

The Lumber Heritage exhibit at the Jefferson County History Center explores the county’s logging and river rafting history in the early 19th century. Its three sections are titled “Logging & Rafting,” “Dinkies & Dams,” and “A Model Raft.” Visitors interested in the region’s logging history can find a themed trail at Clear Creek State Park in the Ox Shoe Trail, and an exhibit at the History Center that explores this history from a different perspective.

Snyder Hill Schoolhouse is a restored one-room schoolhouse. Individual visits and tours are available by appointment, so arrange your visit in advance. In Scripture Rocks Park, 1.5 miles of gravel-covered trails wind among more than 60 boulders. The boulders bear engravings of the philosophy and life challenges of Douglas Stahlman from the early 20th century. The park is free to visit from April through October, from sunrise to sunset.

Punxsutawney: Traditions and Visiting Hours

Since 1886, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club has celebrated and upheld Groundhog Day and the legend of Punxsutawney Phil—on February 2 and throughout the year. Every February 2, thousands of tourists come to Gobbler’s Knob to witness Phil’s prediction. In September, the club holds its annual Groundhog Club Picnic there. Since event dates may change, it’s a good idea to check them before making plans.

The Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center is currently open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; free parking is available. Hours may change, so check them before your visit. Along with the dates of the established traditions, this makes clear the difference between visiting around Groundhog Day and taking a trip at another time of year.

Planning Your Stay

Interstate 80, also known as the Keystone Shortway, crosses Jefferson County for 36 miles from west to east and has four interchanges with major state and federal highways. Lakes, streams, forests, farmland, and rail trails also help orient visitors to the county; the trails and museums mentioned each offer distinct themes to consider when planning your trip.

When looking for a hotel in Jefferson County, you can first consider whether your stay will focus more on rivers and trails, technical collections, logging history, or the traditions in Punxsutawney. Then plan around the relevant visiting hours and event dates. This gives you a suitable base for the places and experiences you want to include in your itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Brockway, Brookville, Punxsutawney, Schuylkill County, Snyder County, Chester, Westmoreland, Northampton.

For the broader travel overview: Pennsylvania.