Discover Snyder County: Nature, History and Tradition

Faylor Lake offers 140 acres of space for fishing and boating. Another water destination is Mahantango Access: The access point is in Chapman Township in Snyder County and leads to the Susquehanna River, where fishing and boating are possible. Faylor Lake is notable for its size, while Mahantango Access is defined by its river setting and specifically named township. Check the current operating status of Mahantango Access before visiting.

Forest Landscapes and Hiking

Tall Timbers is a 660-acre area of second-growth forest with oaks, eastern white pines, hemlocks and pitch pines. The Snyder-Middleswarth Natural Area includes old-growth stands of eastern white pines, eastern hemlocks and pitch pines, and is located in Bald Eagle State Forest. The landscapes stand out in different ways: Tall Timbers for its size and tree species, and the Natural Area for its old-growth stands and location in the state forest.

Loops at the Picnic Area

Two moderately challenging loops start at the Snyder-Middleswarth Picnic Area on Swift Run Road. The moderate difficulty rating and named starting point offer specific details to help you plan your hike.

Footpaths in the Natural Area

The Snyder-Middleswarth Natural Area is accessible by footpaths. Check trail conditions before setting out. The loops at the Picnic Area and access by footpaths offer different points of reference for planning your hike; the details provided can help you determine which type of hike you prefer.

History, Museums and Crafts

The Snyder County Historical Society operates a library and museum with materials on family and local history, as well as historical artifacts from Snyder County. From March 5 to December 10, 2026, the society is open every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and by appointment. Check the opening hours before your trip.

Sampsel’s Mill was built in 1818 and operated using water power until 1951. Penns Creek Pottery offers a different craft story: pottery has been made there since 1978 on the site of an old mill. These two stories offer different insights—one into the former operation of a mill, the other into a long-running pottery practice at an old mill site.

The Old Herman School is a one-room schoolhouse built in 1842. McClure Cave offers a distinctive natural attraction: It is about half a mile long, contains three rooms and features stalagmites, other formations, and a small pool with calcite crystals. A historic schoolhouse and a cave with varied formations appeal to very different interests.

Regional Food and Selinsgrove

The McClure Bean Soup and Home-Coming Celebration originated with the surviving Civil War veterans in the western part of Snyder County. Civil War bean soup is prepared and served at the celebration. Its origins and a specific dish come together here, offering a distinctive way to experience regional history and food.

The historic center of Selinsgrove is easy to explore on foot and includes locally owned shops, restaurants and historic buildings. This area brings together a stroll, places to eat and historic architecture. Isle of Que is a quiet river island and a nature destination near Selinsgrove, complementing the town’s attractions with a scenic perspective.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Shamokin Dam, Selinsgrove, Middleburg, Luzerne, Lebanon, Mckean County, Pike, Mifflin.

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