Sullivan County: Waterfalls, Aviation and History

A narrow, S-shaped valley along Loyalsock Creek and historic aircraft at the Eagles Mere Air Museum reveal two different sides of Sullivan County. The landscape also includes mountains, valleys, forests, farmland, and waterways. Nature, aviation, and regional history offer different possible focuses for your trip.

Landscapes between the plateau and the waterfalls

Laporte lies on the Appalachian Plateau at an elevation of 2,060 feet. South of Forksville, Worlds End State Park sits in a narrow, S-shaped valley along Loyalsock Creek. At Ricketts Glen, the Glens Natural Area is designated a National Natural Landmark. The Falls Trail System leads to a series of wild, free-flowing waterfalls.

These natural destinations represent different landscapes: the high elevation near Laporte, the winding valley near Forksville, and the waterfalls at Ricketts Glen. When choosing your outings around a nature theme, consider whether you are more interested in landforms or a hiking destination with waterfalls.

History and traditions in Forksville and Laporte

The Forksville Covered Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since 1957, the same community has hosted the Pennsylvania Bowhunters Festival annually in mid-September. Exceptions were made because of the devastating floods of 2011 and event restrictions during the 2020 pandemic. If you want to plan your stay around the festival, check the dates for the relevant year.

In Laporte, the main building of the Sullivan County PA Historical Society and Museum houses records and artifacts related to Sullivan County and the surrounding counties. The historical society also maintains Celestia, a historic ruins site, so people can visit and enjoy it. These places add different aspects of local history to the landscape destinations.

Aviation and railroad history in Eagles Mere

The Eagles Mere Air Museum houses about 31 historic aircraft from aviation’s golden age, from 1908 to 1940, as well as aircraft engines and related artifacts. The size of the collection may change as aircraft are restored or relocated. The museum is at Merritt Field (4PN7), a private airport. The airport is about 2.5 miles east of Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania, on Pennsylvania State Road 42.

Nearly all the museum’s aircraft fly regularly, allowing visitors to experience them in operation up close. Flight activity depends on the condition of the aircraft and the weather. Another aviation and transportation topic is covered by an exhibit at the Eagles Mere Museum: the history of the Eagles Mere Railroad, a narrow-gauge railway built from Sonestown to Eagles Mere in 1892.

In the Research and Viewing Room at the Eagles Mere Museum, you can research the history of cottages. Original documents are available by appointment. If you are particularly interested in historical records, plan this part of your visit accordingly.

Lake activities and a winter destination

Eagles Mere Lake offers swimming, sunbathing, sailing, canoeing, and fishing. Restrictions apply to the lake and beach; check the conditions before your visit. Eagles Mere’s toboggan run has delighted winter visitors since 1904; it will be closed during the 2026 season.

Choose your hotel location based on your plans

Worlds End State Park and Ricketts Glen offer waterfalls and parkland; the Eagles Mere Air Museum offers aircraft and aviation history. Laporte, Celestia, and Forksville provide other points of interest in regional history, while Forksville is also the festival’s location. Compare the locations of potential accommodations with the visits that matter most for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Dushore, Lopez, Eagles Mere, Berks, Wyoming County, Mercer, York, Snyder County.

For the broader travel overview: Pennsylvania.