The Susquehanna County Heritage Trail Returns October 3–4
History has a way of hiding in plain sight along Susquehanna County’s back roads, Main Streets and rolling hills. On October 3 and 4, the Susquehanna County Heritage Trail invites visitors to slow down, look a little closer and discover the people, places and stories that shaped this corner of Pennsylvania.
Held during one of the most beautiful times of the year, the Heritage Trail is a self-guided driving tour connecting historical societies, museums, churches, schools, landmarks and preserved sites throughout the county. Follow the trail beneath a canopy of fall color, visit destinations you may have passed a hundred times and uncover stories waiting just beyond the familiar road.
The 2026 trail brings together 18 participating organizations, each sharing a different chapter of Susquehanna County’s history. There is no required starting point or route: choose the locations that interest you, plan your own itinerary and explore at your own pace.
Special Events Along the Trail
Several participating locations are planning exhibits, programs and living-history experiences for the weekend.
Threads of America’s Past
At the Susquehanna County Historical Society, Threads of America’s Past: An Exhibit of Susquehanna County Quilts and Textiles will explore local history through the quilts, fabrics and handiwork created, used and preserved by generations of county residents.
Stories from the Historic Dennis Farm
The Historic Dennis Farm will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Visitors can take a walking tour and join informal conversations with descendants of the Dennis family, whose remarkable history on the land reaches back more than two centuries.
On Sunday at 1 p.m., the farm will present a special program exploring the Underground Railroad.
Civil War Day at Old Mill Village
Old Mill Village will host Civil War Day on Saturday, with reenactors, historical displays and demonstrations bringing the era to life. Old Mill Village is open Saturday only, and an admission fee applies.
Cider Pressing at Yarns Cider Mill
The Clifford Township Historical Society will welcome visitors to Yarns Cider Mill from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The historic mill will be running both days, with apples pressed into cider at 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m.
It is a chance to see an old-fashioned fall tradition in action—and experience the sights, sounds and scents of cider making at harvest time.
Step Inside a Piece of Railroad History
At the Rail-Trail Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Union Dale trailhead, the historic D&H Rail Caboose will be open to the public. It is a fitting stop along a trail that connects the county’s railroad past with one of its most popular outdoor recreation corridors today.
Locations Open Saturday and Sunday
The following locations will welcome visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4, unless otherwise noted:
- American Legion Post #357 Museum
- Brooklyn Historical Society at the Martins’ Creek Viaduct Overlook
- Center for Anti-Slavery Studies
- Clifford Township Historical Society at Yarns Cider Mill
- Forest City Historical Society
- Friends of Salt Springs State Park
- Harford First Congregational Church
- Harford Orphans’ School
- Rail-Trail Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania
- Richmond Hill School
- Susquehanna County Historical Society
- United Fire Company Museum
The Historic Dennis Farm will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
Locations with Special Hours
- Old Mill Village — Saturday only; admission fee applies
- Priesthood Restoration Site — Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m.
Programs, hours and admission fees vary by location. Before setting out, visit the Susquehanna County Heritage Trail Facebook page or contact individual participating organizations for the latest details.
MAP LINK BELOW!
Make It a Fall Weekend
With Heritage Trail locations spread across Susquehanna County, trying to see everything in a single afternoon rather misses the point. Choose a few must-see stops, leave time for the scenery and turn your tour into an unhurried fall weekend.
Fall Stops Worth the Detour
Starrucca Viaduct, Lanesboro
Built of locally quarried stone, the sweeping arches of the Starrucca Viaduct make one of the county’s most impressive—and most photographed—historic landmarks. Framed by autumn color, it is well worth adding to an eastern-county route.
Salt Springs State Park
Old-growth hemlocks, a rocky gorge and three waterfalls make Salt Springs one of Susquehanna County’s signature fall stops. The park is also part of the Heritage Trail, so visitors can pair its natural scenery with a look inside the historic Wheaton House.
Martins’ Creek Viaduct Overlook, Brooklyn Township
Railroad engineering and fall scenery meet at this Heritage Trail stop, where the Brooklyn Historical Society shares the history of the massive stone viaduct.
D&H Rail-Trail, Union Dale
After visiting the caboose, take a short walk along the trail beneath the fall leaves. The former railroad corridor offers an easy way to stretch your legs between driving stops.
The Historic Dennis Farm, Brooklyn Township
Beyond its nationally significant history, the farm’s fields, stone walls and rural landscape offer a striking glimpse of Susquehanna County in autumn.
Remember that these are historic structures, active railroad corridors or natural areas. Photograph from designated public spaces and respect posted signs and private property.
Stay Awhile
Fall weekends can fill quickly, so reserve accommodations in advance.
Montrose Area
- The Rosemont Inn Bed & Breakfast — A restored 1859 inn with individually decorated guest rooms, located near downtown Montrose.
- Fieldstone Farm Vacation Rental on Lake Montrose — A lakefront stay convenient to Montrose, Salt Springs State Park and western Heritage Trail stops.
- Fieldstone Farm 1818 House — A historic-home stay within walking distance of downtown Montrose.
- The Montrose Hotel at Keeler 1812 — Rooms in Montrose with an on-site tavern and easy access to downtown.
Union Dale and Elk Mountain Area
- Chet’s Place Lodge — Apartment- and room-style lodging near the D&H Rail-Trail and Elk Mountain.
- Endless Mountain Resort — A four-season lodging option near Union Dale, the rail-trail and Elk Mountain.
Northern Susquehanna County
- Colonial Brick Inn & Suites, Hallstead — A convenient traditional hotel near Interstate 81, well positioned for stops in Hallstead, Great Bend, Susquehanna and the northern part of the county.
For visitors who prefer sleeping close to the autumn scenery, overnight accommodations are also available by advance reservation at Salt Springs State Park.
Eat Along the Way
A day of back-road exploring calls for a good meal. Depending on where the trail takes you, consider one of these locally owned stops:
Montrose
- Uptown Grill
- Keeler’s Tavern
Union Dale and Ararat
- Cable’s Deli
- Speakeasy Tavern
- Arlo’s Country Store & Tavern
Clifford and Lenox Townships
- Mountain View Coffee Shop & Tavern
- Bingham’s Restaurant
Susquehanna, Great Bend and Hallstead
- Main Street Grill
- Red Rock Barbecue
- Dobb’s Country Kitchen
Restaurant hours can vary, particularly on Sundays, so check current hours before planning your route.
Find Your Way Through the Past
The Susquehanna County Heritage Trail is not about racing from one checkpoint to the next. It is about meeting the people who preserve our stories, stepping inside places that usually sit quietly behind closed doors and seeing familiar landscapes through a different lens.
Come for the fall color. Stay for the stories. Somewhere along the trail, you may find a piece of Susquehanna County history that stays with you long after the weekend is over.
Susquehanna County Heritage Trail
Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026
Most locations open 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Hours, programs and fees vary by location.
