Things to do in Potter County, PA

EXPLORE THE PA WILDS

Cherry Springs State Park is nearly as remote and wild today as it was two centuries ago. Named for the large stands of black cherry trees in the park, the 48-acre state park is surrounded by the 262,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest. The Susquehanna Trail passes nearby and offers 85 miles of backpacking and hiking.

Exploring Potter County, Pennsylvania, is an adventure that immerses you in nature’s beauty and the charm of small-town life. Nestled in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, this region is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque landscapes that beckon outdoor enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Begin your journey at **Cherry Springs State Park**, renowned for its exceptional stargazing opportunities. Here, you can marvel at a breathtaking canopy of stars, making it a must-visit for astronomy lovers. For daytime adventures, head to **Lyman Run State Park**, where you can hike scenic trails, fish in serene waters, or enjoy a leisurely picnic surrounded by nature.

The quaint towns of Coudersport and Galeton offer a glimpse into local culture and history. Stroll through downtown Coudersport, visit unique shops, and explore the fascinating exhibits at the **Pennsylvania Lumber Museum**, which showcases the region’s rich lumbering history.

Outdoor activities abound in Potter County, from hiking and biking on the extensive trail systems to kayaking on the peaceful waters of the Genesee River. The region’s diverse wildlife provides ample opportunities for birdwatching and photography, while the vibrant fall foliage transforms the landscape into a stunning display of colors.

Camping is also popular, with numerous campgrounds available for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Whether you’re exploring the rugged trails of the Allegheny National Forest or enjoying a peaceful moment by a lake, Potter County offers a refreshing escape into the great outdoors.

With its combination of natural wonders, historical sites, and welcoming communities, Potter County is an ideal destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and a connection to nature.

PA Grand Canyon

The “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania” also known as the Pine Creek Gorge is over 1400 feet deep, 47 miles long and a mile wide. The views are amazing on the East Rim at Leonard Harrison State Park. The west rim has many rugged overlooks in Colton Point State Park.

Elk Viewing

Welcome to Pennsylvania’s “Elk Country.” This is one of the most scenic and remote regions of Penn’s Woods. It offers a great opportunity to view Pennsylvania’s elk and other wildlife. The Game Commission and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) are developing a series of public viewing sites that provide safe parking and alternatives to viewing elk along the area’s highways. The following destinations are some of the best places to have a great wildlife viewing experience. For more information on Elk viewing visit the DCNR website

Kinzua Sky Walk

Kinzua Sky Walk offers a unique glimpse into the bridge’s history revealing the ingenuity, dedication and determination of its designers and builders. Today the Viaduct, has been reinvented as the Kinzua Sky Walk — a spectacular walkway that once again allows the public to “Walk the Tracks Across the Sky.” A partial glass-bottomed observation deck enables visitors to look down at the remaining towers supporting the historic structure.

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Austin Dam Park

Nestled in a narrow valley and along the winding stream of Freeman Run is the ruins of the Austin Dam. In 1911 the dam broke and water engulfed much of the town of Austin and claimed over 78 lives. In 1994 the Austin Dam Memorial Park Association was formed and they since have worked diligently to preserve the dam remains and to create a beautiful natural park.
The Dam Light Show at Austin is an annual music festival that brings live music and its fans to the area known as the PA Wilds. The show is held at the Austin Dam Park, where the remains of a giant concrete Dam that failed over a century ago still stand. The Dam remains and surrounding mountains create a natural amphitheater and a Dam cool experience. At dark, the Dam lights up with multimedia projection lighting by Groovin’ Lumens. It’s a sight you won’t see anywhere but the Dam Park at Austin.

The Artisan Center

Hundreds of one-of-a-kind items created by dozens of local artisans right here in “God’s Country!” Jewelry, Apparel, Photography, Locally Made Foods, Herbal Products, Paintings, Postcards, Pottery, Stained Glass, Woodworks and much more! Come visit on your next trip to Potter County and take a little piece of Potter County home with you!

Austin Historical Society

For all the information about the Dam Disaster & the history of Austin, this is quite possibly the best museum in the surrounding area. Well worth the short drive. The E.O. Austin Home is a museum dedicated to the history of Austin and the surrounding areas. You can learn more about the history of; The 1911 Austin flood, health care, logging and farming, our military, and many other areas. Our two story museum houses over 1,700 square feet and is comprised of thousands of artifacts. Each one with a different story and history all their own.

Coudersport Golf Club

Coudersport Golf Club is an 18-hole semi-private golf course open for public use.It is nestled in the picturesque valley land of the Northcentral Pennsylvania Wilds.
The golf course offers a challenging test… yet is playable for players of any skill level.
Our clubhouse also offers one of the best banquet facilities in the area.With a fully staffed kitchen and bar, we can meet any group’s needs.We feature food in our bar as well as dinners on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights.It’s a great place for wedding receptions, parties, meetings, and events.

Bald Eagle Observation

Sinnemahoning State Park, located near the center of the Pennsylvania Wilds’ scenic steep valleys region, encompasses 1,910 acres of beautiful scenery and outstanding wildlife habitat. Situated in Cameron and Potter counties, the park is nestled between the green-shouldered ridges of Pennsylvania’s Elk and Susquehannock State Forests. The park is long and narrow and includes lands on both sides of First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek, a major tributary to the Sinnemahoning Creek. The abundance of wildlife within the park provides visitors with opportunities to view bald eagles, coyotes, elk and bobcats. In addition, the park’s geographic location is excellent for visitors to explore the other treasures of the PA Wilds region.

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum

The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum is a recreated 20th-century lumber mill and camp with a visitors center and themed exhibitions, operated by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum Associates (PALMA). The Museum is in the midst of a major and long-anticipated renovation and expansion project for our visitor’s center. This year-long project began in May of 2013 and should be completed in mid to late summer of 2014. The new facility will include expanded galleries, new interpretive exhibitions, community meeting space and commercial style kitchen space, among other improvements.

Galeton Fireworks Show

Join us this July 4th weekend and celebrate Independence Day! Parades, Food, Vendors, Activities, Scenery, and of course Fireworks! Galeton is a small community located in the heart of Potter County ~ God’s Country, right on Scenic Rt. 6. We have approximately 1350 residents and about 600 homes. The Borough is nestled in the valley surrounded by beautiful mountains and forest land, built around Center Town Lake Park. Nature’s view is spectacular everywhere you look!

Rainbow Paradise Trout Fishing

Rainbow Paradise Trout Farm lies in the heart of Potter County. This uniquely beautiful farm has more than nine acres of fishing waters. Teeming with thousands of rainbow, brook, brown, tiger and golden trout, Rainbow Paradise truly offers a rewarding and memorable fishing experience for everyone.