OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Take advantage our great outdoor spaces
Geisinger's unique location allows our residents to be just minutes away from awesome outdoor activities. Kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, trail running and rock climbing venues are within walking distance form the hospital. Many state and municipal parks are located within a twenty minute drive from Danville. There's lots to explore and enjoy with something different to experience every day.
THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER
The Susquehanna River lies along Danville's southern town limit. The river is accessible at many points in the immediate area, including a state boat launch just upriver from town. Although water levels and subsurface rock formations prevent speed boating and jet skiing during the summer, small fishing boats and kayaks and tubes can navigate the river safely. The river is also home to stable smallmouth bass, catfish and muskie fisheries as well as a whole host of other wildlife populations.
GEISINGER STWEARDSHIP FOREST AND TRAILS
Geisinger sits on over 400 acres of rolling hillside. Nearly 300 acres of this land is undeveloped. Geisinger has partnered with its employees and local citizens to create an outdoor area which is open for the public on this property. Eight miles of trails are maintained throughout the Geisinger Stewardship Forest. Hiking, running and mountain biking are all permitted on the trails. Learn more at Geisinger's official web page here.
HOPEWELL PARK/ DANVILLE BOROUGH FARM TRAILS
The Montour Area Recreation Commission has partnered with local enthusiasts to develop an eleven mile mountain bikiing trail within Hopewell Park, located across from the Woodbine Clinic. This is a formally developed riding trail complete with banks, bridges and moguls. Riders of all skill levels are welcome during normal park hours for no fee. There are several riding clubs in Danville, all happy to welcome new members. Click here for a video of the riding trails.
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HESS FIELD/ ROBBINS TRAIL PARK
The Hess Field complex sits at the north end of town and includes roughly 3.5 miles of trails as well as soccer and softball fields, picnic areas, a wetlands bird watching platform and the Danville Skatepark. The trails were developed from the base of the Reading Railroad line that led north out of Danville during the first half of the last century. An old railroad bridge serves as a reminder of the trails heritage and is a popular spot for fishing in the Mahoning Creek which meanders through the park. Visit the Montour Area Recreation Commission's web page to learn more about Hess Trails here.
MONTOUR PRESERVE
The Montour Preserve is managed by the Montour Area Recreation Commission and maintained in part by support from Geisinger. The preserve contains the 165 acre Lake Chillisquaque along with nearly 7.5 miles of hiking trails that circle the lake. The preserve is home to waterfowl and other wildlife which can be viewed from several observation platforms. There are also a number of pavilions, a boat launch for kayaks and small electric powered craft. Residents frequently use the picnic areas for gatherings. Learn more here.
RICKETT'S GLEN STATE PARK
Ricketts Glen is one of several well known state parks in the area. It is famous for its 7.2 mile Falls Trail which offers excellent views of the 22 named waterfalls in the park , including the 94 foot Ganoga Falls. In all, 26 miles of trails are located within the 13,000 acre park. Additionally, visitors can camp, swim, boat, fish, hunt, and snowmobile within the park. A trip to Ricketts Glen during the fall is a must for anyone visiting the area. Visit the PA DCNR web site here to learn more about this park.
WORLD'S END STATE PARK
World's End State Park is a hidden gem located north of Danville in Forksville. The 780 acre park nestled in the Endless Mountains is remote and mostly in a native wildlife state. The park contains 20 miles of hiking trails that climb through the mountains and meander along the Loyalsock Creek. Campsites and cabins are available, as well as access to swimming areas. Whitewater rafting is popular in the spring and the park is a popular destination for cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Visit the DCNR website to learn more about this park here.
FLYFISHING STREAMS
Central Pennsylvania is blessed with some of the finest freestone trout streams in the country. Flyfishing is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. There are several streams located within a short drive from the hospital including White Deer Creek, Muncy Creek, Fishing Creek, Spruce Creek, and the nationally renown Penn's Creek. These streams are never crowded and the few fishermen you might encounter will be happy to see you and chat a while.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Our community is home to many farms and riding stables. There are a number of places to take guided rides, rent out horses for the day or even board your own horse if you have one. Competitive opportunities are also available for experienced riders. Its not uncommon to see horses travelling down some of our less traveled back roads. Riding is a great way to enjoy or amazing outdoor spaces.