Salt Springs State Park

The 405-acre Salt Springs State Park is in northeastern Pennsylvania, seven miles north of Montrose in Susquehanna County. Focal points of the park are the towering old growth hemlock trees, many estimated to be over 500 years old, and the rocky gorge cut by Fall Brook with its three waterfalls. The Friends of Salt Springs Park www.friendsofsaltspringspark.org, a volunteer support group, owns 300 acres adjacent to the park’s southern border, which is also open for public access.

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Directions - Weather  - Recreation  - Education  - Calendar of Events  - Accessibility  - Wildlife  - History  - Nearby Attractions  - Volunteers  - Rules and Regs  - In an Emergency  - Contact Us  - Downloadables and Maps

Park Advisories

Directions

Salt Springs State Park is easily reached from Montrose by following PA 29 north for six miles to the town of Franklin Forks. Turn left onto Silver Creek Road and follow for one mile to the park entrance. From New York, take NY 7 to PA 29. At Franklin Forks, turn right onto Silver Creek Road and follow for one mile to the park entrance.

Recreational Opportunities

- Hiking  Picnicking  - Fishing - Hunting  - Wildlife Watching  - Winter Recreation  - Camping Cottages  - Camping 

Picnicking: A small picnic grove with tables and grills is between Fall Brook and Silver Creek, the two streams that traverse the park. A restroom is centrally located in the picnic area and near the parking area. At the southeast end of the picnic area is Salt Spring, the park’s namesake. A large timber frame pavilion, with electric hookups, is across Silver Creek from the picnic area. It may be reserved in advance for a fee from the Friends, or used on a first-come, first-served basis.

Camping: Rustic tenting sites are privately situated along the banks of Silver Creek. All sites include a fire ring and picnic table. The campground has a restroom with composting toilets. Water is available from an outdoor faucet at the Wheaton House. Group camping is available in a large mowed field adjacent to the main campground. The maximum camping period is 14 consecutive days. Reservations may be made in advance by calling the Friends and are confirmed when full payment is received.

Camping Cottages: The cottages have wooden walls and floors, electric lights and outlets, and a porch. A cottage sleeps five or seven people in a single bunk and a single/double bunk. Restrooms are nearby.

Fishing: Sections of Silver Creek and Fall Brook traverse the park for almost two miles and provide ample fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. A favorite area is where Fall Brook flows into Silver Creek near the east end of the picnic area. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks both streams with trout each year in early spring.

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Hunting and Firearms: About 300 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey, squirrel and grouse. Hunting is prohibited in the Fall Brook Natural Area.

Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day to March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the Friends for ADA accessible hunting information.

Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's car, trailer or leased campsite. The only exception is that law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry said firearm concealed on their person while they are within the park.

For complete information on hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission Web site.

Winter Recreation: All trails in the park are well suited for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and pastures and hay fields provide wide open areas for sledding and tobogganing. In winter, Fall Brook Gorge is transformed into a wonderland of massive ice columns and cascades. Use extreme caution when hiking in the gorge as stream ice can be unstable and dangerous. Explore the Winter Report for current snow and ice depths.

Hiking: 12.75 miles of trails
The trails pass through old growth forest, overlook the gorge and meander through various habitats. Explore the trails page for detailed trail descriptions.

Environmental Education and Interpretation

The Friends of Salt Springs Park offer a variety of environmental education and interpretive programs year-round. Through hands-on activities, guided walks, interactive workshops and programs, participants gain an appreciation and understanding of park natural and historic resources. A listing of programs is available from the Friends.

Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools, home school associations and youth groups. Programs must be arranged in advance by calling the Friends’ office.

Earth Ecology and the Environment (E3), a comprehensive, fourth grade environmental learning program, helps public school teachers meet the majority of the Pennsylvania Academic Standards in Environment and Ecology. Through a combination of classroom programs and outdoor experiences at the park, students learn about biodiversity, ecosystems, environmental problem solving and basic principles of ecology. The Friends also conduct teacher workshops and summer camp programs on a periodic basis.

Wheaton House: The renovated Wheaton family homestead now houses the Friends’ offices and interpretive information.

Explore the Calendar of Events for a listing of events from today forward.

Access for People with Disabilities

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

Nearby Attractions

For information on nearby attractions contact the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau www.endlessmountains.org.

In an Emergency

Contact a park employee or dial 911.
For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office.
Nearest Hospital:
Endless Mountains Health System
3 Grow Avenue
Montrose, PA 18801
570-278-3801

For More Information Contact

Salt Springs State Park
c/o Lackawanna
Dalton, PA 18414-9785
570-945-3239
Manager: Dustin Drew

E-mail: lackawannasp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.