Endless Mountains State Heritage Region

The Endless Mountains Heritage Region has been called Pennsylvania's best kept secret. As the region's name implies, the landscape features a blanket of rolling hills, interspersed with charming historic towns, hamlets, farmsteads, pastures, and peaceful rambling roads. The North Brach of the Susquehanna River intersects the Region at various points, allowing for breathtaking scenic opportunities.

As a resort destination for over a century, the Endless Mountains area holds many recreational opportunities. Hiking through the forested hillsides in beautiful state parks such as Mt. Pisgah, World's End and Salt Springs, fishing along the Susquehanna or shopping in historic towns such as Eagles Mere, Troy, Tunkhannock or Montrose. History and antique enthusiasts can visit the multitude of historic sites within the region such as French Azilum, the intended sanctuary of Marie Antoinette had she been able to escape the French Revolution. The region features a number of museums and historic restored theaters. Accommodations include a large number of quality bed and breakfasts as well as larger lodging establishments and campgrounds.

Heritage Area Description

The effort to initiate a heritage development project for the Endless Mountains began in April, 1994. The Northern Tier Foundation was provided a grant to conduct a feasibility study for an Endless Mountains Heritage Region in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties. The Endless Mountains Heritage Region focuses on the agricultural and forestry heritage in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties. The rural character and natural beauty of the meandering Susquehanna River are among the region’s great untapped resources.

Project Characteristics Size: 2,821.9 square miles Counties: Bradford, Susquehanna, Sullivan, Wyoming Population: 178,000 Municipalities: Boroughs - 36 Townships - 84 Third-Class Cities - 0 Major Highways: Pa. - 29, 87, 706 U.S. - 6, 11, 220 Interstate - 81 Key Communities: Towanda Montrose Tunkhannock Laporte Dushore Troy New Milford Laceyville Sayre Athens Wyalusing Great Bend Eagles Mere Major Attractions: French Asylum Farm Museum Old Mill Village Tunkhannock Viaduct Starrucca Viaduct Welcome Centers: Route 6, two miles east of Tunkhannock

Milestones

• April 1994 – Northern Tier Foundation provided a feasibility study for an Endless Mountains Heritage Park
• October 1996 – JMA/Watson began work on the Management Action Plan
• May 1998 – Designated State Heritage Area

Heritage Park Organization

Endless Mountains Heritage Region
1 Washington Street, Suite B
Towanda, Pennsylvania 18848
(570) 265-1528
E-mail: emhr@epix.net
Web site: www.endlessmountainsheritage.org

Contact: Phil Swank
Title: Executive Director

Organization Type: non-profit 501-C3

Mission/Purpose: To pursue heritage development initiatives as stated in the Heritage Region’s Management Action Plan

Staff and Volunteers: One full-time, one part-time

Involved Organizations

Additional Project Supporters

• DCNR
• Appalachian Regional Commission
• Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
• Department of Community and Economic Development

Tourist Promotion Agencies (TPAs) within the Region

• Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau: (570) 836-5431

Pennsylvania's Heritage Regions

Allegheny Ridge Heritage Area Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Endless Mountains Heritage Region Lackawanna Heritage Valley Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor Lumber Heritage Region

National Road Heritage Corridor Oil Region National Heritage Area PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area

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