Between Allentown And Syracuse Is Pennsylvania's Underrated State Park With Waterfalls, Camping, And Trails

There is nothing more invigorating than a hike through the woods to a waterfall. Something about the rushing water cascading down the rocks with a canopy of trees overhead just soothes the soul. If you're looking for the perfect place to do that in the Northeast, there is a state park you need to visit right between the thriving, artsy Pennsylvania city of Allentown and the chilly food and art paradise of Syracuse in central New York. Salt Springs State Park is full of trails, waterfalls, and the peace and calm of a day in nature, just  Montrose, Pennsylvania. 

Hiking is where this park really shines. You can take a number of trails, several of which tread along streams and past waterfalls. You can also do some fishing, camping, and picnicking during your outdoor adventure. One reviewer on Tripadvisor says, "Beautiful hikes and fun activities in the summer, including star gazing, bat counting, Monarch butterfly walks, and more." If spotting animals sounds like heaven, over 150 species of birds, along with deer, bobcats, flying squirrels, foxes, and more.

For those flying in, the closest major airport to Salt Springs State Park is the  51 miles away. If you're staying in Syracuse or Allentown, you can easily make a day trip to the park, as it's about a 1.5- to two-hour drive from each city.

For day hikers, Salt Springs State Park is open sunset. If you want to stay overnight 14 rustic tent sites and three cottages with toilets nearby. You can make a reservation online to secure your place. 

To get into the action, the family-friendly an easy 0.2 miles, ending at an observation deck for viewing the . The is an easy 1.2 miles out-and-back, and you can bring your leashed pup with you. If you're looking for something even flatter, try the 1-mile-long . If you take the Hemlock and Woodland Trails, you can see some gorgeous old-growth hemlocks, some of which are between 300 and 500 years old.

However, there is more to do in this small, 437-acre park. If you're visiting for the day, there is a tables, grills, and restrooms so you can enjoy your meal in the great outdoors. You can do a bit of fishing in Fall Brook or Silver Creek, both of which are spring. Winter is perfect for if you're willing to brave the cold. Keep in mind that the in the low- to mid-30s degrees Fahrenheit, while the best weather is in the summer months, from late June to early September. If you're making the day trip from Syracuse, consider stopping in New York's "Crown City" of Cortland on the way back to explore its historic downtown.