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 10 minutes from 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, you can also see 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 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, 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 year-round, sunrise to sunset. If you want to stay overnight, there are 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 Overlook Trail is an easy 0.2 miles, ending at an observation deck for viewing the waterfall at Fall Brook Creek. The Fall Brook and Hemlock Trail 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 Meadow Trail. 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 picnic grove with 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 stocked with trout in the spring. Winter is perfect for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding if you're willing to brave the cold. Keep in mind that the average high from December through February is 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.