Living in the Valleys of the Susquehanna Region of Columbia County, PA
Living in the Valleys of the Susquehanna region means access to family-friendly neighborhoods, community parks, local shopping and everyday conveniences that make life feel connected and comfortable. The area sits along I-80 and Route 11 near Bloomsburg and Berwick, offering direct connections to Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Hazleton, Danville and Williamsport for commuting, healthcare and regional services.
Stretching across fertile river lowlands, wooded hillsides, farmland, state game lands and quiet boroughs, the Valleys of the Susquehanna region includes the town of Bloomsburg; the boroughs of Benton, Berwick, Catawissa, Millville, Orangeville and Stillwater; and the community of Mifflinville. The Valleys of the Susquehanna region also features nearby Elysburg, home to Knoebels Amusement Resort, which adds classic rides, coasters and seasonal fun to the area.
Residents enjoy Ricketts Glen State Park, the Susquehanna Riverlands, Weiser State Forest and scenic rail trails winding along the river. Dining ranges from BBQ favorites and brewpubs to farm-to-table restaurants that draw visitors from across NEPA and throughout the region.
Community Life & Local Connections
Community life centers around parks, school athletics, library programs, downtown events and beloved seasonal traditions like the Bloomsburg Fair. Local municipalities and community groups maintain active programming for youth sports, festivals, educational activities and year-round recreation. Holiday celebrations, outdoor movie nights, farm events and neighborhood traditions reflect a warm, close-knit regional character.
Whether planning a weekend outing, exploring things to do near Bloomsburg or Berwick, or searching for one of Columbia County’s most welcoming places to live, the Valleys of the Susquehanna region offers memorable experiences in every season with easy connections to outdoor adventure across NEPA.
A Glimpse of Life in the Valleys of the Susquehanna Region
Spring brings wildflower hikes, trout fishing along Fishing Creek and early-season rides at Knoebels Amusement Resort. Summer invites paddling on the Susquehanna River, biking the Susquehanna Warrior Trail, swimming at local pools and waterfall hikes at Ricketts Glen State Park. Fall showcases brilliant foliage across farms, forests and covered bridge routes, along with harvest festivals and the iconic Bloomsburg Fair. Winter offers peaceful walks through snow-covered valleys, cross-country skiing on forest trails and cozy evenings at brewpubs and restaurants.
The region’s food scene includes cafés, diners, BBQ spots, breweries, bakeries and destination dining. With scenic trails, covered bridges, local flavors, seasonal activities and community events, this river-valley region offers year-round appeal. Residents also benefit from nearby grocery stores, healthcare providers, fitness centers and essential services in and around Bloomsburg, Berwick and surrounding towns.
Visitors can also explore DiscoverNEPA’s guides to Ricketts Glen State Park, Knoebels Amusement Resort and Susquehanna River recreation for trip-planning inspiration.
Known For:
Ricketts Glen State Park waterfall hikes
Knoebels Amusement Resort family rides & classic coasters
The Bloomsburg Fair
Weiser State Forest – Roaring Creek Tract
Susquehanna River recreation
Columbia County covered bridges & scenic drives
Craft beer, BBQ and farm-to-table dining
By the Numbers:
Estimated Population: 64,727
Geographical Area: 490 square miles
Communities: The town of Bloomsburg, the boroughs of Benton, Berwick, Catawissa, Millville, Orangeville, Stillwater and the community of Mifflinville.
School District: Benton Area, Berwick Area, Bloomsburg Area, Central Columbia, Millville Area and Southern Columbia Area School Districts—recognized for academics, athletics and community engagement. Private and parochial options are also available. The region is home to Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg, with additional colleges within an easy commute.
Housing & Neighborhoods: Features include historic town streets, suburban neighborhoods near schools, rural farmland properties, wooded homesites and new developments, offering a wide variety of housing options in one of NEPA’s most scenic river-valley communities.
Commute & Accessibility: Major routes including I-80, Route 11, Route 42 and Route 487 provide access to Bloomsburg, Berwick, Danville, Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, as well as recreation areas across the broader Susquehanna Valley and NEPA.
Benton is a quiet, scenic town in Columbia County and a popular gateway to Ricketts Glen State Park, known for its waterfalls and hiking trails. It’s also home to the Red Rock Corner Store, a convenient stop for hoagies and snacks after a day outdoors. Just up the road, Ricketts Cidery serves small-batch hard ciders in a rustic 19th-century barn. Families can enjoy fresh produce and seasonal fun at Retherford’s Farm Market, including corn mazes and hayrides.
View All Things To Do In Benton
Berwick is a charming Columbia County river town known for its outdoor spaces, local brews and small town charm. Explore the scenic Susquehanna Riverlands or cool off at Ber-Vaughn Park and Pool. Grab a craft beer at Anomaly Craft Brewing or Berwick Brewing Company, both local favorites. The town is packed with great restaurants, offering everything from comfort food to international flavors.
View All Things To Do in Berwick
Bloomsburg is a lively river town in Columbia County and home to Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg. Its walkable downtown features restaurants, shops and the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble. Outdoor highlights include the scenic Bloomsburg Rail Trail, Bloomsburg Town Park and Norris E. Rock Memorial Pool. Grab a bite and a brew at local favorites like Marley’s Brewery & Grille and Turkey Hill Brewing Company. It’s a small town with big character and plenty to explore.
View All Things To Do in Bloomsburg
Elysburg is best known as the home of Knoebels Amusement Resort, one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved family destinations. The park blends rural calm with classic rides, wooden coasters, food festivals and seasonal events. Country roads, markets and farms surround the park, offering a relaxed pace just beyond the excitement.
Welcome to Bloomsburg
Top Things to Do in the Valleys of the Susquehanna Region
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A Peek Into the Valleys of the Susquehanna Region’s Past
The region’s history is rooted in agriculture, shaped by the nutrient-rich soils of the Susquehanna River Valley. Family farms powered the local economy for generations, while Berwick became a major industrial center through the American Car & Foundry Company, known for producing rail cars and later more than 15,000 Stuart tanks during World War II. Many former industrial and farm sites now host parks, trails, community spaces and markets, preserving heritage while supporting modern recreation.
Covered bridges once connected rural communities across creeks and farm lanes, and many continue to stand today as treasured landmarks. Local historical societies and park educators share this heritage through tours, exhibits and educational programs.
Did you Know?
Rupert Bridge No. 56, built in 1847, is the oldest covered bridge in Columbia County and still carries two-way traffic across Fishing Creek. It is one of more than twenty historic covered bridges found throughout Columbia and Montour Counties.
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