Things to See & Do at Salt Springs State Park

The Gorge Trail, at .4 miles, starts with a steep incline and features unique views as it runs parallel to the gorge. The Fall Brook Trail follows clean and clear Fall Brook for .8 miles as it winds through the forest. The Wetland Trail brings you to the vibrant wetlands on the north bank of Fall Brook where it meanders for .6 miles among plants and wildlife habitats.

This moderately-easy, 1-mile connector trail offers a relatively flat hike across open meadows and along stone walls and remnants of old foundations. The trail also leads to a unique rock formation resembling a table and chairs. It’s a favorite stop among the park’s picnickers.

This easy, .2-mile out-and-back trail provides one of the most popular, family-friendly hikes in the park. The trail leads through an ancient Hemlock grove to a boardwalk and an observation deck looking out over Fall Brook Creek.

In 2021, sections of Salt Springs State Park were added to the Old-Growth Forest Network.  Some of the towering Hemlock trees in the park are estimated to be between 300 and 500 years old. The Hemlock Trail and Woodland trail will take you directly through the old-growth forests.

The park is home to three stunning waterfalls along Fall Brook Creek. The enchanting waterfalls spill over mossy bedrock and old, exposed root systems. Several trails throughout the park lead to dramatic closeups of the waterfalls and the Overlook Trail even includes a stop on an observation platform right above the falls.

Anglers enjoy trout fishing in the clear waters of Fall Brook and Silver Creek, which are stocked each spring by the PA Fish and Boat Commission. The park and adjoining Friends of Salt Springs Park lands are also open to hunters, except for the 34-acre nature preserve in the Fall Brook Gorge area. Common game species are ruffed grouse, squirrels, turkey, and white-tailed deer. Hunters are expected to follow the rules and regulations of the PA Game Commission.

NEPA’s famous photo-worthy foliage is on full display on the hiking trails at Salt Springs State Park during the autumn months. Visits to the park in late September and all of October include colorful waterfall views, stunning panoramic overlooks of the streams and gorge and cool, quiet hikes featuring crunchy leaves underfoot and plenty of crisp autumn air.

Plan a scenic hike on nearly 15 miles of trails throughout the park and the adjoining Friends of Salt Springs Park. From trails that lead to towering, ancient Hemlocks to up-close views of cascading waterfalls and rolling, green meadows, if you’re all about escaping to a quieter, more rustic side of NEPA, you’ll find it here.

The park features a small picnic grove with tables and grills and a restroom in between Fall Brook and Silver Creek. At the entrance to the campground, next to Silver Creek, is a large timber frame pavilion with electricity. A second pavilion is located just west of the back parking lot. Both pavilions can be reserved in advance from the Friends of Salt Springs Park for a fee.

Spend the night at Salt Springs State Park utilizing a primitive camping area, eight rustic tent sites, three charming cottages with electricity and an area for group camping. 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 and in front of the restrooms in the parking lot. Pets are permitted in the campground.

All year long, the park offers abundant opportunities to view its native and migratory wildlife. From colorful songbirds to dark, brooding ravens, over 150 bird species have been recorded in the park. It’s also home to deer, black bear, bobcat, coyote, fox, flying squirrels and so much more. The spring months offer an incredible array of colorful wildflowers and unique plants.

When the snow falls, Salt Springs State Park transforms into a winter paradise. The snow-covered trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. And the pastures and meadows are popular for sledding and tobogganing. Don’t forget to check trail difficulty ratings prior to venturing out on the trails in winter.