The remarkable Endless Mountains region of Tunkhannock is home to Vosburg Neck State Park, the newest addition to NEPA’s sizeable outdoor recreational system. Positioned along the scenic Susquehanna River at the sweeping oxbow bend in the river, the 669-acre park offers stunning vistas, soaring mountains, dense woodlands, scenic walking trails and direct access to water-based recreation along the river.

Formerly known as the Howland Preserve and named a state park in 2022, the Wyoming County property has long been a local favorite for hikers, kayakers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Eight miles of walking and biking trails, some journeying along the river’s edge and others traversing farmlands and wide-open pastures into heavy woods, offers splendid views and the serenity that can only be found in nature.

Earning its name thanks to the river’s meander and Abraham Vosburg, who was given the land in the 1700s for his service in the Revolutionary War, this geographical wonder is one of the major draws to the park where boating, fishing, kayaking and riverbank birdwatching are popular activities.

Vosburg Neck State Park is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. While the park is ADA accessible, restrooms are currently limited to portable, temporary facilities. So, plan accordingly. Then, grab a park mark. And discover for yourself everything this impressive natural area has to offer. Here’s a look at some of the highlights.

Boating, Fishing, Kayaking and Birding

The northern branch of the mighty Susquehanna River is a beautiful, peaceful scene and a jewel within the Endless Mountains. Located at mile 222 of the 444-mile-long Susquehanna River, Vosburg Neck is the halfway point between the Chesapeake Bay and Cooperstown, New York.

Here, the river flows around the “neck,” creating an oxbow loop. The verdant mountains tower over some 1,000 feet above the river. Bald eagles are known to nest along the Vosburg Neck. Herons, ducks, migrating song birds and many other species of birds are a common sight.

A non-motorized boat launch provides water access for kayakers and boaters. Miles of shoreline, including the tree-lined River Trail, allows for plenty of wide-open space for casting a line for freshwater fish like smallmouth bass, walley, perch and catfish.

Hiking & Biking

Tucked away in the countryside five miles from Tunkhannock, in addition to acres of pristine wilderness, visitors are drawn to the property’s unique ties to the past.

The park features historic eighteenth- and nineteenth-century buildings from the Colonial period, an abandoned railroad bed, remnants of the old North Branch Canal system, miles of undisturbed stone walls built centuries ago, an 18^th century cemetery, and the iconic red barn you’ll park next to. Built in the late 1800s, today the barn serves as a community gathering place hosting weddings, fundraisers and events.

The property includes an extensive trail system amongst untouched forests, lovely wetlands and stunning views. There are roughly 8 miles of trails, with more planned. The trails explore the river, old canal, ravines, woodlands, and diverse forest types. White-tail deer and grey squirrels make their home here.

This state park is especially beautiful to visit during peak foliage times in the fall, when the warm colors of autumn glow amidst the landscape of trees.

The Vista Trail loop, intended for intermediate hikers and mountain bikers, offers the most spectacular scenic views of the park. Along the route, the trail ventures through old farmland where you’ll see spruce and pine trees, miles of stone walls and an old township road that used to cut through the park from PA-87. During spring, dozens of dogwood trees and several vernal pools reward trail-goers.

You can access the Vista Trail off of Vosburg Road near the parking lot. Future plans to include an access road will make it a 3-mile loop. Until then, you can extend your hike or ride by continuing on the parks other connected trails.

Future Plans

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is in the process of making a number of upgrades to the park. Plans include expanding the trail system, adding another boat access, bathroom facilities, which the park currently does not have, parking lots and interpretive stations.

DCNR works in partnership with the Friends of Vosburg Neck State Park to preserve and maintain the property, including caretaking, expansion and event planning.

An official unveiling of the park’s updated amenities is slated for late 2026.

Plan a Trip

Enjoy a scenic drive in the countryside on your way to Vosburg Neck State Park. It’s easily accessible from Tunkhannock off of U.S. 6 W or U.S. 6 E from Meshoppen. From both directions, you’ll travel on Vosburg Road for approximately six miles where you’ll park by the red barn. The park is close to rural towns yet not far from more urban settings. Tunkhannock, Clarks Summit, Dallas and Pittston are just a short drive from the park and feature cozy dining, popular eateries, outdoor adventures, fun attractions, boutique hotels, antique shopping and much more.