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Montour Preserve adventures

Montour Preserve Adventures

Montour Preserve is a 1,147-acre natural area offering diverse outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing, centered around a large reservoir and forested landscapes.

1,147
Acres Protected
11.9
Miles of Trails
Approximately 50,000
Annual Visitors
1970
Year Established

About Montour Preserve

 

Montour Preserve, located in Montour County, Pennsylvania, is a significant natural area managed by the Montour County Conservation District. The preserve centers around the 52-acre Montour Lake, a man-made reservoir created in 1970, providing water-based recreational opportunities such as fishing, kayaking, and paddle boating. The preserve’s varied landscapes comprise hardwood forests, wetlands, and meadows that support a wide array of flora and fauna native to northeastern Pennsylvania. Montour Preserve’s extensive trail network, spanning nearly 12 miles, offers options for both casual walkers and mountain bikers, with well-marked routes that reveal scenic overlooks, wetlands, and diverse bird habitats. The preserve carries historical significance as the site was once part of early settlement and industrial activity, later transformed for conservation and recreation purposes. Visitors to Montour Preserve can enjoy amenities including picnic areas, educational signage, and a visitor center that provides interpretive programs and maps. The preserve’s natural beauty attracts anglers targeting stocked and natural fish species in Montour Lake, and bird watchers find opportunities to spot migratory and resident species year-round. The mix of flat lakeside paths and more rugged forest trails makes it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. Montour Preserve stands as an accessible outdoor resource for northeastern Pennsylvania, balancing wildlife habitat protection with public recreation and environmental education.

Highlights

Highlight

Montour Lake, a 52-acre reservoir popular for fishing and paddle sports

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Diverse trail system including mountain biking and walking trails

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Wetlands that support a variety of bird species year-round

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Educational visitor center offering interpretive programs about local ecology

Notable Natural Features

Montour Lake

A 52-acre reservoir providing fishing, kayaking, and scenic views within the preserve.

Multi-Use Trail System

Nearly 12 miles of trails including options for hiking, mountain biking, and nature walks.

Wetlands Habitat

Important ecosystem harboring amphibians, waterfowl, and other wildlife throughout all seasons.