Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
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.
