Every spring, Montoursville in Lycoming County becomes a playground for outdoor enthusiasts of every stripe at the Lycoming County Outdoor Recreation Expo. This event is more than a showcase—it's a call to action, enticing visitors to step beyond their doorsteps and engage directly with Pennsylvania’s rugged and accessible wilds.

The Expo unfolds with a line-up of hands-on activities, expert demos, and interactive exhibits that make planning your next hike, paddle, or climb as exciting as the adventure itself. Trails and waterways nearby dare you to explore, with varied terrain ranging from smooth, forested paths to the more demanding ascents of nearby hills that rise 500 to 1,000 feet, giving ample challenge without overwhelming less experienced hikers.

Practicality accompanies the excitement here. Vendors and local guides offer real, tried-and-true gear advice: lightweight backpacks, sturdy hiking boots with solid tread for uneven ground, and hydration systems to keep you moving. You’ll learn about timing your activities to avoid the midday heat or sudden spring showers, critical for a safe experience on the often slippery leaf-strewn trails.

Forests at the edge of Montoursville hold a personality of their own—trails wind beneath trees that seem to lean in, urging you deeper while a nearby river tangles with rocks, pushing its current forward with quiet insistence. The Expo also emphasizes respect for this force: educating attendees on Leave No Trace principles and how to minimize impact so these natural partners remain fiercely themselves for every visitor.

The pace of the event mirrors that of the outdoors—rhythmic yet unpredictable. Whether you linger over a fly-fishing demo or take up a guided bike ride through shaded woodlands, the Expo balances spurts of intense activity with pockets of reflective calm.

Lycoming County Outdoor Recreation Expo is designed to open doors for the casual family looking to wander local trails for the first time or the seasoned day hiker seeking new routes and fresh gear. It’s an invitation to step outside with purpose and curiosity, prepared and eager to meet the outdoors on its own terms.

Expect practical workshops on navigation, first aid, and trail etiquette mixed with an inspiring showcase of the region's diverse outdoor opportunities. By day’s end, you’ll have a clearer idea of the rugged roads ahead—and the confidence to take them on.