Things to do in the area

Especially for the outdoor enthusiast, there is literally an unending array of activities to suit almost everyone.  The Lodge is ideally located as the perfect “base camp” from which to embark on endless adventures.

Biking:  You can hop on your bike and virtually ride forever over scenic mountain country roads, past farms and camps, streams and beautiful vistas right from The Lodge.  For the mountain biker seeking more challenge there are single track trails surely to give even the most experienced rider a “white knuckle” workout.  Road bikers have no shortage of macadam roads that wend their way through the back country where a motor vehicle is rarely encountered.

Rails to Trails:  Rated by USA Today as one of the top ten bike paths in the world a few years ago, a short 8 minute drive to the trailhead will allow you to ride through the Pine Creek Gorge, known as The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.  At approximately 60 miles, there is hardly a shortage of scenery to be encountered, with bald eagles soaring above on the canyon’s thermals, while deer, turkey and the occasional bear all share the outdoors in harmony. Should you prefer to hike the trail there is enough room for everyone.  The trail is also very popular for cross country skiing.

Pennsylvania Grand Canyon:  A very popular destination for travelers, there is an East and West rim.  Leonard Harrison State Park is on the east side, closest to the lodge. At approximately 6 miles, the vista is well worth the time and for those seeking a bit of exercise, a one mile walk down to the canyon floor will thrill the hiker with beautiful natural waterfalls.

Tyoga Country Club:  Less than a mile from The Lodge is the 4- star rated golf course.  While it is a member’s facility, it is also open to the public.  Beautifully landscaped and adequately challenging, you can finish your day at the lovely clubhouse where you can sit on the porch overlooking #1 tee and have lunch, dinner or a libation of your choice.

Fishing:  There is an abundance of waters to enjoy in Tioga County, from Pine Creek, a famous trout fishery that is also home to bass when the weather warms, to lakes such as Hills Creek State Park, and Hammond and Cowanesque Lakes that lie just a 15 minute drive north.  There are also numerous small streams home to native brook trout for the angler who wants to “hike back in” a bit.

River rafting:  A very popular activity primarily in the spring when Pine Creek swells due to the melting snow pack, outfitters such as Pine Creek Outfitters will be more than happy to take you on guided floats and offer raft and wet suit rentals.  Raft trips begin just about a 10 minute drive from The Lodge.

Finger Lakes Wineries:  A short one hour drive north will bring you to the beautiful Central New York Finger Lakes, slender, long and deep.  On the edge of the lakes sit numerous wineries that are just wonderful to visit for tours and tastings. There are many cute bistros and restaurants that sit right on the water, where area boaters come and go.  For the wine enthusiast it certainly is something worthy of considering.

Skiing:  For winter enthusiasts, there are plentiful activities from cross-country, to downhill skiing as well as snow-shoeing. Should there be ample amounts of snow, you are welcome to cross-country ski around our 50 acre property.  A 25 minute drive south on route 287 will bring you to Ski-Sawmill, a delightful hill that will give the downhiller a wonderful day on the slopes.  A 40 minute drive west on route 6 will bring you to Denton Hill ski area, which boasts the steepest vertical slope (Avalanche) in Pennsylvania.  Both areas are very “family friendly” and offer a nice base lodge.  Lift lines are never an issue so you can spend most of your time on the hill, not riding the chair.

Wellsboro Shopping:  For a small, quaint village, Wellsboro has a surprising array of nice shops, restaurants and places to meet and greet the locals.  There are also two very nice markets for food shopping, and an excellent hospital should the need arise.  There are very few “chain” eateries, and most of the gastronomic offerings are from “mom and pop” eateries that have been in Wellsboro for decades.

Tioga County Visitor’s Bureau:  Log-on to the bureau and find a vast amount of information on all area activities.

Private plane guests:  Should you have your own plane and wish to fly to us, The Lodge is a brief 5 minute drive from the Wellsboro Johnston Airport.  We will be pleased to arrange to pick you up from and deliver you back to the airport upon your departure.