Attractions and Places To See around Johnsonburg - Top 4

Johnsonburg boasts a rich history, particularly its paper production heritage. You can visit the Johnsonburg Commercial Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which features 32 historic buildings. A prominent structure within this district is The Brick Block (Anderson Brick Block), an Italianate-style building from the 1890s, believed to be one of the first outdoor malls in the U.S. The Heritage Education & Welcome Center (HEWC), also in the Brick Block, offers insights into the area's unique character.

The region offers extensive natural beauty. You can find scenic views at View of Allamuchy Mountain State Park, which features 14 miles of marked trails leading to various overlooks, lakes, and mountain vistas. Johnsonburg is also situated along the Clarion River, a designated Wild & Scenic River, perfect for enjoying the natural landscape. The vast Allegheny National Forest and Elk State Park also provide numerous opportunities for sightseeing and enjoying nature.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The Lehigh and Hudson Rail Trail is a flat, gravel trail built over an old railroad right-of-way, making it ideal for a family walk through woodlands and fields. Bendigo State Park is perfect for picnicking and fishing, with the East Branch of the Clarion River stocked with trout, also suitable for kayaking or swimming. Additionally, the Johnsonburg Community Center offers an indoor pool and other facilities for family enjoyment.

You'll find a variety of hiking trails. For a scenic experience, the Highlands Trail runs through green scenery in Allamuchy State Park and past several lakes. For easier walks, explore the easy hikes around Johnsonburg, which include routes like the Blue Trail and sections of the Paulinskill Valley Trail. More challenging options are also available, such as the Swamp, Summit, and Ghost Lake Trail, which you can find among the hiking routes around Johnsonburg.

Mountain biking enthusiasts can test their skills at Lumpy Bumpy, an MTB park known for its challenging rock gardens. For more extensive routes, explore the MTB Trails around Johnsonburg, which feature routes like the Technical Loop and longer rides around Allamuchy Pond and Deer Park Pond.

Yes, the region, particularly Elk County, is renowned for its Pennsylvania elk herd. The Elk Country Visitor Center and the Elk Scenic Drive offer prime viewing opportunities. Interestingly, the Johnsonburg mill area itself is home to one of the largest elk herds east of the Mississippi, providing unique wildlife viewing chances.

The best time to visit Johnsonburg for outdoor activities generally spans from spring through fall. These seasons offer pleasant weather for hiking, biking, fishing, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the Allegheny National Forest and state parks. Fall is particularly beautiful with the changing foliage, and summer is great for water activities on the Clarion River and East Branch Lake.

Absolutely. The Clarion River is excellent for fishing, especially for trout, with sections known for trophy trout. Bendigo State Park's East Branch of the Clarion River is regularly stocked with trout. For boating, East Branch Lake within Elk State Park offers unlimited horsepower boating, making it popular for waterskiing, and fishing for muskellunge and smallmouth bass.

The Domtar Mill is a significant landmark reflecting Johnsonburg's 'Paper City' nickname and its long history of papermaking since 1888. It has produced paper for notable publications like the Saturday Evening Post and the Harry Potter series. The mill also maintains a working trout hatchery on-site, releasing approximately 13,000 trout annually into local waterways, and tours can be scheduled.

Yes, camping is available in the extensive natural areas surrounding Johnsonburg. The Allegheny National Forest offers numerous camping opportunities. Additionally, Elk State Park and Twin Lakes Recreation Area, located within the Allegheny National Forest, provide camping facilities, allowing visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the outdoors.

Johnsonburg holds the distinction of being the oldest settlement in Elk County, founded in 1810. It was also known as 'Little Chicago' in the 1920s and 1930s due to organized crime. Interestingly, President Ulysses S. Grant reportedly visited the area to fish, adding another layer to its rich historical tapestry.

Yes, the area caters to various skill levels. For easy and family-friendly walks, consider the Lehigh and Hudson Rail Trail or the easy hikes around Johnsonburg. Intermediate hikers can enjoy sections of the Highlands Trail or the marked trails at View of Allamuchy Mountain State Park. For those seeking a challenge, the Lumpy Bumpy MTB trail offers challenging rock gardens, and more advanced hiking and MTB routes are detailed in the hiking and MTB guides for the area.