Out There: Stories from the Woods

The next couple of weeks do not appear to be giving us much of a reprieve from the heat sweeping north central Pennsylvania. While I am writing this article, an odd, very nice breeze is blowing through the hills of Woodward Township and causing my notes to fly around the office.

Looking into the future (tomorrow, Tuesday) weather sources tell me that a very strong thunderstorm will sweep through the area in the late afternoon hours. We shall see what happens.

In the meantime check out these top five places to temporarily cool down in the local area.

Through Labor Day, take a dip in the inground pool at Hyner Run State Park! Admission is free to the large swimming and wading pool, it is ADA accessible, and access to the pool is weather dependent. Swim hours listed on the State Park website are Wednesday – Sunday 11am to 7pm, but the public is urged to call the park office at 570-923-6000 for questions and updates.

Pine Creek has always been a great area to take a quick dive, wade, or float in the pristine mountain waters. Almost anywhere along the 87.2 mile stretch of waters is decent for swimming or cooling off. My personal favorite spot is south of Wolfe’s General Store in Slate Run. The location known as Tomb Flats Campground technically in Cammal along Route 414 is perfect for putting in a kayak or float, walking across the creek (I only got about knee-high), and fishing. Water temperatures on the Fourth of July weekend when I was there were hovering in the low 80s.

Swimming in the Susquehanna can be iffy. On one hand it has more silt than swimmers normally care to tolerate, but on the other hand, it is a world-renowned great big body of water. Boaters have always been able to jump in and enjoy swimming at their leisure, and City Beach, when open and staffed with a lifeguard, has always been a decent spot to cool down at. Take it or leave it, but almost any body of water is good enough for me.

Memories are made…at the Mill Hall Community Pool. Since the early 70s, residents and visitors alike have scrambled for a swimming area on the hottest of summer days. Refreshing and cool, the Mill Hall Community Pool offers an inexpensive way to exercise and stay cool. 2022 daily rates are $4 for ages 6+, $2 for ages 2-5, free for those under age 2, and $1.50 for those 55+. Annual membership passes are also available at various rates.

Swimming at Bald Eagle State Park is a very popular activity on any day of the week. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the swim area operates daily from 8am to sunset and is “swim at your own risk.” The surf and turf beach is nearly 1/4 mile long.