Hike in North Central Pennsylvania - 5 Dates Each Year

The Susquehannock Lodge is in Potter County, Pennsylvania, 2.5 hours south of Buffalo. The hiking is first class on well-marked trails through hardwood forests often beside mountain streams. The bonus is that the area is relatively insect free. Hikes of 10 to 15 km (6 to 9 miles) are led daily. The Susquehannock Lodge provides comfortable accommodation and meals for hikers and cross-country skiers. There is a main lodge building with a large living room, dining room and south facing deck. There is also a carriage house with more private accommodation and the very popular "barn" at the back of the property with two large private rooms. Two private rooms are now available in a modular home tucked away at the foot of the hillside. The meals are so good that some of us now refer to it as “Club Ed” after Ed the owner. The lodge has a maximum capacity of about 35 hikers. There are many points of interest in the area for those that want a change from the hiking. Pennsylvania’s Lumber Museum, the site of the Austin Dam disaster, All Saints Church, Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon with its rail trail for biking, the gas lit town of Wellsboro, Coudersport home of the financially troubled Adelphia, Corning Glass Museum and a dark sky preserve.

Five Dates Each Year

CANADA DAY / 4th of JULY – Wednesday, June 27 to Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Celebrate Canada Day and the 4th of July weekend at the Lodge. The Bark Peelers' Convention – a fair with lots of wood skills competitions is usually at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum. Stay as many days as you choose.

 

LABOUR DAY – Monday, August 27 to Monday, September 3, 2012

Labour Day with no labour. Ed cooks and we relax with the last of full summer. The deck is warm and an enjoyable place for a long “happy hour”. Stay as many days as you choose.

 

THANKSGIVING (Canadian) – Friday, October 05 to Monday, October 08, 2012

The colours are at their peak and the walking is great. This has proved popular in years past and it is a good idea to book early. Ed outdoes himself with a full turkey dinner and of course there is turkey soup and sandwiches on the deck before we head home.

 

NEW YEARS – Friday, December 28, 2012 to Tuesday, January 1, 2013

A great way to unwind after the hectic holiday season. We will hike every day, a little shorter than our normal hikes so we can spend a little longer relaxing in front of the fireplace. Ed promises a special New Years Dinner, Greg promises a martini.

 

EASTER - Friday, March 29 to Monday, April 1, 2013

The snow should be gone and we will get some “Spring Training” on the trails. Ed will have a traditional Polish Easter dinner for us. I intend to arrive Thursday April 8th, with a hike planned for Friday. On Monday April 9th I plan a morning hike before heading home.

Information about Pricing, Rooms and Meals

Pricing for 2011 in USD. Semi private room, $60.00. Private room $70.00 per person per day, double occupancy. Price includes breakfast, packed lunch, dinner and lodging. There are many options for rooms including four new private rooms in the main Lodge, two very spacious private rooms above the barn, a home tucked against the forest with two private rooms and private sitting area, kitchen and laundry and a suite above the carriage house with three bedrooms and a private sitting area. Semi private rooms are in the main lodge and private rooms are located in the carriage house.

Reservations

For reservations please contact Carol at the Lodge, telephone (814) 435-2163 or e-mail.

Lodge Address/Location

Susquehannock Lodge, 5039 U.S. 6 West, Ulysses, PA 16948 (814) 435-2163. Check the maps on the Susquehannock Lodge website. Google Maps links > Lodge Location

Map Resources (order early)

You will need maps of New York State and Pennsylvania; the maps issued by the states are better than the CAA/AAA. They are available at no charge and take about 3 weeks to arrive. New York 1-800-225-5697 and Pennsylvania 1-800-847-4872.

Crossing Border

The easiest and best identification at the Canada/U.S. border is a valid passport. When crossing into the U.S. do not bring in any food, i.e. meats, fruits, vegetables, this could cause delays and problems for you. There are lots of food stores along the way to purchase what you may need. Both Canada and the U.S. have border wait time websites that may be helpful. If the Peace Bridge, Fort Erie to Buffalo, looks too busy try the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls.

How I Get There

Listed below is the route that I have travelled from Ontario for many years and found it pleasant with very little traffic after Buffalo. If you wish to see this route on Google Maps click here.When you get to this map be sure to zoom in to see details and drag the map to follow the route.

• QEW to Fort Erie
• Cross at the Peace Bridge to Buffalo (CUSTOMS CHECK, have up-to-date passport)
• Directly ahead of you is an on ramp to Interstate 190 (Niagara Thruway)
• Follow Interstate 190 for about 10.6 km through Buffalo to exit 54-61 for Interstate 90
• Take Interstate 90 West for about 2.6 km – towards Erie
• Stay in the right hand lane and take the first exit (exit 54) onto NY-400 South (Aurora Expy) for about 24.6 km to its end where it becomes Hwy 16
• Hwy 16 South for about 26.4 km to a stop light at Hwy 39
• Hwy 39 East to Arcade
• In the centre of Arcade turn right, south on Hwy 98
• Hwy 98 merges with Hwy 243 and continue to Canadea
• At Canadea turn right, south, on Hwy 19
• Hwy 19 through Wellsville (a good stop for beer/wine)
• At the Pennsylvania border the highway number changes to Hwy 449
• Hwy 449 to its end at US Route 6
• Turn right, west and the Lodge (5039 U.S. 6, Ulysses, PA 16948) is 3. km on the left, south side of the highway. The approximate coordinates for the Lodge are 41.782629,-77.801418 >> How to enter the latitude/longitude (coordinates) in a Garmin Nüvi.

"There are four bridges in the Niagara region to cross into the U.S. My first choice is the Peace Bridge from Fort Erie to Buffalo, it seems to be the quickest. The Queenston - Lewiston Bridge is usually the slowest. The Rainbow Bridge from Niagara Falls, Ontario to Niagara Falls, NY is smaller and is sometimes a good alternate. The Whirlpool Bridge is for NEXUS pass holders only."

"When I am on the QEW I call "Border Wait Times" 1-800-715-6722 for an update. That saves unwanted surprises. Frequently asked questions, Citizenship? The guard will want each person in the vehicle to answer, no sunglasses on. Where are you going? Where will you stay? How long will you be in the U.S.? What is the purpose of your visit? Do you have any fruits or vegetables? What are you bringing into the U.S.? (i.e. alcohol/tobacco). Maps are important, the U.S. states seem to no longer provide free maps, buy a good New York State and Pennsylvania map at Chapters. Do not trust your GPS. A little planning will provide for a care free trip"

Links

• Susquehannock State Forest
• Susquehannock Trail