Welcome to Williamsport
Things to Do
Small town vibes, big time ambitions
Embrace the Arts
Enjoy playing music, creating art, or soaking in the true talents of others? Williamsport’s up-and-coming art scene is the place to be. Head downtown where you’ll find theatres, music venues, art galleries, and more.
Treat Yourself
Follow the scent of freshly roasted coffee and sit down with an award-winning cup of joe or indulge in wood-fired pizza with a group of friends. The area serves up loads of food and drink options.
Visit the City
Williamsport is just a few hours from major east coast cities including New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington DC. If you’re getting the itch to hit up a world-famous art gallery, see a Broadway show, or take in a major league baseball game, you’re only a short drive away.
Roam Free
As a Penn College student, you can pick up the River Valley Transit bus on campus and travel any fixed route for free. Just show your Penn College ID and you're good to go.
Welcome to your new community.
Multi-Cultural Restaurants
From Pakistani and Indian cuisine to authentic Thai, Williamsport's restaurants offer options to satisfy a variety of tastes.
Grocery Stores
For those who want to cook, the local supermarket offers an extensive selection including aisles dedicated to international foods and the Asian market specializes in quality imported goods.
Places of Worship
Williamsport has a robust network of churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other worship communities.
VENTURE OUT
Every day is a new adventure.
There’s nothing like heading out into the great wide open. Breathing fresh air. Embracing a few moments of quiet. And taking in nature’s vast beauty. It rejuvenates the mind and empowers the body. Penn College is your base for all things outdoors. Maybe we’re partial, but we can’t imagine a better place to explore.
Local Highlight
Susquehanna River Walk
Head out solo or meet friends for a stroll on the nearby Susquehanna River Walk. Hop on via Maynard Street and enjoy beautiful views of the river and nearby mountains. Take the main loop that runs about five miles or add more by linking to the Loyalsock bikeway.
Local Highlight
Williamsport Water Authority
Need a weeknight escape or craving a weekend adventure? In just a few minutes you can cut loose at the Williamsport Water Authority. Shred some singletrack on your mountain bike. Run through ruins of logging-era homesteads and masterful stonework of days gone by. Or take it slow and soak in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors.
Activities
Biking
Looking to stretch your legs, roll alongside the river, and take in some scenic views? Hop on the River Walk at Maynard Street and continue on the bikeway that runs to Montoursville. An out and back from campus will get you about 12 miles. If you dig mountain biking, we've got that, too. From rugged rocky singletrack to miles of less technical terrain, there's a path waiting to explore. Roadies who enjoy climbing can power up rolling hills just minutes from campus. Head out solo or connect with the local bike club for a Wednesday night group ride.
Running & Hiking
Our area is home to a welcoming community of avid runners and hikers. With amazing scenery and well-maintained trails closeby, it's no wonder why. Options for a short jaunt or a long haul are accessible via campus. Head out on the River Walk. Hit up trails at the Williamsport Water Authority. Or plan a weekend adventure to a nearby state park.
Kayaking & Water Sports
With the Susquehanna River next to campus, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and other water sports are a refreshing way to escape the daily grind and burn a few calories. Bring your own gear and drop in at the nearby boat launch. Or hook up with the local rental group and take a kayak or SUP for a test ride.
Hunting & Fishing
With thousands of acres of state game lands and a host of well-stocked waterways, our region is a paradise for hunters and fishermen. Dense forestlands are home to white-tailed deer, black bear, turkey, grouse, and lots of other small game. And waterways are brimming with native and stocked trout, small and largemouth bass, pike, walleye, and more.
VENTURE OUT
Weekend Adventure Spots
You’re going to fall in love with weekends in the Susquehanna Valley. With so many options, the challenge is deciding where to cut loose first.
Maybe you prefer rocky ascents and mountain streams with amazing scenery. The nearby Loyalsock Trail rivals the best. Hike up to Helen’s Window for an Instagram-worthy vista or carry on to Smith’s Knob where you’ll step foot on one of the highest points in the valley. The Loyalsock State Forest is also home to Rock Run, known for crystal clear swimming holes, rock climbing, and waterfalls.
Campus is just an hour from the Pine Creek Valley — an all-season outdoor mecca for hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, kayaking, cross-country skiing, snowmobile riding, and more. Go for the day or stay the night. Pitch a tent or spend the night in a yurt at Little Pine State Park. Or set up camp on one of the many sites off the Mid-State Trail.
A weekend adventure to Ricketts Glen is totally worth the 45-minute drive. Hike the Falls Trail and you’ll pass 22 spellbinding waterfalls ranging in height from 10 to 94 feet. Visiting in warmer weather? Take a dip in Lake Jean. Complete with a sand beach, bath house, snack shop, and boat rentals, this 245-acre lake is a great spot to relax. Make it a day trip or spend a night under the stars at the park campground.
In about 45 minutes, you can be totally unplugged in one of the most beautiful places in the region. Pack a picnic, bring your fishing rod, and lace up the hiking boots. About 10 miles of trails wind through the state park. Stay for a swim and spend the night at the campground.
Winter Fun
Who wants to sit inside when you can play in the snow? Hit the slopes at Ski Sawmill, about 45 minutes from campus or Tussey Mountain, which is a little over an hour’s drive. Both resorts offer skiing, boarding, and tubing. If you’re into cross country skiing, Crystal Lake is less than an hour from campus.
