Schuylkill County: River Trails, Nature and Anthracite History

The Schuylkill River rises near Tuscarora and flows 137 miles through five counties in Pennsylvania to the Delaware River. The Schuylkill River Trail also shapes the region: it is a multi-use trail whose planned extension will span 120 miles from Frackville in Schuylkill County through Montgomery, Chester, and Berks counties to Philadelphia. Those exploring the region can therefore make either the river or the hiking trails a focus of their visit.

Along the River and on the Trails

The Schuylkill River Water Trail is a destination for paddling trips. Its public access points are publicly owned, maintained, and meet the standards of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The Schuylkill River Trail is open daily from sunrise to sunset. This makes it easy to plan a day around time on the water or a walk on the trail.

At Tuscarora State Park, a 5.5-mile loop circles Tuscarora Lake. It runs along Lake View, Spirit of Tuscarora, and Crow, beside Locust Creek, and through mature deciduous forest, a stand of mature eastern hemlocks, a late-successional field, a rhododendron thicket, and a wet meadow landscape. The route brings together several distinct landscapes in one loop.

At Hawk Mountain, two more routes offer different features: the 0.5-mile Silhouette Loop is fully wheelchair accessible. The Skyline Trail passes East Rocks, a scenic overlook. This lets you choose between a route that is explicitly accessible and one with a viewpoint.

Anthracite History and Unique Visits

Pioneer Tunnel offers a ride in an open mine car that takes visitors 1,800 feet into Mahanoy Mountain. The historic No. 9 Anthracite Mine offers another perspective on mining and can be toured underground. The two experiences differ in format: a ride in an open car or a tour underground.

The Schuylkill County Historical Society has been dedicated to informing, researching, and preserving local history since 1903. Its topics range from deep coal mines to the Underground Railroad. The county’s history also includes Fighter’s Heaven near Deer Lake: Muhammad Ali established the training camp after buying land in Schuylkill County in 1972.

Culture, Nature, and Regional Drinks

In Pottsville, the Yuengling Brewery welcomes visitors on tours covering its history, brewing process, and the six generations that have run the family business. The Schuylkill County Craft Beverage Trail includes wineries, America’s Oldest Brewery, and small craft breweries and distilleries. Those interested in drinks and how they are made can include these experiences in their travel plans alongside the region’s natural and historical attractions.

Tuscarora and Locust Lake State Parks also offer a variety of programs from April through October focused on their natural, cultural, and historical resources. At the Frog Hollow Nature Area, passive recreation is available from sunrise to sunset; walks and programs are planned there year-round. These planned offerings are distinct from the State Parks’ seasonal programs.

Scenic train rides with Reading Blue Mountain & Northern along regional rail lines include a stop at Tamaqua’s 1874 Train Station. Between these excursions, hikes, paddling trips, and historic visits, you can shape your stay around the experiences that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Minersville, Pine Grove, Pottsville, Frackville, Mahanoy City, Zion Grove, Coaldale, Girardville.

Return to the main travel overview: Pennsylvania.