The Riverfront Borough Of Benton, Pennsylvania, Provides An Outdoor Escape With Uncrowded Trails

Nestled beside Fishing Creek, Benton hums with the sounds of rushing water and rustling leaves instead of traffic.

Mornings smell of damp pine and fresh earth, luring hikers toward Ricketts Glen’s tumbling waterfalls and hidden trails.

Covered bridges whisper stories of horse-drawn days, while anglers cast lines into clear streams that sparkle under the sun. Locals greet strangers like old friends, and sunsets turn the sky gold over still ponds.

Benton doesn’t demand attention – it earns it softly, offering peace, beauty, and a welcome slower rhythm for anyone who wanders in.

1. Ricketts Glen State Park – Ganoga Falls & The Falls Trail

If waterfalls were superheroes, Ganoga Falls would wear the cape. This 94-foot cascade is the crown jewel of Ricketts Glen’s famous Falls Trail, where 21 named waterfalls tumble through hemlock-shaded gorges. Just northwest of Benton, the park feels like stepping into a nature documentary – minus the narrator.

However, the 7.2-mile loop demands sturdy boots and a sense of adventure. Stone steps, slippery rocks, and steep climbs make this trail thrilling but challenging. Pack water, snacks, and a camera, because every turn reveals another postcard-worthy plunge.

Though summer draws hikers, weekdays and fall mornings keep the trail surprisingly peaceful. Share your favorite waterfall shot online, just saying, Ganoga deserves the likes!

2. Fishing Creek (Susquehanna Tributary)

Anglers know Fishing Creek as a trout paradise curving right through Benton’s backyard. Cold, clear water and quiet pull-offs make it easy to cast a line without bumping elbows with other fishermen. Wild brown trout and stocked rainbows keep rods bent from spring through fall.

Bankside paths let you wander upstream or downstream, listening to the creek’s gentle soundtrack. Non-anglers love it too – skip stones, dip your toes, or simply watch the water dance over smooth pebbles. The creek’s calm vibe is the perfect antidote to screen time.

Where else can you catch dinner and peace of mind in the same afternoon? Bring a folding chair, a sandwich, and maybe a friend who needs a digital detox.

3. Benton Dam / Borough Waterfront

Right in town, the Benton Dam offers a front-row seat to the creek’s quiet power. Water spills over the low concrete barrier, creating a soothing rumble that drowns out everyday worries. Local families stroll the waterfront, cameras ready for herons, kingfishers, and the occasional bald eagle.

Though it’s not a wilderness destination, the dam’s charm lies in its accessibility. Park, walk ten steps, and you’re already relaxing. Sunrise and sunset paint the water in gold and pink, no Instagram filter required.

Birdwatchers should pack binoculars; the creek corridor is a highway for migrating species. Pass this spot on to someone who needs a five-minute vacation without leaving town.

4. Josiah Hess Covered Bridge (Fishing Creek Twp.)

Built in 1875, the Josiah Hess Covered Bridge is like a time machine you can drive through. This classic wooden span crosses Fishing Creek just outside Benton, its weathered red siding and shadowy interior whispering stories of horse-drawn wagons and simpler days. Photographers and history buffs make the pilgrimage down quiet country roads to snap the perfect shot.

How cool is it that this bridge still stands after nearly 150 years? Engineers used wooden pins and hand-hewn beams – no power tools, no problem. The surrounding farmland and creek views add to the old-fashioned charm.

Share your visit with someone who loves Americana or covered bridge bucket lists!

5. Stillwater Covered Bridge (No. 134)

Another gem from the 1800s, Stillwater Covered Bridge stretches gracefully over Fishing Creek a short scenic drive from Benton. Its rustic planks and arched entrance frame the water below like a living painting. Unlike busier tourist bridges, Stillwater stays blissfully uncrowded, perfect for a quiet afternoon ramble.

Though both Josiah Hess and Stillwater share Fishing Creek, each bridge has its own personality. Stillwater feels slightly more remote, with fewer homes nearby and more birdsong. Bring a sketchbook or a picnic; the grassy banks invite lingering.

Did you know Pennsylvania has more surviving covered bridges than any other state? Add this one to your collection and tag a fellow bridge hunter!

6. Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 13

Just north of Benton, State Game Lands 13 sprawls across remote forested ridges where solitude is the main attraction. Low-traffic paths wind through oak and hemlock stands, past hidden waterfalls, and over rocky outcrops that reward climbers with sweeping views. Hunters use it in season, but hikers own the trails most of the year.

If you crave off-the-beaten-path adventure, this is your playground. No fancy trailheads or visitor centers – just you, the trees, and maybe a white-tailed deer watching from the shadows. Pack a map, because cell service is spotty and trails aren’t always blazed.

Share your solo hike story below – wilderness fans will appreciate the insider tip!