The Iroquois Indians called her "Tiadaghton" which means "River of Pines" we know her today as Pine Creek Valley which was carved out by the many runs feeding into her from the towering mountains that were created by a huge glacier millions of years ago. She has the distinction of being the largest creek in the United States and is oblivious to her beauty as she meanders along the valley dotted by the pretty villages (Slate Run is one of those villages).
Pine Creek Valley located in North Central Pennsylvania is a truly unique and special place that is visited by many tourists seeking solace and refuge from the world outside. Even cell phones don't work here, which is proof that Mother Nature in her infinate wisdom has created a paradise that she insists you pay full attention to!
State and conservancy lands are the dominant property owners in this region assuring visitors that no overdeveloped "developments" or commercialization will intrude on the beauty that nature has created here. It is impossible for anyone who has visited here to leave without a part of their soul restored. It is a wonderful experience driving through the valley and seeing all the wildlife and smelling the fresh clean air!
Pine Creek Valley is an "animal" all her own. She is wild, beautiful and intoxicating. There is plenty of room to enjoy all your outdoor activities even during the busiest weekends . . . to be privledged enough to live and work here is truly a blessing.
SEASONS IN THE MOUNTAINS
Autumn . . . travelling through the Pine Creek Valley at this time of year is a "jaw-dropping" experience. The towers of color make you feel as if you are wrapped up in a cozy quilt. The mountains are clad in brilliance and the air is so fresh and crisp. It is as if Mother Nature wants to give us a colorful show before blanketing us in white. This season brings the hunters, "leaf-peepers", hikers and bird-watchers.
Winter . . . this is a quieter time of year in the valley. The beauty of a newly fallen snow blanketing the mountains makes you yearn for your cabin in the woods with the crackling fireplace to comfort you. Although there is a respite from the hustle and bustle, tourists still come for the great snowmobiling, ATV trails, and cross country skiing on the rail-trail.
Spring . . . Usually heralded in by the opening day of "trout season" we start to see an emergence of activity in the valley. After a long hibernation, Pine Creek Valley is awakened and ready to greet her visitors. The "riffs" are especially swift at this time and the more adventurous enjoy canoeing and kayaking. This season brings the fishing enthusiasts, canoers, hikers, bikers, bird-watchers and those coming to open up their "cabins" for the season. It is an exciting time and much anticipated after the long winter months.
Summer . .. the valley is in full swing and the bed and breakfasts, Inns, cottages, campground and cabins are full of visitors coming to cool off in the mountains. The smell of campfires fill the air. The fireworks in Slate Run over 4th of July weekend is one of those things that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime . . . the shimmering reflections on the water enhanced by the incredibly loud "booms" (because of the deepness of the valley) is probably as close to how it must have really been in 1776 as you can get. It is not those big fancy fireworks, but it doesn't have to be with the glimpses of the mountains in the glow of the ramparts you will be awestruck. . . this will be the highlight of your summer.
And yet, somehow in all of this busy season, it still seems as if you can visit here and find plenty of space all your own to reflect and regenerate your soul. It seems like nobody is in a big hurry and there are plenty of relaxed smiles and "Hello, how are ya's" to go around.
So there you have it . . .you can go to Disneyland, Las Vegas, New York City and all the other "big" destinations in the country . . . but in this little corridor of Rt. 414 in Pine Creek Valley you will find something that can't be found in those places . . . time has stood still for while yet and it hasn't gotten "bigger or better" . . . that is what makes it the best!!
