Montrose: Salt Springs & Milk Can Corners
20.9 miles | 2,149’ | 65% unpaved
Ride the quiet countryside north of Montrose, where scenic gravel roads connect Salt Springs State Park, Milk Can Corners, and the rugged Endless Mountains Rail Trail.
This short route begins in downtown Montrose and heads north on quiet roads before transitioning onto a network of picturesque gravel roads through the rolling hills and farmland of Susquehanna County. It's an easy ride that combines scenic back roads with two of the area's most recognizable local landmarks.
The first stop is Salt Springs State Park, one of Pennsylvania's most unique state parks. Long before it became a park, people were drawn here by the natural salt springs that bubble up through the valley. Although the springs never produced enough salt to become a major industry, they gave the area its name and attracted early settlers. Today, the park protects an old-growth hemlock forest, scenic gorge, miles of hiking trails, rustic campsites, and the beautifully restored Wheaton House, an 1800s farmhouse that helps tell the story of the property's history.
Continuing north, the route reaches Milk Can Corners, one of those wonderfully quirky rural landmarks that has become a local tradition. At this otherwise ordinary country intersection, dozens of decorated milk cans sit alongside the mailboxes, each personalized by the families who live along the surrounding roads. What began as a practical way to identify homes has evolved into a unique roadside attraction and a favorite photo stop for visitors exploring the backroads of Susquehanna County.
From Milk Can Corners, the route turns south, following another series of quiet gravel roads back toward Montrose while avoiding most of the area's busier highways. Near the eastern edge of town, you'll join the Endless Mountains Rail Trail, a mostly crushed-stone trail that also allows ATV use. The rail trail provides a rugged yet traffic-free finish as it leads directly back into downtown Montrose.
Although it's a relatively short ride, this route also works well as a simple overnight adventure from either Montrose or Salt Springs State Park.
