Williamsport Water Authority
Overview
The Williamsport Water Authority, also known as the Williamsport Water Company or Williamsport WTP, is located in the Mosquito Valley, south of Duboistown. This watershed is primarily forested and has has public trails for hiking and mountain biking.
The Bluebird trail is a nice three mile loop that covers mostly wooded areas. The northern portions of the Raccoon Mountain Trail is also wooded. The southern portions are higher elevation. There is a nice pine plantation in the Shuler Woods area that is a good spot to find red-breasted nuthatch.
Certain off-trail areas are restricted access so pay attention to the signs. The watershed is closed for hunting in late-November through early December. The property is open dawn to dusk and you are required to sign-in on the sheet located in the container on the back of the information sign at the parking lot. Maps are also available there.
Directions
From Duboistown, head south on Valley Street for about a half-mile then turn left on Mosquito Valley Road. Continue on that road (staying left across the one lane bridge) for about a mile and a half until its end at the filtration plant. There is a gravel visitors parking lot on the left.
Species of Note
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Red-breasted nuthatches are found here in small numbers year-round. The pine plantation in the Shuler Woods in one reliable spot.
Woodpeckers
Every expected species of woodpecker can be found here. Red-headed woodpecker has been seen but not reliably.
Vultures
Turkey and black vultures roost in the large conifer trees near the parking area.
Hooded Warbler
Large numbers of hooded warblers nest here and are very easy to see and hear from the trails. As of February 2016, the eBird all-time high count for this species in PA is from this location.
