Preserve Rules

Because many people visit and enjoy the Montour Preserve throughout the year, we ask your help in keeping the Preserve a safe and beautiful natural recreation area.  For your safety and the protection of the natural resources, please follow these rules while at the Preserve:

  • Preserve hours are dawn to dark for outdoor facilities; the visitors’ center building is open daily 8am – 4pm (closed Sundays October 1 – April 30)
  • Leave all pets at home; dogs (except service dogs) are not allowed
  • Trails are open to pedestrians only; bicycles, motorized vehicles, horses, and pets are not allowed
  • Vehicles must be parked on paved surfaces in designated spots
  • Do not swim in the lake, ponds, or streams
  • Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and discharging of firearms are prohibited
  • Boating in Lake Chillisquaque is prohibited from March 15 – April 30
  • Boating in the Goose Cove refuge area is prohibited year-round
  • Gasoline engines may not be used on the lake; electric motors are allowed
  • Visitors must obtain a permit from MARC before entering the wildlife refuge observation blinds
  • Fishing is allowed in Lake Chillisquaque, but not in preserve ponds or streams
  • Do not move picnic tables
  • Hunting and trapping are not allowed in the preserve
  • Collecting of plants, animals, and other natural resources is not allowed, except in the Fossil Pit
  • Open fires are not allowed except in charcoal grills or gas grills
  • Radios and other sources of noise must be kept at a level that will not disturb other preserve visitors
  • Camping is not allowed in the preserve
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems (drones) may be operated at the Montour Preserve, subject to the terms, conditions, and restrictions available here

These rules are enforced by the PA Game Commission, PA Fish & Boat Commission, PA State Police, and the Montour Area Recreation Commission to provide a safe and enjoyable visit for all.  To contact these agencies, please use the following telephone numbers:

Thank you for enjoying the Preserve in a responsible manner.

To download a .pdf version of the Montour Preserve brochure, please click on the image below.