An ‘escape’ with plenty of recreation opportunities
In the 1890s, Gamble was a rural township dotted with farms and orchards, home to about 750 people. One hundred and thirty years later, farmers continue to work the land and the population has yet to surpass 800 people. Suffice to say, the township 8 miles outside of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, hasn’t changed much since its settling. It lies in a valley surrounded by the mountains of the Allegheny Plateau, and the area’s unspoiled natural beauty is one of its biggest attractions. Loyalsock Creek, which flows along Gamble’s east side, is one of the most popular recreational areas in Lycoming County, says Tracy Knoebel, a Realtor at Keller Williams Advantage Realty who has lived in the Williamsport area for 20 years. “People want a cabin they can escape to, and they want the water access,” she says. Whether it’s a creek, waterfall or lake, residents can find them among the remote forests of Gamble.
Gamble Township in PA, offers stunning scenic views that showcase the beauty of nature.
People visit Loyalsock Creek in Gamble for a relaxing day of fishing in its scenic waters.
1/2
Hike to Loyalsock Creek, Jacoby Falls
Alongside Loyalsock Creek is the entrance to the Loyalsock Trail, which stretches northward for 59 miles. Hikers can expect the excursion to result in muddy boots and sore legs but also provide elevated views from the mountains of Loyalsock State Forest. Loyalsock Creek flows to Rider Park, where the 15 miles of trails include easier paths such as a mile-long loop that can be done in less than 30 minutes. Up the road from Rider Park, Jacoby Falls Trailhead puts hikers on a 2-mile path to a waterfall. Gamble also contains Rose Valley Lake, the biggest in Lycoming County. Three ramps spread around the lake ensure boaters and kayakers can conveniently access the water no matter what direction they’re coming from. North Central Pennsylvania’s chilly winters don’t discourage visits to these spots, as people hike to see frozen falls and ice fish from the frigid surface of the lake. Gamble’s rugged landscape is preserved in these natural areas as well as a 1,140-acre conservation area called State Game Lands No. 298, set aside by the state for hunting white-tailed deer and black bears
Visitors can wander the meandering trail of Loyalsock State forest in Gamble Township, PA.
Homes near Loyalsock Creek in Gamble offer serene views and a peaceful, nature-filled setting.
1/2
Gamble's lots run from 1 to 100 acres
The defining feature of Gamble real estate is land; the median lot size is more than 2 acres, and several properties span well over 100. Whether they’re cedar log cabins or simple ranch homes, houses typically come with enough land to fit detached garages, barns and inground swimming pools. The township’s 220 homes are scattered among nearly 30,000 acres, so residents are more likely to be surrounded by trees or pastures than neighbors. Houses with 1 to 2 acres of land usually cost between $250,000 and $450,000, but homes sitting on 100-plus acres can fetch more than $1 million. Flood zones surround waterways, particularly Loyalsock Creek, so homebuyers may need flood insurance. The township’s CAP Index Crime Score is a 1 out of 10, indicating low crime.
Homes in Gamble are surrounded by picturesque farms, offering a peaceful rural setting.
Log cabin homes in Gamble sit on spacious land, offering plenty of room and privacy.
1/2
Long trips to stores in Montoursville
Businesses in Gamble are more likely to be farms and lumber yards than stores or restaurants. However, people can grab a meal at Pier 87, which provides a beach-like experience on the banks of Loyalsock Creek. The outdoor patio is surrounded by sand and beach chairs, where customers can sip on drinks and watch water flow past. South of Pier 87, bartenders sling drinks at a smoky dive called Loyalsock Hotel. Trout Run General Store in the neighboring township of Lewis carries some groceries. However, most shopping runs require trips to Montoursville, where there are a Walmart, Lowe’s Home Improvement and Weis Markets grocery store. Montoursville is up to 15 miles away from some homes. Meanwhile, there are a few churches north of Gamble; the closest is Wallis Run United Methodist Church.
Live music, tiki drinks by Loyalsock Creek
More than a restaurant, Pier 87 hosts the closest thing to a beach party someone can find in the middle of Pennsylvania. From May to September, the bar and grill has live music most weekends, sometimes featuring different musicians on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Artists play from a stage on the sandy creekside patio, where a tiki bar serves drinks. Attendees bring chairs and blankets for sitting but often ditch them to get up and dance. For a quieter outing, Rider Park hosts Star Parties where groups of attendees share telescopes and identify constellations in the night sky.
Pier 87 offers an outdoor patio on the bank of the Loyalsock Creek in Eldred.
Visitors from nearby areas come to Rose Valley Lake in Gamble Township, PA, for outdoor fun.
1/2
Free meals at local schools
The closest school is Loyalsock Valley Elementary School, located 2 miles south of Gamble and graded a B by Niche. The other two public schools students go to are about 8 miles outside the township in Montoursville: C.E. McCall Middle School, which gets a B-plus, and B-rated Montoursville Area High School. Children at any of these schools receive a free breakfast and free lunch everyday thanks to a policy adopted by the Montoursville Area School District in 2024.
Driving to Williamsport, Montoursville
Gamble is a car-dependent community where commutes or shopping runs can take miles. Pennsylvania Route 87 connects to Montoursville, where Williamsport Regional Airport offers flights to Washington Dulles International Airport. Rose Valley Road puts motorists on the path to Williamsport, the region’s largest city and home to hospitals, major employers and a varied restaurant scene.
Written By
Alex Soderstrom
Photography Contributed By
Pushparaj Aitwal
Video By
Luke Mancari
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Missy Magargle,
an experienced agent in this area.
Cozy 2-3 bedroom cottage home in Trout Run sitting on .70 acres. Offering a beautiful wood exterior with large deck off the kitchen, open floorplan with a cathedral ceiling that offers extra loft space that could be a third bedroom. Two bedrooms and a full bath on the main level. Wood stove in the LR for ample heat during these cold winter months. The lower level has been completely finished with
Your new vacation home or permanent residence awaits you. If you're seeking the quiet of the country, you need to see this updated cabin. Located just 15 miles from Williamsport and 4 miles away from Rose Valley. This open concept cabin offers a Living Room/Dining Room and updated kitchen with soft close cabinets and drawers. Kitchen counters are Ambrosia Maple. Shiplap tongue and groove adorn
Discover the perfect canvas for your dream home or getaway on this beautiful 4-acre parcel. Nestled in a serene setting with sweeping views, this land offers the peace and privacy you've been looking for while still being within reach of nearby conveniences.A well is already on-site (condition unknown), and a frost-free water spigot has been installed for added utility. A new septic
Fully furnished lake side home located only 10 minutes from Williamsport Pa. This property has been beautifully furnished and remodeled. Short term leases are available, monthly, 1---6-month lease or longer with approval. Rent amount options are available if you choose to pay your own utilities during your stay but property is managed to provide full service. Rental applications, employment
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
