The flooding experienced by Lewis Township in August 2024 was generational, but the response was typical of the rural Pennsylvania community north of Williamsport. Tropical Storm Debby brought intense rain that flooded roadways and damaged the Trout Run Volunteer Fire Co.’s firehouse to the point it was condemned. Within two weeks, a fundraiser led by a local nonprofit and business had raised nearly $50,000 to rebuild the firehouse. Even though Lewis’s 860 residents are spread among a 24,000-acre township, there’s a sense of community. It’s almost impossible to avoid, as residents are typically surrounded by the same people their entire lives. “We know all our neighbors,” says Christy Hoffman, who runs Christy’s Greenhouse in the township. “It’s all the same people we grew up with.” Lewis is a sparsely populated and pristine community among the forested mountains of North Central Pennsylvania.
Thousands of conserved acres
Just past the playground at Trout Run Park is the bank of Lycoming Creek, where parkgoers can cast a line or wade into the water. After a swim, visitors can picnic under the park’s covered pavilion. Disc golf enthusiasts can play 18 holes at the Willowan Disc Golf Course on the north side of Lewis. The best place to explore the community’s rural character is State Game Lands No. 133, an expanse of 2,500 acres managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Hunters go there searching for deer, turkey and squirrels, but it’s also open to people who want to hike its mountainous terrain or dip into a swimming hole.
Homes in Lewis are surrounded by picturesque farms, offering a peaceful rural setting.
Countryside cabins and village homes
Homes in Lewis boast space and privacy. The median lot size is about an acre, and many homes are surrounded by trees and separated from the nearest road by long driveways. Many people live in Lewis their entire lives. For example, Hoffman grew up on a farm near Trout Run and today lives down the road, where she operates her greenhouse. Cabins and farmhouses are spread along the countryside, costing as much as $400,000. Colonial-style houses and ranch homes are arranged closer together in villages such as Trout Run, where prices vary from the mid-$100,000s to the mid-$200,000s. Empty lots with mountain views start around $80,000 for those who want a spot to build a home. There are flood zones throughout the township, particularly near Lycoming Creek. New residents may want to look into buying flood insurance. The township’s CAP Index Crime Score is a 1 out of 10, the lowest possible score; a score of 10 indicates highest crime levels.
School bus shakeup
Lewis is part of the Williamsport Area School District, meaning long trips to schools. The closest campus is Hepburn-Lycoming Primary School, but some homes are as far as 15 miles away. Hepburn-Lycoming Primary, which teaches kindergarteners through third graders, gets a Niche grade of B-plus. B-rated Lycoming Valley Intermediate School takes students from fourth to sixth grade. Two other campuses are in the city of Williamsport: Williamsport Area Middle School, earning a B-minus, and Williamsport Area High School, which gets a B-plus. Students at Williamsport Area High can get college credits through Advanced Placement courses or earn certifications in skills such as construction or early childhood education. School buses pick up kids in Lewis, but recent flooding has altered bus stop locations and pickup times, Hoffman says. “My daughter’s not happy about getting up at 6:30 in the morning.”
Grabbing groceries and meals in Trout Run
Most of the township’s businesses are in Trout Run, a village between Route 15 and Lycoming Creek. The Bittner family started a general store here in the ‘70s. It has since changed ownership, but Trout Run General Store remains the community’s only spot for groceries. Otherwise, the closest supermarket is Weis Markets, 8 miles south of Lewis. In town, locals can pick up a bite from the Fatburger or Subway at the Exxon gas station or have a drink and sit-down meal at the Trout Run Hotel. The village is also home to Trout Run United Methodist Church. A trip to the hospital requires a 10-plus-mile drive to Williamsport.
Trout Run Hotel offers a cozy retreat with meals, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere in Lewis.
Trout Run General Store has been providing groceries and everyday essentials since the 1970.
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Fishing, shooting and running at Camp Susque
Camp Susque was founded in 1947 as a summer camp for kids, but the nonprofit has expanded its offerings to classes and events for the entire community. It hosts grandparent-grandkid fishing outings, mother-son rifle shooting and cooking classes. Since 2014, the camp has put on the Annual Harvest Festival for free, where attendees can enjoy live music and hayrides. The festival also includes a 5K and 10K trail run.
Lewis residents enjoy trout fishing in the scenic Lycoming Creek.
Work continues on flooded highway
Cars are necessary to get around Lewis, where there’s no public transportation and trips to stores and workplaces usually take several miles. U.S. Route 15 is one of the main highways, leading directly to Williamsport. Pennsylvania Route 14 is the primary thoroughfare for those living north of Trout Run. The 2024 flood washed away a bridge on Route 14 in Trout Run, so the state has set up a temporary traffic light to route traffic around the bridge while a temporary roadway is being built. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation expects to re-open the bridge around August 2025.
Written By
Alex Soderstrom
Photography Contributed By
Pushparaj Aitwal
Video By
Taylor Noll
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On average, homes in Lewis, PA sell after 3 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Lewis, PA over the last 12 months is $180,000.
Step into a piece of Lewis Township history with this beautifully maintained farmhouse-style home nestled along the peaceful banks of Lycoming Creek. Originally located at the start of Trout Run Mountain Road, the home was carefully relocated to its current setting in the early 1980s. To safeguard against high water, the home was elevated not once, but twice—a testament to the thoughtful care of
Newly renovated double wide Manufactured Home located at the edge of the park for quiet simple living. New flooring and carpeting throughout, new plumbing, bathroom sinks and fresh paint make this affordable home move in ready! Lot rent of $350/mo includes water, sewer, garbage, lawncare and winter maintenance. Large shed and 2 car carport are included. Seller has title in hand!
Lisa StrouseBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodrick Realty, WPT
3 BR/2.5 bath ranch situated on 1 acre, offers flexible floor plan, gas heat, and central AC. Enjoy the beautiful view from the new deck (16x36). Entire property is protected by underground dog fence. Enjoy the fruit from your own apple, peach, pear, and cherry trees. Walk-out Lower level family room (27.7x20.8), large bedroom, bonus room, and half bath. 24x22 garage.New well pump and
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