Gobbler's Knob

I've been a little obsessed lately with Gobbler's Knob. Where's that you say?

Here's how my grandfather (W.D. "Golly" Fish) wrote in the Potter Enterprise of this place so close to his heart.

"Gobbler's Knob, with its feet all wet in Nine Mile Run and its head amid the clouds. Wonder if that mythical gobbler of Paul Bunyon size, will frighten visitors and native alike, as he calls his harem, or will they delight in his mighty call and stand entranced, rooted to the mountainside!"

" 'State Park for Winter Sports To Be Opened By January On Denton Hill'  We will stand for the above heading except the Denton Hill part of it. According to our speedometer it will be four miles east of Denton Hill. Since it will be only about a half mile from Golly's Folly, probably octogenarian Golly will be there the opening day with his skis. Ha, ha, ha."

"Golly reached the top of Gobbler's Knob the other day – away up where the ski enthusiast will take off – come next skiing season at Denton Hill State Park. He took a long look down one of the runs. It was steep and a long way down to the bottom of Nine Mile Valley. Packed snow, with woods on either side! The thought of pushing off – Golly wanted no part of it. He might have felt differently 40 or 50 years ago. However, there will be plenty of folks – old and young – who will take the power tow, reach the pinnacle of lofty old Gobbler's Knob and let loose! Zip! And there you are!"

November 1959

 

The view from Gobbler's Knob today

It's been years since skiers zipped down from Gobbler's Knob. The ski area has been shuttered since 2014. The sign still says Denton Hill State Park and it's still within the State Park system. Just last week, officials from DCNR opened up the shuttered lodge and hosted a session to offer up Gobbler's Knob to development as a four-season "Adventure Center." The state is looking for concessionaires to work with them in a public-private partnership.

I am hoping that this suggestion, posted on the Save Denton Hill facebook group, will gain some traction.

"How about a ski resort with a little soul? Maybe just run the poma, a little grooming on the hill below it for beginners. Just clean brush and manage glades on the upper mountain for those who like to earn their turns. Allow car camping and you'll have a pretty hardy group of skiers who currently drive to VT and NH to car camp and ski glades. Very little overhead costs, and you won't create a Disneyland atmosphere (like is happening everywhere Vail and Alterra buy up) in the middle Pennsylvania's more secluded, wild and beautiful counties. Ascutney in Vermont is a good model to follow. As is Brattleboro or Cochran's in Vermont. All family or township owned. Some managed by volunteers. 

My grandfather wrote this in July 1958, as construction of the ski area was underway:

"Just now, however, we are thinking more about the new winter sports area than famous Ole Bull and his famous Stradivarius. Golly can close his eyes and see hundreds of colorfully clothed skiers dotting the Nine Mile mountain, Gobbler's Knob, – some descending at high speed –some on the uphill tow, some taking a spill, some at the lodge for a snack or a coffee break, or to get warm at the great fireplace filled with blazing logs. Great doings in the Nine Mile Valley – come next winter."