PA Historic Places

Exploring Columcille Megalith Park in Northampton County

The collage features five images from Columcille Megalith Park. The central photo is a close-up of a large dolmen with a flat top stone supported by two standing stones, creating a doorway effect. The top-right photo displays a circle of varied standing stones set in a grassy field with trees in the background. In the top-left, there's a view of a stone circle from a distance, showcasing the arrangement's scale within the landscape. The bottom-left picture highlights the park's entrance sign, nestled among boulders. Lastly, the bottom-right image shows a rustic stone tower, reminiscent of ancient European standing stones, with its irregularly stacked rocks reaching skyward.

If you’re looking for information about visiting Columcille Megalith Park, AKA “Pennsylvania’s Stonehenge”, you’re in the right place!

The photo captures a collection of large standing stones in a clearing at Columcille Megalith Park. The stones, of various shapes and sizes, are arranged in a casual, open formation. Leafless trees and evergreens create a natural backdrop to the stone circle, while a bright patch of yellow flowering bushes adds a dash of color to the otherwise muted early spring palette. The sky above is a dramatic mix of blue and white, with clouds spread across, enhancing the ancient and mystical atmosphere of the setting.

Columcille Megalith Park, spanning over 20 acres, features more than 90 strategically placed stone settings reminiscent of the megalithic structures found in ancient Celtic lands, with some formations paralleling the iconic Stonehenge (thus the nickname).

The image showcases a striking stone structure at Columcille Megalith Park resembling a dolmen, with a large, flat top stone resting horizontally upon two robust, upright stones. The structure is set among a natural wooded landscape, with leafless trees and evergreens framing the scene. The forest floor is scattered with fallen leaves and the overcast sky above suggests a cool, tranquil environment, reminiscent of ancient megalithic sites.

Nestled on the slope of Blue Mountain in northern Northampton County, Columcille Megalith Park offers a unique experience that echoes the mystical ambiance of ancient Celtic traditions.

A rustic stone tower with a small arched entrance stands against a cloudy sky in Columcille Megalith Park. The tower, made of variously sized and colored stones, rises to a jagged peak, with several large stones at the top leaning outwards, reminiscent of natural rock formations. The structure appears ancient and monolithic, evoking the essence of a bygone era. Surrounding the tower is a grassy area with scattered boulders and trees in the background, suggesting a serene and historical setting within the park.

Creation of Columcille Megalith Park

Columcille Megalith Park was born from founder William H. Cohea, Jr.’s profound experience with ancient megaliths and Celtic Christianity on Scotland’s Isle of Iona in 1977, fueling his desire to recreate that spirit in America.

The photo showcases the quaint St. Columba's Chapel at Columcille Megalith Park, constructed of mixed stone with a heavy wooden door and wrought-iron hardware. The chapel's steeply pitched roof features weathered shingles, and it's complemented by a backdrop of dense woodland. A green informational sign stands to the right, identifying the structure and contributing to the park's rustic and historical character.

Cohea established the park in 1978 as a sanctuary for those seeking renewal and solace, through the power and presence of megalithic stones.

The image shows a striking rock formation at Columcille Megalith Park with a large, upright stone dominating the foreground, accompanied by smaller supporting stones. In the middle distance, a spherical boulder contrasts with the verticality of the other elements. The arrangement is set against a backdrop of bare deciduous trees, with hints of greenery indicating the approach of spring. Paths wind through the park, inviting visitors to explore the serene landscape reminiscent of ancient megalithic sites.

These stones, some dating back 3.6 billion years and weighing as much as 45 tons, are primarily sourced from local slate quarries or directly from the site.

A large, flat slate slab supported by three upright stones forms a table-like structure in the foreground of a wooded landscape at Columcille Megalith Park. The slab's surface is smooth, with the coloration ranging from dark grey to black. Behind the megalithic structure, the leafless trees of early spring stand with a gazebo-like wooden structure visible in the middle distance, surrounded by a grassy clearing and more forested areas. The park's atmosphere is tranquil, with the overcast sky contributing to the serene and ancient feel of the setting.

Direction | Hours | Admission Fees

Columcille Megalith Park is located at 2155 Fox Gap Road, Bangor, PA 18013.

The park is open from dawn until dusk year round.

In the foreground of the photo is a sign at Columcille Megalith Park which reads "Columcille, OPEN Dawn to Dusk, ENTER at Your Own Risk" against a teal background with a semi-circular motif. Behind the sign, a meadow stretches towards a distinctive stone tower and various standing stones, reminiscent of ancient megaliths, scattered across a lush green landscape. The park's natural beauty is further accentuated by the backdrop of a cloudy sky and forested horizon, inviting exploration and reflection.

Admission fees are collected on the honor system; the suggested donation is Adults $10 and Children $5.

The photo shows an information kiosk at the entrance of Columcille Megalith Park. The kiosk is adorned with Celtic designs and provides various notices including an "ABSOLUTELY NO CLIMBING ON ANY OF THE SACRED STONES" warning, a "THIS IS A SMOKE-FREE PROPERTY" reminder, and a sign suggesting donations for entry. A red donation box and informational maps are available, with a clear view of the stone structures and wooded landscape of the park in the background. The scene is indicative of a well-maintained and respectfully presented historical site.

What You’ll See at Columcille Megalith Park

Visitors to the park can explore several miles of unpaved trails that meander through hardwood forests, across streams, and past ponds.

The photo captures a serene view of Columcille Megalith Park, with a tranquil pond reflecting the cloudy sky and surrounding trees. A collection of standing stones and a notable stone tower are visible in the background, harmonizing with the natural landscape. The lush green grass around the pond adds vibrancy to the scene, which is both peaceful and evocative of the park's megalithic inspiration.

The trails, following the natural contours of the land, offer a physical and spiritual journey through a landscape designed for contemplation and communion with nature.

The photo features a view from within Columcille Megalith Park, focusing on a large, horizontal stone slab supported by two vertical megaliths, creating a portal-like structure amidst the woodland. The stone surface is covered with moss and lichen, indicating its age and exposure to the elements. Through the stone portal, one can see the forested park landscape with additional standing stones in the distance, giving the sense of a journey back in time to an era of ancient megaliths.

The park’s centerpiece, St. Columba Chapel, showcases exquisite craftsmanship.

The image captures St. Columba's Chapel at Columcille Megalith Park, a small stone building with a symmetrically pitched slate roof and a wooden door, set among a lightly forested landscape in early spring. Adjacent to the chapel, a slender upright megalith emerges from the underbrush, adding an ancient touch to the tranquil setting. A green sign near the chapel provides visitors with information, while the ground, covered with early spring foliage, completes this serene tableau.

Visitors are encouraged to step inside and immerse themselves in the tranquility that pervades this sacred space.

The photo presents the interior of St. Columba Chapel at Columcille Megalith Park, featuring stone walls and a wooden beamed ceiling. At the center of the room rests a large, irregularly shaped boulder, while simple wooden benches and chairs provide seating along the perimeter. Small, leaded windows allow natural light to enter, creating a peaceful and contemplative space within the chapel. A small wooden door offers access to the intimate sanctuary, which embodies the rustic and spiritual atmosphere of the park.

The Skyy Lane Resource Center provides additional insights into the park’s foundation and its dedication to preserving cultural and spiritual traditions.

The photo captures the interior of a resource center at Columcille Megalith Park, with a large bookshelf filled with an array of books. The collection seems to focus on spirituality, mythology, and nature, reflecting the park's thematic interests. Above the books, decorative items, including a pair of blue vases and framed pictures, adorn the space. In the foreground, informational brochures are spread out on a wooden chest, and a sign indicates that the books are not for sale. A large stone is placed near the shelf, symbolizing the park's connection to megalithic structures.

Columcille Megalith Park is more than a mere collection of stones; it is a living testament to the blend of Celtic Christianity and ancient megalithic customs brought vividly to life in America.

The image shows a distinctive, tall stone tower at Columcille Megalith Park, built with an assortment of rocks and boulders of various shapes and colors. The rustic tower features a wooden door and is topped with a small stone cross, giving it a historical and ecclesiastical appearance. Bare trees surround the tower, with the overcast sky above hinting at the quiet, contemplative nature of the park.

It serves as a sanctuary where individuals can engage in environmental communion, creative reflection, and meditative practices.

The image displays a close-up of a green informational sign next to the textured stone wall of St. Columba Chapel at Columcille Megalith Park. The sign welcomes visitors to the chapel, describing it as the resting place of the park's founders and a space dedicated to quiet meditation. It mentions that the chapel, constructed in 1979, is modeled after St. Columba's sixth-century scriptorium on the Isle of Iona, Scotland. The sign requests visitors to respect the sacred space by not eating, drinking, or smoking. Behind the sign, the natural setting of the park is partially visible, with trees and undergrowth contributing to the serene atmosphere.

The park celebrates the seasonal observances of Celtic and other spiritual traditions, fostering a deep connection between visitors and the ancient energies of earth and sky.

In a grassy clearing of Columcille Megalith Park, a circle of large, upright stones stands against a backdrop of trees. The stones vary in shape, size, and color, ranging from muted whites to greys and speckled patterns, reminiscent of a prehistoric stone circle. The surrounding landscape is a tapestry of early spring with leafless deciduous trees and evergreens, under a cloud-filled sky, creating a scene that feels both ancient and timeless.

Final Thoughts

Columcille Megalith Park is a portal to the past, a place where myth and landscape converge to offer a profound experience.

The image shows the entrance sign to Columcille Megalith Park, declaring it the "Land of Myth & Mystery." The sign is black with white lettering, flanked by natural, large stones and set upon a moss-covered boulder. To the left, a green Heritage Conservancy sign indicates the park's preservation status. The background features budding trees, indicating early spring, and a glimpse of the park's stone structures, inviting visitors to explore further.

Whether you’re drawn by the allure of its megalithic structures, seeking a quiet corner for reflection, or interested in the rich spiritual heritage it embodies, Columcille provides a unique escape into the realms of nature and spirituality.

The interior of St. Columba Chapel at Columcille Megalith Park is depicted, highlighting the stone construction with variously shaped and sized stones composing the walls. Leaded glass windows of different heights punctuate the walls, offering views of the surrounding greenery. In the center of the chapel is a massive stone slab, akin to an altar, flanked by wooden benches with ornate, dark wood ends. The space feels ancient and serene, inviting quiet contemplation and reflection.

It stands as a monument to human creativity and the timeless quest for understanding our place within the natural world.

The image shows a weathered wooden sign with the word "COLUMCILLE" painted in yellow with red outlines, nailed to a tree trunk. The sign exhibits a rustic charm, indicative of the natural and historical ambiance of Columcille Megalith Park. The background is filled with foliage and hints of a residential structure, blending the park's cultural significance with its present-day surroundings.

Nearby Attractions

Slateford Creek Falls is a series of three waterfalls along a half-mile stretch of Slateford Creek in Northampton County.

A collage of 5 photos from hiking to the three waterfalls along Slateford Creek in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Northampton County Pennsylvania. — Scenes from Slateford Creek Falls.

Bushkill Falls in Pike County, often dubbed the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” is a privately-owned nature park that features eight stunning waterfalls, accessible through a network of scenic trails and beautiful boardwalks that cater to all levels of hikers.

A collage of five images encapsulates the diverse experiences at Bushkill Falls, Pike County, Pennsylvania. The top left image displays a robust observation deck overlooking a cascading waterfall. Adjacent to it on the right, the park's entrance building welcomes visitors with a large "Welcome to Bushkill Falls" sign. Below, a wooden walkway stretches over rushing waters, leading visitors through the tranquil environment. The bottom left shows a set of wooden stairs winding through the forest, offering a rustic path for exploration. Finally, a visitor in red, centered in the bottom right, photographs one of the park’s majestic waterfalls, highlighting the picturesque beauty and recreational opportunities available in this section of the Pocono Mountains, all embraced by the park's well-crafted wooden structures. — Scenes from Bushkill Falls.

Find even more great spots to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

Did you enjoy this article?

If so, be sure to like and follow PA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest to learn more about the best things to see and do in Pennsylvania!

Click on any of the icons below to get connected to PA Bucket List on social media.