SPORTS & RECREATION / PARKS AND NATURE
The Pocono Mountains and Northeastern Pennsylvania represent nature’s finest playground, delighting residents and visitors with four-season grandeur. Snow-capped mountains, rushing streams, rolling rivers, deep forests, vast woodlands, and pristine wetlands are available for enjoyment and exploration. World-class fishing, winter sports, camping, hiking, biking, and horseback riding are all popular activities. Regardless of where you settle in this beautiful region, the ideal backdrop for every imaginable outdoor activity will be close to home.
State / Federal Parkland
Archbald Pothole State Park
Carbondale 570-945-3239
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
This relatively small 150-acre park is named for a geologic feature that formed during the Wisconsin Glacial Period—around 15,000 years ago.
Beltzville State Park
Beltzville 610-377-0045
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Stretching over nearly 3,000 acres in Carbon County, the park has been developed around the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control project, Beltzville Dam. Beltzville Lake features almost 20 miles of shoreline.
Big Pocono State Park
Tannersville 570-894-8336
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Nestled in Monroe County, this 1,306-acre park features rugged terrain on the summit and slopes of Camelback Mountain to offer tri-state views.
Delaware State Forest
Swiftwater 570-895-4000
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry
Straddling the Delaware River from Milford to the Delaware Water Gap to encompass 70,000 scenic acres, the forest is highlighted by George W. Childs Park, a series of scenic waterfalls, and six natural areas.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Bushkill 570-426-2452
www.nps.gov/dewa
Hiking in the Endless Mountains and water sports on the Delaware River are popular activities along the vast 40-mile riverfront that passes between low forested mountains.
Frances Slocum State Park
Wyoming 570-696-3525
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Near Dallas and Wilkes-Barre, this 1,035-acre park in Luzerne County features the 165-acre Frances Slocum Lake is a focal point.
Gouldsboro State Park
Gouldsboro 570-894-8336
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Stretching over sections of Monroe and Wayne counties, this spectacularly beautiful 2,800-acre park features the 250-acre Gouldsboro Lake for boating, water sports, and fishing.
Hickory Run State Park
White Haven 570-443-0400
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
The western foothills of the Pocono Mountains is the setting for this 15,500-acre park with more than 40 miles of hiking trails, three state park natural areas, and miles of trout streams.
Lackawanna State Forest
Headquarters Office
101 Penn Avenue
Scranton 570-963-4561
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry
Covering 8,115 acres of pristine landscape, the forest is ideal for picnicking, hiking, backpacking, hunting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, fishing, and nature walks.
Lackawanna State Park
Dalton 570-945-3239
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Covering more than 1,400 acres, the jewel of this sprawling state park is the 198-acre Lackawanna Lake with its modern recreational facilities just 10 miles from Scranton.
Lehigh Gorge State Park
White Haven 570-443-0400
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
The park follows the Lehigh River from the outlet of the Francis E. Walter Dam to the town of Jim Thorpe to showcase a deep gorge, steep walls and thick vegetation, rock outcroppings, and spectacular waterfalls.
Mount Pisgah State Park
Troy 570-297-2734
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
The scenic Endless Mountains are the setting for this park in Bradford County, covering more than 1,300 acres along Mill Creek at the base of Mt. Pisgah.
Nescopeck State Park
Drums 570-403-2006
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
With steeply rising Mount Yeager on the south and Nescopeck Mountain on the north, this 3,550-acre park covers sections of Butler and Dennison townships in Luzerne County.
Promised Land State Park
Greentown 570-676-3428
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Nearly 3,000 acres in area, the park is nestled in the Pocono Plateau and surrounded by 12,464 acres of Pennsylvania’s Delaware State Forest—including natural areas.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Benton 70-477-5675
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
One of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania, this vast 13,050-acre park that features old-growth timber and diverse wildlife and stretches over section of Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties.
Salt Springs State Park
Franklin Forks 570-945-3239
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Susquehanna County offers this 405-acre park with focal points of towering old-growth hemlock trees—many estimated to be over 500 years old—and the rocky gorge cut by Fall Brook with its three waterfalls.
Tobyhanna State Park
Tobyhanna 570-894-8336
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Stretching over sections of Monroe and Wayne counties, this 5,440-acre park features the beautiful 170-acre Tobyhanna Lake.
Varden Conservation Area
Lake Township 570-676-3428
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Set in Wayne County, this unique 343-acre site represents a pristine area in a once-remote section of the state that is being protected as an unspoiled oasis and environmental education center.
World’s End State Park
Forksville 570-924-3287
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Cradled in a narrow S-shaped valley of the Loyalsock Creek in Sullivan County, this park features breathtaking scenery—particularly the June mountain laurel and fall foliage.
Regional Highlights
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Harpers Ferry, WV 304-535-6331
www.appalachiantrail.org
Covering nearly 2,160 miles, this spectacular footpath runs from Maine to Georgia, traversing 14 states. The 229-mile Pennsylvania section follows mountain ridges east of the Alleghenies to the Susquehanna River, crossing the Great Valley of the Appalachians to the Blue Ridge.
Boulder Field
Hickory Run State Park
PA Highway 534
White Haven 570-443-0400
Toll free 888-PA-PARKS
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Covering 16 acres, this National Natural Landmark represents a unique geological formation of periglacial origin in Carbon County.
Delaware & Hudson Canal Towpath
Beach Lake 570-729-7134
Visitors 570-685-4871
www.nps.gov/upde
Stroll, jog, or bicycle along the D&H Canal’s towpath, originally used for mules that were pulling canal boats.
F.M. Kirby Park
301 Northampton Street
Kingston 570-208-4240
www.wilkes-barre.pa.us
Just across the Market Street Bridge, this amenity-rich, 52-acre park serves as the recreational jewel of the Wilkes-Barre community.
Glens Natural Area
Ricketts Glen State Park
695 State Route 487
Benton 570-477-5675
Toll free 888-PA-PARKS
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
Nearly 2,900 acres make up this National Natural Landmark, where the branches of Kitchen Creek and their scenic waterfalls flow through old growth forests in Luzerne County.
Lake Wallenpaupack
Route 6
Hawley 570-226-3191
www.hawleywallenpaupackcc.com
This mammoth man-made lake covers 5,700 acres and features 52 miles of shoreline as well as six recreational areas, forest lands, wildlife, walking trails, campsites, and boat slips.
Little Mud Pond Swamp Natural Area
Delaware State Forest
Swiftwater 570-895-4000
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry
The boreal conifer swamp in this preserve creates a glacial bog habitat and supports species usually found in more northern latitudes.
Long Pond
Long Pond Road
Long Pond 570-643-7922
www.nature.org
Reflecting a northern Canadian landscape because of its glacial past, this vast area has been designated by the Audubon Society as one of the “Important Bird Areas of Pennsylvania.”
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
625 Lentz Trail
Jim Thorpe 570-325-3669
www.carboncounty.com/parks.htm
Four-season recreational and outdoor activities are available at this vast county park with its beautiful centerpiece lake, cross-country ski areas, environmental education center, camping areas, and picnic sites.
McDade Park
200 Adams Avenue
Scranton 570-477-5467
www.luzernecounty.org
Home to some of Scranton’s most celebrated attractions including the Anthracite Heritage Museum and the Scranton Public Theater, the park is filled with amenities and sports facilities.
Middle Delaware National Scenic River
Bushkill 570-426-2452
www.nps.gov/dewa
Distinguished as one of America’s cleanest rivers, the Middle Delaware watershed provides water for 10 percent of the nation’s population.
Moon Lake Park
196 Moon Lake Road
Hunlock Creek 570-477-5467
www.moonlakepark.com
More than 600 acres of fields and forests surround a 48-acre lake to offer a wide array of developed amenities including a marina, camping area, swimming pool, sports fields and courts, and a nature education center.
Nay Aug Park
Mulberry Street
Scranton 570-348-4189
www.scrantonpa.gov/parks_nayaug.asp
Brimming over with attractions and outstanding features, this urban oasis offers walking trails, picnic areas, rides and waterslides, a wildlife center, an ampitheater, and a gorge and waterfalls that have been named a National Natural Landmark.
Pennel Run & Buckhorn Natural Areas
Delaware State Forest
Swiftwater 570-895-4000
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry
Pennel Run features a 935-acre landscape dotted with scrub oak, gray birch, aspen, and mixed oaks along with the Utts Swamp. The 535-acre Buckhorn Natural Area protects reptiles and amphibians in a high mountain swamp environment.
Pine Lake Natural Area
Delaware State Forest
Swiftwater 570-895-4000
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry
Nearly 70 acres include a 10-acre glacial bog that exhibits plant zones ranging from open water to tree cover.
Seven Tubs Natural Area
Route 115 South
Wilkes-Barre 570-477-5467
www.luzernecounty.org
Glacial meltwater eroded bedrock, creating a series of potholes in an area now called Whirlpool Valley. Managed by Luzerne County, this site offers an Audubon Trail.
Stillwater Natural Area
Delaware State Forest
Swiftwater 570-895-4000
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry
This 1,931-acre tract with Civil War historic significance blends conifers and hardwoods; the Little Bushkill Steam offers “stillwaters” for canoeing.
Switchback Gravity Railroad Trail
Jim Thorpe 570-325-8255
www.switchbackgravityrr.org
Walkers, hikers, joggers, and mountain bikers can enjoy an 18-mile historic trail that traces the route of the Switch Back Gravity Railroad through “The Switzerland of America.”
Tannersville Cranberry Bog
Bog Road
Tannersville 570-629-3061
www.mcconservation.org
As part of the Monroe County Environmental Educational Center, this 775-acre site preserves a 150-acre wetland and relict boreal bog that once a huge glacial lake. Spectacular plant specimens join abundant wildlife to support many special programs.
Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River
Headquarters Office
274 River Road
Beach Lake 570-729-7134
Visitors 570-685-4871
www.nps.gov/upde
Rolling hills, riverfront villages, and bald eagles form a vibrant backdrop as the Delaware River meanders through rural countryside.
Nature Centers & Gardens
Carbon County Environmental Education Center
151 E. White Bear Drive
Summit Hill 570-645-8597
http://home.ptd.net/~cceec
The entire family can enjoy a wide variety of activities and events including workshops, classes, and wildlife rehabilitation.
Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary
White Mills 570-253-1185
www.dorflinger.org
Covering 600 acres, the sanctuary preserves the Dorflinger’s circa 1860 home and offers a scenic venue for cultural festivals
Endless Mountains Nature Center
265 Vosburg Neck Road
Tunkhannock 570-836-3835
www.emnconline.org
Numerous programs for school-age children and other residents is only one part of the far-reaching work performed by this organization and its partners.
The Florence Shelly Preserve
Route 171
Thompson 570-756-2429
www.nature.org
Protected by the Nature Conservancy, this 300-acre site features trails and guided walks through diverse habitat.
Genesis Wildlife Center
Nay Aug Park
Mulberry Street
Scranton 570-348-4189
www.scrantonpa.gov/parks_nayaug.asp
Nestled in sprawling Nay Aug Park, the wildlife center invites visitors to enjoy a touch of nature in the middle of an urban landscape.
Greystone Gardens
829 Old State Road
Clarks Summit 570-586-5493
www.greystoneg.com
Enjoy the natural beauty of an English Garden Centre with a gift shop and cafe, all in a woodland setting.
Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary
Monroe County Environmental Education Center
8050 Running Valley Road
Stroudsburg 570-629-3061
www.mcconservation.org
Home to the Monroe County Environmental Educational Center, the 166-acre preserve offers a mature forest, evergreen stands, ponds, walking trails, and special programs.
Marywood University Arboretum
2300 Adams Avenue
Scranton 570-348-6218
Programs 570-348-6211
www.marywood.edu/arboretum
The public is invited to enjoy this wonderful oasis created “to preserve, to enjoy, and to learn.”
McDade Park Arboretum & Gardens
200 Adams Avenue
Scranton 570-477-5467
www.luzernecounty.org
More than 200 acres of greenspace includes nature trails, an arboretum, and natural gardens.
Messing Nature Center
Delaware State Forest
Marshall’s Creek Road
Marshall’s Creek 570-629-3061
www.mcconservation.org
Educational programs for all ages are available at this site, managed by the Monroe County Environmental Educational Center in Stroudsburg.
Pocono Snake & Animal Farm
Route 209
Marshalls Creek 570-223-8653
From its genesis as a small petting zoo, this “great little zoo” houses animals that have been featured on many national television programs.
Woodbourne Forest & Wildlife Preserve
Route 29 North
Montrose 570-278-3384
www.nature.org
Covering nearly 650 acres, this ancient forest combines with open fields, wildflower meadows, winding creeks, mossy bogs and historic stone walls to preserve natural beauty and wildlife habitats.
Parks & Recreation Contacts
City of Hazleton Recreation
570-459-4903
www.hazletoncity.org
City of Scranton
570-348-4186
www.scrantonpa.gov/parks.asp
City of Wilkes-Barre Parks
570-208-4240
www.wilkes-barre.pa.us
Carbon County Parks & Recreation
570-325-3669
www.carboncounty.com/parks.htm
Lackawanna County Parks & Recreation
570-963-6764
www.lackawannacounty.org
Luzerne County Parks
570-477-5467
www.luzernecounty.org
National Parks System
Northeast Region
215-597-7013
www.nps.gov
Pennsylvania State Forests
717-787-4777
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry
Pennsylvania State Parks
888-PA-PARKS
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks
