{"id":316,"date":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","date_gmt":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.websitefix.net\/clients\/Generic\/?page_id=316"},"modified":"2018-11-15T19:17:19","modified_gmt":"2018-11-15T19:17:19","slug":"parks-nature","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/PoconoPA3\/?page_id=316","title":{"rendered":"Parks & Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ PARKS AND NATURE<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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State \/ Federal Parkland<\/strong><\/p>\n

Archbald Pothole State Park<\/strong>
\nCarbondale 570-945-3239
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nThis relatively small 150-acre park is named for a geologic feature that formed during the Wisconsin Glacial Period\u2014around 15,000 years ago.<\/p>\n

Beltzville State Park<\/strong>
\nBeltzville 610-377-0045
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nStretching 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.<\/p>\n

Big Pocono State Park<\/strong>
\nTannersville 570-894-8336
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nNestled in Monroe County, this 1,306-acre park features rugged terrain on the summit and slopes of Camelback Mountain to offer tri-state views.<\/p>\n

Delaware State Forest<\/strong>
\nSwiftwater 570-895-4000
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/forestry<\/a>
\nStraddling 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.<\/p>\n

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area<\/strong>
\nBushkill 570-426-2452
\nwww.nps.gov\/dewa<\/a>
\nHiking 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.<\/p>\n

Frances Slocum State Park<\/strong>
\nWyoming 570-696-3525
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nNear Dallas and Wilkes-Barre, this 1,035-acre park in Luzerne County features the 165-acre Frances Slocum Lake is a focal point.<\/p>\n

Gouldsboro State Park<\/strong>
\nGouldsboro 570-894-8336
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nStretching 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.<\/p>\n

Hickory Run State Park<\/strong>
\nWhite Haven 570-443-0400
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n

Lackawanna State Forest<\/strong>
\nHeadquarters Office
\n101 Penn Avenue
\nScranton 570-963-4561
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/forestry<\/a>
\nCovering 8,115 acres of pristine landscape, the forest is ideal for picnicking, hiking, backpacking, hunting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, fishing, and nature walks.<\/p>\n

Lackawanna State Park<\/strong>
\nDalton 570-945-3239
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nCovering 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.<\/p>\n

Lehigh Gorge State Park<\/strong>
\nWhite Haven 570-443-0400
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n

Mount Pisgah State Park<\/strong>
\nTroy 570-297-2734
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n

Nescopeck State Park<\/strong>
\nDrums 570-403-2006
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nWith 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.<\/p>\n

Promised Land State Park<\/strong>
\nGreentown 570-676-3428
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nNearly 3,000 acres in area, the park is nestled in the Pocono Plateau and surrounded by 12,464 acres of Pennsylvania\u2019s Delaware State Forest\u2014including natural areas.<\/p>\n

Ricketts Glen State Park<\/strong>
\nBenton 70-477-5675
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nOne 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.<\/p>\n

Salt Springs State Park<\/strong>
\nFranklin Forks 570-945-3239
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nSusquehanna County offers this 405-acre park with focal points of towering old-growth hemlock trees\u2014many estimated to be over 500 years old\u2014and the rocky gorge cut by Fall Brook with its three waterfalls.<\/p>\n

Tobyhanna State Park<\/strong>
\nTobyhanna 570-894-8336
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nStretching over sections of Monroe and Wayne counties, this 5,440-acre park features the beautiful 170-acre Tobyhanna Lake.<\/p>\n

Varden Conservation Area<\/strong>
\nLake Township 570-676-3428
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nSet 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.<\/p>\n

World’s End State Park<\/strong>
\nForksville 570-924-3287
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nCradled in a narrow S-shaped valley of the Loyalsock Creek in Sullivan County, this park features breathtaking scenery\u2014particularly the June mountain laurel and fall foliage.<\/p>\n

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Regional Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n

Appalachian National Scenic Trail<\/strong>
\nAppalachian Trail Conservancy
\nHarpers Ferry, WV 304-535-6331
\nwww.appalachiantrail.org<\/a>
\nCovering 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.<\/p>\n

Boulder Field<\/strong>
\nHickory Run State Park
\nPA Highway 534
\nWhite Haven 570-443-0400
\nToll free 888-PA-PARKS
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nCovering 16 acres, this National Natural Landmark represents a unique geological formation of periglacial origin in Carbon County.<\/p>\n

Delaware & Hudson Canal Towpath<\/strong>
\nBeach Lake 570-729-7134
\nVisitors 570-685-4871
\nwww.nps.gov\/upde<\/a>
\nStroll, jog, or bicycle along the D&H Canal’s towpath, originally used for mules that were pulling canal boats.<\/p>\n

F.M. Kirby Park<\/strong>
\n301 Northampton Street
\nKingston 570-208-4240
\nwww.wilkes-barre.pa.us<\/a>
\nJust across the Market Street Bridge, this amenity-rich, 52-acre park serves as the recreational jewel of the Wilkes-Barre community.<\/p>\n

Glens Natural Area<\/strong>
\nRicketts Glen State Park
\n695 State Route 487
\nBenton 570-477-5675
\nToll free 888-PA-PARKS
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a>
\nNearly 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.<\/p>\n

Lake Wallenpaupack<\/strong>
\nRoute 6
\nHawley 570-226-3191
\nwww.hawleywallenpaupackcc.com<\/a>
\nThis 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.<\/p>\n

Little Mud Pond Swamp Natural Area<\/strong>
\nDelaware State Forest
\nSwiftwater 570-895-4000
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/forestry<\/a>
\nThe boreal conifer swamp in this preserve creates a glacial bog habitat and supports species usually found in more northern latitudes.<\/p>\n

Long Pond<\/strong>
\nLong Pond Road
\nLong Pond 570-643-7922
\nwww.nature.org<\/a>
\nReflecting 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.”<\/p>\n

Mauch Chunk Lake Park<\/strong>
\n625 Lentz Trail
\nJim Thorpe 570-325-3669
\nwww.carboncounty.com\/parks.htm<\/a>
\nFour-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.<\/p>\n

McDade Park<\/strong>
\n200 Adams Avenue
\nScranton 570-477-5467
\nwww.luzernecounty.org<\/a>
\nHome 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.<\/p>\n

Middle Delaware National Scenic River<\/strong>
\nBushkill 570-426-2452
\nwww.nps.gov\/dewa<\/a>
\nDistinguished as one of America’s cleanest rivers, the Middle Delaware watershed provides water for 10 percent of the nation’s population.<\/p>\n

Moon Lake Park<\/strong>
\n196 Moon Lake Road
\nHunlock Creek 570-477-5467
\nwww.moonlakepark.com<\/a>
\nMore 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.<\/p>\n

Nay Aug Park<\/strong>
\nMulberry Street
\nScranton 570-348-4189
\nwww.scrantonpa.gov\/parks_nayaug.asp<\/a>
\nBrimming 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.<\/p>\n

Pennel Run & Buckhorn Natural Areas<\/strong>
\nDelaware State Forest
\nSwiftwater 570-895-4000
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/forestry<\/a>
\nPennel 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.<\/p>\n

Pine Lake Natural Area<\/strong>
\nDelaware State Forest
\nSwiftwater 570-895-4000
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/forestry<\/a>
\nNearly 70 acres include a 10-acre glacial bog that exhibits plant zones ranging from open water to tree cover.<\/p>\n

Seven Tubs Natural Area<\/strong>
\nRoute 115 South
\nWilkes-Barre 570-477-5467
\nwww.luzernecounty.org<\/a>
\nGlacial 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.<\/p>\n

Stillwater Natural Area<\/strong>
\nDelaware State Forest
\nSwiftwater 570-895-4000
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/forestry<\/a>
\nThis 1,931-acre tract with Civil War historic significance blends conifers and hardwoods; the Little Bushkill Steam offers “stillwaters” for canoeing.<\/p>\n

Switchback Gravity Railroad Trail<\/strong>
\nJim Thorpe 570-325-8255
\nwww.switchbackgravityrr.org<\/a>
\nWalkers, 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.”<\/p>\n

Tannersville Cranberry Bog<\/strong>
\nBog Road
\nTannersville 570-629-3061
\nwww.mcconservation.org<\/a>
\nAs 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.<\/p>\n

Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River<\/strong>
\nHeadquarters Office
\n274 River Road
\nBeach Lake 570-729-7134
\nVisitors 570-685-4871
\nwww.nps.gov\/upde<\/a>
\nRolling hills, riverfront villages, and bald eagles form a vibrant backdrop as the Delaware River meanders through rural countryside.<\/p>\n

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Nature Centers & Gardens<\/strong><\/p>\n

Carbon County Environmental Education Center<\/strong>
\n151 E. White Bear Drive
\nSummit Hill 570-645-8597
\nhttp:\/\/home.ptd.net\/~cceec<\/a>
\nThe entire family can enjoy a wide variety of activities and events including workshops, classes, and wildlife rehabilitation.<\/p>\n

Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong>
\nWhite Mills 570-253-1185
\nwww.dorflinger.org<\/a>
\nCovering 600 acres, the sanctuary preserves the Dorflinger’s circa 1860 home and offers a scenic venue for cultural festivals<\/p>\n

Endless Mountains Nature Center<\/strong>
\n265 Vosburg Neck Road
\nTunkhannock 570-836-3835
\nwww.emnconline.org<\/a>
\nNumerous programs for school-age children and other residents is only one part of the far-reaching work performed by this organization and its partners.<\/p>\n

The Florence Shelly Preserve<\/strong>
\nRoute 171
\nThompson 570-756-2429
\nwww.nature.org<\/a>
\nProtected by the Nature Conservancy, this 300-acre site features trails and guided walks through diverse habitat.<\/p>\n

Genesis Wildlife Center<\/strong>
\nNay Aug Park
\nMulberry Street
\nScranton 570-348-4189
\nwww.scrantonpa.gov\/parks_nayaug.asp<\/a>
\nNestled in sprawling Nay Aug Park, the wildlife center invites visitors to enjoy a touch of nature in the middle of an urban landscape.<\/p>\n

Greystone Gardens<\/strong>
\n829 Old State Road
\nClarks Summit\u00a0570-586-5493
\nwww.greystoneg.com<\/a>
\nEnjoy the natural beauty of an English Garden Centre with a gift shop and cafe, all in a woodland setting.<\/p>\n

Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong>
\nMonroe County Environmental Education Center
\n8050 Running Valley Road
\nStroudsburg 570-629-3061
\nwww.mcconservation.org<\/a>
\nHome to the Monroe County Environmental Educational Center, the 166-acre preserve offers a mature forest, evergreen stands, ponds, walking trails, and special programs.<\/p>\n

Marywood University Arboretum<\/strong>
\n2300 Adams Avenue
\nScranton 570-348-6218
\nPrograms 570-348-6211
\nwww.marywood.edu\/arboretum<\/a>
\nThe public is invited to enjoy this wonderful oasis created “to preserve, to enjoy, and to learn.”<\/p>\n

McDade Park Arboretum & Gardens<\/strong>
\n200 Adams Avenue
\nScranton 570-477-5467
\nwww.luzernecounty.org<\/a>
\nMore than 200 acres of greenspace includes nature trails, an arboretum, and natural gardens.<\/p>\n

Messing Nature Center<\/strong>
\nDelaware State Forest
\nMarshall’s Creek Road
\nMarshall’s Creek 570-629-3061
\nwww.mcconservation.org<\/a>
\nEducational programs for all ages are available at this site, managed by the Monroe County Environmental Educational Center in Stroudsburg.<\/p>\n

Pocono Snake & Animal Farm<\/strong>
\nRoute 209
\nMarshalls Creek 570-223-8653
\nFrom its genesis as a small petting zoo, this “great little zoo” houses animals that have been featured on many national television programs.<\/p>\n

Woodbourne Forest & Wildlife Preserve<\/strong>
\nRoute 29 North
\nMontrose 570-278-3384
\nwww.nature.org<\/a>
\nCovering 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.<\/p>\n

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Parks & Recreation Contacts<\/strong><\/p>\n

City of Hazleton Recreation<\/strong>
\n570-459-4903
\nwww.hazletoncity.org<\/a><\/p>\n

City of Scranton<\/strong>
\n570-348-4186
\nwww.scrantonpa.gov\/parks.asp<\/a><\/p>\n

City of Wilkes-Barre Parks<\/strong>
\n570-208-4240
\nwww.wilkes-barre.pa.us<\/a><\/p>\n

Carbon County Parks & Recreation<\/strong>
\n570-325-3669
\nwww.carboncounty.com\/parks.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

Lackawanna County Parks & Recreation<\/strong>
\n570-963-6764
\nwww.lackawannacounty.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Luzerne County Parks<\/strong>
\n570-477-5467
\nwww.luzernecounty.org<\/a><\/p>\n

National Parks System<\/strong>
\nNortheast Region
\n215-597-7013
\nwww.nps.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Forests<\/strong>
\n717-787-4777
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/forestry<\/a><\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Parks<\/strong>
\n888-PA-PARKS
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-316","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/PoconoPA3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/PoconoPA3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/PoconoPA3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/PoconoPA3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/PoconoPA3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=316"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/PoconoPA3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":526,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/PoconoPA3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions\/526"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/PoconoPA3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}