Nescopeck State Park

Established in April 2005, Nescopeck State Park is one of the newer state parks in the Pennsylvania state park system. Tucked in between the imposing Nescopeck Mountain to its north and the verdant silhouette of Mount Yeager to its south, this stunning public recreation area features a mosaic of wetlands, rich forests, and lush fields that are waiting to be enjoyed. It is a popular spot with hikers, hunters and anglers, with much of these activities taking place around Nescopeck Creek. A scenic waterway that gently winds through its diverse and rugged landscape. Situated just 20 minutes from Hazleton, the park is a regular day trip destination for city dwellers who want to escape into nature. Unfortunately, there is no camping available here. But for those who want to hike through diverse ecosystems, fish for trout and bass or hunt for game, there are few better places in Pennsylvania to do it.

Activities

Spanning 3,550-acres, Nescopeck State Park provides visitors with plenty of ways to engage with its beautiful landscape. Presented below is a brief summary of some of the most prominent activities you can take part in whilst you are there.

Fishing at Nescopeck State Park

For those into fishing, Nescopeck State Park provides excellent opportunities to cast a line either in its lake or creek. Teaming with trout, panfish and bass, the 9-acre Lake Frances can be accessed all year by a well worn trail. The creek also has 6-miles of it that are designated as a cold-water fishery for native brook and brown trout. Several other miles of it have also been registered as delayed harvest and artificial lure as well. To fish at the park you will need a valid license. If you forgot your poles, you can hire them out from the visitor center.

Hiking at Nescopeck State Park

Hiking is a wonderful activity to do at Nescopeck State Park and with 19 miles of trails available there is plenty to see. Several of the trails start from Honey Hole Road, running alongside the stunning creek, before taking hikers into a breathtaking landscape of fields, wetlands and forests. Here are some of the main trails at Nescopeck State Park:

• Grouse Trail – Length: 1.4 miles. Degree of Difficulty: easy
• Oak Trail – Length: 1.3 miles Degree of Difficulty: moderate
• Mountain Loop – Length: 3 miles Degree of Difficulty: challenging

When attempting any of these trails it is important to wear appropriate footwear and a hat in the summer months. You should also carry warm weather clothes with you at other times of the year as the temperature can drop suddenly. Additionally, it is also worth taking snacks and plenty of water with you. While wearing sunscreen and mosquito spray is a good idea.

Hunting at Nescopeck State Park

Hunting is a popular activity at Nescopeck State Park, and is permitted in designated areas during the appropriate seasons. At these times, much of the park is available for hunting, trapping and the training of dogs. Some of the common species of game you can catch include white-tailed deer, black bear, rabbit, turkey, American woodcock and gray squirrel. Those who intend to hunt must adhere to Pennsylvania Game Commission and DCNR rules and regulations.

Cross Country Skiing at Nescopeck State Park

Whilst summer is a terrific time to visit the park, when the snow hits in the winter Nescopeck State Park becomes an excellent destination for cross-country skiing. You can engage in this activity on many different trails within the park, all of which showcase its gorgeous scenery under snow. While the trails are not groomed they are fairly flat or have very slight gradients, which also makes them appropriate for snowshoeing as well. If you don’t have snowshoes of your own, you can hire them out from the visitor center as part of their loaner program.

Pets

If you want to bring your pet with you to the park you are welcome to do so. However, you should be aware that there are strict rules and regulations in place with regards to their presence. At all times owners are requested to keep their furry friends on a leash. They should also ensure they are well behaved and not left unattended for more than half an hour. Throughout the park there are several areas that are off-limits to dogs. To clarify where they are and their overall pet policy, it is worth contacting the staff at the main office.

Camping

For those requiring a place to pitch their tent or RV there are unfortunately no overnight camping available at Nescopeck State Park. However, within a half an hour’s drive of the park there are several other campgrounds in which you can stay at. One of the best options is the Moyers Grove Campground in the wonderfully named Wapwallowpen, It has plenty of plots on its big site, as well as a fantastic swimming pool. The Red Ridge Lake Campground in Zion Grove is also a very good family campground in which to base yourself, while the Grassmere Park Campground in Benton is another solid choice. Between them, all of these campgrounds offer a range of accommodation options including everything from campsites with full hookups to more primitive sites. Some also have cabins available and may count hot showers, flush toilets, a swimming pool, a dump station and laundry among their amenities. For those who would like to stay somewhere that provides a little bit more in the way of home comforts, the Bodnarosa Motel and Campground in Berwick should suit. This charming rustic motel has log cabins as well as a store for guest convenience.

Park Location

Nescopeck State Park 1137 Honey Hole Rd Drums, PA 18222 Phone: 570.403.2006 Park Website

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several of the hiking trails at Nescopeck State Park: