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Pennsylvania
62

Pennsylvania State Parks

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USA Parks
Pennsylvania
Northeast Region
Delaware State Forest
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Delaware State Forest © Nicki McManus
Delaware State Forest © Nicki McManus
Delaware State Forest © Nicki McManus
Delaware State Forest © Nicki McManus
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DELAWARE STATE FOREST
DELAWARE STATE FOREST
A natural area is an area of unique scenic, historical, geological or ecological value, maintained in a relatively undisturbed manner where natural succession will be allowed to occur.

Six natural areas have been designated on the Delaware State Forest. Bruce Lake Natural Area covers 2,845 acres including two lakes, Bruce Lake and Egypt Meadow Lake. Bruce Lake was formed during glaciation and is completely spring fed. Virgin stands of pine and hemlock were cut in the late 1800s leaving the area vulnerable to fires that destroyed the rich humus soil layer. Egypt Meadow Lake was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935.

During the Civil War, the Stillwater Natural Area provided a sanctuary for Union Army deserters and young men evading conscription. Shacks were built on the islands of the swamp or in the dense growth. This 1,931-acre tract contains a mix of conifers and hardwoods. About one mile of the Little Bushkill Steam offers "stillwaters" for canoeing.

Scrub oak, gray birch, aspen, and mixed oaks dominate the landscape of Pennel Run Natural Area. This elevated area comprises of 936 acres. A portion of the Utts Swamp is located within this natural area. A high mountain swamp surrounded by mixed oaks is located within the 535-acre Buckhorn Natural Area. Reptiles and amphibians are protected by special regulations within Pennel Run and Buckhorn Natural Areas.

Pine Lake Natural Area is a 67-acre site. Included is a 10-acre glacial bog that exhibits plant zones ranging from open water to tree cover. Various flora and fauna inhabit this tract.

A boreal conifer swamp is located within the Little Mud Pond Swamp Natural Area. Various emergent plants grow within the glacial bog. Species normally found at more northern latitudes can be found on this 182-acre tract.
History of the Area
Delaware State Forest is located in northeastern Pennsylvania, primarily in Pike and Monroe counties. It covers an area of about 83,500 acres and was established in 1902 as one of the original state forests in Pennsylvania. Here is a brief overview of its history:

1. Early Land Use: Prior to the establishment of the state forest, the region was primarily used for logging and agriculture. The land was heavily logged for timber, causing substantial deforestation.

2. Creation of State Forest Reservation: In response to the environmental degradation and concerns over water quality, the Pennsylvania General Assembly authorized the creation of the Pennsylvania Forest Reserve Commission in 1895. This commission began acquiring lands to establish state forests, including the Delaware State Forest.

3. Theodore Roosevelt's Visit: In 1902, Theodore Roosevelt, who was serving as the President of the United States at the time, visited the region and recognized the urgent need for conservation efforts. His visit led to increased public awareness about the importance of preserving natural areas.

4. Formation of Delaware State Forest: Later that year, the Pennsylvania Forest Reserve Commission established the Delaware State Forest by acquiring lands in Pike and Monroe counties. The name "Delaware" was given to the forest in honor of the Delaware River, which forms part of its eastern boundary.

5. Historical Significance: During the early 20th century, the forest provided a source of timber for lumber mills, which supported the local economy. However, unsustainable logging practices resulted in the widespread depletion of forests across the state.

6. Recovery and Conservation Efforts: Following the devastating impact of logging, the state forest underwent reforestation efforts to restore the forest cover. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a significant role in the restoration and development of the forest during the Great Depression era in the 1930s.

7. Recreation and Tourism: Over the years, Delaware State Forest became an important recreational destination. It offers various activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and bird watching, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from nearby urban areas.

Delaware State Forest continues to be managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to ensure sustainable use of its resources, preservation of biodiversity, and provision of recreation opportunities for the public.
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Trails
1. Thunder Swamp Trail: This is a 45-mile trail system that offers moderate to difficult hiking experiences, with sections of the path being rocky and uneven. It traverses through various landscapes including hardwood forests, wetlands, streams and beaver ponds.

2. Dingmans Falls Trails: These trails are relatively easy for beginners as they lead you on boardwalks over beautiful waterfalls within Delaware State Forest's boundaries.

3. Saw Creek Public Access Area Trails: The area features several miles of well-marked paths winding around creekside habitats filled with diverse flora and fauna species native to Pennsylvania state forest lands.

4. Bruce Lake Natural Area Hiking Trail: A seven mile round trip hike leading up to an isolated glacial lake surrounded by dense woodland vegetation offering picturesque views especially during fall season when leaves change color dramatically.

5. Blooming Grove Hunting & Fishing Club Loop: An approximately five-mile loop featuring mixed terrain from flat grassy areas along lakesides to steep inclines in densely wooded regions; wildlife sightings are common here due its remote location away from populated zones.

6. Promised Land State Park's Little Falls Trail: A short but scenic one-and-a-half mile trek showcasing cascading falls amidst lush greenery ideal for family outings or beginner hikers looking for less strenuous routes.

7. Snow Hill Dam Nature Walkway: Located near Snow Hill Road this nature walk provides stunning vistas across dam waters while also serving educational purposes via interpretive signage detailing local ecology throughout the route which spans about two miles long overall making it suitable even children or elderly visitors who prefer shorter walks without compromising natural beauty aspects.

8. Hemlock Pond Loop: Bushkill Outing Route - At roughly four-miles lengthwise, Hemlock pond loop presents challenging terrains coupled alongside serene waterfront scenes perfect those seeking solitude amid wilderness settings.

9. The McDade Recreational Trail extends over thirty: two miles parallel Delaware River offering diverse landscapes ranging from riverine habitats to agricultural fields and historic sites along its course, thereby providing ample opportunities for bird watching or historical exploration respectively.

10. The Shuman Point Natural Area Hiking Trail: This three-mile loop trail offers a moderate hike through mixed hardwood forests with stunning views of Lake Wallenpaupack.

11. Pocono Environmental Education Center Trails: With six different trails varying in length between half mile up to five miles, these routes cater all skill levels while also focusing on environmental education via interpretive signage detailing local flora fauna species found within their respective ecosystems.
Things To Do in the Area
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Arts/Cultural/Drama
Peters Valley is a non-profit education center and gallery for craft arts. Tour the studios on weekends during summer. Workshops May to September, 2 to 5 days. Expert instructors from US and abroad. Commute or sleep over for a mini-vacation close-to-home. Wood turning, weaving, jewelry, ceramics, blacksmithing, photography, papermaking, beading and more.
18.8 miles from park*

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
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Area Campgrounds
Pocono Vacation Park
RD 5 Box 5214
Stroudsburg, PA
570-424-2587
Hemlock Campground & Cottages
362 Hemlock Drive
Tobyhanna, PA
570-894-4388
Camp Charles Campgrounds
1077 Blue Mountain Drive
Bangor, PA
610-588-0553
Hickory Lake Campground
264 Laurel Hill Road
Bangor, PA
570-897-5811
Four Seasons Campgrounds Inc
RD 1 Babbling Brook Road
Scotrun, PA
570-629-2504
Dingmans Campground
1006 Route 209
Dingmans Ferry, PA
Delaware Water Gap Pocono Mt KOA Kampground
233 Hollow Road
E. Stroudsburg, PA
570-223-8000
Mountain Vista Campground
RR #2 BOX 2190 50 Taylor Drive
E. Stroudsburg, PA
570-223-0111
Foxwood Family Campgrounds
400 Mt. Nebo Road
East Stroudsburg, PA
570-421-1424
Otter Lake Camp Resort
4805 Marshalls Creek Road
East Stroudsburg, PA
800-345-1369
Outdoor World - Timothy Lake North
Timothy Lake Road
East Stroudsburg, PA
570-588-6631
Shady Acres
1078 Turkey Ridge Road
Mount Bethel, PA
570-897-6230
Mount Pocono Campground
30 Edgewood Drive
Mt. Pocono, PA
570-839-8950
Outdoor World - Timothy Lake South
Timothy Lake Road
East Stroudsburg, PA
570-588-1617
Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South
2043 Allegheny Lane
East Stroudsburg, PA
570-588-1617
Thousand Trails Timothy Lake North
6837 Timothy Lake Road
East Stroudsburg, PA
570-588-6631
Thousand Trails Scotrun
Pennsylvania 611
, PA
570-629-0620
Four Seasons Campground
249 Babbling Brook Road
, PA
570-629-2504
Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA Holiday
227 Hollow Road
East Stroudsburg, PA
570-223-8000
Camp Out Poconos
446 Mount Nebo Road
East Stroudsburg, PA
570-664-8100
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Dunkelberger's Sports
585 Main St
Stroudsburg, PA
(570) 421-7950
Family Bait & Tackle Shop
624 N Courtland St
East Stroudsburg, PA
(570) 421-6918
Windsor Fly Shop
348 N 9th St
Stroudsburg, PA
(570) 424-0938
Hiawatha Hunting & Fishing
700 Schoolhouse Rd
East Stroudsburg, PA
(570) 421-7712
Beaver Run Hunting & Fishing Club
3 Barren Rd
East Stroudsburg, PA
(570) 223-8257
Area Cabins and Lodges
Skytop Lodge
1 Skytop
Skytop, PA
(570) 595-7401
Water Gap Country Club
Stroudsburg, PA
(570) 476-0300
Countryside Cottages
RR 3 Box 3002
Stroudsburg, PA
(570) 629-2131
Rainbow Mountain Resort and Restaurant
210 Mount Nebo Rd
East Stroudsburg, PA
(570) 223-8484
Echo Valley Cottages
1 Lower Lakeview Dr
East Stroudsburg, PA
(570) 223-0662
Pocono Palace Inc
5241 Milford Rd
East Stroudsburg, PA
(570) 588-6694
Paramount Motel
Business Route 209 N
East Stroudsburg, PA
(570) 421-2141
Birchwood In the Poconos
3400 Birchwood Rd
East Stroudsburg, PA
(570) 629-0222
Shilla Garden Korean Restaurant
RR 209
East Stroudsburg, PA
(570) 588-1100
Alpine Lounge
RR 447
East Stroudsburg, PA
(570) 595-7411
Value Inn
5219 Milford Rd
East Stroudsburg, PA
(570) 588-1100
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Hotels/Motels
Located near popular recreational attractions, including the Claws 'N' Paws Wild Animal Park, Steamtown National Historic Site and Promised Land State Park. NASCAR fans will enjoy a day at the races at nearby Pocono Raceway.
23.8 miles from park*

Directions
The Delaware State Forest is located in northeastern Pennsylvania. To get there from the south, take Interstate 476 North to Exit 34 (Route 209). Follow Route 209 North for approximately eight miles until you reach Milford. In Milford, turn left onto Broad Street and continue straight on US-6 West for about four miles.

From the north or east, take Interstate 84 West to Exit 46 (Milford/Matamoras). Merge onto US-6 West and follow it for approximately five miles into downtown Milford.

Once in downtown Milford, look out for signs directing you towards the Delaware State Forest office. The forest office serves as a good starting point if you need any information or maps before exploring further.

To access specific areas within the forest:

1. For Promised Land District: From I-84 East/Westbound exit at Hamlin/Lake Ariel/PA Rt590(Exit #17) Take PA Rte590 west through Hamlin Village; proceed approximatley six more milesto park entrance.
2. For Grey Towers National Historic Site & Sawkill Picnic Area: Continue past Lake Wallenpaupack Dam along U.S.Route#6W.Turn rightontoWallaceStreetinHawley.Continuestraighton Wallace St., which becomes Bellemonte Ave.;follow this roadtotheSawmillPicnicAreaandGreyTowersNationalHistoricSiteentrance(approximately3milesfromU.S.Rt.#6).
3. For Dingmans Falls Visitor Center& Childs Park area:ContinuepastLakeWallenpaupackDamalongUSRt.#611South.PassthroughtownofDingman'sFerry.Driveapproximately4milespastthetownuntilseeingsignfor"DingmansChoice&DunnfieldCreekNaturalAreas".Turnrightontothisthoroughfare.Followthisroadapproximatey5moremilesuntilreachingDingmansFallsVisitorCenterandChildsParkentrance.
4. For Milford Beach: Continue past Lake Wallenpaupack Dam along US Rt. #6 West.Turn right onto Wallace Street in Hawley.Continue straight on Wallace St., which becomes Bellemonte Ave.;follow this road to the end(approximately 3 miles from U.S.Rt.#6).
5. For Raymondskill Falls and Cliff Park areas:ContinuepastLakeWallenpaupackDamalongUSRt.#611South.PassthroughtownofDingman's Ferry.Driveapproximately8milespastthetown,then turnrightontoRaymondskillRoad.Followthisroadapproximatey2moremiles until reachingtheCliffParkareaorcontinueanother1/10 miletotheroadsideparkingspaceforaccess to Raymondkill Creek Trailhead.
Area Shopping
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Arts Crafts
The store at Peters Valley Craft Center offers original handcrafted art, jewelry, clothing, ceramics, and home furnishings. Unique items from over 300 artists offer distinctive ideas to embellish the home, treat yourself, or to select for a gift. Visit the Gallery upstairs for our latest exhibit of fine art craft.
18.8 miles from park*

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Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania State Parks

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