Fishing:

Fishing at Tuscarora Lake consists primarily of warm water game fish including bass, muskellunge, pickerel, catfish, yellow perch and sunfish. Night fishing is permitted.

Ice fishing is permitted during the winter season with trout being the primary species caught at both lakes. The ice is not monitored for safety. Be sure that the ice is at least four inches thick and carry safety equipment.

Hunting and Firearms:

Approximately 1,100 acres of Tuscarora State Park are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, woodcock, turkey, grouse and dove. Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day to March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for accessible hunting information.

Special regulations areas allowing only bow and arrow and flintlock muzzleloader hunting are located at several areas of Locust Lake.

Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. The park is used by other visitors during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting, firearms and archery equipment must be kept in the owner's car, trailer or camp.

All of the trails are road width and do not have blazes. The trails wander through several habitats like mature deciduous forest, meadow and agricultural fields.

Crow Trail: easy hiking, 1.4 miles: This old dirt road passes through many habitats, including; mature deciduous forest, pine and larch plantation, grass fields, and overgrown meadow. This trail ends at the southern shore of Tuscarora Lake.

Edge Trail: easy hiking, 0.4 mile: This grass covered trail winds along the edge of a mature forest and agricultural fields. The trail provides access to Log Trail and the park office/visitor center.

Hill Trail: moderate hiking, 0.3 mile: This short but steep trail parallels a power line and provides the most direct access from the park office/visitor center to the picnic area and beach.

Lake View Trail: easy hiking, 0.6 mile: This trail goes through the primary use area of Tuscarora State Park. It parallels the lake and provides several views including a nice view of the beach. Park employees and concessionaires sometimes drive this dirt trail.

Laurel Trail: easy hiking, 0.4 mile: Accessed from Log Trail or Edge Trail, this grassy road was used to cut trees that died from severe gypsy moth damage. This short loop provides views of mountain laurel and mature forest.

Locust Mountain Trail: moderate hiking, 0.4 mile: An old fire access road winding through a mature deciduous forest on a fairly steep slope, this trail takes you from Crow Trail to the top of Locust Mountain.

Log Trail: easy hiking, 0.3 mile: This old logging road winds through a mature deciduous forest. It has a slight grade and connects to Laurel and Edge trails and the west end parking area.

Tuscarora and Locust Lake state parks offer a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.

Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. An environmental education specialist is available to develop EE curriculums and sites, and provide teacher workshops and additional teacher and community services.

Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the park office.

Programs are offered March to November. For more detailed information contact the park office.

Located two miles west of Tamaqua off of PA 309, south of Barnesville, which is on PA 54 between the Hometown Exit (131A) of I-81 and PA 309.