mooring permit from State Parks that are Stay the Night Wildlife Watching History A Pennsylvania Recreational Guide for available at most state park offices; launch use permit from The land that became Promised Land State Park was About 3,000 acres in size, Promised Land State Park is the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Camping: modern and rustic campsites, some with Promised Land State Park is in the Pocono Plateau, a rugged Promised Land State Park on the Pocono Plateau, 1,800 feet above sea level, and is electricity highland with rocky soil, nutrient-poor bogs, dark evergreen grounds for the Minsi Tribe of the Wolf Clan of the Lenni- surrounded by 12,464 acres of Pennsylvania’s Delaware There are four camping areas. All campgrounds are near forests and a diversity of animals and plants. Indians (Delaware). State Forest, including natural areas. swimming, , fishing and . The maximum stay About 20,000 years ago, a giant sheet of ice at least one The religious group, the Shakers, purchased land in the The forests of the park consist primarily of beech, , in all camping areas is fourteen days during the summer mile thick covered Promised Land. The very rocky soil area. After contracting the forests to be timbered, the Shakers and hemlock trees. Two lakes and several small season and 21 days during the off-season. Campers must is glacial till, evidence of the glacier. Much of the park is left the area. streams add to the park’s outstanding scenic beauty. vacate the park for 48 hours before setting up again. characterized by sphagnum moss bogs, evergreen trees and Early settlers of the area erected sawmills to process the Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. thin, moist, rocky soil. Blackburnian warbler, red-breasted large stands of conifer and hardwood trees. The land was Directions Tucked into the trees and rocks, Deerfield Campground nuthatch and northern waterthrush are common to this repeatedly clear-cut. With the loss of trees came erosion and Promised Land State Park is in Pike County, 10 miles north is just south of Promised Land Lake and is open Memorial habitat. In the spring, spotted and Jefferson salamanders and forest fires, and migration of wildlife from the area. of Canadensis, along PA 390. The park is easily reached Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. This rustic area has wood frogs flock to the bogs to breed. from interstates 80 and 84. The park is within a one to three flush toilets. Pay showers are in the Picnic Area. Due to logging of the forests, large portions of the forest hour drive from Allentown, Easton, Bethlehem, Reading, have regrown with a mix of deciduous trees like American Hunting and Firearms: About 450 acres are open to Lower Lake Campground opens in April and closes in Harrisburg, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, and is about 100 beech, many species of oak and red maple trees. American hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established December. The Beechwood and Northwoods areas are open miles north of and 35 miles from the New York redstart, red-eyed vireo and Louisiana waterthrush are seasons. Common game species are deer, bear and turkey. from early April through Mid-December. Modern facilities and state borders. common to these forests. Adjacent forestry land has additional areas open to hunting. are available Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Rhododendron Area is open from Memorial Day through In early May, before any trees have leaves, the Reservations Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is serviceberry trees flower. In mid-June, the plentiful mountain prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day Labor Day. Please contact the park office for specific dates. Make online reservations at: www.visitPAparks.com or call laurel blooms, followed in late-June to early-July by the following Labor Day through March 31 in designated Pickerel Point Campground is on a peninsula on the toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to rhododendron. In mid-July, the highbush blueberries bear hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural southern side of Promised Land Lake and is open Memorial Saturday, for state park information and reservations. fruit, providing a feast for bears and birds. Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and Day weekend through Labor Day. Walk-in campsites are on Black bear are common in the park. This omnivore eats Recreational Opportunities regulations apply. Contact the park office for ADA accessible the lakeshore. This rustic area has vault toilets. Pay showers plants, grasses, berries and occasionally meat. Unfortunately, hunting information. are in the Picnic Area. An unguarded swimming area is at the bears find human food to be nearly irresistible. Please The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania purchased the land Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other end of the peninsula. observe wildlife from a safe distance and do not feed in 1902. Promised Land was the fourth Pennsylvania state visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and The Pines Campground is at the northwestern end of wildlife. park. The Commonwealth worked to protect and reclaim the archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and Promised Land Lake and is open from Memorial Day area and the forest and wildlife began to return. The first park ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting weekend through Labor Day Weekend. The restrooms have facilities opened to the public in 1905. seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting flush toilets. Pay showers are in the Picnic Area. A trail leads In 1933, to relieve the rampant unemployment of the seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the to the Picnic Area and the Main Beach. There are accessible , President Roosevelt created the Civilian owner’s car, trailer or leased campsite. The only exception campsites. Conservation Corps (CCC). The young men in the CCC is that law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid received food, clothes and a small paycheck, in return for Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry said building roads, trails and recreational facilities, fighting firearm concealed on their person while they are within the fires, planting trees and performing many other conservation park. activities. Camp S-139 opened in May of 1933 and closed in Orienteering: Beginner and intermediate orienteering July of 1941. The hard working young men transformed the Fishing: The 422-acre Promised Lake and the 173-acre courses are near the Rock Oak Ridge Trailhead, near the land in and around Promised Land State Park. Lower Lake offer great opportunities for fishing, including Pines Campground. On Sunday evening, May 31, 1998, an F-2 tornado (winds ice fishing. The common fish species are largemouth and of 113 -157 mph) passed through Promised Land State Park. smallmouth bass, pickerel, muskellunge, , Refreshment Stand: In the Picnic Area near the Promised Land State Park is an important Bird Area, as It cut a northeasterly path through the park and crossed sunfish and catfish. Lower Lake is approved trout waters Main Beach, the stand offers food and souvenirs. designated by the National Audobon Society. Lower Lake Road, PA 390 and North Shore Road near and is stocked with brook, brown and . Picnicking: The Picnic Area is by Promised Land Lake A wildlife observation station is on Lower Lake by Bear Sucker Brook. Over 500 people were trapped overnight in For More Information Contact: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws apply. Promised Land State Park and has many picnic tables in a scenic woodland setting. The Wallow Boat Launch. Approach the area quietly for the best the park, but no one was seriously hurt. The park office has R.R. 1, Box 96 Trail System: Designated recreational trails in this Picnic Area has parking areas, water, garbage containers, chance to see waterfowl and other animals. Bald eagles have copies of After the Wind Died Down, a booklet about the Greentown, PA 18426 area are marked with a vertical blue blaze. At each trail sand volleyball court and restrooms. The Main Beach, boat nested in the park for several years and the nest is across the tornado and its aftermath. Cabins: Nestled in hemlocks, adjacent to Lower Lake, the 570-676-3428 intersection, a sign will designate the trail name, trail rental and refreshment stand are all within a short walk. lake from the wildlife observation station. Bear Wallow Cabin Colony has twelve rustic rental cabins e-mail: [email protected] uses, equipment permitted, distances, directions, and other Two picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in Plants and animals are protected at the park. Park animals Nearby Attractions constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. An Equal Opportunity Employer pertinent information. Permitted trail usage is designated advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a are wild, potentially dangerous and can become a nuisance. For information on nearby attractions, contact: Pocono These rustic cabins each have a fireplace, electricity and an by international symbols. Any other markings are NOT first-come, first-served basis. Please do not feed any wildlife. Feeding , squirrels Mountains Vacation Bureau, 800-POCONOS. www.visitPAparks.com adjacent private bathroom. One cabin is ADA accessible. relevant to this trail system. Additional trail information and Prior to arrival, busses must get a permit to be in the picnic or chipmunks may expose you to the threat of rabies. www.800poconos.com Scattered around Promised Land State Park are privately Information and Reservations descriptions are available at the park office. area. Feeding Canada geese at the swimming areas results in large owned cabins on leased land. Please respect the property : Promised Land State Make online reservations at: quantities of fecal droppings, which is offensive to park Hiking: There are about 50 miles of hiking trails in rights of these cabin owners. Park serves as the headquarters for Varden Conservation www.visitPAparks.com or call toll-free visitors and a potential health hazard. Promised Land State Park and the surrounding state forest, Area. The conservation area is about 25 miles northwest of 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to The Bear Truths providing access to many natural scenic places. Hike Environmental Education and Promised Land in Varden of Wayne County, Pennsylvania. Saturday, for state park information and Many Pennsylvania state parks are habitat for black bears. Bruce Lake Road to a natural glacial lake, or see the little Interpretation The 420-acre conservation area was a donation from reservations. Although they appear cute and cuddly like a teddy bear, waterfalls along Little Falls Trail, or walk a loop around veterinarian Dr. Mead Shaffer. There are over 3 miles of Spring through fall, school programs are offered on a wide black bears are wild animals. Conservation Island. Splendid opportunities exist for nature trails that navigate through old farm fields, forests, tree variety of topics and levels. Everyone is invited to our A black bear can scramble up a tree like a and study, relaxation and exploration. plantations and nearby wetlands. traditional summer weekend campfire programs and guided sprint as fast as a race horse. Bears use their claws to tear The trails lead through areas rich in historic and scenic 2009 Printed on recycled paper outdoor recreation programs. Pennsylvania’s : interest. This is especially true from mid-June until mid-July apart rotting logs to find food, and those claws also work The park has a museum that features displays of natural Promised Land State Park is surrounded by 12,500 acres of when the mountain laurel and rhododendron are in bloom well to open garbage cans and coolers. The size and strength features found in the area and artifacts and the story of the Delaware State Forest. There are two nearby natural areas and again in mid-October at the height of the fall foliage. of a black bear is astonishing. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). and recreational opportunities like hiking, mountain biking, Protect and Preserve Our Parks Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all hiking trails, Swimming: There are two sand beaches that are open Black bears have poor eyesight and fair hearing, but an A one-mile self-guiding interpretive trail is on hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. Camping is prohibited except snowmobiles, which are allowed on designated from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. excellent sense of smell. Aromatic scents coming from your Please make your visit safe and enjoyable. Obey all posted Conservation Island on Promised Land Lake. A trail guide is in this state forest. 570-895-4000 snowmobile trails. Before hiking, let someone know where The Main Beach is in the Picnic Area. The Pickerel Point food can attract a curious and hungry bear from a great rules and regulations and respect fellow visitors and the available for investigating different habitats of this island. you are going and when you will return. Take a map, stay on Beach is on the end of Pickerel Point. Swim at your own risk. distance. Bruce Lake Natural Area: The 2,845-acre natural resources of the park. Please read and follow posted rules for swimming. Store all food items inside a vehicle. At primitive, walk-in area contains two lakes, wetlands and unique plants. Bruce the trails and plan to return before dusk. Wear proper attire • Be prepared and bring the proper equipment. Natural areas All children ten years of age or younger must be campsites, suspend food between two trees, ten feet in the air Lake is a natural glacier lake. and footwear when hiking. Be aware of hunting seasons and may possess hazards. Your personal safety and that of your accompanied by a person at least 14 years of age. All groups and three feet from either tree. hunting areas within the park and wear fluorescent orange Pine Lake Natural Area: This small natural area family are your responsibility. at the beach must meet the state park adult to child ratio Black bears normally avoid people, but bears dependent clothing during hunting seasons. has a ten-acre glacial bog. requirements for supervision. on eating human food can become aggressive when people • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Horseback Riding: Promised Land State Park get between them and food. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation • Uncontrolled pets may chase wildlife or frighten visitors. provides access to selected equestrian trails on state forest Winter Activities If you come in contact with a black bear, try chasing it Area: Comprising 70,000 acres of the Delaware River Pets must be controlled and attended at all times and on a lands. Rentals are not available. away by making loud noises like yelling, honking a car shoreline in PA and NJ, this area offers canoeing, fishing, leash or otherwise safely restrained. Bicycling: Riders share the road on the 6.5-mile Snowmobiling: Registered snowmobiles may be used horn or banging a pot. Notify a park employee if you have swimming, hiking, wildlife viewing, waterfalls and historic paved road around Promised Land Lake. Bicycles are not on more than 23 miles of designated snowmobile trails. The difficulties with bears. areas. Visitors can see Dingmans Falls, Zane Grey Home, • Do your part to keep wildlife wild! Enjoy wildlife from a permitted on hiking trails. trails, which are on both state park and state forest lands, Never approach a bear and be especially wary of mother Roebling Bridge and the . 570-426-2452 safe distance and do not feed or approach wild animals. are open daily after the end of deer season in late December, bears and cubs. Lake Wallenpaupack: This 5,700-acre lake is Mountain Biking: Adjacent Delaware State Forest weather permitting. Snowmobile maps are available at the • Prevent forest fires by having a fire in proper facilities owned by PPL and is open to public fishing and boating. The land has trails. park office. and properly disposing of hot coals. Do not leave a fire lake contains many species of warm-water fish in addition to unattended. Boating: electric motors only Cross-country Skiing: Skiing and snowshoeing  Access for People with Disabilities trout. 570-226-3191 The 422-acre Promised Land Lake and the 173-acre are permitted on all trails. Bruce Lake Natural Area and • Please park only in designated areas and obey all traffic This symbol indicates facilities and activities that are Lower Lake have five boat launching areas. Five mooring Conservation Island are the best trails for skiing. In an Emergency regulations. areas offer a total of 170 mooring spaces rented on a accessible. This publication text is available in alternative Contact a park employee or dial 911. For directions to the • Please recycle. Place trash accumulated during your stay in seasonal basis. A boat rental is on Promised Land Lake Ice Fishing: Conditions permitting, ice fishing is popular formats. nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office. proper receptacles, or take it home with you. across from Main Beach and rents rowboats, , kayaks on both lakes. Bass, pickerel, panfish and on Lower Lake, If you need an accommodation to participate in park Nearest Hospital and paddleboats. trout, are the common species captured through the ice. activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan • Soliciting and posting signs is prohibited without Wayne County Memorial Hospital Motorboats must display a boat registration from any Ice Skating: Conditions permitting, ice skating to visit. approval from the Department of Conservation and Natural 601 Park Street state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: occurs on Promised Land Lake. Contact the park office for Resources. Honesdale, PA 18431 boat registration from any state; launching permit or information. 570-253-8100