Nescopeck State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nescopeck State Park
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
An abandoned silo Nescopeck State Park
Nescopeck State Park Location in Pennsylvania
Location	Luzerne, Pennsylvania, United States
Area	3,550 acres (14.4 km2)
Elevation	1,053 ft (321 m)
Established	April 2005
Governing body	Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Website	Nescopeck State Park

Nescopeck State Park is a cool place to visit in Pennsylvania. It's a state park that covers about 3,550 acres. That's like 2,689 football fields! You can find it in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, near Conyngham.

This park is one of Pennsylvania's newest state parks. It officially opened in April 2005. Before it became a park, the state bought many different pieces of land in the 1970s. A special building called the Environmental Education Center opened in 2005. It helps visitors learn all about nature.

The park is home to Nescopeck Creek. This creek flows through a valley between two mountains, Mount Yeager and Nescopeck Mountain. You can easily get to the park from Interstate 80 or Pennsylvania Route 309.

Explore the Trails at Nescopeck State Park

Nescopeck State Park has lots of trails for you to explore. There are about 19 miles of trails in total! These paths wind through different areas of the park. You'll walk through thick forests, open meadows, and interesting wetlands.

Most of the trails start from Honey Hole Road. This is the main road that leads into the park. In the winter, you can even go cross-country skiing on these trails. However, you cannot ride mountain bikes on them.

Amazing Wildlife and Plants

Nescopeck State Park is a fantastic place for nature lovers! It has about 200 acres of wetlands, forests, and creek banks. These areas are perfect habitats for many different creatures.

You can spot over 160 kinds of birds here. Imagine seeing so many different feathered friends! The park is also home to 30 types of reptiles and amphibians. Keep an eye out for snakes, turtles, frogs, and salamanders. Beyond animals, the park boasts over 600 different kinds of plants. It's like a giant outdoor classroom!

Hunting and Fishing Fun

If you enjoy outdoor sports, Nescopeck State Park offers chances for both hunting and fishing. Hunting is allowed in most parts of the park. Hunters must follow the rules set by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Some common animals hunted here include squirrels, turkey, woodcock, and white-tailed deer. You can also reach State Game Lands 187 through the park for more hunting areas.

For fishing, check out Lake Frances. This is a man-made lake that covers 9 acres. It's connected to Nescopeck Creek. In Lake Frances, you can catch panfish, bass, and trout. Nescopeck Creek itself is known for its clear, cold water. It's a great spot for fishing brown and brook trout.

Gallery

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  A mountain in the park

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  Lightly wooded meadow

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  Hemlocks near Nescopeck Creek

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  Snow-covered mountains in Nescopeck State Park

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  Lake Frances in Nescopeck State Park

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  Nescopeck State Park

Nearby State Parks to Explore

There are many other cool state parks not too far from Nescopeck State Park. If you travel within 30 miles, you can find these other great places:

• Beltzville State Park in Carbon County
• Big Pocono State Park in Monroe County
• Frances Slocum State Park in Luzerne County
• Gouldsboro State Park in Monroe and Wayne Counties
• Hickory Run State Park in Carbon County
• Lehigh Gorge State Park in Carbon and Luzerne Counties
• Locust Lake State Park in Schuylkill County
• Ricketts Glen State Park in Columbia, Luzerne, and Sullivan Counties
• Tobyhanna State Park in Monroe and Wayne Counties
• Tuscarora State Park in Schuylkill County