Mauch Chunk Lake Park: Part 1

Mauch Chunk Lake Park is located just west of historic downtown Jim Thorpe in Carbon County. As a result of the parks size and the amount of attractions to see and do there, I have decided to make this a three part series moving across the park from east to west. 

Taking Lentz Trail out of Jim Thorpe my first stop is the Switchback Trailhead, just off of Lentz on Flagstaff Drive. There is parking at the trailhead, but it is limited to several small pull offs. The Switchback here leads into the park following a small stocked trout stream. The trail is maintained very well and offers a nice flat hike with a small uphill grade. Our state tree, the Eastern Hemlock provides shade over the majority of the trail to the lake and this location is often very cool even on a hot summer day.

This is the stream that the trail follows. There are many access points along it for fishing and even on a busy day you can still find a place to throw in a line if you are willing to walk.

On my last hike down this section of the Switchback my dog spotted something just off of the trail. She was very insistent and we ended up stepping off of the trail for a moment. I soon saw what she was smelling and as it was climbing up a tree. The little one above was around thirty feet up before it found a branch it felt safe on and yes, porcupines do climb trees.     

If you make it to the lake via the Switchback, this will be your view from the dam. This area can also be accessed by parking at the lakes first parking lot off of Lentz Trail, just after the Penn State Extension Office. This lot is not paved and can be easily missed. 

The Switchback does continue on past the lake and can be accessed again at the main entrance of the park. This is the view looking back in the direction of the dam.

There is a nice photo op, here if you have kids or in my case a dog. Penny is riding the rails in this one. 

This is the main office of the park and what you will see right off through the main entrance. I will talk more about what they have to offer in my next blog post. For now I am just going to stick to the lower section of the lake.

If you drive down to the left of the office the road will take you to a parking lot right next to the lake. Here you will find the Mauch Chunk Lake Boat Rental. This small lakeside business specializes in everything you need to get out on the water and have a great time! 

They have kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, paddle boats and row boats with an optional motor. Bait, snacks and refreshments are also available.

From my experience in stopping by, the staff is very friendly and would be happy to get you out on the water! Reservations are recommended. If you are interested in reserving a boat or paddle board for a specific day and time or just need the address, you can use the following:

Mauch Chunk Lake Boat Rental

625 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229

(570)-325-4389

Hours:

Mon-Fri 8am to 7pm

Sat, Sun and Holidays 7am to 8pm

Hours may change due to weather conditions.  

Looking up the lake from the public boat launch.

The lake has two public access boat launches. This one is at the end of the first main parking area. There are also public restrooms and a fishing pier at this location as well. All of the parking locations I have mentioned in this post can be found on my blogs map located in the upper right hand corner above the ads. 

Gouldsboro State Park

Not to far off of route 380, you can find Gouldsboro State Park in Wayne County. Like many of the state parks in Northeast PA, the main attraction is a lake. Gouldsboro Lake is perfect for fishing, boating (no large watercraft) and swimming. There are also a lot of hiking opportunities available, with some trails connecting to those of Tobyhanna State Park and Black Bear and Bender Swamps Natural Area. Both of these parks share a border with Gouldsboro. If you decide to do a longer hike I would suggest parking at Tobyhanna, due to the sign below.  

Just remember if you go hiking here and get lost, they will lock you in.

This wild turkey was on the main park road into Gouldsboro. I had my dog Penny in the car and it wanted nothing to do with her or her barking.

Not many state parks have basketball courts, Gouldsboro has this one. It was only a half court, but was in good condition. This is most easily accessed by parking in parking area No. 1.

There are a few picnic tables with grills by the lakeside. The grass was not mowed, but I would think by Memorial Day that will be taken care of. It is still the beginning of the picnicking season so not everything is ready yet. They are located near the beach area and the swing sets below. There is another covered picnic table with grill and paved access that goes right up to it, for those who might have a little trouble walking.

This really is the coolest view I have ever seen from swings out of any park. Just imagine being a kid again and trying your hardest to swing as high as you could over the lake.

This beach area is large compared to the size of the park. 

For parents this is a good thing to know before you head out to the park. It just means you have to keep a more watchful eye when the kids get out swimming.

One dock is available for fishing. There are other boat docks in the park, but they are specifically for boating.

An island out in Gouldsboro Lake.

Canada Geese with goslings.

I hiked this trail while I was there. I did not take a park map with me which would have been helpful. Once you get to the railroad there are no signs directing you to where the trail picks up again. I had two options, left or right because the trail did not continue strait across the tracks. I chose left and it was not the way to pick up the trail. I did get more views of the lake so it wasn't bad. The park maps are extremely helpful though. They can be picked up at the office at Tobyhanna or at some of the information boards in Gouldsboro.

This was a first for me in Pennsylvania. I have seen signs like this before though, Sandy Hook in New Jersey also has the possibility of finding live munitions on its grounds. 

These were in bloom around the main stream flowing into the lake.

The wrong way down the tracks.

View from the opposite shore of the beach. For more information on Gouldsboro or a digital map you can go to this address: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/gouldsboro/

Nescopeck State Park

Nescopeck State Park is located in Luzerne County, not far from Hickory Run and Lehigh Gorge State Parks. It offers ample trails for hiking, a lake, ponds and trout stream for fishing and the education center offers public programs on a regular basis. 

The grand entrance from the main parking area to the main office and education center.

The main office and education center.

This is Lake Francis the easiest access for fishing in the park. It is stocked with trout which seems to be the main draw for the fishermen I talked to around the lake, but also has bass and panfish.

The trails in this park are strictly for hiking, no bikes allowed. Almost all of the trails are suited for almost everyone and the many intersections of trails let you expand or cut short a hike. I personally love the set up of this park. I never take a map and I always seem to find a new trail every time I go. I also can find my way out pretty easily.

A lot of the trails look like this, but there are some narrower ones that break away, like those that follow the stream. I will mention if you hike enough here you may find a wire line bridge across the stream. I found it last year and I tried crossing it. I could tell it was not maintained and I should have known the result. Not enough tension in the lines meant there was a lot of slack and when I got to the middle the distance between the top and bottom line led me to loose my footing. I did hang there for a minute and realized there was nothing I could do, but drop down into the stream. A couple of wet feet was the only result. So, if it is still there and if you find it, I suggest finding a different way to cross.

This is one of the calmer pools in the stream. There is rushing water in some sections. There are also enough choke points in the stream that would make it not so fun to paddle, so I would say canoeing is out of the question here.

Throughout the park there are small shallow ponds like this one. They are great for certain species of reptiles and amphibians and many of them have evidence of active beavers. I like the fact that some of these ponds are accessible and some are not, it is a nice balance and I think every state park should be like this. It allows for wildlife to be undisturbed in some areas and others where people can get right to the habitats edge.

For more information on Nescopeck State Park or for digital maps, you can go to this address: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/nescopeck/

Rattlesnakes and Copperheads, Oh My!

I am working on taking photos for several locations. So, tonight I am going to highlight two Pennsylvania species that a lot of people don't like. It is my hope that after you read this post, you will give these creatures space if you find them in the wild and do not do them any harm.

This is the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). They are found throughout Pennsylvania, but I would not consider them a common species. The state classifies them as a species of special concern and a permit must be obtained from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to legally collect or kill one. There are also special regulations on size, gender and only one can be taken a year. I do not condone the collection or killing of these snakes, but I want people to understand that there are laws in place to protect these animals and killing one is illegal without the proper documentation.

So, if you come across a Timber Rattlesnake in the wild is your life endanger? Plain and simple the answer is no. Unless you accidentally sit, fall or place your hand on one you really are not in any danger. A bite from a Timber in the majority of cases is not life threatening. Extremely painful, sure, horrible swelling, sure, but if you are not allergic to the venom, you will survive. The key to not getting bitten by any snake is keeping your distance. If you leave them alone, they will return the favor.

Will you hear a rattle before you see the snake? Most of the rattlesnakes I have come across have not rattled until I was extremely close. Some did not rattle at all. In every case where I was taking photos of these magnificent creatures, they have not come at me. Generally one of two things happens. Either they take a defensive position like the one above or they slither in the opposite direction. They are not monsters, they can be dangerous if you don't respect them, but they get rid of a lot of rodents, so in my book they deserve a lot of respect.

Take a good look at this photo. This is the Northern Copperhead (Agkistordon contortrix). Like the Timber Rattlesnake they are found throughout Pennsylvania and are not really common. They have a special protected status in PA. Close to the same rules apply about killing or collecting them. A special permit is required and only one can be taken. Again, I feel these snakes have enough hardships in life as it is and should just be left alone.

As you can see, Copperheads can really blend into leaf litter. In the encounters I have had they are also much more aggressive than rattlesnake. This particular individual struck at me multiple times and I never got within three feet of it. Even with this behavior, I never once felt threatened in an encounter with one. As long as a good distance is kept from them they are harmless. If you have a dog I would like you to keep this photo in mind if you take your four legged friend with you hiking. Most likely the dog will find a snake like this before you see it. For your dogs safety and the snakes it is always best to keep your pet leashed and on the trail.

Like the rattlesnake, coppehead venom is not lethal unless you are allergic. They use this venom to catch prey and it is not their intent in any way to seek you out and bite you. They strike at people for their own self preservation. Keep a good distance when you see one and again you will be fine.

Tuscarora State Park

Tuscarora State Park is just minutes away from Locust Lake in Schuylkill County. The main attraction is a large lake, where fishing, boating and swimming (in designated area) are allowed. This park does have some camping offerings, but it limited to only 6 cottages and 4 yurts.

There are two pavilions that can be reserved for large group outing and are located close to parking and are not too far from the lake and swimming area.

If you are in the market for a new launch permit or mooring site for your boat the first right on the main road of the park takes you to the office. I have been in the office multiple times for my own launch permits and the staff is genuinely friendly and happy to help. Maps are generally available here as well.

The boat ramp and mooring sites are located in a small cove on the lake. This makes it nice when putting a boat on the water, with the cove always being relatively calm compared to the main body of the lake. There are restrooms by the launch that are open year round along with one outdoor water spigot. The parking here is limited, but I have never had a problem finding a space. I tend to avoid state parks on major holidays and on those I am sure it is packed.

At the end of the boat cove there is this area for handicap access fishing. A paved walkway runs from this to the handicapped spaces that are available. 

The lake is large enough to contain some pretty decent size fish and small enough to be paddled around completely in an afternoon by canoe or kayak. Anglers, this is one location in PA where trout season is open year round. 

There are a good number of day use picnic areas throughout the park as well. These like the pavilions are not far from the swimming area and restrooms.

The main restrooms in the park open on Memorial Day and remain open throughout the summer. There is a lake store as well, but after talking to one of the Park Rangers today it is unclear weather it will be opening this year or not.

This is the designated swimming area. It is not yet open for swimming this year, but is still a good place for kids to build a sand castle or two.

There is also a good number of hiking trails throughout the park. There is no easy trail around the entirety of the lake, but there are trails on all sides. 

Locust Lake State Park

Located in Schuylkill County, Locust Lake is one of the smaller state parks in Eastern Pennsylvania, but it has a lot to offer. The main reason for going is, of course, the lake. It is perfect for fishing, boating (small boats only), swimming in the summertime and just to hike around. This park is great for an afternoon out or if you would like to stay for awhile, there are over 250 campsites to choose from.

This is the first view of the lake that is seen when entering the park. If you boater there are a couple things you need to remember before setting out on the lake. The first is that in any PA State Park you are going to need a launch permit. Both DCNR and Fish and Boat Commission launch permits are acceptable. The closest place from this location to obtain a DCNR launch permit year round is the main office at Tuscarora State Park with is about 5 miles from this location. 1 or 2 year permits are available. The second item specifically for this park is that if you are not camping your vehicle and possibly trailer have to be parked in the guest parking lot just outside of the main entrance after your boat is unloaded.

The trail that surrounds the lake is perfect for just about everyone at every skill level. It is flat and paved all the way around. This is the only public lake in Eastern PA that I know of that has this. Along this there are exercise stations and a playground if you bring your little ones along.

A nice feature the DCNR added to the lake is this fishing pier specifically made for handicap access. The paved trail is connected to this as well and handicap parking is available close by. 

This is the beech area and in the summer can be a nice place to relax and take a dip to cool off.

This park is really close to my house, so I have never camped here myself. All the sites though from what I've seen are maintained very well. There are multiple bathroom facilities throughout the campgrounds and they are maintained nicely as well. 

Some of the campsites are right on the water while others are tucked away on the mountainside. 

A second option for fishermen at this site is this small pond below the lake. Both the lake and this pond have trout, bass and panfish. The pond also flows into Locust Creek which is a trout stream, but is not easily fished. 

One of the many trout I spotted swimming around the lower pond today.

You may have seen something like this in your own travels and wondered what it was. This is an artificial basking platform for turtles. When you find one check it out. They are used often by Eastern Painted Turtles and the non-native Red-Eared Slider. 

There is also a camp store, but it did not seem open this morning. I will try to find out when it opens and it's hours in the next couple day and either make a new post or add it to this on.

This is my first post in years for this blog and I am going to try to put up new posts on a regular basis. If you have any questions or if there is anything you would like me to add to these posts feel free to comment or e-mail me. Thank you for reading and I am leaving you with a caterpillar I found on my walk today around the lake.