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/
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