The last access to Mauch Chunk Lake Park off of Lentz Trail takes you to the Carbon County Environmental Education Center. If you are at the park for a weekend and you want to see some wildlife close up this is a must stop.
Throughout the year the education center puts on a variety of environmental education programs. The area itself is open to the public daily and if you aren't there at the right time for a public program don't worry. Just go for a short walk around the grounds.
Some days you can be greeted as soon as you step out of your car.
Take the time to test out your wingspan and see where you rank among the birds.
Rough-Legged Hawk.
Great Horned Owls.
Bald Eagle.
Golden Eagle.
One of my favorites, the Barred Owl.
Most of the regular paths around this area are well maintained and flat.
I will caution though that even with boardwalks the trails in places can be muddy and slippery.
If you follow the trail far enough you will find this observation blind that overlooks the upper end of the lake.
Some days can be good for waterfowl, others for turtle watching, then there are the days when you really only see fishermen.
You can also find the trailhead to go to the opposite shore at this location as well. It looks well marked and is to a point, but once you pass that you seem to be on your own to track down the trail.
There is also a nice stream study station for school groups. Here kids can learn about macroinvertebrates and other stream dwelling creatures.
The stream is small and the access down to it is not that great, but any place for kids to learn about the environment is a good thing.
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