Parks
& Nature
We're surrounded! Any way you go from
Mary's Guesthouse, you'll run into a park, gameland, recreation
area or some type of natural playground. From small county
facilities to large state parks, we've got places where
you can explore many different types of terrain, flora
and fauna, and water-scape. There are many educational
opportunities to go along with the natural exploration.
Here's a sampling of what's available: |
Boulder Field - National Natural Landmark |
Parks/Natural Areas
Lehigh River Gorge (state) 5 minutes away
4,548 acre linear park, 26 miles of river, several access
points, rail-trail, hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking, birding,
fishing, hunting, picnicking, programs Apr - Nov
Hickory Run (state) 25 minutes away (570-443-0400)
15,500 acres, Boulder Field Nat'l Natural Landmark, 48 miles
mapped hiking trails, streams, lakes, and ponds, swimming
and picnic areas, amphitheater, birding, fishing, hunting,
programs Mar - Nov
Beltzville Lake (state) 20 minutes away (610-377-0045)
1,500 acres, 8 mile trail loops: hiking, birding, naturalist
programs
1,200 acre lake, boating, swimming, beach, fishing
Mauch Chunk Lake (county) 5 minutes away (570-325-3669)
2,300 acres, beach, swimming, picnicking, hiking trails, historic
Switchback trail, hunting, 300 acre lake, boating, fishing
Carbon
County Environmental Education Center offers exhibits
and programs about nature and animals, with live raptor center
and walking trail near lake (570-645-8597)
Bear
Mountain Butterflies 10 minutes away (570-325-4848)
Not really a park at all, but an indoor butterfly sanctuary
and informational exhibit that is sure to fascinate and delight.
Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for kids. Open May to October,
Thurs to Sun. Coupons available.
Weiser State Forest - 10 minutes away,
A tract of land set aside by the state as part of their forestry
system, this is just nice undeveloped land for exploring.
Mild terrain, some landmarks, and some access points. Bring
a compass and keep track of where you've been.
Pohopoco Recreation Area - 30 minutes away
State lands with lots of ATV trails, decent for mountain biking
and some hiking. Some nice spots, especially the fire-tower,
which affords quite a view of the Western Pocono topography.
State Game Lands 40, 129, 141, 149, 187
Hunting, of course, but also hiking, foliage, bird-watching,
etc…: just be aware of the current hunting seasons!
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