Delaware State Forest
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Detailed maps can help you plan your trip. Download the public use map and other trail and recreational activity maps. |
Delaware State Forest totals 80,267 acres in Pike, Monroe, Northampton, and Carbon counties. Named for the Delaware River, the forest is characteristic of the Pocono region, with remote glacial lakes and bogs rich with plants, wildlife and scenic beauty.
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Maple Run ATV Trail Closed The Maple Run ATV trail will be closed for the entire season, effective immediately due to a PPL upgrade project on their Right of Way. If the project is completed prior to the end of the ATV season, the trail will re-open, but as it looks right now, the trail will have to remain closed for the entire season. Burnt Mills ATV Trail to Reopen The Burnt Mills ATV Trail will reopen on December 9, 2012 and will close on April 1, 2013. It will reopen the Friday before Memorial Day. Dixon Miller ATV Trail to Reopen The Dixon Miller ATV Trail will reopen on December 9, 2012 and will close on April 1, 2013. It will reopen the Friday before Memorial Day. Don't Move Firewood To help protect the forest from invasive insects that can kill trees and devastate the ecosystem, please do not transport firewood over long distances. Firewood can harbor insects such as emerald ash borer. Cut or purchase your firewood where you intend to burn it.
 HistoryThe Delaware State Forest derives its name from the Delaware River that drains the entire area. The river was named after the Delaware Indians, a tribe of the Algonquain Nation, who inhabited its shores, valleys, and cliffs. The Delaware State Forest totals 80,267 acres of state-owned forest land in Pike, Monroe, Northampton, and Carbon counties, however, most of the forest lies in Pike County. The area is easily accessible and within a two hour drive of New York City and Philadelphia. The scenic beauty is outstanding and the area draws millions of visitors annually.
DCNR Bureau of Forestry manages our state forests for their long-term health and productivity while conserving native wild plants. These forests are “working forests” and provide a whole suite of uses and values to Pennsylvania citizens, all while maintaining the forest’s wild character. Our state forests are managed for pure water, recreation, scenic beauty, plant and animal habitat, sustainable timber and natural gas, and many other uses and values. The management of our state forests is guided by the State Forest Resource M Ecosystem Management The Bureau of Forestry has adopted “ecosystem management” as its principal strategy for managing state forests. This approach seeks to conserve the natural patterns and processes of the forest while advancing long-term sustainability. Ecosystem management promotes the conservation of plant and animal communities and the landscapes and habitats that support them. It also accounts for needs and values of people and communities. This results in a holistic, integrated approach to managing forest resources. A Working Forest As you travel throughout the state forest, you’ll see examples of our forests “at work.” Some of these management practices are more noticeable than others, such as active timber harvests, deer exclosure fences, natural gas drilling sites, prescribed fires and gypsy moth spraying. Others are more subtle, such as the protection of a vernal pool, the buffering of a stream from timber harvesting, or the setting aside of a special area to conserve its wild character or protect a rare plant community. Each of these management practices and activities play a vital role in the management and conservation of our state forest system.  Certified “Well Managed” Pennsylvania’s 2.2-million-acre state forest system is one the largest certified forests in North America. The forest is certified (FSC-C017154) by the Rainforest Alliance™ under the Forest Stewardship Council™ standards. The FSC® is an independent organization supporting environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests. The Blooming Grove 4-H Hiking Trail This nearly seven-mile trail system was developed by Pike County 4-H Club members in cooperation with the Bureau of Forestry. It features two loop trails encircling hardwood swamps and a meadow. The rail is also open to snowshoe users in winter and is located just west of PA Route 402, about one-half mile south of US Route 6. Thunder Swamp Trail System This trail system traverses 26 miles of southern Pike County. The trail is highlighted by mountain streams, swamps, varieties of forest types, forest management practices and other natural features found on the Pocono Plateau. This rail system offers short loop trails for day use and longer loops for overnight camping. Permits are required if campers "car camp" or stay at the same location for more than one night. Overnight backpack camping is allowed. For more details, to obtain a map or a camping permit, contact the district office, or visit the Thunder Swamp Trail page.
Hiking The Blooming Grove 4-H Hiking Trail This nearly seven-mile trail system was developed by Pike County 4-H Club members in cooperation with the Bureau of Forestry. It features two loop trails encircling hardwood swamps and a meadow. The rail is also open to snowshoe users in winter and is located just west of PA Route 402, about one-half mile south of US Route 6. Thunder Swamp Trail System This trail system traverses 26 miles of southern Pike County. The trail is highlighted by mountain streams, swamps, varieties of forest types, forest management practices and other natural features found on the Pocono Plateau. This trail system offers short loop trails for day use and longer loops for overnight camping. Permits are required if campers "car camp,"group camp, (more than 10 persons) or stay at the same location for more than one night. Overnight backpack camping is allowed. For more details, visit the Thunder Swamp Trail page. You can download a PDF edition of the Thunder Swamp Trail map here. To obtain a hardcopy map or a camping permit, contact the district office. Picnicking The Snow Hill Picnic Area in Monroe County is located one-quarter mile south of the Snow Hill Ranger Station just off Laurel Run Road. A picnic pavilion with tables, charcoal grills and rest rooms are convenient for users. There is NO potable water available at the Snow Hill Picnic Area. A pond stocked with early season trout provides limited fishing. Pecks Pond Picnic Area in Pike County is located along the south shore of Pecks Pond approximately ½ mile east of S.R. 402 off Brewster Road. Potable water, charcoal grills and several picnic tables are the amenities offered. There is NO picnic shelter at this picnic area. A boat launch permits access to fishing and boating in Peck’s Pond. Camping Delaware State Forest offers a several different opportunities for campers. Internet camping at three designated camp sites; Snow Hill, S1; Edgemere, E1 and Owego, O1 are interspersed across the forest district. Internet campsites are only available for campers who complete an on line camping permit application (show link). At internet campsites, campers will find a fire ring and picnic table. Delaware State Forest permits “Car camping” and requires a permit. Car camping is defined as using your vehicle for storage but could also be a truck camper, pop-up trailer or larger Recreational Vehicle. Numerous sites exist, at this time, all sites are not designated and undeveloped, plans are to designate sites and develop the sites modestly. Group camping is available for groups of more than ten persons and not only requires a permit but also requires a Letter of Authorization. Designated sites for group camping is planned for 2010. Camping on the Upper Delaware River for one night or more requires a permit. Group size is at this time not limited, Designated camp sites are being planned for 2010. Access to this parcel of Delaware State Forest is ONLY by boat. Permits can be obtained by contacting the National Park Service Upper Delaware River Scenic and Recreational River, 274 River Road, Beach Lake, PA 18405 or by calling (845) 557-0222 or fax at (845) 557-0225 Hunting & Trapping Hunting for deer, turkey, grouse, woodcock squirrels, waterfowl, rabbits, hares, coyotes and black bear is a popular use of the forest during designated seasons. Other than a few safety zones around buildings and picnic areas, hunting is permitted throughout the state forest. Additionally, the entire Delaware State Forest is enrolled in DMAP. Nine DMAP areas open for antlerless deer harvest only provide deer hunters with additional opportunities to pursue their sport. For the past nine plus years, the Delaware State Forest has cooperated with Promised Land Sportsmen Association to offer opportunities for youth hunters on liberated Pheasants. These pheasants linger long after the mid-October youth hunt. Trapping have the option to pursuit coyotes, bobcats and beaver to name a few. With all the steams, ponds and wetlands beaver, muskrats and mink are often very plentiful. Additional information on hunting can be obtained from the PA Game Commission and DCNR’s websites. Lakes & Ponds There are thirteen lakes and ponds within the Delaware State Forest-six glacial: Pine Lake, Bruce Lake, White Deer Lake, Little Mud Pond, Long Pond and Little Mud Pond Natural Area Pond and seven man-made: Egypt Meadow Lake, Stairway Lake, Lilly Pond, Peck’s Pond, Painter’s Swamp, Snow Hill Pond and Lake Minisink. Many clear mountain streams originate on the state forest and eventually tumble down to the Delaware River over stunning waterfalls. The streams provide excellent trout fishing while warm water fishing is good at many of the lakes and ponds. Lakes Information: Pine Lake - 10 acres, access via trail on Promised Land Trail System map and across bog to waters edge (no “traditional” shore line). GPS recommended, The appearance to this lake is wild, day use only is permitted. I-84 will be heard to the north of the lake. Bruce Lake - 56 acres, average depth 10’, access via Bruce Lake trail; 2.5 mile hike, trail on Promised Land Trail System map, natural area – no motorized permitted, Bass, pan fish and musky take up residence. The appearance to this lake is wild, day use only is permitted. I-84 will be heard to the north of the lake. White Deer Lake - 49 acres, max depth 18’, access off S.R. 402 north of I-84 and south of US Route 6. Boat launch and parking, potable water at north entrance off 402, electric motors permitted. Bass and pan fish will be caught in these waters. The appearance to this lake is wild with the exception of several cabins no overnight camping near lake day use only is permitted. Little Mud Pond - 21 acres, average depth 15’, access off Silver Lake Road, east of S. R. 402, boat launch, stocked with trout. The appearance to this lake to the north is very wild. Numerous state forest cabins will be seen to the south and east. Long Pond - 10 acres, access S.R. 402 south of 84 to Ranch Road west to gate, walk in only, boggy/brushy edge, pickerel. This pond is very wild appearing, no structures will be seen, however I-84 will be heard to the north. Day use only is permitted in this area, no overnight camping. Little Mud Pond Natural Area Pond - small size, bog mat /brushy edge, very remote, walk in, GPS suggested. This pond is very wild appearing, no structures will be seen. Day use only is permitted in this area, (natural area- no overnight camping). Egypt Meadow Lake - 48 acres, average depth 4, South off I-84 on S.R. 390 about 100 yard to first yellow pipe gate on east side of road, (parking lot). Take trail approximately ½ mile to lake. Walk in only, see Promised Land Trail System map for details. Bass, bullheads and pan fish should be expected to be caught. The appearance to this lake is wild, day use only is permitted (natural area- no overnight camping). I-84 will be heard to the north of the lake. Stairway Lake - 13 acres, Take I-84 to Matamoras Exit, turn west (right at light) travel to Cummins Hill Road, turn north (right). Travel Cummins Hill Road to Boundary Trail Parking lot, follow Boundary Trail to Slate Stone Road, past yellow pipe gate to lake. GPS suggested, Request Buckhorn Recreation Area Map for details. Bass and pan fish are species expected to be caught. The appearance to this lake is fairly wild, one campsite at the vista overlooking the Delaware River to the East. Lilly Pond - 12 acres, Take I-84 to Milford exit, travel US. Route 6 east to Soccopee Road, turn left on Woodtown Road, travel until road turns to dirt and forks, take left fork in road. Traditional shore line stocked with trout, bass and pan fish. The appearance to this lake on the southern side is park like, several cabins and a residence. No overnight camping in this area without permission from the District Forester. Contact the district office for details. Peck’s Pond - 315 acres, average depth 3’, 23 islands and 564 acres of adjoining wetlands. Take S.R. 402 south from 84 approximately seven miles. Two boat launches exist; the first on the western shore, along “old 402” and the second off Brewster Road, along southern shore. Peck’s Pond is very weedy and full of old stumps providing much cover for bait fish and predator fish to lurk in. Species include: pickerel, large mouthed bass and pan fish. Many state forest leased cabins are set on the western and southern shore line of Peck’s Pond. The northern and eastern shoreline is swamping and wild. Be aware that a nationally recognized black duck propagation area protects the eastern third of the lake. Entry into propagation area permitted from October 1 to March 31. Painter’s Swamp - 5 acres, max depth 5’, access to this man made pond is from Silver Lake Road, south on Flat Ridge Road to the Thunder Swamp Trail System Parking lot which is approximately ½ mile south of Coon Swamp Road on East side of Flat Ridge Road. Take Thunder Swamp Trail System east out of parking lot to lake. Portaging a canoe or kayak will make your angling more enjoyable. Pickerel are the predominant species in this lake. The appearance to this lake is fairly wild, one state forest leased cabin is set off by itself, good, get away lake. Snow Hill Pond - 2 acres, To access this pond travel up Laurel Run Road from S.R. 447 approximately 4 miles. Pond is stocked with trout, bass and pan fish also inhabit these waters. Snow Hill Pond is right along Laurel Run Road, parking lot near dam on east side of pond. The shore line of this pond appears park like, mowed dam breast Laurel Run Road. Lake Minisink - 35 acres, average depth 15, Access to this lake is off Bushkill Falls road to Lake Minisink west or Lake Minisink east. The eastern access offers a boat launch and small parking lot. This lake is stocked with trout and pan fish and bass exist. The shore line of this lake makes it as though it is private, it’s 60 % encircled with state forest leased cabins. No overnight camping is permitted adjoining Lake Minisink, contact district office for locations. Fishing The Delaware State Forest is awash with angling opportunities. The above mentioned lake, ponds are not to be outdone by the numerous brooks, streams and river that meander their way across the State Forest. Many of these watercourses are stocked with the native species, (brook trout) of trout and rise readily to a fly. Saw Creek, Bushkill Creek, Little Bushkill Creek are all stocked with brook trout. Poplar Run, Saventine Creek, East Spring Run and Red Rock Run to name a few all have native trout. The Delaware River fronts on one mile of State Forest land and is ONLY accessible by boat. Camping permits are required for any over night stay on this parcel, (see camping above for details). Anglers on the Delaware River may catch, species including: trout, bass, walleye, shad, musky and pan fish. Boating Boat launches are located at: White Deer Lake, two at Peck’s Pond, Little Mud Pond and Lake Minisink. A launch, mooring permit or Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission registration is required to launch any boat on Commonwealth waters. All row boats, canoes and kayaks are required to be registered. Electric motors are permitted on all water except those in natural areas: Bruce Lake, Egypt Meadows Lake, Pine Lake and Little Mud Pond Natural Area Pond. Peck’s Pond is 350 acres has been used by ice boats. Ice Boats require to be registered with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Sightseeing The Tarkill Forest Demonstration Area was established in the Delaware State Forest in 1948. This “outdoor Textbook Area” of eighty-two acres is located north of Peck’s Pond along PA Route 402 in Pike County. Along marked trails, trees have been identified, examples of forest management practices can be viewed, and interesting facts about trees are provided. The area is a good example of multiple-use forestry as it supports a high population of wildlife, protects and maintains the Tarkill watershed, is a source of recreation to hunter and hiker, contains a leased forest campsite, and supports a stand of quality timber. Groups or schools wishing to visit the area may engage the services of a forester by contacting the district office. Horseback Riding All though horses may be ridden on all state forest roads and trails within the Delaware State Forest except in natural areas or the Thunder Swamp Hiking Trail; motorized recreational trails offer an extensive trail system for equine users. The Promised Land tract of Delaware State Forest has in excess of 26 miles of trails for equine enthusiast to enjoy. This system links to Promised Land State Park by Hemlock trail where equine camping is being planned for the not too distant future. Mountain Biking Mountain bikes may be used on all roads and most trails in the Delaware State Forest. Natural areas and the Thunder Swamp Trail system are closed to this activity. The degree of riding difficulty can vary considerably. Motorized Trails The Delaware State Forest maintains three ATV trails totaling more than twenty-eight miles. Class 1 and Class 2 ATV trails, summer and winter riding opportunities exist. Maple Run has been designated class 1 and 2 ATVs for summer use and is 8 miles. Two ATV trails are open for summer and winter riding. Located in Monroe County, Dixon R. Miller Recreation Area offers ATV enthusiasts thirteen miles of Class 1 and Class 2 winter and summer riding opportunities. Burnt Mills ATV trail located south of Interstate 84 on S.R. 402 in Pike County feature’s a 7 mile, Class 1 and Class 2 winter and summer trail. Lastly the eighteen hundred acre Dancing Ridge disabled sportsperson area is available year-round to disabled ATV operators. Contact the district office to obtain an application form and detailed information. ATV’s must be registered with DCNR, covered by liability insurance, and comply with other regulations. Winter Activities The Delaware State Forest maintains nearly one hundred and fifteen miles of snowmobile trails which are open to the public. This system provides trails for both long and short rides. Trail grooming is conducted on about seventy miles of this trail network. Groomed trail systems include the snowmobile trail system at the Promised Land Tract – which connects to Promised Land State Park. The Edgemere Snowmobile Trail System, predominately in Porter Township, Pike County, is also groomed. Dixon Miller Recreation Area and Snow Hill Snowmobile Trail system offer Snow Machine enthusiasts additional opportunities to recreate on their snowmobiles. Snowmobiles must be registered, covered by liability insurance, and riders must wear helmets. Trail maps and information may be obtained by contacting the district office in Swiftwater or from this web site. Cross county skiing & Snow shoeing Cross county skiing can be done on any trail, road or forest land. Bruce Lake Natural Area focuses on non-motorized, non-equine and non-bicycle travel. Bruce Lake is the district’s cross county ski and snow shoe trail prospect. These trails are not groomed and offer skiers and snow shoe enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the forest’s beauty on a marked trail system.
Pennsylvania’s state forest system includes dozens of special wild and natural areas set aside to protect unique or unusual biologic, geologic, scenic and historical features or to showcase outstanding examples of the state’s major forest communities. Natural areas are “managed” by nature and direct human intervention is limited. They provide places for scenic observation, protect special plant and animal communities and conserve outstanding examples of natural beauty. Wild areas are generally extensive tracts managed to protect the forest’s wild character and to provide back country recreational opportunities. Bruce Lake Natural Area This natural area covers 2,845 acres including two lakes, Bruce Lake and Egypt Meadow Lake. Bruce Lake is a glacial formed lake and is completely spring fed. Virgin stands of pine and hemlock were cut in the late 1800's leaving the area vulnerable to fires that destroyed the rich humus soil layer. Egypt Meadow Lake was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935. Stillwater Natural Area This natural area provided a sanctuary for Union Army deserters and young men evading conscription during the Civil War. Shacks were built on the islands of the swamp or in the dense growth. This 1,931-acre tract contains a mix of conifers and hardwoods. About one mile of the Little Bushkill Stream offers "stillwaters" for canoeing. Pennel Run Natural Area Scrub oak, gray birch, aspen, and mixed oaks dominate the landscape of the Pennel Run Natural Area. This elevated area is comprised of nine hundred and thirty-six total acres. A portion of the Utts Swamp is located within this natural area. Reptiles and amphibians are protected by special regulations within Pennel Run Natural Area. Buckhorn Natural Area A high mountain swamp surrounded by mixed oaks is located within the five hundred and thirty-five acre Buckhorn Natural Area. Reptiles and amphibians are also protected by special regulations within the Buckhorn Natural Area. Pine Lake Area Located in this sixty-seven acre site is a ten acre glacial bog that exhibits plant zones ranging from open water to tree cover. Various flora and fauna inhabit this truly fascinating tract. Little Mud Pond Swamp Natural Area This one hundred and eighty-two acre natural area features a boreal swamp. Various emergent plants grow within the glacial bog including species normally found at more northern latitudes such as black spruce, tamarack and picture plant. Stairway Wild Area This 2,882 acre wild area is truly unique for its intensive historic (during the 1840’s) use - blue stone quarrying, wild natural beauty and wetlands and remoteness. Featuring Stairway lake and the nearby vista over looking the Delaware River makes this wild area a remote, quiet get away for shared use recreationists. Stairway Wild area buffers Buckhorn Natural Area to the northeast. For more information and maps to these and other State Parks visit the "Find a Park" page. Promised Land State Park This beautiful 2,971 acre state park is located in Pike County and offers picnicking, hunting, and hiking, on twenty-nine miles of trails. The four hundred and twenty-two acre Promised Land Lake and the one hundred and seventy-three acre Lower Lake provide opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. Camping is available on five hundred and six campsites as well as in rustic cabins. Winter activities include ice-skating and fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling on seventeen miles of trails. Big Pocono State Park This 1,306 acre state park is located in Monroe County and features picnicking, hunting, ten miles of hiking trails, and horseback riding on five miles of equine trails. Tobyhanna State Park This 5,400 acre state park is located in Monroe and Wayne counties and offers picnicking, hunting, bicycling, and hiking on twelve miles of trails. The one hundred and seventy acre lake provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. Organized group tenting is offered as well as camping at one hundred and forty sites. Winter activities include ice-skating, ice-fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling on five miles of trails. Gouldsboro State Park This 2,800 acre state park located in Monroe County offers picnicking, hunting, and hiking on ten miles of trails. The two hundred and fifty acre lake provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. Winter activities include ice fishing and cross-country skiing. For more information about Delaware State Forest, feel free to contact us at: Delaware District Office |
anagement Plan. 