Varden Conservation Area

The gift of veterinarian Dr. Mead Shaffer, the 343-acre Varden Conservation Area is in Wayne County. This magnanimous gift of land is a pristine area in a once-remote section of the state that now is beginning to feel the pressure of development. It will be protected and used for future generations as a respite from daily life, and a place to learn about our wonderful natural history. The property will be managed through Promised Land State Park, Pike County.

Once access points and parking become available, the land will be available to the public for environmental education, hiking, bird watching, hunting and other passive outdoor recreation.

"Environmental education always has been a primary concern of mine. I trust this land will allow present and future generations to observe and study the diverse ecology found in the Varden Conservation Area." - Dr. Shaffer

Visit www.vardenconservationarea.com for more information.

Explore

Directions - Weather  - Recreation  - Calendar of Events  - Accessibility  - Nearby Attractions  - Volunteers  - Rules and Regs  - Contact Us 

Park Advisories

Directions

Varden is along PA 296 in Lake and South Canaan townships, Wayne County, Pennsylvania.

Recreational Opportunities

Hiking: 3.32 miles of trails
The trail system travels through most of the conservation area's scenic beauty, including old farm fields, forests, tree plantations and wetlands. There are many opportunities to see wildlife, including deer, wild flowers and songbirds.

Bear Paw Trail: 0.62 miles
This trail follows the western edge of the park and travels through a conifer plantation planted by Dr. Shaffer.

Beechwood Trail: 0.15 miles
Connected to the larger Overlook Ridge Trail, this trail travels through northern hardwood forests and a utility right of way.

Critters Run: 0.08 miles
This is the shortest of the trails in the system. It connects the northern and southern portions of the larger Overlook Ridge Trail. Hemlock, white pine and many northern hardwoods border this trail.

Deer Run: 0.12 miles
This trail bisects Overlook Ridge Trail, going east to west and through a utility right-of-way.

Holster Creek Trail: 0.55 miles
This trail follows the northern boundary of the conservation area and includes the most diverse vegetation in the trail system.

Overlook Ridge Trail: 1.14 miles
This is the longest trail in the system and travels the heart of the Shaffer Tract. This is an excellent trail to see some of the many tree species in the area including: hemlock, white pine, red maple, and ash.

Pond View Trail: 0.43 miles
This trail loops around the spring-fed pond and extends through a conifer plantation where it connects with Shaffers Way. Amphibians and other wildlife are frequently seen during the spring and summer months.

Shaffers Way: 0.23 miles
This trail bears the name of the man who donated the area. Travel through hundreds of conifers he planted.

Access for People with Disabilities

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

Nearby Attractions

For information on nearby attractions, contact the Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau, www.800poconos.com or the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, www.endlessmountains.org.

For More Information Contact

Varden Conservation Area
c/o Promised Land
Greentown, PA 18426-9735
570-676-3428
Manager: Alex Stout

E-mail: promisedlandsp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.