Anthracite Region

The region contains premier recreational resources through numerous high quality natural areas to extensive open space. Included within the region are three state parks and thousands of acres of state game lands. At the center of this section is the Lehigh Gorge, a National Natural Landmark. Cut into the rock of the Pocono Plateau by the Lehigh River, the 30-mile gorge has a dramatic landscape of steep slopes covered in hemlock and rhododendron, rocky scarpments and side streams that end in waterfalls. The twisting, fast-running, rocky Lehigh and many of its tributaries are designated state scenic rivers. The viewshed and gorge are protected because Lehigh Gorge State Park is a designated state park and is regarded as one of the most popular areas for whitewater rafting and fishing. Hiking and mountain biking are popular on the 26 miles of abandoned right-of-way of the old Lehigh & Susquehanna, Lehigh Valley and Central New Jersey Railroads. "Outfitters" put thousands of rafters on the Lehigh each year, with ski resorts, which have helped to make the Poconos famous, now located on lands once belonging to the Lehigh Coal and Navigational Company.

The Anthracite region is well known for its dramatic landscapes and rich culture. Check out the following links for information on area recreation:

Francis Slocum State Park
525 Mt. Olivet
Wyoming, Pa. 18644

Moon Lake County Park
RD2, Box 301
Hunlock Creek, Pa. 18621
(570) 477-5467

Nescopeck State Park
Lehigh Gorge
RR1 Box 81
White Haven, Pa. 18661
(570) 443-0400

Ricketts Glen State Park
RR2, Box 130
Benton, Pa. 17814
(570) 477-5675

River Front Parks
17 East Northampton Street
Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18701
(570) 826-1108

PA Fish Commission
(570) 477-5717
PA Game Commission
(570) 675-1143

The Tubs Nature Park (National Natural Land Mark)
Route 115
Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18701
(570) 675-1312

Links:

Field Trip Ideas

Lehigh Region

Hugh Moore Historical Park & Museums
30 Centre Square
Easton, PA
(610) 559-6613

Historic Walking Tours
Easton Heritage Alliance
(610) 258-1612

Beltzville State Park
2950 Pohopoco Drive
Lehighton, PA 18235-8905
(610) 377-0045

Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks
Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center
835 Jacobsburg Road
Wind Gap, PA 18091
(610) 746-2801

Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary
370 County Line Rd. East
Easton, PA 18042-9606
(610) 749 2379

Pool Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlands Conservancy
601 Orchid Place
Emmaus, PA 18049-1637
(610) 965 4397

Delaware Region

The Delaware River region is known for its outstanding recreation activities including camping, canoeing, tubing, fishing, or hiking. Check out the following links for information on area recreation:

The Delaware River Recreation Page
Bucks County River Country
Shake off the city!
BucksCounty.org
Bucks County Visitors Guide

Delaware Canal State Park - Upper Black Eddy, PA - A National Historic Landmark, the park follows the 60-mile course of the Delaware Canal, the canal still retains most of the features that existed during its operation. (610)982-5560 or (800) PA-PARKS

Neshaminy State Park - Bensalem, PA - 330 acres along the Delaware River including picnic facilities, swimming pool, playground, trails, pavilion, and boat launching ramps. (215)639-4538

Nockamixon State Park - Quakertown, PA - 5,283 acres including lake, marina, boat rentals, swimming pool, picnic facilities, bike and hiking trails, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and more. (215)529-7300

Ralph Stover State Park - Pipersville, PA - 45-acre park along Tohickon Creek offering fishing, hiking, canoeing, and picnicing. (610)982-5560 or (800) 63-PARKS

Tyler State Park - Newtown, PA - Hiking, biking, Nature trails, fishing, picnicing, canoe rentals and environmental programs available. (215)968-2021 or (800)63-PARKS

Ringing Rocks - Ringing Rocks Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA - Amazing boulder fields containing rocks which ring like bells when struck! (215)757-0571

Silver Lake Park - Rte. 13 and Bath Rd, Bristol, PA - Includes playgrounds, picnicing, boating, fishing, hiking, ice skating, and a Nature center which houses a museum with gift shop, amphitheatre and butterfly garden. (215)785-1177

Peace Valley Park - 230 Creek Rd, New Britain, PA - Hiking and biking trails, fishing, boating, picnicing, and also offers solar-heated Nature center.(215)345-7860