Nescopeck State Park, Another Greater Hazleton Area Treasure.

Although we continue to lose a lot of our wooded areas to development, those of us living here in the the Hazleton area of Northeastern Pennsylvania are fortunate to have many wonderful state parks which we can visit. And this morning I visited one of them The Nescopeck State Park.

Located about 10 miles north of Hazleton this park includes the headwaters of the Nescopeck creek as well as Lake Francis. This man made lake is beautiful in all seasons. I began my hike at the lake, walking along it’s shores and enjoyed the beauty of the blooming blue flags and water lilies. Walked by quite a few families fishing along the lake. It provides great recreational activities in all four seasons. 

Hiked past the lake and on the trails down to the meandering Nescopeck Creek. The trail pass under mostly second growth forest but there are scattered along the path huge ancient oaks and hemlocks which may have been  here before we Europeans ever set foot in the area.

I was surprised to find a number of mushrooms species growing including the some edible oyster mushrooms. Unfortunately they were already too old to eat, but now I know where to look next year.

Also encountered a wood turtle slowing making his way under  trees. And I also came across a large snapping turtle crossing the highway on the way into the park.

Reached the peaceful flowing waters of the Nescopeck Creek. I sat down and just enjoyed the soothing sound of running water and watched butterflies flutter, dragonflies dart and hover and fish jump on and above the creek. Was like living in a Tom Sawyer scene. 

Hiked back on the fern trail and along some deeper woods. Again finding quite a few older oyster mushrooms. It was nice walking under the leaf cover, shaded from the hot late May sun. It was a truly enjoyable hike and only a short drive from the city. I would encourage those folks wanting to enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of nature to pay a visit and explore this wonderful park. It is another of our many natural treasures. 

Here is a link to more of the photos I took on my hike this morning. Check them out and feel free to make comments or leave questions. https://keepyoureyespeeled.net/photographs-5/nggallery/blog-photos/nescopeck-state-park-may-30-2015/page/1

“The nation behaves well if it treats its natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value.”
― Theodore Roosevelt