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Greentown, PA
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Promised Land State Park

100 Lower Lake Road
Greentown, PA 18426

570-676-3428

About 3,000 acres in size, Promised Land State Park is on the Pocono Plateau, 1,800 feet above sea level, and is surrounded by 12,464 acres of the Delaware State Forest, including natural areas. Visitors can enjoy:Fishing and boating in two lakesRustic cabinsCampingMiles of hiking trailsExploring the forestsThe forests of the park consist primarily of beech, oak, maple, and hemlock trees. Two lakes and several small streams add to the park’s outstanding scenic beauty.Hiking at Promised Land State Park50 miles of trailsThere are approximately 50 miles of hiking trails in Promised Land State Park and the surrounding Delaware State Forest. Splendid opportunities exist for nature study, relaxation, and exploration. You can:Hike Bruce Lake Trail to a natural glacial lakeSee the small waterfalls along Little Falls TrailWalk a loop around Conservation Island -- a self-guided trail guide to Conservation Island can be obtained at the park officeThe trails lead through areas rich in historic and scenic interest. This is especially true from mid-May until mid-June when the native mountain laurel and rhododendron are in bloom. Lowbush and highbush blueberries usually ripen during late July. Fall foliage usually peaks during early October.Picnicking at Promised Land State ParkThis activity or structure is ADA accessible. The Falls Pavilion is ADA accessible.The Day Use Picnic Area is next to Promised Land Lake, in a scenic woodland setting. The main beach, boat rental, and refreshment stand are all within a short walk.The picnic area has:ParkingPlaygroundWaterTrash containersSand volleyball courtBasketball hoopRestroomsStay the Night at Promised Land State ParkCampingFlush toilets, warm showers, electric hook-ups, some full-service hook-upsThere are six camping areas. Campgrounds vary from rustic (flush toilets, no showers, and no electricity) to full hookup (sewer, electric, and water hookup on site). All campgrounds are near swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking.Swimming at Promised Land State ParkTwo sand beaches are open daily from late-May to mid-September, 8:00 A.M. to sunset.The main beach is in the Day Use Picnic Area.The Pickerel Point Beach is on the end of Pickerel Point.Smoke-Free BeachSmoking is prohibited on the beaches and in the swimming areas. For visitors who smoke and still want to use the beaches, designated areas adjacent to the beaches are provided. The restriction includes:CigarettesPipesCigarsE-cigarettesOther handheld, lighted smoking devicesWildlife Watching at Promised Land State ParkPromised Land State Park is located within the Pocono Plateau, a rugged highland with:Rocky soilNutrient-poor bogsDark evergreen forestsDiversity of wildlife and plantsAbout 20,000 years ago, a giant sheet of ice about one mile thick covered Promised Land. The park’s rocky soil is comprised of glacial till, providing direct evidence of the glacier. Much of the park is characterized by sphagnum moss bogs, evergreen trees, and thin, rocky soil.Common to this habitat are:Blackburnian warblersRed-breasted nuthatchesTimber rattlesnakesDuring the spring, spotted and Jefferson salamanders and wood frogs flock to the bogs and seasonal pools to breed.Due to logging of the forests during the early 1900s, large portions of the forest have re-grown with a mix of deciduous trees such as beech, oak, and maple. Common migratory songbirds that visit these forests are:American redstartsRed-eyed vireosBlackburnian warblersThe National Audubon Society has designated Promised Land State Park as an Important Bird Area.During early May, before any trees leaf out, serviceberry trees flower with a beautiful display of white. During mid- to late-May, the plentiful mountain laurel blooms, followed in mid-June by the rhododendron.During mid- to late-July, the lowbush and highbush blueberries bear fruit, providing a feast for bears, birds, and people.Black bear are common in the park. This omnivore eats plants, grasses, berries, and occasionally meat. Unfortunately, bears find human food to be nearly irresistible. Please observe wildlife from a safe distance and do not feed wildlife.A wildlife observation station is located on Lower Lake by the Bear Wallow Boat Launch. Approach the area quietly for the best chance to see waterfowl and other animals.Plants and animals are protected at the park. Take only pictures and leave only footprints when you leave Promised Land. It is illegal to remove natural items such as flowers, feathers, and pine cones from Pennsylvania state park and state forest land.Feeding Canada geese and other waterfowl at the swimming areas results in large quantities of fecal droppings, which is offensive to park visitors and a potential health hazard. It is also against Pennsylvania state park regulations.Boating at Promised Land State ParkElectric motors onlyThis activity or structure is ADA accessible. One boat launch is ADA accessible.The 422-acre Promised Land Lake offers approximately nine miles of shoreline, while the 173-acre Lower Lake has almost four miles.There are five boat launching areas. Five boat mooring areas offer a total of 170 mooring spaces, which may be rented from April through October each year.Fishing at Promised Land State ParkThis activity or structure is ADA accessible. An ADA-accessible fishing pier is on Promised Land Lake.The 422-acre Promised Land Lake and the 173-acre Lower Lake offer great opportunities for fishing.Common fish species are:Largemouth and smallmouth bassPickerelMuskellungeYellow perchSunfishCatfishLower Lake is an approved trout waters and is stocked with brook, brown, and rainbow trout. A trout stamp is required to fish in these waters. Fishing is prohibited prior to the start of the trout season.Ice FishingIce fishing is popular on both lakes, with bass, pickerel, and panfish the most common fish caught through the ice.Hunting at Promised Land State ParkDuring established seasons, about 1,528 acres are open to:HuntingTrappingTraining of dogsCommon game species are:DeerBearTurkeyHunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas.Biking at Promised Land State Park6.5 miles of roadsRiders share the road on the 6.5-mile, paved road around Promised Land Lake, Lower Lake Road, and in the park’s six campgrounds.Children age 12 and under MUST wear a helmet, and others are encouraged to wear a helmet.Please ride single file on all park roads.All Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Statutes apply when riding on state park roads.Please avoid riding PA 390 when possible; use Rhododendron Trail instead.Mountain Biking at Promised Land State ParkMountain biking is permitted on designated trails only within Delaware State Forest.Horseback Riding at Promised Land State ParkPromised Land State Park provides access to selected equestrian trails in Delaware State Forest.Horseback riding is allowed on park roads and in designated trails in Promised Land State Park.Rentals are not available.Cross-Country Skiing at Promised Land State ParkCross-country skiing is permitted on all trails.Bruce Lake Natural Area and Conservation Island have the best trails for cross-country skiing.Snowshoeing at Promised Land State ParkSnowshoeing is permitted on all trails.Bruce Lake Natural Area and Conservation Island have the best trails for snowshoeing.During the winter season, snowshoes are available for loan from the park office with a photo ID, from 8:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., Monday to Friday. Six inches or more of snow is required in order to borrow snowshoes.Ice Skating at Promised Land State ParkConditions permitting, ice skating occurs on the natural ice of Promised Land Lake. Contact the park office for information.Please confirm ice thickness before skating.Snowmobiling at Promised Land State ParkRegistered snowmobiles may be used on more than 23 miles of groomed, designated trails. The trails, which are on both state park and state forest lands, are open daily after the end of deer season in late December; weather permitting.

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