Promised Land State Park in Pike County

Promised Land State Park

Promised Land State Park is located in Pike County, Pennsylvania, USA. The park covers an area of around 3,000 acres and is nestled in the Pocono Mountains region. The park offers visitors a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife viewing. Its serene beauty, two picturesque lakes, and abundant wildlife make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Promised Land State Park has something to offer for everyone.

A Natural Wonderland

Promised Land State Park is a true natural wonderland, boasting two shimmering lakes that reflect the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The 422-acre Lower Lake and the 173-acre Upper Lake are popular spots for fishing, boating, and paddling. Kayakers and canoers can explore the calm waters, while anglers can cast their lines in search of bass, pickerel, and panfish. The park’s scenic lakeside picnic areas are perfect for a leisurely afternoon lunch or a quiet moment of reflection.

Promised Land State Park Scenic View
Image via Flickr

Wildlife Watching and Birding

The park’s diverse habitats are home to a wide array of wildlife, making it a haven for wildlife-watching and birding enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, black bears, foxes, and a variety of woodland creatures as you explore the trails. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the chance to spot woodpeckers, warblers, owls, and even the majestic bald eagle soaring overhead.

Preserving Nature’s Promise

As a state park, Promised Land is dedicated to preserving its natural beauty and providing educational opportunities for visitors to learn about the importance of conservation. Park rangers offer guided nature programs, workshops, and interpretive tours, encouraging visitors to appreciate and protect the delicate ecosystems within the park.

Year-Round Adventures

Promised Land State Park is a year-round destination, offering unique experiences in every season. In the warmer months, visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and exploring the park’s lush landscapes. As the leaves change color in the fall, the park becomes a photographer’s dream, with vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold painting the trees. In winter, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing on the frozen lakes.

Promised Land State Park Nature
Image via Flickr

Promised Land State Park is a captivating destination that promises an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Surrounded by the majestic Pocono Mountains, this natural sanctuary offers a harmonious blend of outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and peaceful solitude. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or simply a connection with nature, Promised Land State Park in Pennsylvania delivers a memorable experience, leaving you with the promise of returning again and again.

Promised Land State Park Boating

The park features five convenient boat launching areas, making it easy for visitors to get their boats into the water and embark on aquatic adventures. Additionally, the park offers five boat mooring areas, providing a total of 170 mooring spaces available for rent.

These mooring spaces can be leased from April through October annually, allowing boat owners to securely and conveniently keep their vessels at the park during the boating season.

Here are the boat rental options available at the park:

  1. Rowboats. Rowboats are a classic choice for visitors looking for a relaxing and leisurely boating experience. They are perfect for exploring the calm waters of the lakes while enjoying the scenic surroundings.
  2. Pedal Boats. Pedal boats are a fun option for families and groups. These boats are equipped with pedals, allowing passengers to use their feet to move the boat forward. It’s a great way to enjoy the water together and take in the stunning views.
  3. Kayaks and Canoes. For those seeking a more active boating experience, kayaks, and canoes are available for rent. These watercraft allow visitors to navigate the lakes independently, getting closer to nature and exploring secluded coves and inlets.

Boat rental facilities at the park are located near the lakes, making it convenient for visitors to access the water and start their boating adventure.

The boat concession is open for daily operations during the peak season, which starts on Saturday immediately before Memorial Day and continues until Labor Day. The concession’s operating hours during this period are:

Monday through Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

The concession also operates during the two weekends before Memorial Day and the two weekends after Labor Day, allowing visitors to enjoy boating and water activities during the shoulder season.

Promised Land State Park Acitivities
Image via Flickr

Fishing at Promised Land State Park

Promised Land State Park offers numerous spots for fishing along the shores of its lakes. Anglers can access fishing areas from various points within the park, including designated fishing piers, shorelines, and peaceful coves.

Ice fishing is also popular within the park. However, it is recommended to check the snow and ice condition of the lake first before engaging in ice fishing.

Camping in Promised Land State Park

Camping in Promised Land State Park is a delightful experience that allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains. The park offers a variety of camping options to cater to different preferences and camping styles. Here are the main campgrounds available:

  1. Lower Lake Campground. This campground is located along the shores of Lower Lake and offers both tent and RV camping sites. The sites provide amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms and showers. Some sites have electric hookups for RVs.
  2. Pickerel Point Campground. Pickerel Point Campground is situated near the serene shores of Pickerel Point Lake, offering campers stunning views and easy access to water-related activities. The campground primarily offers tent camping sites, providing a more rustic camping experience for visitors who enjoy the simplicity of camping under the stars.
  3. Deerfield Campground. Deerfield Campground lies just south of the scenic lake. The campground operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The campground has 34 campsites, each placed amidst the serene surroundings. There is no electricity available, allowing campers to immerse themselves in a more authentic outdoor experience.
  4. The Pines Campground. There is no electricity in the Pines Campground, giving an authentic camping experience. Its setting among towering pine trees creates a peaceful and shaded atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and unwinding.
Promised Land State Park Camping
Image via Flickr

Promised Land State Park Hiking Trails

Promised Land State Park offers a variety of scenic hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual nature enthusiast, there are hiking trails to suit every skill level and interest.

Here are some of the hiking trails at the park:

  • 1800 Trail. Starts in Pines Campground and ends at Boundary Trail. Named after the 1800-foot contour line it follows.
  • Bald Eagle Trail. Links Village Trail to Rhododendron and Power Tower Trails.
  • Bear Wallow Trail. Connects Bear Wallow Cabin Colony to Delaware State Forest trails.
  • Big Dam Ridge Trail. Runs along the park boundary, and links Bear Wallow and Mill Brook No. 1 Trails.
  • Boundary Trail. Marks the state park and forestry property boundary.
  • Bruce Lake Trail. Follows a Delaware State Forest road to Bruce Lake.
  • Burley Inlet Trail. The old CCC fire access road ends at Burley Inlet.
  • Conservation Island Loop. Self-guided nature trail on Conservation Island.
  • Conservation Island Trail. Self-guided nature trail, links to Conservation Island Loop.
  • Egypt Meadow Trail. Passes Panther Swamp Trail and ends at Egypt Meadow Lake spillway.
  • Hemlock Hill Trail. Begins at Equestrian Campground, and terminates at Big Dam Ridge Trail.
  • Little Falls Trail. Scenic trail with waterfalls on the East Branch of Wallenpaupack Creek.
  • Lower Lake Trail. Passes through hay-scented ferns, and terminates at Bear Wallow Trail junction.
  • Mill Brook No. 1 Trail. Provides access to Delaware State Forest trails.
  • Mountain Laurel Trail. Links Boundary Trail, Rhododendron Trail, and Day Use Area.
  • Power Tower Trail. Connects Park Office to Bald Eagle Trail.
  • Red Oak Trail. Connects to Bald Eagle Trail from Parking Lot 1.
  • Rhododendron Trail. Connects Pickerel Point Road to Burley Inlet Trail.
  • Rock Oak Ridge Trail. Built by CCC, begins in the park, and ends on Delaware State Forest property.
  • Snow Shanty Trail. Connects Pickerel Point Road to Burly Inlet Trail.
  • Tree Tower Trail. Connects Day Use Area, Rhododendron Trail, Bear Wallow Trail, and Boundary Trail.
  • Village Trail. Links parking area on Lower Lake Road to Village of Promised Land.
  • Whittaker Trail. Rhododendron, mountain laurel, and blueberry are on this narrow trail.

These hiking trails offer a range of options for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Promised Land State Park.

Where is Promised Land State Park?

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