Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2021 - 27

Wildlife watchers, hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians
have their choice of trails and opportunities to see bald eagles,
which nest on nearby private property. " In fall, the foliage is
pretty and brings out the leaf peepers, " said Derr.
Other adventure spots
Lesser-known adventure spots worth exploring include
Wildlife watchers may see bald eagles nesting on property
adjacent to the park.
A good starting place for any visit to Erie is the Tom
Ridge Environmental Center at the gateway to the park. This
" green " research and teaching hub, open free of charge, offers
guided tours, large-format movies, and interactive exhibits, as
well as a 75-foot observation tower.
Bald Eagle State Park
Presque Isle Bay State Park is open only to day trips, so
folks wanting an overnight getaway should consider Bald
Eagle State Park, Centre County, where options range from
cottages, yurts, and campgrounds with electric hookups to
The Nature Inn, a Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED)-certified hotel. It is rated the number one
eco-lodge in America. Private balconies overlook Foster
Joseph Sayres Reservoir, a warmwater fishery that allows
unlimited horsepower boating.
Nestled in a broad valley near Bald Eagle Mountain, the
park boasts a network of hiking trails through a variety of
habitats ideal for bird and other wildlife watching.
Nockamixon State Park
For folks living in and around Philadelphia, Nockamixon
State Park is the perfect retreat from urban strife. Its
20-horsepower lake is known for producing Chain Pickerel,
Channel Catfish, Muskellunge, Striped Bass, Walleyes, bass,
carp, and perch. Its forage base of Alewife and Gizzard Shad
is so abundant " fish do not go looking for dinner; it swims to
them, " said Terry Shock, park ranger.
" Anglers caught 7-pound Chain Pickerel, 42-pound
Striped Bass, and 6-pound Smallmouth Bass. There are bass
tournaments here all summer, " said Shock.
Paddleboarders and kayakers are drawn to Nockamixon
State Park, too. " Boating in general is a big attraction, even in
cold weather. Our marina can accommodate 800-plus boats,
and our boat ramps are open 24 hours a day. We rent kayaks
and canoes, " said Shock.
About 80% of the park is open to hunting, which draws
small game, deer, spring gobbler, and waterfowl enthusiasts.
" There is not a lot of hunting in Bucks County, so people come
here. We get hunters from New Jersey, too, " said Obie Derr,
park manager.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission stocks pheasants in
an adjacent state gamelands.
www.fishandboat.com
Allegheny Islands State Park, a series of three alluvial islands
in the middle of the Allegheny River, northeast of Pittsburgh.
Comprising a total of 43 undeveloped acres, this park provides
no amenities, although camping is permitted.
Similarly, upriver, near Tionesta, there is the federallydesignated
Allegheny Islands Wilderness, a series of seven
alluvial islands scattered across 57-miles of the Allegheny
River, where visitors will find old-growth bottomland forest
and prolific birdlife to explore, especially in early spring before
vegetation thickens. This same stretch is within the National
Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
In the center of the state, in Huntingdon County, Trough
Creek State Park offers gorgeous views of Rainbow Falls,
Copperous Rock, and an ice mine. The 541-acre park is open
to hiking, biking, and picnicking as well as camping. Cabins
are available.
Other picks with unusual features include Black
Moshannon State Park, Centre County, with its reconstituted
bog and unusual fauna; Cherry Springs State Park, Potter
County, which boasts the darkest skies on the East Coast and
an observation field free of light pollution; and Cook Forest
State Park, Clarion and Forest counties, whose last remaining
stands of old growth forest have earned the park Natural Area
of Pennsylvania and National Natural Landmark designations.
Other unique destinations include Delaware Canal State
Park, Bucks and Northampton counties, with its historic,
intact canal and towpath; Hickory Run State Park, Carbon
County, with its ancient field of giant boulders; Hyner View
State Park, Clinton County, a hang-glider's mecca with
breathtaking views; and Ohiopyle State Park, Fayette County,
which is famous for some of the best whitewater rafting on
the East Coast.
Cook Forest State Park, Clarion and Forest counties.
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * July/August 2021
27
photo-Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau VisitPAGO.com, Jeff London
photo-courtesy of Nockamixon State Park
http://www.VisitPAGO.com http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2021

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