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Pennsylvania
219

Pennsylvania State Parks

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USA Parks
Pennsylvania
Northeast Region
Tuscarora State Park
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Tuscarora State Park © Donna Davis
Sep 2010
Tuscarora State Park © Donna Davis
View from the dam looking away from the lake.
Tuscarora State Park Catch of the Day © Marty Straub
Well, it wasnt a great catch as far as the photo is concerned, but these guys were very happy with THEIR catch.
Tuscarora State Park Leaves Feather © Marty Straub
Tuscarora State Park © Donna Davis
Sep 2010
Tuscarora State Park Okay, Tuscarora © Marty Straub
Tuscarora State Park Double Sun © Marty Straub
Tuscarora State Park © Donna Davis
At the model aircraft field. Sep 2010
Tuscarora State Park © Donna Davis
Sep 2010
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TUSCARORA STATE PARK
TUSCARORA STATE PARK
687 Tuscarora Park Road
Barnesville, Pennsylvania   18214

Phone: 570-467-2404
Toll Free: 888-727-2757
Reservations: 888-727-2757
Email: park email button icon
When viewed from the lake or the day use area, Locust Mountain seems to drop right into the southern side of Tuscarora Lake. The scenic picnic area plays host to many day trips and family reunions and the lake is a popular fishing spot. The 1,618-acre park is home to the Park Office and Visitor Center for Tuscarora and Locust Lake state parks. Visitors are welcome to gather information about the parks, the environmental education program and local attractions.
Cottages
Six cottages sleep five people in single bunks and double/single bunks, and have windows, porch, picnic table, fire ring and electric lights and outlets.
Swimming
Swimming is permitted from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Lifeguards are on duty from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. throughout the season unless otherwise posted. Swimming areas are marked with buoys and have a maximum depth of 5 1/2 feet.
Boating
Boating: electric motors only

Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Rowboats, canoes and pedal boats are available through boat rental concessions at each park.
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing in a 96-acre lake, home to species like trout, bass and panfish. Ice fishing is permitted during winter months when conditions are safe. A Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations apply for all activities related to angling here.


Location
Tuscarora State Park is located near Hamburg, Hazleton and Pottsville

Picnicking
Fishing:

Fishing at Tuscarora Lake consists primarily of warm water game fish including bass, muskellunge, pickerel, catfish, yellow perch and sunfish. Night fishing is permitted.

Ice fishing is permitted during the winter season with trout being the primary species caught at both lakes. The ice is not monitored for safety. Be sure that the ice is at least four inches thick and carry safety equipment.

Hunting and Firearms:

Approximately 1,100 acres of Tuscarora State Park are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, woodcock, turkey, grouse and dove. Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day to March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for accessible hunting information.

Special regulations areas allowing only bow and arrow and flintlock muzzleloader hunting are located at several areas of Locust Lake.

Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. The park is used by other visitors during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting, firearms and archery equipment must be kept in the owner's car, trailer or camp.

Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore the 1.5-mile Spirit Trail, but be aware it's shared with hikers and runners.

The trail is relatively flat, making for an easy ride; however, caution should still be exercised.

Off-road biking isn't permitted within park boundaries to protect natural resources from damage or erosion.

Remember that helmets are required by law in Pennsylvania for cyclists under age 12 - safety first!

Be mindful of wildlife when cycling as encounters may occur unexpectedly on trails.

During winter months bicycling might not always possible due to snowfall so check conditions before visiting.
Trails
All of the trails are road width and do not have blazes. The trails wander through several habitats like mature deciduous forest, meadow and agricultural fields.

Crow Trail: easy hiking, 1.4 miles: This old dirt road passes through many habitats, including; mature deciduous forest, pine and larch plantation, grass fields, and overgrown meadow. This trail ends at the southern shore of Tuscarora Lake.

Edge Trail: easy hiking, 0.4 mile: This grass covered trail winds along the edge of a mature forest and agricultural fields. The trail provides access to Log Trail and the park office/visitor center.

Hill Trail: moderate hiking, 0.3 mile: This short but steep trail parallels a power line and provides the most direct access from the park office/visitor center to the picnic area and beach.

Lake View Trail: easy hiking, 0.6 mile: This trail goes through the primary use area of Tuscarora State Park. It parallels the lake and provides several views including a nice view of the beach. Park employees and concessionaires sometimes drive this dirt trail.

Laurel Trail: easy hiking, 0.4 mile: Accessed from Log Trail or Edge Trail, this grassy road was used to cut trees that died from severe gypsy moth damage. This short loop provides views of mountain laurel and mature forest.

Locust Mountain Trail: moderate hiking, 0.4 mile: An old fire access road winding through a mature deciduous forest on a fairly steep slope, this trail takes you from Crow Trail to the top of Locust Mountain.

Log Trail: easy hiking, 0.3 mile: This old logging road winds through a mature deciduous forest. It has a slight grade and connects to Laurel and Edge trails and the west end parking area.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 180 species recorded. It's home to waterfowl, songbirds and raptors. The lake attracts migrating birds in spring and fall seasons. Birdwatchers can explore the hiking trails for woodland species sightings or visit during organized bird walks.
Nature Programs
Tuscarora and Locust Lake state parks offer a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.

Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. An environmental education specialist is available to develop EE curriculums and sites, and provide teacher workshops and additional teacher and community services.

Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the park office.

Programs are offered March to November. For more detailed information contact the park office.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 24 paddke boats
park review stars; one to five we were on the paddle boats and were floating and for no reason it took in water that fast and we sunk! if it was not for my fiance and strangers (none of the workers) I would have drowned cause I cannot swim- jacket came off when we flipped and floated away.
May 17 juvenile deinquent by hbaez
park review stars; one to five the only problem i encounted was fishing from land could be dangerous young kids started to throw down rocks while we was fishing. but other wise everything was great
January 16
park review stars; one to five
write a review read more reviews
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Area Campgrounds
Jim Thorpe Camping Resort
129 Lentz Trail
Jim Thorpe, PA
570-325-2644
Laurel Lake Campsites
3480 Summer Valley Rd.
New Ringgold, PA
570-386-5301
Blue Ridge Campground Inc.
2489 West Lizard Creek Road
Ashfield, PA
570-386-2911
Christmas Pines Campground
450 Red Church Road
Auburn, PA
570-366-8866
Butterfly and Bee Cabins-Camping
65 Sculpshill Road
Deer Lake, PA
570-366-1118
Rosemount Camping Resort
285 Valley Road
Tamaqua, PA
570-668-2580
Red Ridge Lake Campground Inc
61 Millers Road
Zion Grove, PA
570-384-4760
Lakewood Park Campground
26 Park Avenue
Barnesville, PA
570-285-8026
Lizard Creek Campground
2489 West Lizard Creek Road
Lehighton, PA
570-386-2911
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Bear's Head Fly Tying Shop
34 Walnut St
Delano, PA
(570) 467-2303
Keystone Fish & Hunt Club
421 N Nescopec St
Tamaqua, PA
(570) 668-0780
West Penn Rod & Gun Club
1047 Clamtown Rd
Tamaqua, PA
(570) 386-1123
Mc Donald's Sporting Goods
26 N Valley St
Blythe Twp, PA
(570) 277-0559
Shenandoah East End Field & Stream Club
320 E Lloyd St
Shenandoah, PA
(570) 462-2957
Area Cabins and Lodges
Eagle Rock
1031 Valley of Lks
Hazleton, PA
(570) 384-3223
Eagle Rock Resort: Administration
RR 924
Sheppton, PA
(570) 384-3223
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Located two miles west of Tamaqua off of PA 309, south of Barnesville, which is on PA 54 between the Hometown Exit (131A) of I-81 and PA 309.

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Pennsylvania
219

Pennsylvania State Parks

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