Hiking in Neskopeck State Park

Today we chose a short, 4-mile hike in Neskopeck State Park.  Bordered on the south by steep Mount Yeager and on the north by Nescopeck Mountain, the 3,550-acre Nescopeck State Park encompasses wetlands, rich forests and many diverse habitats. Nescopeck Creek, a favorite of anglers, meanders through the park. Hiking trails follow the creek, pass through quiet forests and skirt wetlands. An environmental education center provides year-round educational programs on the park’s diverse resources. Interpretive exhibits highlighting the park’s natural history can be seen inside the environmental education center.

Here is a view of the visitor center, which is a gateway to the 19 miles of trails in the park:

Our hike started toward Lake Frances.  There were still bright splashes of color around the lake:

The island in the center of the lake still boasts some greens, yellows and oranges, as well as some bird nesting shelters:

Some of the most interesting and diverse trails follow Neskopeck Creek.  Here, David explores variations in shade and light along the creek:

Kathy did some reflecting herself:

The creek water is so clean and clear that it is designated a protected trout stream.  Here, David peers down into the clear stream:

And David did a little additional reflecting of his own:

In addition to Lake Frances, the park is home to a large, unnamed pond and one or two informal beaver ponds.  Here, two trees cling to their colors along a greying pond shore:

Throughout the park, the state has provided sanctuary for birds, bats, butterflies and other wildlife:

All along Nescopeck Creek, we encountered evidence of bear grubbing.  At least one or two ursine spirits occupy this realm.

One of the trails we walked was the Red Rock Trail.  We understood why it was named this as we discovered red slate and other red-colored rocks along the banks of Neskopeck Creek.  The reds were complemented by the greens of moss and the reflections of trees in the water:

Small cascades alternate with quiet pools in this creek.  Both can be seen below:

Here's a close-up of the rocky cascade:

On the Woodlands trail, the terrain changes and so does the foliage.  Here, we entered a fir forest - first white pine and then hemlock.  The sun filtered down on the dry leaves and fir needles that littered the trail and the rest of the forest floor:

Toward the end of the hike, we found ourselves on an airy plateau - bright green from the moss covering the trail itself:

Here, Kathy leans on the trail sign as she reviews the many splendors we witnessed on this hike today:

We wish we had more time to explore the Lehigh Gorge area, but, alas, it will be time to move south to Hatfield tomorrow.  Perhaps it's just as well, because snow is in the forecast for this mountain area on Sunday.