
Nescopeck State Park
Nescopeck State Park offers 3,500 acres of trails, fishing, and nature education, perfect for outdoor adventures year-round.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, crisp air

Nescopeck State Park
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, crisp air

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Nescopeck State Park offers 3,500 acres of trails, fishing, and nature education, perfect for outdoor adventures year-round.
"A wonderful, beautiful park for day use with free admission and plenty to explore."

🐾 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails, making it a perfect spot for a hike with your furry friend.
🎒 Borrow Gear for Free
The nature center lends out backpacks with activity guides and even fishing poles!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lake Francis Trail
Lake Francis
A popular, relatively flat loop offering scenic water views and a chance to spot wildlife. Perfect for a leisurely walk.

Woodland Way & Red Rock Trail
Various trailheads
Explore diverse forest scenery and unique rock formations on these interconnected trails. Offers a more immersive nature experience.

Environmental Education Center
Day Use Area
Discover interactive exhibits, a butterfly garden, and borrow free hiking or fishing gear. Great for families and curious minds.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Seasonal Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails, making it a perfect spot for a hike with your furry friend.
🎒 Borrow Gear for Free
The nature center lends out backpacks with activity guides and even fishing poles!
🚗 Trailhead Access
Not all trails start at the main entrance; check the park map for trailheads along Honey Hole Road.
🚫 No Bikes Allowed
Remember, bicycles are not permitted on the park's trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails, making it a perfect spot for a hike with your furry friend.
🎒 Borrow Gear for Free
The nature center lends out backpacks with activity guides and even fishing poles!
🚗 Trailhead Access
Not all trails start at the main entrance; check the park map for trailheads along Honey Hole Road.
🚫 No Bikes Allowed
Remember, bicycles are not permitted on the park's trails.
📸 Drone Photography
Some visitors have captured unique aerial perspectives, especially when the lake is being drained.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Nescopeck State Park for its extensive trail system and natural beauty, offering a peaceful escape. Many appreciate the free admission and the educational resources available at the nature center, making it a great value. Some note that trailheads can be spread out, requiring a bit of planning to access all areas.
"Comprehensive review: Nescopeck at first seems like a small park, but it's misleading. In the Day Use Area there is a visitor center and office, an environmental educational center, a nature center and butterfly garden, a picnic grove and Lake Francis, all in a relatively compact area. However, there are 15 trails that branch out into the 3550 acres of park. Several start from pull off spots along Honey Hole Road between the lake and route 80. Most lead back to the Nescopeck Creek. The most difficult is the 3 mile Mountain Loop Trail. The most popular is the Lake Trail that completely circles the lake. Several trails lead to ponds while a short road near rt 80 takes you right to a pond.
Fish are stocked in Lake Francis and the Nescopeck Creek that runs through the park. The park's brochure mentions the visitor center will lend you a fishing pole if you need one.
Most of the trails are flat enough for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Hunting is allowed in season. No bikes are allowed on trails in this park.
Check the website for educational programs.
For more information: pa parks and forests
See the you tube video. Search thePAparksman"
Charles J
"What a wonderful beautiful park for day use we stopped here on our way from Shenandoah National Park what a great way to break up the drive!!!"
adam sideri
"A nice out of the way place to see. Took a walk around the lake. It was a beautiful day with fall folage.
They also have free backpacks with things to use on your hike. Even fishing poles to borrow."
Jim Pacetti
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nescopeck State Park is located in Drums, PA. Access points are primarily off Route 80 and Honey Hole Road. Many trails have pull-off trailheads along Honey Hole Road, so it's helpful to consult a park map to find specific starting points.
Yes, parking is available and free at the main day-use area, which includes access to the visitor center and Lake Francis. Additional parking can be found at various trailheads along Honey Hole Road.
You can use GPS for the general park area, but for specific trailheads, it's best to have a park map handy as some are not directly accessible from main roads.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching Nescopeck State Park. It is generally recommended to travel by private vehicle.
The park is accessible via Route 80 and local roads like Honey Hole Road. Ensure you have a map or GPS that can guide you to the specific areas you wish to visit within the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Nescopeck State Park offers free admission and parking, making it an accessible destination for all visitors.
The park is generally open year-round. Specific hours for the Environmental Education Center and other facilities may vary, so it's advisable to check the official park website for the most current information.
No advance booking is required for general park entry. However, if you plan to attend specific educational programs or events, it's wise to check for registration requirements.
The park is open to the public year-round. Specific areas or facilities might have seasonal hours. Always check the park's official website for any temporary closures or advisories.
Yes, Nescopeck State Park is a beautiful location for micro-weddings and elopements, offering scenic natural backdrops.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Lake Trail for easy walks around Lake Francis, and the Woodland Way & Red Rock Trail for more varied scenery. The Mountain Loop Trail offers a more challenging hike.
No, swimming is not permitted in Lake Francis. The park offers fishing and scenic walks around the lake.
Yes, there is a picnic grove area available for visitors to enjoy meals amidst nature.
The park is home to various wildlife, making it a great spot for bird watching and nature observation. Keep an eye out for local fauna during your visit.
The Environmental Education Center hosts various programs throughout the year. Check the park's website for schedules and topics.
🍽️ 🎣 Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within Nescopeck State Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and utilize the picnic areas.
Yes, fishing is permitted in Lake Francis and Nescopeck Creek. The park's visitor center may even lend fishing poles.
Nearby towns like Hazleton offer various dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants. It's recommended to plan your meals before or after your park visit.
No, there are no food vendors operating within the park premises. Pack accordingly for your visit.
The park has picnic areas, which are suitable for enjoying meals. Specific regulations regarding open fires or grills should be checked with park management.
📸 📸 Photography
Lake Francis offers beautiful reflections and water views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The diverse trails provide opportunities for capturing forest scenes and unique rock formations.
One visitor captured aerial footage using a drone, suggesting it's possible, but always check current park regulations regarding drone usage.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a warm glow over the landscapes. Fall foliage also provides stunning photographic opportunities.
While not explicitly marked as viewpoints, many areas along the Lake Trail and the Red Rock Trail offer picturesque scenes worth capturing.
Yes, Nescopeck State Park is a great place for wildlife photography. Remember to maintain a safe distance and respect the animals' natural habitat.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Nescopeck's Trails
It's important to note that bicycles are not permitted on any of the park's trails, ensuring a quieter experience for hikers and wildlife. The park also offers opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during winter months, transforming the landscape into a serene, snowy wonderland. Always consult a park map to plan your route, as some trailheads are not directly accessible from the main entrance.
Nature and Education at the Center
This center is particularly beneficial for families looking to enhance their outdoor experience. It provides resources and activities that can make a visit more educational and enjoyable for children. The park's commitment to environmental education ensures that visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Seasonal Beauty and Activities
Spring awakens the park with blooming wildflowers and returning wildlife, offering mild weather for exploration. Even during the lake's draining for pipe repairs, visitors have found unique photographic opportunities from the air. The park is a year-round destination, with each season offering a different, yet equally captivating, experience for visitors.






Social
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