A Pennsylvania Recreational Guide for

State Park
Promised Land
Promised Land WELCOME
The 7,734-acre Cook Forest State Park lies
Top 10 Activities to doin at Promised Land
scenic northwestern Pennsylvania. Once
Pennsylvania State Parks Mission
called the ”Black Forest,” the area is famous
The primary purpose of Pennsylvania state parks is to provide 1. Paddle your kayak on Promised Land for6.itsTake a hike
stands on Little
of old growthFalls Trail.Cook For-
forest.
opportunities for enjoying healthful outdoor recreation and serve as Lake. 7. Plan
est’s a weekend
”Forest stay of
Cathedral” at Pickerel
toweringPoint
white
outdoor classrooms for environmental education. In meeting these 2. View the eagles’ nest from the Wildlife Campground.
pines and hemlocks is a National Natural
purposes, the conservation of the natural, scenic, aesthetic, and Observation Station. 8. Cool off
Landmark. Theduring those
Clarion hot connects
River summer days at
Clear
historical values of parks should be given first consideration. 3. Visit the Masker Museum. the beach.
Creek State Park to Cook Forest State Park
Stewardship responsibilities should be carried out in a way that 4. Stay in a rustic cabin at Bear Wallows. 9. Try
along your luck
a scenic fishing
10-mile eitherof
stretch ofriver
the park’s
which
protects the natural outdoor experience for the enjoyment of current lakes. for canoeing and rafting.
is popular
5. Attend an environmental education
and future generations. program. 10. Explore
Clear Delaware
Creek State Park State Forest. 1372
encompasses
visitPAparks
Cover photo: Scott Moyer acres in Jefferson County. The park occupies
a scenic portion of the Clear Creek Valley
from PA 949 to the Clarion River.
Printed on recycled paper 2017 Ren Helen Ann Foster

PROMISED LAND STATE PARK ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION HISTORY

Promised Land State Park is on the Pocono Environmental Education programming natural features found in the area, children’s The land that became Promised Land State the fourth Pennsylvania state park. Between in May 1933 and closed in July 1941. It
Plateau, 1,800 feet above sea level. Almost is offered from April through October books, field guides, and a bird observation Park was once hunting grounds for the 1902 and 1933, the commonwealth planted was located in what is now Deerfield and
3,000 acres in size, the park is surrounded at both Promised Land State Park and area. The museum also has a native plant Minsi Tribe of the Wolf Clan of the Lenni over 370,000 trees. In 1905, the first Pickerel Point campgrounds. The hard
by 12,464 acres of Pennsylvania’s Delaware Varden Conservation Area. From Memorial garden and bird feeding stations. Lenape American Indians (Delaware). campground was established in the pine working young men transformed the land in
State Forest. Day though Labor Day, interpretive and The Civilian Conservation Corps section The Shakers, a religious group, plantation between Bear Wallow Road and and around Promised Land State Park. CCC
recreational programming is offered on features interactive stories, displays, and purchased land in the area. They tried to the stream flowing into Lower Lake. The boys built Pickerel Point Campground,
Directions Fridays and Saturdays. From late June artifacts that tell the story of the CCC in farm and build a life on the rocky land. campground closed in 1925 and a new one the Bear Wallow Cabins, most of North
Promised Land State Park is in Pike through early September, the park offers Promised Land. It is the largest state park Their attempt to build a partnership to log was built in what is now the main beach Shore Road by hand, Egypt Meadow Dam,
County, 10 miles north of Canadensis, a weekly nature arts and crafts program museum in Pennsylvania. The museum is the land was unsuccessful. After finally picnic area. In 1911, the original (1890) planted over one million trees, fought forest
along PA 390. The park is easily accessed for children of all ages that is organized open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. contracting the forests to be timbered, the earthen crib dam on Promised Land Lake fires, and much more. Each August the park
from interstate highways 80 and 84. It by Conservation Volunteers. The park also It is staffed completely by volunteer docents. Shakers left the area. According to legend, was re-built for $1,000. celebrates this legacy with a CCC festival.
is within a one to three hour drive from offers a family fishing program which Please check with the park office to confirm the Shakers sarcastically named the area In 1933, to relieve the rampant On Sunday evening, May 31, 1998, an
Allentown, Easton, Bethlehem, Reading, builds fishing skills and includes loaner hours. Admission to the museum is free. The “the Promised Land.” unemployment of the Great Depression, F-2 tornado with winds of 113 -157 mph
poles, bait, and tackle. Loaner poles can Teacher workshops are typically offered Masker Museum is ADA accessible. For more The Shakers and other early settlers of President Franklin D. Roosevelt created passed through Promised Land State Park.
Harrisburg, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre.
also be borrowed at the park office and the in spring and fall each year. information on becoming a museum docent, the area erected sawmills to process the the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). It cut a northeasterly path through the park
The park is about 100 miles north of
Masker Museum. The Masker Museum is located off please contact the park office. large stands of conifer and hardwood trees. The young men in the CCC received food, and crossed Lower Lake Road, PA 390, and
Philadelphia and 35 miles from the New
A current program schedule is available of Pickerel Point Road by the outdoor The land was repeatedly clear-cut. By 1903, clothes, and a small paycheck, in return for North Shore Road near Sucker Brook. Over
York and New Jersey state borders.
on park bulletin boards, at the park office, amphitheater and Pickerel Point the area was almost completely treeless. building roads, trails, recreational facilities, 500 people were trapped overnight in the
Reservations or online at www.visitPAparks.com. Campground. The museum has two themes With the loss of trees came erosion, forest fighting fires, planting trees, and performing park, but no one was seriously hurt. The
Spring through fall, school and group - the natural history of Promised Land and fires, and migration of wildlife from the many other conservation activities. CCC park office has copies of “After the Wind
Make online reservations at
programs can be scheduled. These programs the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) area. camps were built throughout the United Died Down,” a booklet about the tornado
www.visitPAparks.com or call toll-free
cover a wide variety of standards-based history in the park. The natural history The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania States. Pennsylvania’s 151 camps numbered and its aftermath.
888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), 7:00 AM
topics and levels. Please contact the park section features mounted animals (including purchased the land from 1902-1904. The second only to California.
to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday, for state
Promised Land Lake
office to book a school or group program. a large black bear), interactive displays of purchase price ranged from $0.18 to $2.00 Promised Land’s Camp S-139 opened
park information and reservations.
per acre. In 1905, Promised Land became

RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Spend the Day Stay the Night
HORSEBACK RIDING: Promised Land PICNICKING: The Day Use Picnic CAMPING: modern and rustic campsites, campground offers warm showers, flush a fire ring. Linens are not provided. The
State Park provides access to selected Area is next to Promised Land Lake, in some with electricity toilets, electricity, and laundry facilities. The cottages are located next to a shower house
equestrian trails in Delaware State Forest. a scenic woodland setting. The picnic There are seven camping areas. campground offers 106 campsites, some of in Pickerel Point Campground. Pets are
Horseback riding is allowed on park roads area has parking, a playground, water, Campgrounds vary from rustic (flush which allow pets. prohibited in the camping cottages.
and in designated trails in Promised Land trash containers, a sand volleyball court, a toilets, no showers, and no electricity) to Northwoods has 48 sites and is open Tucked into the forest, Deerfield
State Park. Rentals are not available. Check basketball hoop, and restrooms. The main full hookup (sewer, electric, and water early May through mid-October. It offers Campground is just south of Promised
with the park office for equestrian camping beach, boat rental, and refreshment stand hookup on site). Pets are permitted on warm showers, flush toilets, electricity, and Land Lake and is open Memorial Day
options. are all within a short walk. designated sites in some campgrounds, laundry facilities. Pets are allowed in this weekend through Labor Day weekend. This
BICYCLING: Riders share the road on must be controlled and attended at all times, campground on designated sites. rustic area contains 34 campsites with flush
the 6.5-mile paved road around Promised and are prohibited in park buildings. All Rhododendron contains 63 campsites toilets and no electricity. Use of Pickerel
Land Lake, Lower Lake Road, and in the campgrounds are near swimming, boating, that are open from Memorial Day through Point Campground showers is included
park’s six campgrounds. Children age fishing, and hiking. Labor Day. Please contact the park office for in the campsite fee. Pets are allowed on Masker Museum
12 and under MUST wear a helmet, and The maximum stay in all camping areas specific dates. It offers warm showers, flush all sites. An ADA accessible campsite is
others are encouraged to wear a helmet. is 14 days during the summer season and 21 toilets, and electricity on some sites. The available.
Please ride single file on all park roads. All days during the off-season. Campers must
vacate the park for 48 hours before setting
area is not open to pets.
Hemlock Hill Equestrian Campground
The Pines Campground is at the
northwestern end of Promised Land Lake
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Statutes apply
when riding on state park roads. Please up again. Campers are allowed one vehicle has 6 individual sites and is open early May and is open from Memorial Day weekend Information on nearby attractions is recreational opportunities such as, and the Appalachian Trail. 570-426-2452.
avoid riding PA 390 when possible; use per site. Extra car passes may be purchased through mid-October. Each campsite has a through Labor Day Weekend. It offers 58 available from the Pocono Mountains hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, www.nps.gov/dewa/
FISHING: Promised Land Lake and Lower
Rhodendron Trail instead. for a fee. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, and a stall rustic campsites without electricity. The Vacation Bureau, 1-800-POCONOS. snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Camping The 5,700-acre Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake offer great opportunities for year
Two picnic pavilions may be reserved Campground facilities are ONLY open to that accommodates either 3 or 4 horses. The restrooms have flush toilets. Pay showers www.poconomountains.com is prohibited in the state forest area is owned by PPL Electric Utilities and is
round fishing. Common fish species are MOUNTAIN BIKING: Mountain biking up to 11 months in advance for a fee. those staying at that campground. campgound area includes a vault toilet, water are available in the picnic area. A paved trail Promised Land State Park serves as the surrounding the park. 570-895-4000. open to public fishing and boating. The lake
largemouth and smallmouth bass, pickerel, is permitted on designated trails only within Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a for horses, a manure pit, and is adjacent leads to the picnic area and main beach. An headquarters for Varden Conservation The 2,845-acre Bruce Lake Natural contains many species of warmwater fish
muskellunge, yellow perch, sunfish, and Delaware State Forest. first-come, first-served basis. to miles of horse trails in Delaware State ADA accessible campsite is available. Area. It is located about 25 miles northwest Area contains two lakes, wetlands, and in addition to trout. It is located 25 minutes
catfish.
HUNTING AND FIREARMS: Prior to arrival, buses must get a permit Forest. Modern restrooms with hot showers of Promised Land in Wayne County on unique plants. Bruce Lake is a natural glacier north of the park.
Lower Lake is approved trout waters and CABINS: Nestled within evergreens
Approximately 1,528 acres are open to from the park office to utilize the picnic and a dump station are nearby. PA 296, between Waymart and Hamlin, lake. 877-PPL-LAKE (1-877-775-5253).
is stocked with brook, brown, and rainbow and adjacent to Lower Lake, the Bear
hunting, trapping, and the training of dogs area. Buses must park in the overflow Pickerel Point Campground is on a Pennsylvania. The small Pine Lake Natural Area has a
trout. A trout stamp is required to fish in Wallow Cabin Colony has 12 rustic rental
during established seasons. Common game parking lot. peninsula on the southern side of Promised The 444-acre conservation area was ten-acre glacial bog.
these waters. Fishing is prohibited prior to cabins that were constructed by the Civilian
species are deer, bear, and turkey. Adjacent SWIMMING: Two sand beaches are open Land Lake. The area has 75 campsites and a donation from veterinarian, Dr. Mead Comprising 70,000 acres of the Delaware
the start of the trout season. Pennsylvania Conservation Corps in the 1930s. These
forestry land has additional areas open to daily from late-May to mid-September, three camping cottages. Limited sites and the Shaffer. There are over 7 miles of trails that River shoreline in PA and NJ,
Fish and Boat Commission regulations and rustic cabins each have a fireplace insert,
hunting. 8:00 AM to sunset. The main beach is in the camping cottages are open year round. An navigate through old farm fields, forests, tree Delaware Water Gap National Recreation
laws apply. Lower Lake Campground is located refrigerator, stove, electricity, outdoor fire
Hunting woodchucks, also known as Day Use Picnic Area. The Pickerel Point unguarded swimming area is at the end of plantations, and nearby wetlands. Area offers canoeing, fishing, swimming,
on the western edge of Lower Lake. The ring, and adjacent private bathroom. Cabins
TRAIL SIGNING SYSTEM: Designated groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training the peninsula. The campground offers rustic Promised Land State Park is surrounded hiking, wildlife viewing, waterfalls, and
Beach is on the end of Pickerel Point. Swim area includes Beechwood, Northwoods, 11 and 12 permit dogs. Pets are prohibited
recreational trails are all marked with is only permitted from the day following walk-in sites, electric sites, and full hook up by 12,464 acres of Delaware State Forest. historic areas. Visitors can see Dingmans
at your own risk. Please read and follow Rhododendron, and Hemlock Hill areas. in cabins 1-10. Cabin 9 is ADA accessible.
vertical blue blazes. At each trail sites with sewer, water, and electric on site. It includes two natural areas and numerous Falls, Zane Grey’s Home, Roebling Bridge, Damselfly
Labor Day through March 31 in designated posted rules for swimming. There are no There is a dump station at the entrance of Whittaker Cabin sleeps 8 guests. Linens are
intersection, a sign designates the trail hunting areas. The Department of ADA accessible campsites are available.
lifeguards. Lower Lake Campground. not provided.
name, intersection number, trail uses, Conservation and Natural Resources and the The entire area has two shower houses
emergency route, distances, directions, Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and
All children 10 years of age or younger
must be accompanied by a person at least
Beechwood is open from early April
through mid-October. Modern facilities are
with laundry facilities and one restroom.
Scattered around Promised Land State
Park are 224 privately owned cabins on
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
and other pertinent information. Permitted regulations apply. Contact the park office Designated sites are open to pets.
14 years of age. All groups at the beach available Memorial Day through Columbus leased state park land. Please respect the
trail usage is designated by international for ADA accessible hunting information. Camping cottages have electric heat,  Access for People with Disabilities Protect and Preserve our Parks
must meet the state park adult-to-child ratio Day. Best suited to RVs, this modern property rights of these cabin owners.
symbols. Any other markings are NOT Use extreme caution with firearms at bunk beds, a table and benches, a grill, and
requirements for supervision. This symbol indicates facilities If you need an accommodation to Please make your visit safe and enjoyable.
relevant to this trail system. Additional trail all times. Other visitors use the park during Enjoy the Winter
and activities that are Americans with participate in park activities due to a Obey all posted rules and regulations and
information and descriptions are available hunting seasons. Firearms and archery
SNOWMOBILING: Registered Bruce Lake Natural Area and Conservation ICE FISHING: Conditions permitting, Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible for disability, please contact the park you respect fellow visitors and the resources of
at the park office. equipment used for hunting may be uncased
snowmobiles may be used on more than 23 Island have the best trails for skiing and ice fishing is popular on both lakes. Bass, people with disabilities. This publication plan to visit. the park.
HIKING: There are approximately 50 and ready for use only in authorized hunting
miles of groomed, designated trails. The snowshoeing. During the winter season, pickerel, and panfish can be caught in both text is available in alternative formats. • Be prepared and bring the proper
miles of hiking trails in Promised Land areas during hunting seasons. In areas not
trails, which are on both state park and state snowshoes are available for loan from the lakes. Lower Lake is a designated trout equipment. Natural areas may possess
State Park and the surrounding Delaware open to hunting or during non-hunting
forest lands, are open daily after the end park office with a photo ID, 8:30 AM to waters. In an Emergency hazards. Your personal safety and that of
State Forest. Splendid opportunities seasons, firearms and archery equipment
of deer season in late December; weather 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Six inches or your family are your responsibility.
exist for nature study, relaxation, and shall be kept in the owner’s vehicle or ICE SKATING: Conditions permitting, NEAREST HOSPITAL
permitting. Snowmobile maps are available more of snow is required in order to borrow Call 911 and contact a park employee.
exploration. Hike Bruce Lake Trail to a enclosed trailer. Exceptions include: law ice skating occurs on Promised Land Lake. Wayne County Memorial Hospital • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
at the park office and at the Delaware State snowshoes. Directions to the nearest hospital are posted
natural glacial lake, see the small waterfalls enforcement officers and individuals with Contact the park office for information. 601 Park Street • Soliciting and posting signs are prohibited
Forest office. Snowmobile trails are marked on bulletin boards and at the park office. 
along Little Falls Trail, or walk a loop a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Ice thickness is not monitored. For Please confirm ice thickness before skating. Honesdale, PA 18431 without approval from the Department of
with orange diamonds.
around Conservation Island. A self-guided Firearms are authorized to carry a firearm your safety, make sure ice is at least 4” 570-253-8100 Conservation and Natural Resources.
BOATING: electric motors only CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND thick for a single angler or skater and 7”
trail guide to Conservation Island can be concealed on their person while they are www.wmh.org
The 422-acre Promised Land Lake offers • Do your part to keep wildlife wild! Enjoy
obtained at the park office. within a state park. SNOWSHOEING: Skiing and thick for a small group. Always carry safety
approximately 9 miles of shoreline, while wildlife from a safe distance and do not feed
Trails lead through areas rich in historic ORIENTEERING AND the 173-acre Lower Lake has almost 4
snowshoeing are permitted on all trails. equipment.
i Information and Reservations or approach wild animals.
and scenic interest. This is especially true GEOCACHING: Beginner and miles. There are five boat launches. Five For More Information Contact Information and Reservations • Prevent forest fires by having a fire in
from mid-May until mid-June when the
native mountain laurel and rhododendron
intermediate orienteering courses are
located at the Rock Oak Ridge Trailhead,
boat mooring areas offer a total of 170 THE BEAR TRUTHS Promised Land State Park Make online reservations at proper facilities and properly disposing of
mooring spaces, which may be rented from 100 Lower Lake Road www.visitPAparks.com or call toll-free hot coals. Do not leave a fire unattended.
are in bloom. Lowbush and highbush near the Pines Campground. Orienteering Many Pennsylvania state parks have healthy food, citronella candles, and toiletries can do not run. Walk slowly away while facing
April through October each year. Greentown, PA 18426 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), 7:00 AM
blueberries usually ripen in late July. Fall course brochures can be obtained at the forests. These forests are perfect habitat for attract a curious and hungry bear from a the bear. Do not make direct eye contact • Please recycle. Place trash accumulated
A boat rental is located on Promised 570-676-3428 to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday, for state
foliage typically peaks in early October. park office. Loaner compasses can be black bears. Although they appear cute and great distance. with the bear. If the bear is not leaving the during your stay in proper receptacles or take
Land Lake across from the main beach. email: promisedlandsp@pa.gov park information and reservations.
Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all borrowed at the park office and the Masker cuddly, black bears are wild animals. Keep a clean campsite. Clean up area, make loud noises, blow a whistle, it home with you.
The concession rents rowboats, canoes, GPS DD: Lat. 41.29942 Long. -75.21412
hiking trails; except snowmobiles, which Museum. A black bear can scramble up a tree like quickly after meals and store all food and honk a car horn, or bang a pot. Notify a • Because uncontrolled pets may chase
kayaks, and paddleboats from Memorial An Equal Opportunity Employer
are allowed only on designated snowmobile Two GPS multicaches have also been a raccoon and sprint as fast as a race horse, scented items inside a locked vehicle. This park employee if you have difficulties with wildlife or frighten visitors, pets must be
Day to Labor Day. Boats are also available www.visitPAparks.com
trails. Pets are permitted on trails, but must placed. They tell the tale of CCC history up to 35 mph. Bears use their claws to tear practice will not only prevent bears from bears. physically controlled and attended at all
at Pickerel Point and Lower Lake, and can
be on a leash of 6 feet or less at all times. in the park. One is a walking multicache apart rotting logs to find food, and those visiting your campsite, but will discourage Never approach a bear and be especially times and on a leash, caged, or crated.
be rented through the boat concession at the
Before hiking, let someone know where you claws also work well to open trash cans and raccoons, skunks, and opossums from late wary of mother bears and cubs. Pocket Ranger™ App by Parks by Nature Electronic fences and leashes are prohibited.
and the other is a driving tour that starts at beach.
are going and when you will return. Take a coolers. The size and strength of a black night visits. The poles provided at each site Pets are prohibited in swimming areas.
the museum. Brochures can be obtained Motorboats must display a boat
map, stay on established trails, and plan to bear are astonishing. Pennsylvania has the are meant to be used for lanterns. Do not
at the park office and the museum. The registration from any state. Non-powered • Firewood Advisory: Firewood may contain
return before dusk. Wear proper attire and largest black bears in the United States with hang garbage from the hooks. Feeding bears
coordinates can also be found at boats must display one of the following: non-native insects and plant diseases.
footwear when hiking. Be aware of hunting is illegal.
www.geocaching.com. boat registration from any state; the majority concentrated in the Poconos. Bringing firewood into the park from other
seasons and hunting areas within the park Black bears normally avoid people, but
launch permit or mooring permit from Black bears in Pike County can grow to areas may accidentally spread pest insects
and wear fluorescent orange clothing during REFRESHMENT STAND: Located in the
weigh over 800 pounds. bears dependent on eating human food and diseases that threaten park resources and
hunting seasons. Day Use Picnic Area, near the main beach, Pennsylvania State Parks that are available
Black bears have poor eyesight and fair can become aggressive when people get the health of our forests. Use local firewood.
Tell us about your hike at: the stand offers food and beverages. It is at most state park offices; launch use permit
hearing, but they have an excellent sense of between them and food. Do not take wood home and do not leave
www.explorepatrails.com open from Memorial Day through Labor from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat
smell. Aromatic scents coming from your If you come in contact with a black bear, firewood. Burn It!
Day. Commission.
 WILDLIFE WATCHING

Mink
by Hal Korber

Promised Land State Park is located within the Pocono Plateau; a rugged highland with rocky
soil, nutrient-poor bogs, dark evergreen forests, and a diversity of wildlife and plants.
About 20,000 years ago, a giant sheet of ice about 1 mile thick covered Promised Land.
The park’s rocky soil is comprised of glacial till, providing direct evidence of the glacier.
Much of the park is characterized by sphagnum moss bogs, evergreen trees, and thin, rocky
soil. Blackburnian warblers, red-breasted nuthatches, and timber rattlesnakes are common to
this habitat. In the spring, spotted and Jefferson salamanders and wood frogs flock to the bogs
and seasonal pools to breed.
Due to logging of the forests in the early 1900s, large portions of the forest have re-grown
with a mix of deciduous trees such as beech, oak, and maple. American redstarts, red-eyed
vireos, and Blackburnian warblers (below) are common migratory songbirds that visit these
forests. The National Audubon Society has designated Promised Land State Park as an
Important Bird Area.
In early May, before any trees leaf out, serviceberry trees flower with a beautiful display
of white. In mid- to late-May, the plentiful mountain laurel blooms, followed in mid-June
by the rhododendron. In mid- to late-July, the lowbush and highbush blueberries bear fruit,
providing a feast for bears, birds, and people.
Black bear are common in the park. This omnivore eats plants, grasses, berries, and
occasionally meat. Unfortunately, bears find human food to be nearly irresistible. Please
observe wildlife from a safe distance and do not feed wildlife.
A wildlife observation station is located on Lower Lake by
the Bear Wallow Boat Launch. Approach the area
quietly for the best chance to see waterfowl
and other animals.
Plants and animals are protected at
the park. Take only pictures and leave
only footprints when you leave Promised Land.
It is illegal to remove natural items such as flowers,
feathers, and pine cones from Pennsylvania State
Park and State Forest land.
Feeding Canada geese and other waterfowl at
the swimming areas results in large quantities
of fecal droppings, which is offensive to park
visitors and a potential health hazard. It is also
against Pennsylvania State Park regulations.

Blackburnian warbler
by Gerard Dewaghe

Bald Eagle
A pair of bald eagles began visiting the park in 1995. However, it wasn’t until 1999 when
they built their first nest along Lower Lake in a large white pine tree. The first pair of eggs
were laid and fledged in 2000. The nest continued to be successful until October 2008, when
the combined weight of the nest and a heavy snow fall caused both the tree and the nest to fall
to the ground. Luckily, the eagles were not in the park at the time. In early spring of 2009, the
pair built a new nest in a maple tree directly across from the Wildlife Observation Station, but
no young were hatched. Since 2010, the eagles have fledged at least one eaglet per year.
Before leaf-out in May, the nest can be seen with the naked eye, although binoculars or a
spotting scope offer a better view. There are few sights more thrilling than a bald eagle at
its nest or in action along a shoreline. Responsibilities come with this enjoyment. You must
ensure your presence and behavior do not have a detrimental effect on the eagles or their
future use of the area. Eagle nests and young eagles are easily disturbed. Premature fledging
can inadvertently cause injury or death of an eaglet that cannot yet fly or defend itself. In the
cold winter, energy is a very valuable commodity for eagles. Flushing eagles from a roost
site or a feeding ground causes unnecessary stress and may expose the eagle to additional
predators. Please keep your distance from eagle nests and roosts. Respect their space. Enjoy
their presence at a distance with good optics. Federal and state laws prohibit human activity,
including camping, fishing, boating, hiking, etc., within 330 feet of a nest. Do not cross the
buoy boundary in Lower Lake or disturb the nest on land.
During the nesting season, volunteers monitor the nest weekly from the observation station.
Volunteers are always needed. Contact the park office for more information.
Typical Eagle Nesting Season at Promised Land State Park:
• Late January to early February – adults return to nest
• Late February to early March – Eggs laid, followed by
35-day incubation period
• Around Earth Day (April 22) – Eggs hatch
• Around July 4th – Eaglets fledge or leave the nest

Bald eagle
by Barb Lewis