Woodland Way Trail

Hikers seeking a relatively easy, interesting trail in northeastern Pennsylvania, should venture to Woodland Way Trail in Nescopeck State Park.

The park’s name, Nescopeck, is of Native American origin. The Lenni Lenape word means “deep black water.” The 3,550-acre park has an abundance of water with a nine-acre lake and six miles of the Nescopeck Creek located within the park. Diverse habitats including fields, forests, lakes and over 200 acres of forested wetlands make the park an interesting place to explore.

A hike along Woodland Way Trail offers a variety of scenery as hikers wander past different habitats. Much of the trail leads through a forest of primarily deciduous trees, providing a lush canopy in the summer and colorful leaves for an autumn delight. Even when the trees are bare, the trail offers pleasant views deep into the woods and through the trees to the nearby mountains. The park is bordered on the south by Mount Yeager and on the north by Nescopeck Mountain.

A small stream crosses the trail and hikers may find some muddy areas along the way, particularly as the trail passes wetlands areas. The trail is generally well-marked, except for one intersection where two large paths meet in a y shape. Stay to the left. The other path leads to an apparent dead-end. Much of the trail is wide, but it narrows and has rocky sections as it approaches a lake. Evidence of beaver activity can be seen on the trees in this area. Here, hikers will also find a wooden wildlife blind with cut-out windows and a bench. It features posters to help identify various types of wildlife. 

Hikers are advised to wear orange during hunting season. Bug spray is recommended except during the winter and waterproof boots are also recommended particularly after a rainfall or snowmelt.

Woodland Way Trail conveniently begins near the visitor center where hikers will find modern restrooms, picnic tables and benches. The loop trail also crosses a parking area with a portable toilet. This area provides a view of the nine-acre Lake Frances where another loop trail can be found for an additional hike in scenic Nescopeck State Park.