Mined Land Wildlife Area wilderness guide
Wildlife Management Area · Pennsylvania

Mined Land Wildlife Area

Mined Land Wildlife Area is a restored landscape in northeastern Pennsylvania offering diverse habitats for wildlife and opportunities for hunting, hiking, and nature observation.

Wildlife Management Area3,5004+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

3,500

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Mined Land Wildlife Area

Mined Land Wildlife Area is a restored landscape in northeastern Pennsylvania offering diverse habitats for wildlife and opportunities for hunting, hiking, and nature observation.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Mined Land Wildlife Area is located in northeastern Pennsylvania, covering reclaimed lands that were historically used for coal mining. This wildlife area is managed to provide habitat for a variety of species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous songbirds. The landscape includes reclaimed forests, wetlands, grasslands, and ponds created as part of reclamation efforts following extensive surface mining operations. The area offers public access for hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Visitors can explore miles of trails winding through young forests and wetlands, making it a rewarding location for birders and naturalists. The history of the land's previous mining use contrasts with its current role in wildlife conservation, showing how ecosystems can be restored to support biodiversity. In addition to hunting and wildlife viewing, the area supports angling in several ponds and small lakes. The Mined Land Wildlife Area is a key example of how post-industrial landscapes can be returned to productive natural habitats, encouraging public outdoor recreation while enhancing local ecosystems. This site appeals to hunters, hikers, photographers, and anyone interested in the intersection of natural recovery and recreation.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Mined Land Wildlife Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Reclaimed mining ponds teeming with fish and waterfowl✦ Diverse habitats supporting populations of white-tailed deer and wild turkey✦ Trail network through recovering forests and wetlands✦ Opportunities to witness successful ecological restoration in a previously mined landscape
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Mined Land Wildlife Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Mined Land Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Mined Land Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Mined Land Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Mined Land Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Mined Land Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Mined Land Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Trail Running

Available in Mined Land Wildlife Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Mined Land Wildlife Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access; Pennsylvania hunting licenses required during hunting seasons.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Mined Land Wildlife Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Hazleton, Pennsylvania
⌖ 6.75 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hazleton, Pennsylvania

Hazleton offers access to tranquil hiking, fishing, and paddling in the foothills of the Poconos. Explore scenic state parks, enjoy winter snow sports, and experience a quiet outdoor escape with local small-town charm.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
White Haven, Pennsylvania
⌖ 6.85 miles
Gateway Basecamp

White Haven, Pennsylvania

White Haven, Pennsylvania, offers excellent access to river paddling, hiking, and mountain biking in the scenic Pocono Mountains. With Lehigh Gorge State Park nearby, outdoor lovers can enjoy diverse trails, trout fishing, and seasonal winter sports.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Weatherly, Pennsylvania
⌖ 7.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Weatherly, Pennsylvania

Weatherly, Pennsylvania is a quiet town perfect for hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and fishing. Serving as a gateway to Nescopeck State Park and the Lehigh River, it offers rustic adventure amid peaceful Appalachian foothills.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Nanticoke, Pennsylvania
⌖ 12.94 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nanticoke, Pennsylvania

Nanticoke offers quiet river paddling, easy hiking trails, and peaceful parks perfect for outdoor lovers seeking calm nature experiences in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
⌖ 13.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

Jim Thorpe is a charming town offering adventures in the Pocono Mountains. Whether whitewater rafting the Lehigh River or hiking scenic trails, it promises excitement and beauty year-round.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Plymouth, Pennsylvania
⌖ 14.54 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Plymouth, Pennsylvania

Plymouth, Pennsylvania, offers quiet outdoor escapes along the Susquehanna River with easy hiking, paddling, and biking options. Ideal for travelers seeking a less crowded natural base near forest preserves and river parks.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Mined Land Wildlife Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

A Celebration of Adventures on and around the Lehigh River Gorge
ADVEXPEDITION
Weatherly, Pennsylvania
RaftingADV Bookable

A Celebration of Adventures on and around the Lehigh River Gorge

A dam‑release weekend of whitewater rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding, biking and live entertainment in the Pocono Mountains — this guide explains what to expect and how to plan your Weatherly visit.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
When the Canyon Tightens: Whitewater on the Black River in Dexter
ADVEXPEDITION
Dexter, New York
RaftingADV Bookable

When the Canyon Tightens: Whitewater on the Black River in Dexter

A guided, 5-hour outing that delivers 2.5–3 hours of high-adrenaline whitewater through the narrow Black River Canyon; this guide explains what the run offers, logistics, and what to expect on the river.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
REAL Lazy River Tubing Through Black River Canyon
ADVEXPEDITION
Dexter, New York
Boat TourADV Bookable

REAL Lazy River Tubing Through Black River Canyon

A self-paced float in a motorized Tube‑Taxi shuttle and downstream drift through a rock‑walled canyon — this guide explains what to expect on the roughly 3.5‑hour outing.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip