Nescopeck State Park wilderness guide
State Park · PA

Nescopeck State Park

Nescopeck State Park offers diverse outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation within over 3,500 acres of forested landscapes and streams in northeastern Pennsylvania.

State Park3,5504+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

3,550

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Nescopeck State Park

Nescopeck State Park offers diverse outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation within over 3,500 acres of forested landscapes and streams in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Nescopeck State Park is located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, encompassing over 3,500 acres of mixed hardwood forests, wetlands, and mountainous terrain dominated by the Nescopeck Creek watershed. The park's landscape is defined by rolling hills, deep valleys, and clean cold-water streams, which support trout populations and a variety of other freshwater species. Established in 1975, the park aims to protect the natural habitat and provide recreational opportunities to residents and visitors. The park features an extensive network of multi-use trails used for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in winter, all set within a mix of mature forests and open fields. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe species such as white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, and a variety of songbirds. Anglers come to Nescopeck Creek for its trout fishing opportunities, while paddlers may explore calm stretches of the Nescopeck Creek and other smaller waterways. The park includes several scenic overlooks and picnic areas that encourage day-use visitors to relax amid natural surroundings. No major development within the park interrupts the serene environment, making it a peaceful destination for nature walks and photography. While there are no particularly high peaks, the elevation changes offer moderate hiking challenges. Accessibility from nearby towns like Berwick and Nescopeck allows easy day trips or weekend visits. The park’s conservation efforts focus on protecting water quality in the Nescopeck Creek watershed and maintaining the integrity of its forest ecosystems.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Nescopeck State Park

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

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Nescopeck Creek – a prime trout fishing stream✦ Multi-use trail system accommodating hikers, mountain bikers, and snowmobilers✦ Scenic views from elevation points along Sugarloaf Mountain Loop✦ Wetlands and forest habitat supporting diverse bird species
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Nescopeck State Park

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Nescopeck State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Nescopeck State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Nescopeck State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Nescopeck State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Nescopeck State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Nescopeck State Park
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Nescopeck State Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Nescopeck State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Nescopeck State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Nescopeck State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free entry; no permits or fees required for day use; camping reservations may be needed at designated campgrounds.

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).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Nescopeck State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Nescopeck State Park Campground

Located near the park office with tent and trailer sites, modern restrooms, and potable water available; popular for family camping.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Nescopeck State Park

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

Berwick, Pennsylvania
⌖ 1.16 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Berwick, Pennsylvania

Berwick offers outdoor enthusiasts quiet river paddling, accessible hiking, and seasonal winter trails. This small Pennsylvania town provides a relaxing base for four-season adventures surrounded by scenic state parks and the Susquehanna River.

Spring through Fall for paddling and hiking; Winter for skiing and snowshoeing
Explore Town
Nescopeck, Pennsylvania
⌖ 1.85 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nescopeck, Pennsylvania

Nescopeck, PA offers quiet outdoor adventures with paddling, fishing, and hiking around Nescopeck Creek and the Susquehanna River. Ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful nature escape away from crowds.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Shickshinny, Pennsylvania
⌖ 8.42 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Shickshinny, Pennsylvania

Shickshinny, Pennsylvania is a quiet river town perfect for paddling, fishing, and hiking nearby peaceful forests and waterways. It’s a great low-key basecamp for enjoying the Susquehanna River and Ricketts Glen’s natural beauty.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
⌖ 11.26 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

Bloomsburg, PA, offers outdoor lovers a peaceful riverfront town with easy access to hiking, biking, paddling, and birdwatching. Its location along the Susquehanna River and nearby forest preserves makes it perfect for nature escapes from spring to fall.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Benton, Pennsylvania
⌖ 11.48 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Benton, Pennsylvania

Benton, Pennsylvania, is an outdoor lover's dream with hiking, kayaking, and fishing all within reach. Explore iconic sites like Ricketts Glen's waterfalls while enjoying this serene town.

Spring to Fall
Explore Town
Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania
⌖ 14.09 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania

Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania, offers a tranquil outdoor getaway with river paddling, fishing, and hiking along forested trails. Perfect for adventurers seeking quiet river access and freshwater experiences in northeastern PA.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Nescopeck State Park

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