Hiking at Nescopeck State Park
19 miles of trails
Many of the trails begin along Honey Hole Road. Visitors can discover the unique habitats in the park on trails that traverse forests, fields, and wetlands. Several trails lead to and parallel the beautiful Nescopeck Creek. Pets must be kept on a leash. Biking is prohibited on all trails at Nescopeck State Park, but is permitted at nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park on the rail-trail.
The letter by the trail names matches the letter on the park map.
Nescopeck State Park Trail Map (PDF)
Prepare for a Safe Hike
For every hike, even on trails less than a mile -- Always carry water, a park map, and wear appropriate footwear. Cell phones are unreliable in the forest and are not an alternative to a paper map.
For longer adventures -- Pack high-energy snacks, more water, and layers for changing weather conditions. Stay well fueled and hydrated for a more enjoyable experience.
Before embarking on your next adventure, consider:
- Trail length, trail difficulty, and fitness level of your group -- On the park map, most trail lengths are one-way. Double the trail length to return to the starting location.
- Weather forecast -- Be aware of possible upcoming weather and pack accordingly.
- Time of day -- The park closes at sunset. Plan to leave the park well before sunset.
- Have a plan B -- Be flexible! Sometimes changing to a better day or a different trail results in a safer experience.
Trail Definitions
Difficulty Ratings
Easiest -- For beginner trail users. Grade is gentle with few obstacles.
More Difficult -- For the majority of trail users. Grade is steeper and trails narrower with embedded rocks or roots on the trail surface.
Most Difficult -- For trail users with advanced skills. Grade is steep and provides a definite physical challenge. Routes may not be well marked. Elevation gain or loss is severe.
Trail Route Type
Loop -- Start and end at the same location and follow a single trail to form a loop.
Out-and-back -- Start and end at a trailhead and follow a single trail to an endpoint or specific point of interest, then return along the same route.
Point-to-point -- Trails are generally longer in distance and parks may often contain only a portion of the trail within their boundary. Hiker starts and ends in different locations, often requiring a shuttle.
Connector -- Begin and end in connection with another trail or trails but do not terminate at a trailhead.
A -- Lupine Loop
0.7 mile | More difficult hiking | Loop trail | Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: none
This trail travels through the woods and follows a stretch of the Nescopeck Creek. It is possible to connect to Farmstead Trail from Lupine Loop.
B -- Farmstead Trail
1.4 miles | Easiest hiking | Loop trail | Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: none
This trail travels through woods, fields, and follows the Nescopeck Creek. It is possible to connect to Lupine Loop from Farmstead Trail.
C -- Wood Frog Loop
1.1 miles | Easiest hiking | Loop trail | Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: none
This small loop travels through the woods. Numerous aquatic species can be found in the ponds along the trail.
D -- Swamp Trail
0.1 mile | Easiest hiking | Connector trail | Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: none
This is a connector trail that cuts Wood Frog Loop in half. It can only be accessed by hiking Wood Frog Loop.
E -- Creekside Trail
1.6 miles | Easiest hiking | Loop trail | Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: none
This wooded trail follows the Nescopeck Creek. This trail can be used to access the Delayed Harvest section of Nescopeck Creek.
F -- Fern Trail
0.3 mile | Easiest hiking | Connector trail | Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: none
This is a connector trail and can only be accessed by hiking Creekside Trail.
G -- Nescopeck Trail
1.6 miles | More difficult hiking | Out-and-back trail | Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: none
This trail travels through the woods and past the Nescopeck Creek.
H -- Hill Trail
0.2 mile | Easiest hiking | Connector trail | Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: none
This is a connector trail and can only be accessed by hiking Nescopeck Trail.
I -- Lake Trail
0.6 mile | Easiest hiking | Loop trail | Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, picnic tables, benches
This short loop encircles Lake Frances and is one of the most popular trails in the park. It is entirely contained within the safety zone. A self-guided lake trail brochure (PDF) with numbered educational stops is available at the park office.
J -- Woodland Way
1.8 miles | Easiest hiking | Loop trail | Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, picnic tables, benches
This wooded trail begins next to the visitor center and includes unnamed connector trails to Honey Hole Road.
K -- Grouse Trail
1.4 miles | Easiest hiking | Out-and-back trail | Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: none
This trail meanders through the woods and connects to Woodland Way Trail.
L -- Mountain Loop
3.0 miles | Most difficult hiking | Loop trail | Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none
This trail travels through the woods and is the most difficult trail in the park. It is the only one with a noticeable elevation change.
M -- Oak Trail
1.3 miles | More difficult hiking | Out-and-back trail | Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none
This is a connector trail to Mountain Loop and begins are Lake Frances Road. Lake Frances Road is currently closed and gated, so access this trail would require additional hiking up Lake Frances Road.
N -- Reilly Loop
0.3 mile | Easiest hiking | Loop trail | Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, picnic tables, benches
This short wooded loop travels through our Nature Discovery Area, the woods, and past creeks and a pond. It is a fun trail for kids.
O -- Red Rock Trail
1.1 miles | Easiest hiking | Loop trail | Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none
This wooded trail follows the Nescopeck Creek and is accessed by hiking the Nescopeck Trail or Woodland Way Trail.