Saturday, September 3
Lake View Trail Hike. Join Naturalist Robin Tracey on the Crow and Lake View Trails at Tuscarora State Park. The hike is 5.5 miles in length and moderate in difficulty. The trails cross through two creeks and run parallel to the lake. We will have a spectacular view from the dam. Meet in the Crow Trail parking lot off of Tuscarora Mountain Road. This is a dog friendly hike, but all pets must be leashed and get along with other pets and people. Shine only.
KAYAK CLASS at Tuscarora. Meet at the Old Lifeguard Shack located on the beach. Join the park naturalist for a basics of kayaking course at Tuscarora State Park. Kayaks, paddles and life vests will be provided. Registration is required by signing up at the park office prior to the event via phone at 570-467-2506 or in person. Cost is $15. If you have your own equipment, you may join us for $5 per person. No refunds given unless the class is canceled by the park staff. Shine only. Each child must be accompanied by an adult and be 12 years of age or older. September 3 @ 5 p.m. September 4 @ 3 p.m. September 9 @ 4 p.m. September 15 @ 4 p.m. September 21 @ 4 p.m.
8 pm- 10 pm Star Party. Please join us at the Locust Lake Amphitheatre for a Star Party at 8 pm on September 3, 2011. The Hazleton Area Astronomical Society members will begin with a slide program at 8 pm followed by a sky viewing through telescopes on the South boat launch parking lot area. The members will be available to answer any questions you might have about astronomy. This is a great family program and is free and open to the public. Shine only.
September 4
1pm - 4 pm Spirit Trail Hike. Join Conservation Volunteer, Pap Knauss, on the Spirit of Tuscarora Trail. The trail is 4.5 miles in length and moderate in difficulty. This trail will take you through many diverse habitats. Enjoy the beautiful views of the lake and the late summer wildflowers. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and get along with other pets and people. Please meet at the upper beach parking lot at Tuscarora State Park. Shine only.
6 pm - 8 pm Creature Feature. Pam Ulicny has been a Biology teacher at Tri Valley Jr/Sr High School for the past 7 years. Over this time, she has collected a classroom full of different species of exotic invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles for educational purposes. Come join us for a live animal presentation at the Locust Lake Amphitheatre. In her Mrs. U-Zoo Revue, she will discuss specialized niches and adaptations, biodiversity, and responsible pet care. Shine only. Any questions about any of the above programs please call: Tuscarora State Park Complex at 570-467-2506.
Hiking Trails at Tuscarora State Park
The trails wander through several habitats like mature deciduous forest, meadow and agricultural fields.
Crow Trail: 1.4 miles, easiest hiking, yellow blazes
This old dirt road passes through many habitats, including mature deciduous forest, pine and larch plantation, grass fields, and overgrown meadow. This trail ends at the southern shore of Tuscarora Lake.
Edge Trail: 0.4 mile, easiest hiking
This grass covered trail winds along the edge of a mature forest and agricultural fields. The trail provides access to Log Trail and the park office/visitor center.
Lake View Trail: 0.6 mile, easiest hiking
This trail goes through the primary use area of Tuscarora State Park. It parallels the lake and provides several views including a nice view of the beach. Park employees sometimes drive this dirt trail.
Laurel Trail: 0.4 mile, easiest hiking
Accessed from Log Trail or Edge Trail, this grassy road was used to cut trees that died from severe gypsy moth damage. This short loop provides views of mountain laurel and a mature forest.
Locust Mountain Trail: 0.4 mile, more difficult hiking
An old fire access road winding through a mature deciduous forest on a fairly steep slope, this trail takes you from Crow Trail to the top of Locust Mountain.
Log Trail: 0.3 mile, easiest hiking
This old logging road winds through a mature deciduous forest. It has a slight grade and connects to Laurel and Edge trails and the west end parking area.
Spirit of Tuscarora Trail: 4.5 miles, more difficult hiking; red, white and yellow blazes
This is a trail of varying terrain and land features. The trail meanders along Tuscarora Lake and Locust Creek and through several habitats like mature deciduous forest, mature eastern hemlock stand, late successional field, rhododendron thicket and a wetland meadow. Highlights include year-round seasonal wildflowers, large milkweed patch for monarch butterflies, freshwater mussels, abundant neo-tropical songbirds and the “Spirit Tree” for which the trail is named.
