{{short description|State park in Pennsylvania, United States}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}} {{Infobox park | name = Nescopeck State Park | image = NSP Weather-Beaten.jpg | image_caption = An abandoned silo at Nescopeck State Park | image_alt = Landscape | image_size = 280 | location = [[Luzerne County, Pennsylvania]], United States | coordinates = {{coord|41.09074|-75.88055|format=dms|display=inline,title}} | coords_ref = <ref name="nescosp"/> | area = {{convert|3550|acre|abbr=on}}<ref name="nescosp"/> | elevation = {{convert|1053|ft}} | established = 1969 acquisition; 2004 opening<ref name="forrey"/> | administrator = [[Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources]] | free_label = | free_data = | visitation_num = | visitation_year = | visitation_ref = | website = {{Official website}} | module = {{Infobox protected area | map = USA Pennsylvania#USA | label = Nescopeck State Park | label_position = | map_caption = Location in Pennsylvania | relief = 1 | module = [[List of Pennsylvania state parks|Pennsylvania State Parks]] }} }} '''Nescopeck State Park''' is a [[List of Pennsylvania state parks|Pennsylvania state park]] on {{convert|3550|acre|0}} in [[Butler Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania|Butler]] and [[Dennison Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania|Dennison]] townships, [[Luzerne County, Pennsylvania|Luzerne County]], [[Pennsylvania]] (in the United States). The park is one of the newest state parks in Pennsylvania. In the early 1970s, the state acquired 164 properties which made up the park. The park's Environmental Education Center is one of its newest additions; it opened in April 2005. [[Nescopeck Creek]] runs through the valley between Mount Yeager and [[Nescopeck Mountain]]. The park is near [[Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania|Interstate 80]] just off [[Pennsylvania Route 309]] (near [[Conyngham, Pennsylvania|Conyngham]]).
==Trails== There are {{convert|19|mi}} of trails in Nescopeck State Park. The trails go through [[forests]], [[meadows]] and [[wetlands]]. Most trails begin at Honey Hole Road which is the main access road for the park. The trails are open for [[cross-country skiing]] but closed to [[mountain biking]].<ref name="nescosp">{{cite web |url=https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/nescopeck-state-park |title=Nescopeck State Park |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |access-date=2026-01-10}}</ref>
==Wildlife== The park's {{convert|200|acre}} of wetlands, forests, and the banks of Nescopeck Creek provide [[habitat]] for over 160 different species of [[birds]], 30 species of [[reptile]]s and [[amphibian]]s and over 600 species of plants.<ref name="nescosp"/>
==Hunting and fishing== Hunting is permitted on most of Nescopeck State Park. Hunters are expected to follow the rules and regulations of the [[Pennsylvania Game Commission]]. The common game species are [[Eastern Gray Squirrel|squirrels]], [[Wild turkey|turkey]], [[woodcock]], and [[white-tailed deer]]. Hunters may also access State Game Lands 187 through the park for additional hunting opportunities.<ref name="nescosp"/>
Lake Frances is a {{convert|9|acre}} man-made lake on a tributary of [[Nescopeck Creek]]. The lake has [[panfish]], [[Bass (fish)|bass]] and [[trout]] in its waters. Nescopeck Creek is designated as a high quality cold-water fishery with [[brown trout|brown]] and [[brook trout]].<ref name="nescosp"/> {{clear}} ==Gallery== <gallery mode=packed> Hemlock Forest (21418956998).jpg|Hemlocks near Nescopeck Creek Nescopeck Creek Valley (8583932443).jpg|Snow-covered mountains in Nescopeck State Park Nescopeck State Park Lake Frances.jpg|Lake Frances in Nescopeck State Park Hemlock Palustrine Forest (2) (8585827903).jpg|Nescopeck State Park </gallery>
==References== {{reflist|refs= <ref name="forrey">{{cite web |url=http://paconservationheritage.org/wp-content/uploads/2015-history-of-state-parks-forrey.pdf |title=History of Pennsylvania’s State Parks 1984 to 2015 |first=William C. |last=Forrey |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |page=64 |date=2017 |access-date=2026-01-10}}</ref> }}
==External links== {{commons category}} {{portal|Pennsylvania}} *[https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/nescopeck-state-park Nescopeck State Park] Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources *[http://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=1737449&DocName=NESC_ParkMap.pdf Nescopeck State Park Map] Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
{{Protected Areas of Pennsylvania}}
{{authority control}}
[[Category:State parks of Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Parks in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Nature centers in Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Protected areas of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania]]