Pennsylvania
Nature|Parks & Gardens

There’s A Little-Known Nature Preserve Just Waiting For Pennsylvania Explorers

Lehigh Gap Nature Area in Pennsylvania offers diverse outdoor activities across 750 acres, including hiking, kayaking, and educational programs.

Published Nov 2, 2022

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

With so many state parks and nature preserves across the Pennsylvania landscape, we're never lacking a place to spend time outdoors to explore - no matter the season. It probably won't come as too big of a surprise either that there are nature preserves that, while popular with locals, are lesser known to Pennsylvanians in other parts of the state. This little-known nature preserve in Pennsylvania, for example, is worth seeking out when you're in Slatington.

Sprawling across more than 750 acres, Lehigh Gap Nature Area offers plenty of opportunities for exploring in all four seasons.

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Facebook/Lehigh Gap Nature Center

One of the best ways to explore the nature preserve is on one of the hiking trails. Trails range from easy to difficult and span a total of 13 miles.

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Google/Carl Livingston

Part of the famous Appalachian Trail runs through the nature preserve. Trail maps are available online, but be sure to keep an eye out for trail signs and markers while you're hiking.

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Facebook/Lehigh Gap Nature Center

The nature preserve, which sits along the Lehigh River, also offers the ideal opportunity to explore the water by kayak, canoe, or boat.

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Facebook/Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Pups are allowed in the nature preserve as long as they remain leashed, but there are a few activities - hunting, camping, and removing animals and plants - that are not permitted.

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Remember to leave everything as you found it; if you take something in, bring it back out, too.

You can also join one of the clubs (including a book club) and classes for adults hosted by the nature center. Kiddos can sign up for summer camp, and the nature preserve welcomes volunteers.

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Facebook/Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Lehigh Gap Nature Center welcomes visitors daily from dawn until dusk.

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Facebook/Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Keep an eye on the calendar on the nature preserve's website for upcoming events.

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Learn more on the Lehigh Gap Nature Center website. Or, stop by its Facebook page.

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Facebook/Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Have you been to this nature preserve in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! Did you know there's a Pennsylvania park that's home to two covered bridges? You'll definitely want to plan a visit.

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

With A Playground And Pool, This Family-Friendly Park In Pennsylvania Is The Best Summer Day Trip

Published Jul 25, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Summer in Pennsylvania was practically made for day trips, whether we feel like exploring our favorite state park, lounging on a sandy beach, or checking out a charming small town. But if it's a day of old-fashioned fun we're looking for, we only need to pack a picnic, grab our swimming gear, and make our way to this family-friendly park in Pennsylvania that has something for everyone.

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Morrison's Cove Memorial Park is the place to go for a day of family-friendly fun in Martinsburg. The 30-acre park, a popular year-round destination, has a menu of amenities beyond your ordinary neighborhood park.

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Google/Kristin Seiler

Glide down one of the winding slides, straight into the crystal-clear water of the handicap-accessible pool, a refreshing way to stay cool all summer long. The pool area also has a snack bar, tables, and umbrellas.

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Facebook/Morrisons Cove Memorial Park

The pool offers both daily admission prices and seasonal memberships.

Grab a bite from the snack bar, and sit poolside, or snag a picnic table in the park. You can also rent one of the six pavilions if you're planning a party or another special occasion.

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Google/Mark Steward

Acorn Cove Playground promises hours of fun for the kiddos (recommended for ages 12 and younger). Sit back and relax as the littles slip down slides, swing on the monkey bars, and cross the swinging bridge.

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Google/Don Campbell

The playground also features an accessible swing and plenty of space to explore.

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Bring your bball or tennis racquet. Morrison's Cove Memorial Park has both basketball and tennis courts.

If it's too hot outside or it's raining, head indoors to go roller skating or bowling, both popular activities at this family-friendly park.

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Facebook/Morrisons Cove Memorial Park

Bowling and roller skating are available during select hours year-round. However, public skate sessions are generally only offered on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Find more information on the official website of Morrison's Cove Memorial Park. Or, stop by the Facebook page of this family-friendly park in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania.

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Facebook/Morrisons Cove Memorial Park

The park also hosts themed day camps for kids ages five through 12 throughout the summer. Weekly and full-summer rates are available.

Have you visited Morrison's Cove Memorial Park, a family-friendly park in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! For more outdoor fun, follow one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Pennsylvania. Check out All Trails for a comprehensive list of Pennsylvania trails.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/kid-friendly-hikes-pa/

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

The One Spot In Pennsylvania That’s Basically Heaven On Earth

Bear Creek Preserve in Pennsylvania offers a serene escape with waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and extensive hiking trails.

Updated Jul 10, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Life can get pretty hectic. Time to relax? Well, that's just a dream sometimes. Many of us, when we do have some free time, simply want to slow things down a little bit. That's just what Bear Creek Preserve, one of the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania, promises. It's certainly one for the bucket list.

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Stretched across more than 3,400 acres in the Lehigh River Watershed, Bear Creek Preserve boasts 31 miles of unpaved trails through unspoiled forests and valleys.

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Facebook/Bear Creek Preserve

It's one of those Pennsylvania pretty places that's worth a visit in any season.

The more than nine miles of trails are categorized as easy, moderate, and difficult. Hikers are advised to always walk with a partner.

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Facebook/Bear Creek Preserve

Cross over a footbridge as you explore the nature preserve that is home to countless species of wildlife including...

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All Trails/David Imhof

Porcupines, bobcats, eastern coyotes, American mink, and black bears...

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Facebook/Bear Creek Preserve

...Along with a variety of birds, such as owls, scarlet tanagers, and bald eagles.

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Only foot traffic is permitted on the preserve, and pay careful attention to your surroundings as rattlesnakes and black bears live on the sprawling land.

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Pass peaceful streams during your hike and...

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Listen to the soothing melody of the rushing waterfalls. You don't want to forget your camera (or insect repellent and plenty of fresh water).

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Facebook/Bear Creek Preserve

Ensure the tranquil natural wonder remains pristine by always hiking on the trails rather than destroying wildlife by cutting through unmarked areas.

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Remember to take out whatever - water bottles, for example - you bring in with you.

Be sure to leave nature as it was found - untouched - to ensure an authentic, natural experience for future generations of Pennsylvanians.

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Facebook/Bear Creek Preserve

Bear Creek Preserve features such bodies of water as Bear Creek, Stony Run, and Shades Creek.

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Facebook/Bear Creek Preserve

Bear Creek Preserve welcomes visitors daily from sunrise to sunset.

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Facebook/Bear Creek Preserve

Have you been to Bear Creek Preserve, one of the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!

While this may, arguably, be heaven on earth in PA, you'll also find pure tranquility in Hammersley Wild Area, the most remote place in Pennsylvania. Ready to explore more? Follow one of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania.

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