The Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain attracts a variety of users, including bird watchers, hikers, mountain bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who relish the preserve’s many miles of trails. The Nature Conservancy works with a variety of partners to instill in visitors a sense of ownership and responsibility while ensuring compatible recreational uses for the land.
A Jigsaw Puzzle
But spring isn’t the only time to enjoy the area. The wilderness delights visitors year-round who come to hike, boat, fish, and view wildlife. Hiking trails lead visitors though the largest forest corridor in central and eastern Pennsylvania, offering spectacular views of the Minsi Valley and glimpses of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and more.
Relic of the Ice Age
Long Swamp, a relic of the last ice age, is now a permanently protected haven that provides a unique outdoor experience for children from all around the world. 15,000 years ago Pennsylvania was covered in glaciers. As the climate warmed and the glaciers receded, massive melting formed a boreal bog. Over time this bog became […]
Bringing Communities Back Together
In addition to reconnecting people to the beautiful Brodhead Creek, the trail system provides easy connections to 14 public parks, three playgrounds, two skate parks, a dozen ball fields, two swimming pools, two fishing ponds, a disc golf course, a regular golf course, nine schools, a university, a community center, and two downtown historic districts. An ADA accessible trailhead provides trail access to the trail as well as to a wide overlook area at the top of the levee with park benches and an informational kiosk.
Providing an Economic Boost
What was once an abandoned rail bed and illegal dumping site for half a century is now the Greater Hazleton Rail Trail, a hub of activity for families, dedicated bikers and hikers, school groups, nature enthusiasts, and anyone intent on maintaining a healthy living. Four miles of the trail are complete and another 12.4 miles are planned. When completed, the trail will the 165-mile D&L Trail, which offers visitors an opportunity to experience the region’s heritage.
Relic of the First Oil Boom
The 1850 Coal Oil Johnny House was the home of John Washington Steele, the owner of one of the most productive oil farms during the oil region’s first boom. The restoration of the house’s interior and construction of additional exhibit space, supported by Keystone Funding, gives visitors the opportunity to understand life and the rapid transitions made during the first oil boom.
Prioritizing Outdoor Recreation
In Monroe County, hundreds of acres of protected land, a 2150 acre regional park system, and a new 10-mile trail system are the result of regional open space and recreation plans. Through the development of these plans, a multi-municipal recreation commission was established to serve the recreational and open space needs of more than 35,000 residents. Robust community planning has been instrumental in working together to offer a higher quality of life in the region.
