SNOFLO

Black Ash Swamp Natural Area

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Black Ash Swamp Natural Area is located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a wetland area that covers approximately 1,300 acres. The area is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including several rare and endangered species.

There are several good reasons to visit Black Ash Swamp Natural Area. It is a great place for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts to explore. The area offers hiking trails that allow visitors to experience the beauty of the wetland ecosystem. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching, as it is home to a variety of bird species.

Some of the specific points of interest to see at Black Ash Swamp Natural Area include the wetland habitats, which include marshes, swamps, and bogs. Visitors can also see several species of trees, including black ash, red maple, and white pine. The area is also home to several species of wildlife, including beavers, otters, and muskrats.

Interesting facts about Black Ash Swamp Natural Area include its designation as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. The area is also home to several rare and endangered plant species, including the bog turtle. Additionally, the area has a rich history, with evidence of Native American settlements dating back thousands of years.

The best time of year to visit Black Ash Swamp Natural Area is in the spring and fall. During the spring, visitors can see a variety of migratory bird species. In the fall, the area is ablaze with the colors of changing leaves.

Overall, Black Ash Swamp Natural Area is a beautiful and unique ecosystem that is definitely worth visiting for those who appreciate nature and wildlife.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks