State Game Lands 055

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

State Game Lands 055, located in the state of Pennsylvania, offers visitors a wide range of activities and attractions to explore.


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Summary

Here is a summary of the area, including reasons to visit, points of interest, interesting facts, and the best time of year to plan your visit.

State Game Lands 055 is situated in Carbon and Monroe counties, covering approximately 12,000 acres of diverse landscapes. Here are some good reasons to visit this area:

1. Wildlife Viewing: State Game Lands 055 is home to a rich variety of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors may spot white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and various bird species, including bald eagles.

2. Hunting and Fishing: The game lands provide ample opportunities for hunting and fishing activities. Hunters can pursue deer, bear, turkey, small game, and waterfowl during designated seasons. Anglers can enjoy fishing in the numerous streams and ponds, which are stocked with trout and other fish species.

3. Hiking and Nature Trails: The game lands feature several well-maintained hiking and nature trails, offering visitors a chance to explore the scenic beauty of the area. These trails vary in difficulty and length, catering to both casual walkers and avid hikers.

4. Picnicking and Camping: State Game Lands 055 offers designated areas for picnicking and camping. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful day outdoors, surrounded by nature, and set up camp in designated camping areas.

5. Educational Opportunities: The area provides educational opportunities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Birdwatching, plant identification, and wildlife observation programs are often available, allowing visitors to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

Some points of interest to see within State Game Lands 055 include the Francis E. Walter Dam, which offers stunning views of the reservoir, as well as several abandoned coal mines and historical sites that provide a glimpse into the region's past.

Interesting facts about the area include the presence of unique plant species, such as the American chestnut, which is being reintroduced to the region after being decimated by blight. Additionally, State Game Lands 055 is part of a larger corridor of protected lands that provide crucial habitat for wildlife migration.

The best time of year to visit State Game Lands 055 largely depends on the specific activities you are interested in. Spring and fall are popular seasons for hiking and wildlife viewing, as the weather is generally mild, and the foliage makes for beautiful scenery. Hunting seasons vary, so it is important to check the Pennsylvania Game Commission's website for specific dates.

To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify the information provided across multiple independent sources, such as the Pennsylvania Game Commission's official website, local tourism websites, and reputable outdoor recreation publications.

       

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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.
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