State Game Lands 147

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

State Game Lands 147, located in the state of Pennsylvania, is a vast area of protected land that offers visitors a variety of recreational opportunities and natural wonders to explore.


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Summary

Here is a summary of the key details:

1. Location and Purpose:
State Game Lands 147 is situated in Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Wyoming counties in northeastern Pennsylvania. It spans over 44,000 acres and is managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The primary purpose of these game lands is to provide habitat for wildlife conservation, hunting, and outdoor recreation.

2. Recreational Activities:
Visitors to State Game Lands 147 can enjoy a range of activities. Hunting is a popular pursuit here, with opportunities for deer, turkey, bear, and small game hunting. Other activities include hiking, birdwatching, fishing in designated areas, and wildlife photography.

3. Points of Interest:
There are several points of interest within State Game Lands 147 that make it a worthwhile destination. The Pinchot Trail, a 23-mile loop, provides hikers with a scenic journey through diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and breathtaking vistas. The Francis E. Walter Dam, located within the game lands, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking. Additionally, wildlife enthusiasts can spot a variety of species, including white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species.

4. Interesting Facts:
State Game Lands 147 is named after Gifford Pinchot, an influential figure in American conservation and the first Chief of the United States Forest Service. Pinchot was born in nearby Milford, Pennsylvania. As one of the largest game lands in the state, this area serves as a critical habitat for many species and plays an important role in conservation efforts.

5. Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit State Game Lands 147 largely depends on individual interests. Hunters may want to visit during the designated hunting seasons according to Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations. For hikers and nature lovers, spring and fall offer pleasant weather and vibrant foliage. Birdwatching is especially rewarding during the spring and early summer months when migratory birds return to the area.

It is always advisable to consult official Pennsylvania Game Commission websites, local visitor centers, and other reliable sources to ensure accurate and up-to-date information before planning a visit to State Game Lands 147.

       

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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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