State Game Lands 286 park
State Game Lands 286
State Game Lands 286 covers an area of approximately 7,500 acres and is situated in Columbia and Luzerne counties in northeastern Pennsylvania. It is managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers, hunters, birdwatchers, and nature lovers.
Some compelling reasons to visit State Game Lands 286 include its diverse wildlife, picturesque landscapes, and recreational opportunities. The area boasts an abundance of wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, and various small game species. Birdwatchers will find a haven here, with sightings of numerous bird species, including bald eagles, hawks, owls, and songbirds.
One of the main attractions in State Game Lands 286 is the Rock Glen Falls, a scenic waterfall nestled within the game lands. This picturesque cascade offers visitors a stunning natural setting for photography or simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted to explore the various trails that traverse the State Game Lands. These trails wind through diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and fields, providing opportunities to observe wildlife and appreciate the region's natural beauty. It is recommended to consult trail maps or local resources for information on available hiking routes and difficulty levels.
In terms of interesting facts, State Game Lands 286 is home to an impressive diversity of plant life, including a variety of fern species. Additionally, the area has historical significance, with remnants of the historic Lehigh Valley Railroad running through the game lands.
The best time of year to visit State Game Lands 286 largely depends on personal preferences and desired activities. Spring and summer offer mild weather and the opportunity to witness the blooming of various plants and flowers. Fall is a popular time for hunting and hiking, as the colorful foliage provides a breathtaking backdrop. Winter is ideal for those interested in winter sports, such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Overall, State Game Lands 286 in Pennsylvania is a remarkable destination for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a chance to immerse oneself in nature, observe diverse wildlife, hike scenic trails, and appreciate the region's natural beauty.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- 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 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.
- 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.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of State Game Lands 286, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Multiple Forest Campsites With Fire Rings | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Hertein Campsite | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Locust Lake State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Echo Valley Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Blue Rocks | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save State Game Lands 286 as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About State Game Lands 286
What can I do at State Game Lands 286?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to State Game Lands 286?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of State Game Lands 286.