State Game Lands 287 park
State Game Lands 287
Reasons to Visit:
1. Wildlife Observation: State Game Lands 287 is home to an abundant array of wildlife, including deer, turkey, rabbits, songbirds, and various species of waterfowl. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the opportunity to observe and photograph these animals in their natural habitat.
2. Hunting and Fishing: The game lands provide excellent opportunities for hunting and fishing. Hunters can pursue game species such as deer, turkey, and small game, while fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at catching trout, bass, and panfish in the stocked streams and ponds.
3. Hiking and Nature Trails: State Game Lands 287 offers numerous trails that wind through its picturesque landscapes, allowing visitors to enjoy peaceful hikes and revel in the surrounding natural beauty. These trails vary in difficulty, catering to both casual walkers and more experienced hikers.
Points of Interest:
1. Cherry Springs Fire Tower: A prominent landmark within the game lands, the Cherry Springs Fire Tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Climbing to the top provides visitors with a breathtaking vista of the lush forests and rolling hills.
2. Stewardson Picnic Area: This designated picnic spot is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal amidst nature. Equipped with picnic tables, grills, and restrooms, it provides a convenient location for families and groups to gather and enjoy a day outdoors.
3. Otter Lake: Situated within the game lands, Otter Lake is an idyllic spot for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it a popular destination for both anglers and water sports enthusiasts.
Interesting Facts:
1. State Game Lands 287 spans over 16,000 acres, making it one of the largest game lands in Pennsylvania. Its vast size ensures ample opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities.
2. The game lands are managed and maintained by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, which aims to preserve and protect the natural habitats and wildlife within the area.
3. State Game Lands 287 is known for its successful wildlife conservation efforts, particularly its work in restoring and maintaining healthy populations of deer and turkey, contributing to the state's rich hunting traditions.
Best Time to Visit:
The ideal time to visit State Game Lands 287 largely depends on individual interests. For wildlife observation, spring and early summer offer the best chances to encounter a variety of animals. Hunting enthusiasts will find the fall season, especially during deer and turkey hunting seasons, to be ideal. Fishing is also popular during spring and summer, with the lakes and streams stocked with fish.
To ensure the accuracy of the information provided, it is recommended to verify details and specific regulations across multiple independent sources, such as the official website of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and local tourism websites.
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 287, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burnt Ridge Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Redbank Valley Municipal Park | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Crooked Creek Recreation Area | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Milton Loop | ✗ | ✗ | → |
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 287 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 287
What can I do at State Game Lands 287?
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 287?
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 287.