Last weekend, mom drove our car up from Indiana and stayed for a couple of days. This was huge, as it meant I didn’t have to tow the car behind the U-Haul. She also helped unpack and clean. I was going to work on Monday, but I ended up taking the day off so I could spend it with her. After all, I no longer live just a few minutes away from her, and this was the last chance to spend time with her before she flew back to Indiana.

After a very productive morning, we decided to check out a state park in the afternoon. We chose to go down to Nescopeck State Park, which is a bit south of Wilkes-Barre. The drive there was beautiful, taking us on 309, up the mountain to Mountain Top, and back down the other side. Around here, I actually have to use the low gears in my car.

We went to the park office first, which was a much more impressive building than I expected. We got a trail map and some information about other parks in the area. Then we decided to go down to see Lake Frances, and planned a hike of probably around two miles. The folks at the forest office even gave us a couple of bright orange vests, as it’s hunting season.

Our hike started by traveling along one side of the lake. The trail we were on goes all the way around, I believe, but we only went along one side before turning onto a different trail. I was hoping for some vistas or mountain views but this particular park is in a valley; we did get some views of surrounding mountains, but I’ll have to explore other parks to find the epic vistas I crave.

Lake Frances

Lake Frances again

A small pier

We got on the Nescopeck Trail, and I have to say, I was a little disappointed with the trail itself. It was more like a fire road than a trail, really. It was very wide and smooth, and flat, and even had slight tire ruts. It was overgrown with grass, but it was well-maintained. It was pleasant, but it was more of a walk through the woods than a hike. Still, it was a beautiful day and I was happy just to be out.

The trail is wide, but it’s hard to complain with scenery like this

We passed a pond or small lake and looked for an access point, but couldn’t find one. We hiked on and found a very quiet, peaceful spot by Nescopeck Creek. It was off a small side trail and it’d be easy to miss it. We explored the creek a little and rested before heading out.

Nescopeck Creek

Mom, resting on a very large rock

The trail leading back up to the main trail

We continued on our way, and the trail followed the creek on and off. Before long we reached another lake, this one arguably more beautiful than Lake Frances. The afternoon autumn light, the blue sky, the clouds, the foliage, and the reflections in the water all made for quite an impressive scene.

Lake

Another shot of the lake

We got on the Woodland Way trail and this one was narrower, more rugged,  and more interesting. The trail surface had a lot of rocks, and thick moss on one side. It meandered along the lake shore.

Moss by the trail

Rocky trail

This was another stunningly peaceful place. We stopped every few steps to admire it, and did not speak much. It required a certain quiet reverence.

The Lake, with Mount Yeager in the distance

Rocks and leaves

Trail surface

Another lake shot

Within a few minutes, we were back at Lake Frances. From there, it was only a short walk back to the car.

Lake Frances

All in all, I enjoyed the park. The hiking was easy, but the scenery was quite beautiful. I’ll have to try some of the other trails there and see if most of them are interesting like the Woodland Way trail, or more like the easier Nescopeck Trail. There are a whole bunch of other parks I want to check out before going back here, though.

File under: Family, Hiking, Mountains