If you’re looking for a place to reconnect with nature and enjoy some outdoor adventure, you might want to check out Bear Creek Preserve, a stunning conservation area in northeastern Pennsylvania. This preserve is one of the largest and most diverse natural areas in the region, covering nearly 4,000 acres of forests, streams, wetlands, and wildlife habitats. Whether you’re into hiking, birdwatching, photography, or just relaxing in the woods, Bear Creek Preserve has something for everyone.

Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Bear Creek Preserve:

• Hiking: The preserve offers over 9 miles of trails that range from easy to moderate in difficulty. You can explore the scenic Lehigh River valley, admire the cascading waterfalls, or climb up to the overlooks for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trails are well-marked and maintained, and you can find a trail map at the main entrance or online.
• Wildlife: The preserve is home to a variety of animals, including black bears, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and flying squirrels. You might also spot some rare and endangered species, such as bald eagles, ospreys, and bog turtles. The preserve is also a haven for birds, with over 100 species recorded. You can hear the songs of warblers, tanagers, buntings, and other songbirds in the spring and summer. If you’re lucky, you might even see a ruffed grouse drumming on a log or a pileated woodpecker hammering on a tree.
• Plants: The preserve boasts a rich diversity of plant life, from towering hemlocks and oaks to delicate wildflowers and ferns. You can find some rare plants as well, such as mountain laurel, pink lady’s slipper, and swamp pink. The preserve is especially beautiful in the summer when the mountain laurel blooms in shades of pink and white. You can also enjoy the fall foliage in October when the leaves turn into vibrant colors of red, orange, and yellow.
• History: The preserve has a long and interesting history that dates back to the Native Americans who lived in the area. The land was later owned by several prominent families who used it as a hunting and fishing retreat. In 1960, F. Otto and Dorothy Haas bought the property and established a wilderness sanctuary for their family. Their sons later donated the land to Natural Lands, a non-profit organization that protects open space and connects people to nature. Today, the preserve is open to the public for free and hosts various events and programs throughout the year.

Bear Creek Preserve is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful and rewarding experience for nature lovers of all ages. If you’re planning to visit, make sure to bring your camera, binoculars, water, snacks, and appropriate clothing and footwear. And don’t forget to respect the wildlife and leave no trace behind.

We hope you enjoyed this blog post about Bear Creek Preserve. If you did, please share it with your friends and family who might be interested in visiting this amazing place. And if you have any questions or comments about the preserve or this post, feel free to leave them below. We’d love to hear from you!

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