Locust Lake State Park
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Locust Lake State Park | |
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| Pennsylvania State Park | |
| Natural Monument (IUCN III) | |
 A view of Locust Lake
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| Named for: Locust Lake | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Schuylkill |
| Township | Ryan |
| Location | [1] |
| - coordinates | Coordinates: |
| - elevation | 1,749 ft (533.1 m) [1] |
| Area | 1,089 acres (440.7 ha) |
| Founded | June 10, 1972 |
| Managed by | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Nearest city | Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania |
  Location of Locust Lake State Park in Pennsylvania
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| Website : Locust Lake State Park | |
Locust Lake State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on 1,089 acres (4.41 km²) in Ryan Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania in the United States. Locust Lake State Park is located approximately 7 miles (11 km) north of Pottsville, 3 miles (5 km) south of Mahanoy City, 8 miles (13 km) west of Tamaqua and 6 miles (10 km) west of Tuscarora State Park. The lake is 52 acres (0.21 km²). The park offers hiking, camping, boating, fishing, swimming, biking, and a wide array of other seasonal activities.
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[edit] History
The Locust Valley area was originally claimed by the Lenape. Their land was conquered by the Susquehannocks, then later controlled by New York Iroquios League of Five Nations. In the mid 1800s, settlers discovered anthracite coal in the area which lead to thousands of immigrants swiftly arriving to the area to mine coal. Although the area was not suitable for coal mining, it did not escape the Industrial Revolution. The forest was quickly turned into a shrubbery area prone to flooding and fires after loggers turned the trees into lumber, shingles, tool handles, and other wood products. Tanneries used the white pine and hemlock bark for tanning leather. The forests were gone by the early 1900s, with some farmers clearing and tilling the land.[2]
After its purchase by the Marshalonis Brothers, Locust Lake became a fishing spot and picnicking area. While they were digging a lake, they found a dam with a water wheel under seven feet of debris and leaves. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania purchased the land from the Marshalonis Brothers in 1966. Locust Lake officially opened on June 10, 1972.[2]
[edit] Recreation
[edit] Biking
A bike trail 1 miles (2 km) long encircles the lake, giving you an excellent view.[3]
[edit] Boating
Motor boats are allowed as long as you have a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats may either have a boat registration from any state, or a launching or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks. Boat rentals are available at a nominal fee.[3]
[edit] Camping
Locust Lake has 282 campsites divided into tent or trailer sites. The campsites encircle the lake.[3]
[edit] Fishing
Fishing is available year round. The lake is stocked several times a year with brown and brook trout. Pickerel, bass (smallmouth and largemouth), and panfish are also able to be caught year round. Ice fishing is permitted, but the ice is not monitored for safety.[3]
[edit] Hunting
Roughly 1,045 acres are available for hunting. Ruffed grouse, woodcock, doves, ring-necked pheasants, squirrels, wild turkeys, rabbits, and white-tailed deer are common species and frequently spotted. Although there is ample room for hunting, it is restricted to designated areas of the park and surrounding state forest. A bow and arrow and flintlock muzzle loader only hunting area is located in the park. Hunting groundhogs is prohibited. Dog training is permitted from the day after Labor day until March 31 in designated hunting areas.[3]
[edit] Playgrounds
There are two playgrounds safely located away from traffic with activities for all ages. There are tire swings, a seesaw, and other miscellaneous playground equipment.[3]
[edit] Swimming
Swimming is permitted from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Beginning in 2008 lifeguards will not be posted at the beach.[4] Swimming areas are marked with buoys, and the deepest area is 5.5 feet (1.7 m).[3]
[edit] Nearby state parks
The following state parks are within 30 miles (48 km) of Locust Lake State Park:[5][6]
- Beltzville State Park (Carbon County)
- Hickory Run State Park (Carbon County)
- Lehigh Gorge State Park (Carbon and Luzerne Counties)
- Nescopeck State Park (Luzerne County)
- Swatara State Park (Lebanon and Schuylkill Counties)
- Tuscarora State Park (Schuylkill County)
[edit] References
- ^ a b "Locust Lake State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey (August 30, 1990). Retrieved on 2008-06-10.
- ^ a b "Locust Lake State Park History". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved on 2007-01-06.
- ^ a b c d e f g Locust Lake State Park. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved on 2007-01-06.
- ^ Pa. state parks going without life guards at beaches in 2008. The Times Leader. Retrieved on 2008-02-17.
- ^ Michels, Chris (1997). "Latitude/Longitude Distance Calculation". Northern Arizona University. Retrieved on 2008-04-23.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Planning and Research, Geographic Information Division. "2007 General Highway Map Schuylkill County Pennsylvania" [map], 1:65,000. Retrieved on 2007-07-27. (Note: shows Locust Lake State Park)
