Discover a Unique, Biodiverse Habitat in the Pocono Mountains
Experience one of the most unique parks in NEPA on a trip to Gouldsboro State Park. Located between Stroudsburg and Scranton, this stunning 2,880-acre park boasts a diverse landscape, plenty of recreational opportunities and wildlife.
The rugged highland at the park, which is located in the Pocono Plateau, is attributed to a one-mile-thick glacier that covered the area 20,000 years ago. The abundance of bogs, varied landscape, and diverse species of plants and animals make the park a tranquil and peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature at its most pristine.
The park stretches across Monroe and Wayne Counties and features the 250-acre Gouldsboro Lake. It is a popular spot for hiking, kayaking, boating and fishing. And while there are no overnight camping accommodations within the park, there are a number of other state parks in which you can stay all within 30 miles. They include Tobyhanna State Park and Big Pocono State Park in Monroe County, Hickory Run State Park in Carbon County and Promised Land State Park in Pike County.
Grab a park map and escape into nature. We’ve highlighted some of the many things to see and do on your visit to Gouldsboro State Park.
The 250-acre, man-made lake boasts opportunities for fishing, boating and swimming. During the summer, the lake makes for a refreshing retreat from the heat. Enjoy a swim along its sandy beach shore from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. And in the wintertime, Gouldsboro Lake is a popular ice fishing destination. Kayaks, canoes, row boats, paddle boats and electric-powered boats are available for rent during the summer.
Enjoy four hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult. Combined, the trails cover 7.25 miles of rugged terrain featuring dense forests, bogs, elevation changes and plenty of wildlife. The Prospect Rock trail is a difficult, 5.9-mile loop that begins in the day-use area of the park. The Old Route 611 Trail is the easiest trail, popular among mountain bikers and cross-country skiers.
The 250-acre Gouldsboro Lake offers four seasons of high-quality fishing. The warm-water fishery holds healthy populations of bass, pickerel, perch, catfish and plenty of panfish. And you can fish from the grassy shoreline, through the ice or from your kayak, canoe, row boat or electric powered motorboat. The park also allows hunting for both small and large game during established seasons. Fishing and hunting activities are subject to rules and regulations of the PA Fish and Boat Commission and the PA Game Commission respectively.
Spring and summer at Gouldsboro State Park offer some of the best birdwatching and wildlife spotting around. The park also features opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and mountain biking. Fall is all about the stunning foliage surrounding the lake. And in the winter months, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, ice skating and ice fishing.
Gouldsboro State Park is home to plenty of biodiversity. Due to rocky soil, nutrient-poor bogs, dark evergreen forests and a lake the park is home to a wide variety of animals and plants, including reptiles, migratory birds, black bear, deer, fox, the carnivorous pitcher plant and so much more.
Pack a lunch and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lake and lush forests. The park provides five wooded picnic areas with nearly 300 picnic tables, charcoal grills, pavilions and an ADA accessible picnic pavilion with electricity.
Gouldsboro Lake features a sandy beach swimming area. The beach is open from the first Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend to mid-September. The sandy beach is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. There are no lifeguards on duty at the beach area. Please swim at your own risk.
The Lackawanna County Railroad Authority owns the old Erie-Lackawanna rail line dividing Gouldsboro State Park and Tobyhanna State Park. Steamtown National Historic Site operates seasonal train excursions from Scranton to both parks. These excursions are especially popular during peak fall foliage season.
Make it a Day Trip
Check out these must-see places, all close to the park.
Article updated from its original version published on 2/27/2023.
