Wildflower walk at Jacobsburg State Park. I use the iNaturalist app to ID and it’s been really helpful in learning the east coast flora. Today’s finds included the following: Common Blue Violet, Dandelion, Spanish Bluebell, Jack in the Pulpit (one of my favorites), Virginia Spring Beauty, Wood Anemone, Red Deadnettle, Trout Lily (which were past bloom), Buttercups, Mayapple, Poison Hemlock, Garlic Mustard, Golden Alexanders, and Garden Yellow Rocket. Everything is suddenly turning green and the days are starting to warm. Everything smells so new and fresh. Spring is a lovely time of year.
Beautiful early morning walk at Jacobsburg State Park. I parked in the lot off Belfast road, crossed the bridge over Bushkill creek and headed onto Sobers Run to the Explorer Trail. This is one of my favorite sections of the park, as there’s a large conifer plantation here and walking through it in the early morning hours was magical. The trail then travels mostly through hardwood forest until it eventually drops down to the creek. I sat here for a while enjoying the sound of the rushing water and the hemlocks swaying in the wind. I love starting out my mornings with a nature meditation and grounding practice. And even though some days it’s hard to wake up before the sun, I never regret it.
What a difference a day makes. We went back to Jacobsburg State Park today. It had just finished snowing and it was just beautiful. Fresh snow, no tracks laid down yet and all was quite. We hiked the same trails as we had the previous day and what a difference in scenery. I will admit that is one thing I enjoy about the east coast… everything looks so different each season.
Took a walk around Jacobsburg State Park. Lots of ice on the trails. Found an area that I’d never been to before with an incredible larch plantation and a trail that went along the creek just as pretty as Henry’s Woods. Always love exploring new areas. This section of the park was much more secluded then the main area. Trails are for the most part flat walking, but still very pretty, especially through the larch forest.
Jacobsburg State Park is a great place to go when you just want to get out and enjoy some fresh air. Took my Canon with me today and got some nice photos on the Hazard Trail.
Jacobsburg State Park got about 31” of snow in the latest Lehigh Valley snow storm earlier this week. Saturday we were up and out early to catch the morning sunrise and do a little snowshoeing. We parked at the main parking area and headed into Henrys Woods. The giant hemlock forest was quiet and still. The snow was already well traveled from the past few days which made it hard packed and icy. The early morning temperature was below freezing, but with the lack of wind the crisp winter air was refreshing and quite pleasant. From Henry’s Woods, we crossed the bridge over the creek towards the Boulton Historic site on the Blue Blazed Trail. We then continued onto the Homestead Trail through some open fields with views of the Pocono Mountains off in the distance. The snow here was deep in spots and less packed down making for a great leg workout. There were also some really great sections of trail that were a little less soft, and I was able to enjoy gliding on top of the snow. We took our time, enjoyed the sunshine and continued on the Homestead Trail until we arrived back at the Environmental Center making it about a 5 mile loop. It was such a beautiful morning, so we took another short walk back through Henry’s Woods to enjoy the change of light and the sunshine that was now sparkling on the creek and its frozen icicles. It was such a great day and I was happy to get out for a bit between storms since the weather service was calling for more snow on Sunday.
It was a bitter cold morning, but despite the weather we headed out for a short hike along Sobers Run in Jacobsburg State Park. It was somewhere in the 20s and the winds were blowing steadily which made it feel even colder. We Parked in the turn out just off Jacobsburg Road, crossed the bridge and headed south on the service road that would take us to the creek. We then turned north onto a one track trail which follows along Sobers Run. The trees here are mostly hardwoods and the forest looked completely different from when we had hiked this section of trail over the summer. At about 1.5 miles we reached Keller Road where we crossed a footbridge and circled back south on a long stretch of paved trail until it intersected with the dirt track that would take us closer to the creek. Along the way we discovered some large tree carvings which appeared to be either tikis or jack o’lanterns. I’m not really sure what they were supposed to be. It was a sunny morning and although it was quite chilly, it felt good to get out in the fresh winter air.
It was Saturday morning, two days after the snow storm and it was time to test out snowshoeing in Pennsylvania. Not really knowing how well the roads would be plowed further north, I decided it was best to stay somewhat local. I checked the DCNR State Parks Winter Reports page for the conditions and snow levels at Jacobsburg State Park. The reports showed 11 inches of snow which was enough for snowshoeing. It was 7 degrees when I woke up. I wasn’t quite sure how that was going to feel. I’m used to Southern California weather. In SoCal this time of year the temperature might (and that is a big MIGHT) drop into the 30s, and then I’d drive to higher elevations for snow and colder weather. In Pennsylvania winter is right outside my door. I suited up in my winter hiking gear and headed out. When I arrived at Jacobsburg, I was surprised to see there were very few cars in the well plowed lot. I thought for sure since this park is so close to town that there would be families with children sledding and many more people enjoying the winter wonderland. There was hardly anyone, and I was not going to complain. I suited up and headed out along the blue trail to get the blood flowing. The snow was more of a hard pack because during the storm, it was mixed with sleet. I followed the blue trail which loops around the edge of the park. I passed a group of cross-country skiers which I’m learning is a popular sport here. I can see why with the wide trails and easy going terrain. I reached the junction for the trail that would loop me around to the bridge that crosses over Bushkill Creek and headed into Henry’s Woods. The creek was starting to freeze over with icicles clinging to the rock walls along the creek. The giant hemlocks towered above. It was just beautiful. I finished the loop with about 3 miles RT. It was a nice warm up hike and introduction of what to expect after experiencing my first Pennsylvania snow storm in 20 years.
Today was Black Friday and as per usual I did not participate in any sort of shopping madness, but instead headed for the outdoors. Yesterday, Thanksgiving Day, began a four day weekend for me, and I was looking forward to taking advantage of the time off. This morning I started my day with a hike around Jacobsburg State Park. There weren’t many cars in the lot when I arrived which surprised me being it was the day after a holiday, but it was still very early. I grabbed the camera and headed into the old growth forest of Henry’s Woods and followed along Bushkill Creek. From here I looped around up through the meadow just outside the perimeter of the no hunting zone. It was the first day of rifle season, and I didn’t want to take any chances venturing off alone into the hunting areas. It was a beautiful, crisp morning and a perfect day to #optoutside. I’ve never really been big on shopping anyway, unless of course it’s REI.
The colors are really starting to show in Pennsylvania. Today I went to Jacobsburg State Park and walked from Henrys Woods over to the the National Historic District Site to check out the Henry Homestead/PA Longrifle Museum. I also took some time today to check out the birding area across Belfast Road near Henrys Forge. I didn’t have my birding camera with me, but I was able to get some decent photos of a tufted titmouse, black capped chickadee and a nuthatch. The day was cloudy and a little on the warm side for October. Now is the best time to enjoy the fall color before the leaves fall. It’s a beautiful time of year here on the east coast.
Today was a good day to walk the meadows at Jacobsburg State Park. The sun was shining and it was still early enough that it wasn’t too hot. Jacobsburg is such a great place to observe wildlife. I saw and heard so many different birds as I meandered around the blue blazed Homestead Trail. I spent time watching two Common yellowthroats (male and female) in the meadow, and I heard the songs of the Eastern towhee and Indigo bunting. There were Tufted titmice high up in the tree canopy, Blue jays and so many others. One thing I’m learning as I do more exploring of Pennsylvania’s natural areas is that the trails here are less about reaching the summit of a big mountain and more about taking your time, observing, and enjoying the journey. It reminds me of a quote by John Muir, “I don't like either the word [hike] or the thing. People ought to saunter in the mountains - not 'hike!”. Mountains or meadows, I am learning to spend more time “sauntering”.
Today I went back to Jacobsburg State Park. I think this is going to be my “go to” place whenever I don’t want to do a long hike or drive too far. The temperatures were supposed to be in the mid 90s today, and I wanted to be back home in the a/c before that happened. I parked in the parking area just before the bridge over Bushkill Creek on Jacobsburg Road. Since the bridge was closed I made my way on foot to enter the west side of the park at the locked gate heading south across State Park Road. From there, I turned west and followed along Sobers Run on the Red/Green blazed trail. It was still fairly early and it was a pleasant walk in the shade along the creek. I had no real plan to do any mileage today, so I took my time and enjoyed the scenery. I could hear the song of a Wood Thrush and also the locusts chattering high up in the trees. I took the connector trail (yellow/green blazed) to make a loop. I crossed back over Jacobsburg Road and began to follow the trail South. According to the map, the trail should have crossed over Bushkill Creek and taken me back to the parking area. Unfortunately, I think the trail has become overgrown or washed away because I didn’t see anything that resembled a trail on the other side of the creek. I backtracked and walked a short ways on State Park Road to the car. Once back at the parking area, I took a short side trip down to the creek on the Jacobsburg Trail, but even from this direction, I didn’t see a trail on the other side of the creek. Maybe one day when it’s a little cooler I’ll do a bit more exploring off trail to see what I find.
Today I headed back up to Jacobsburg State Park. It’s nearby and such a wonderful place to take in some nature. I parked in the main parking lot and took the Hazard Trail. I remember hiking this with my dog when I was a kid in the snow and ice. In the summer months, it’s really not much of a hazard. The trail is a single dirt track and it’s well maintained. There’s even a set of steps to take you up one of the steeper sections. The trail climbs easily above Bushkill Creek and there are nice views looking down to the water. At about a half mile I came upon a beautiful meadow filled with Yarrow and Common Milkweed. There were many birds here enjoying the first rays of sunshine. I could hear Eastern Towhee, Brown Thrasher and Gray Catbirds. I turned south and followed the path through the meadow which is part of the Homestead Trail. This trail skirts around the edge of the park on the southeast side. It was partly cloudy today making the walk around the open grassy areas very pleasant. The dewy grass and cool breeze felt so refreshing. In my journey I noted some wildflowers; Coneflower, Common Milkweed, Yarrow, Common St. John’s Wort, Red Clover, Crown Vetch, Wild Bergamont and a few others that I wasn’t able to identify. I closed the loop around the park by heading towards the Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center and exiting the trail there. I took a quick side trip across Belfast Road to visit the Henry’s Forge historic buildings before heading home. I’m really enjoying these relaxing morning hikes and taking the time to explore and learn the flora and fauna of the east coast.
Today I woke up before sunrise and headed out for a walk around Jacobsburg State Park* in Nazareth. Jacobsburg State Park offers a 19 mile network of trails ranging from deciduous forest to open fields and streams. Its diverse habitats host many species of butterflies, birds, reptiles, mammals and amphibians.
Today I was interested in photographing the early morning light in Henry’s Woods, an old growth forest consisting of tall stands of hemlock and white oak.
I arrived at the main parking lot off Belfast Road around 6:30 am. There was only one other car in the lot as I began my walk along the wide dirt path leading into Henry’s Woods. The forest was dark but rays of morning sunlight pierced through the trees making for some interesting light. The great Hemlock and White Oak trees towered above my head. The air was humid but cool as I meandered alongside Bushkill Creek taking photos of the lush greenery and the wildflowers. At the end of the Henry’s Woods Trail I reached a fork and followed it northeast to the Jacobsburg Trail which crosses over Belfast Road and onto a wide, grassy path. I followed along the Jacobsburg Trail which runs parallel to highway 33 until it turns southwest and crosses over a bridge above Engler’s Run Creek. I went a little too far and ended up at the parking area on State Park Road. There are a lot of interconnecting trails within the park, and it can get confusing. But if you have a general sense of direction and a map (which you can find at the main parking lot kiosk), you’ll figure out where you are. From here I backtracked and veered off the wide path to explore one of the overgrown use trails that lead down to Engler’s Run Creek. There wasn’t a good spot to ford the creek (unless you were on horseback), so I went back up the path and did a lollipop loop back onto the Jacobsburg Trail and eventually back through Henry’s Woods. By this time it was around 8 am and joggers and dog walkers were making their way onto the trails. It was a lovely morning to spend a few hours enjoying the quiet hours of the park.
*A quick little history about Jacobsburg: In 1792 William Henry II purchased land at Jacobsburg and built a gun manufactory. Henry II acquired the land from the heirs of Jacob Hubler who founded the community which is now called Jacobsburg. The famous Henry rifle was once crafted here, and the Henry family’s small arms industry played an important role in the American Industrial Revolution.
