Hammond-Tioga Lakes National Recreation Area
| Tioga |
| DESCRIPTION: Hammond Lake and Tioga Lake are large impoundments constructed and managed for flood control, recreation, water storage, water quality management and natural resources management by the USACE. Hammond Lake probably offers the best open-water and deep-water birding in the county, especially during spring and fall migrations. Recently documented species include Horned Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Greater White-fronted Goose, Black and White-winged scoters, Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, swallows, and Bonaparte's Gull. To scan deep-water habitats by car and spotting scope, drive through the picnic areas and stop where views are good. The best locations, however, are within car-restricted camping areas. Stop at the camping gate and let the attendants know you are birding. A hike-in only camping area may provide the best view of open water, but you can get good views from PA 287 north of the main entrance. By pulling off the highway in this area you should be able to spot the Osprey hacking tower to the east overlooking the lake. The hacking project is finished and has led to Osprey breeding in the area. The 9-mile C. Lynn Keller Trail passes through the forests overlooking Hammond Lake. The 1.3 mile Stephenhouse Trail loop follows a small mountain stream through northern hardwood trees. Commanding views of both Hammond and its sister, Tioga Lake, may be obtained by driving north into the borough of Tioga and turning right at the traffic light. Signs direct you to the connecting channel overlook, where Bald Eagle often perch. A large flock of Common Merganser is usually found in open waters on the connecting channel winter-long. Cliff Swallow nest on near-vertical rock faces below you. The 3.5-mile Lambs Creek Bike and Hike Trail follows the bottomlands of the Tioga River south of the Lake. This trail may be accessed from Business Route 15 in Mansfield with the trailhead beginning behind the Mansfield Plaza. Explore additional wetland habitat by re-entering the Ives Run Recreations Area entrance and taking the first right turn toward the project headquarters. An immediate sharp right turn takes you to Crooked Creek and an abandoned railroad bed. A gate may require continuation on foot. You can still reach the back side of this marsh during the breeding season by driving back to the project headquarters and walking the archery path. The south entrance to the Crooked Creek railroad grade may be reached via Hills Creek Lake Road, 3 miles south of the Recreation Area entrance. Park on left 0.75 miles from PA 287. Off-season you may drive or walk the length of the railroad grade (about 3 miles) and bird excellent wetland and upland habitats, including the Bryant Hollow WMA. Recent documented sightings along Crooked Creek and its associated marshes include Pied-billed and Horned grebes, American Bittern, Tundra and Mute swans, Osprey (breeding), Bald and Golden eagles, and several species of warblers, flycatchers, and vireos. Shorebirds do occur in the Hammond-Tioga and Crooked Creek basin but are not well documented. |
DIRECTIONS: To reach Hammond Lake, drive 9.8 miles north on PA 287 from US 6. The highway follows Crooked Creek, which flows north (opposite of Muck drainage) and gives rise to additional marshlands before entering Hammond Lake. Signs clearly guide you (east or right turn off PA 287) to the lake and the Ives Run Recreational Area with fishing, swimming, boating, and camping facilities. |
|
Maps - other than Google (Click on map for larger view)
|
|
Sub-sites |
Photos |
| Posted: 2009-10-24 00:00:00 Updated: |
