Highspire Reservoir Park (Highspire Nature Trail)
Dauphin
DESCRIPTION: 1.2 mile nature trail between White House Ln and Ann St in Highspire PA. Parking areas at both ends. Graveled and boardwalks mostly wooded heavy low-growing vegetation at places. Lots of excellent cover and habitat for birds and wildlife beside the old municipal reservoir. One observation deck at east end of reservoir. Benches positioned at intervals along the trail. Mostly level easy walk. Water flows into reservoir from various small streams. Trash receptacles and Porta-potties at both ends of trail; picnic pavilion at White House Ln entrance. In addition to many species of birds, wildlife includes: squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, deer, muskrat, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, bats, and a population of feral cats. Abundant bird and other wildlife all along the trail. Herons, egrets, varied waterfowl (nesting and migratory), gulls, vultures, eagles, ospreys, hunting and nesting raptors, nesting migratory and wintering songbirds, nesting and wintering woodpeckers, wood warblers (a few during breeding season abundant in migration).

DIRECTIONS: From I-83 take I-283 toward Airport. Take Exit 1B (Highspire). Get in left lane and turn left at light. Turn left onto PA 230 E at next light. Turn left on Ann Street and turn right at sign for Highspire Reservoir Park. Or from PA 230-E turn left at the traffic light at White House Ln (about 3/4 mile further on) and turn in to park at sign for Highspire Reservoir Park. Follow the gravel trail from the parking lot. The wooded areas along the lawn at the White House Lane In winter watch for the Rusty Blackbird (s) under downed trees along the water's edge - very shy bird and not always found but worth the effort (2012-13 only one wintered over 2013-14 - at least 2 can be seen or heard at times) I have seen over 60 species of bird there since the park opened in autumn 2012 but usually only between 25-30 on a given walk.

 

Maps - other than Google (Click on map for larger view)

Sub-sites

Photos

Posted: 2014-01-07 00:00:00
Updated: