| Cumberland |
| DESCRIPTION: If nothing else, the view from the top of the mountain is worth the trip up to this park. There is an old mansion at the top that is used as a nature center and conference facility. The open pines around the center harbor Pine Warbler and attract other migrant passerines. In the fall, a Northern Saw-whet-owl banding station is operated there. The area in and around the pine plantation at the foot of the mountain is good for migrant sparrows (especially Fox Sparrow) and occasional wintering Long-eared Owl. The nearby PFBC fish hatchery has a nice pond, known as Hidden Pond, that attracts dabbling ducks as long as it remains unfrozen. Wood Duck nest nearby and Black-crowned Night-Heron roost here in spring and early summer. In migration it is good for rails, American Bittern, Osprey, and swallows. It is a very reliable location for Rusty Blackbird in spring. The nearby Enck's Mill Road Pond, located just to the east of Huntsdale, is also worth checking for migrant waterfowl. This pond can be observed from the roadside. |
DIRECTIONS: From I-81, take exit 11 and go south on PA 233 for 2.5 miles and turn left (east) on Pine Road. Go 1.3 miles and turn left (north) on Sheaffer Road. Go 0.1 mile to the fish hatchery parking area on the right. Walk north on Shaeffer Road, cross the Yellow Breeches Creek and take the trail to the right (east). This 0.7 mile trail loops around Hidden Pond. N 40.1053, W 77.3023 Return to Pine Road, turn left (east) and go 0.7 mile and turn left (north) on Enck's Mill Road. Go 0.2 mile and pull to the side of the road to scan the pond. Return to Pine Road and go east 0.3 mile and turn right (south) on Kings Gap Road. Go about 0.3 mile to the Pine Plantation Day Use Area on the left. Park and walk the trails in this area. Continue up the mountain on Kings Gap Road to the top (about 3.6 miles). The patio at the back of the mansion provides a spectacular view. |
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| Posted: 2009-10-24 00:00:00 Updated: |
