Gouldsboro State Park, State park in Wayne County, Pennsylvania
Gouldsboro State Park is a natural area in northeastern Pennsylvania built around a sizable lake, dense forest, and a network of wetlands. The terrain shifts between wooded hillsides, marshy lowlands, and open water as you move through the park.
The land was logged heavily in the early 1900s and then left to regrow before Pennsylvania took it over in the mid-20th century. The park was officially established in 1958 to protect the recovering forests and the water resources of the region.
Many visitors come to fish or paddle on the lake at the center of the park, which draws people from nearby towns throughout the year. In winter, the trails turn into cross-country ski routes, and the frozen lake becomes a spot for ice skating.
The park has two entrances on Route 507, which serve as starting points for trails, fishing spots, and the boat launch area. Arriving early on summer weekends is a good idea, as the parking area near the lake fills up quickly.
The wetlands in the park act as a natural filter for water flowing into the local watershed and shelter several rare amphibian species that are hard to find elsewhere in the region. On spring nights after rain, these animals can sometimes be spotted moving along the edges of the marshy areas.
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