Directions:

From Interstate-380:

Take the Gouldsboro Exit & turn onto PA-507 North; continue for approx. 2.85 miles. Birders can then access the game lands by either continuing straight on PA-507 North or by turning left onto Lehigh Road.

SGL 312 Parking/Access Areas:

There are currently 7 different access areas for these game lands. The majority of these areas are small gravel lots that can support the use of multiple vehicles at one time. Visitors using these lots are reminded to avoid blocking gates with their vehicles; gates must remain accessible for emergency vehicles & maintenance personnel at all times. 

Lehigh Road Access Areas: 

1.) 41.252253, -75.450719, 2.) 41.255771, -75.452530, 3.) 41.268184, -75.452006 

Lake Drive Access Area: 

41.262813, -75.418054

PA-507 Access Areas:

1.) 41.254804, -75.430981, 2.) 41.256964, -75.410091, 3.) Wild W Road; parking may occur in vicinity of 41.258013, -75.398409

Birding & Safety Tips:

Avoid visiting these game lands, and others across the state, during the fall hunting seasons (October-December). Hunters may not see you, especially if you are not wearing brightly colored clothing. 

Having a hard copy of the SGL 312 Map will be essential for those visiting this location; there are currently no established/designated hiking trails, trails that are used here have been created by hunters & the limited number of birders that visit these grounds. Visitors should arrive expecting SGL 312's trails to be unmarked & overgrown. Furthermore, cell phone service will be poor to non-existent throughout these game lands. 

Above ankle waterproof footwear will enhance experiences made here as will the use of insect repellent. Those wishing to explore these grounds in greater detail should come prepared with a day pack containing plenty of drinking water, trail food, and a dry pair of socks/shoes. 

Visitors birding/accessing Wild W Road are asked to refrain from traveling at high speeds to avoid stirring up dust & causing unnecessary damage to their vehicles from gravel chips/potholes. Use of this and other roadways in this area will likely require the use of an AWD or 4WD vehicle during the winter months. 

SGL 312 is well suited to host rarities! The relatively undisturbed forests here currently host notable breeding populations of Yellow-rumped, Nashville, Canada, & Northern Waterthrush Warblers. Golden-crowned Kinglets, a localized region-wide breeder, have also been encountered here during the summer months. Northern Saw-whet Owls can be heard vocalizing in vicinity of Rhododendron stands as can Black-throated Blue Warblers. While standing beside swamps, birders may encounter breeding populations of Ruffed Grouse, Swamp Sparrows, & limited amounts of Alder Flycatchers & White-throated Sparrows.

Multiple efforts have occurred here to discover breeding populations of boreal species including Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Swainson's Thrushes, Blackpoll Warblers, & Red Crossbills. Although these efforts have knowingly been unsuccessful, birders are encouraged to continue making attempts to detect these boreal songbirds. SGL 312's recently established young-growth forests are suspected to soon become occupied by Eastern Whip-poor-wills, American Woodcocks, & Eastern Towhees. Cuckoos & Golden-winged Warblers may also move in providing additional inspiration for the appropriate management of these grounds! 

**For additional information, safety tips, & species of interest, clink the link above for the State Game Lands 312 Hotspots Overview/Group page**

State Game Lands 312 is comprised of 4,459-acres in Lackawanna, Wayne, & Monroe Counties. Ecosystems here are dominated by mixed conifer-northern hardwood forests, wooded swamps, & glacial wetlands. Also evident are smaller tracts of young-growth forests that have taken ahold after recent logging activity. Elevations here represent the highest remaining peaks of the Pocono Mountains; all localities easily rise above 1,000 ft. with some localities exceeding more than 2,200 feet. These high elevation ecosystems hold increased value by encompassing some of the last & largest remaining intact boreal type forests in Pennsylvania. Visitors to this location will see remnants of the region's glacial past as they traverse soft moss covered forests, especially while situated beside thick & often impenetrable Rhododendron swamps. Uncommon tree species to appreciate here include Red & Black Spruce and limited numbers of Balsam Fir. Eastern Hemlocks are also noticed as they tower above swamps & mountain streams. Navigation of these grounds becomes challenging and is often limited to use by only the most experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors to SGL 312 must come prepared for uneven & wet terrain, little to no cell phone service, and several overgrown & unmarked trails. However, each of these factors increase the likelihood of having rewarding wildlife viewing experiences!

Each of Pennsylvania's State Game Lands were established with the intent of providing big & small game hunting opportunities. Additional forms of outdoor recreation permitted include nature study, wildlife viewing, biking, hiking, fishing, & boating. Use of motor vehicles is prohibited despite a few select game lands permitting the use of snowmobiles & ORV's on designated trails. 

**Pennsylvania state rules & regulations apply to all visitors using these game lands; proper licenses/permits are required for those hunting, fishing, & boating within the boundaries of the Game Lands. For additional information on licensing, visit the websites for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, and/or the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources.** 

All access areas are of relatively equal value to birders! Some of the most productive tracts have been those encompassing the southern portion of the game lands that connect to the northern limits of Tobyhanna State Park. Birders have also frequented the Klondike Pond Wetland which can be accessed from Lehigh Road.