State Game Lands 249

Adams, Pennsylvania, US

east

111 species

State Game Lands 249

Heidlersburg, Pennsylvania 17325

Official Website

Tips for Birding

SGL #249 is composed of 4 sections, one on the west side of US-15, North of Gettysburg, PA. The others are on the east side of US 15. The larger and most desirable portion is West of US 15 and best reached if you enter it on the north end at Gamelands Road which runs through its length.

From the intersection of US-15 and PA-234, go west on PA-234 for 2.24 miles and turn left on Gamelands Road. The road is gated near the middle so if you want to bird the southern half, you must enter from the south end off Old Harrisburg Road or walk a large part of it.

From US-15/PA-234, go west on PA-234 for 0.6 mile and turn left on Old Harrisburg Road. Go 1.2 miles and turn right on Twin Bridge Road into the Gamelands. 

One of the parcels east of US 15 is signed with a parking lot directly on PA-234 and a parking area on Gun Club Road. It includes a 65-acre restored wetland and shallow water impoundments. From US-15/PA-234, go east on PA-234 for 0.5 mile and turn left on Gun Club Road. Go 0.75 mile to a parking area on the right. The wetlands are east from here.

About this Location

PA State Gamelands 249 is comprised of nearly 2,000 acres (in four parcels) of mixed woodlands, shrubs and scrub, riparian edges, grassland and fallow field habitat accessed by some trails and a serviceable road. These areas, across the seasons, support a diverse population of resident breeding and wintering birds, as well as a attracting a good number of representative passage migrants. Shallow water impoundments and a wetland area attract a limited number and variety of waterfowl, shorebirds and other water related species. Several visits over a year easily produce 100-plus species of birds to include most of the woodpeckers, flycatchers, blackbirds, parids, many of the raptors, swallows, finches, sparrows, flycatchers, and a good mix of the other species classes with fewer representatives. The Conewago Creek flows alongside the road for some length and provides for productive birding. The area is good in particular for Willow Flycatcher and Warbling / White-eyed vireos and American Redstarts. SGL 249 is composed of 4 sections, one on the west side of US 15, North of Gettysburg, PA. The others are on the east side of US 15. The larger and most desirable portion is west of US 15. The portions east of US 15 includes one on PA 234. It includes a 65-acre restored wetland and shallow water impoundments.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

Last updated February 15, 2024