Promised Land State Park is a 3,000-acre park in Greentown, Pennsylvania. The park is located in Pike County on the Pocono Plateau, which is 1,800 feet above sea level. The park is completely surrounded by the Delaware State Forest. The park's forests are home to oak, beech, hemlock, and maple trees. Promised Land State Park also includes several small streams and two lakes.
The park is open year round and includes an extensive trail system. There are approximately 50 miles of hiking trails in the park and the surrounding state forest. Hikers can hike Bruce Lake Road, which leads to a natural glacial lake. Visitors can also take Little Falls Trail to see small waterfalls, or they can walk a loop around Conservation Island. Excepting snowmobiles, which are allowed in designated areas, motorized vehicles are not permitted on hiking trails. Although rental horses are not available onsite, the park does provide access to select equestrian trails that are on state forest land. Bicyclists can bike on the paved road around Promised Lake. In addition, bicycles are allowed on designated hiking trails. Promised Land State Park does not offer mountain biking trails, but the adjacent Delaware State Forest does. Trail maps and descriptions are available at the park's office.
The park is home to two sand beaches that are open from 8:00am to sunset from late-May until mid-September. Swimming is at your own risk, and children ages 10 and under must be accompanied by an individual that is at least 14 years of age. The Pickerel Point Beach is located at the end of Pickerel Point, and the Main Beach is located in the Picnic Area.
Promised Lake and Lower Lake provide visitors with fishing opportunities. Lower Lake is 173 acres, and Promised Lake is 422 acres. Pickerel, sunfish, catfish, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, muskellunge, and yellow perch are some of the common fish species found in the area. Lower Lake is stocked with brook, brown, and rainbow trout. In winter, ice fishing opportunities are available. While the lakes allow boating, only motorboats with electric motors are permitted. Non-powered boats are also permitted, and boat rentals are available across from Main Beach. Boat rentals offered include kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and paddleboats.
Hunting and trapping is permitted in the park during established seasons. The park has roughly 450 acres that allow trapping, hunting, and dog training. Deer, turkey, and bear are some of the common game species found in the area.
The Picnic Area is located by Promise Lake. There are two picnic pavilions in the Picnic Area. Pavilion rental is available if reservations are made in advance. Pavilions that are not reserved are available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. There are also several picnic tables available. Restrooms, garbage containers, water, and parking are available in the Picnic Area. In addition, there is a sand volleyball court available.
The park is home to four camping areas and includes both modern and rustic campsites. Deerfield Campground and Pines Campground are open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Located south of Promised Lake, Deerfield Campground is a rustic camping area with flush toilets. The Pines Campground has flush toilets and a trail that leads to the Main Beach and the Picnic Area. Open Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day, Lower Lake Campground has hot showers, flush toilets, and some sites with electric hook-up. Located on the southern side of Promised Lake on a peninsula, Pickerel Point Campground offers year round camping and has walk-in campsites on the lakeshore.
Additional information about Promised Land State Park can be obtained by calling 570-676-3428 or 888-727-2757.
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