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Wildlife Management Area · Pennsylvania

Mined Land Wildlife Area

Mined Land Wildlife Area is a restored landscape in northeastern Pennsylvania offering diverse habitats for wildlife and opportunities for hunting, hiking, and nature observation.

Wildlife Management Area3,5004+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

3,500

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Mined Land Wildlife Area

Mined Land Wildlife Area is a restored landscape in northeastern Pennsylvania offering diverse habitats for wildlife and opportunities for hunting, hiking, and nature observation.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Mined Land Wildlife Area is located in northeastern Pennsylvania, covering reclaimed lands that were historically used for coal mining. This wildlife area is managed to provide habitat for a variety of species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous songbirds. The landscape includes reclaimed forests, wetlands, grasslands, and ponds created as part of reclamation efforts following extensive surface mining operations. The area offers public access for hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Visitors can explore miles of trails winding through young forests and wetlands, making it a rewarding location for birders and naturalists. The history of the land's previous mining use contrasts with its current role in wildlife conservation, showing how ecosystems can be restored to support biodiversity. In addition to hunting and wildlife viewing, the area supports angling in several ponds and small lakes. The Mined Land Wildlife Area is a key example of how post-industrial landscapes can be returned to productive natural habitats, encouraging public outdoor recreation while enhancing local ecosystems. This site appeals to hunters, hikers, photographers, and anyone interested in the intersection of natural recovery and recreation.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Mined Land Wildlife Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Waterfall Wonders at Glen Onoko Falls★ 8.5⌖ 12 miHiking
Glen Onoko Falls

Waterfall Wonders at Glen Onoko Falls

Explore Glen Onoko Falls near Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. Known for its scenic beauty and challenging access, this area offers hiking and birding opportunities. Access to the falls is restricted for safety. Visit in spring or fall for the best experience.

Tranquil Waters of the Susquehanna River⌖ 13 miKayaking
Susquehanna River

Tranquil Waters of the Susquehanna River

Explore the tranquil Susquehanna River, stretching 444 miles through PA, ideal for kayaking and fishing. Family-friendly with scenic views and wildlife spotting. Enjoy year-round adventures with moderate crowds and stunning spring and fall scenes.

Discover Hawk Mountain Sanctuary★ 8.8⌖ 28 miBirdwatching
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

Discover Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and is renowned for birdwatching, particularly during fall migrations. The sanctuary is a photographer's delight but can get busy during peak seasons. Enjoy hiking and catching sight of migratory raptors in this protected area.

BirdwatchingView Details→
Ricketts Glen State Park: Nature's Hidden Gem★ 8.8⌖ 28 miHiking
Ricketts Glen State Park

Ricketts Glen State Park: Nature's Hidden Gem

Explore Ricketts Glen State Park in Benton, PA. The park's Falls Trail is a challenging 7.2-mile loop with 21 waterfalls. Ideal for hiking, nature walks, and bird watching. Best visited in fall for stunning foliage, sturdy footwear recommended.

Scenic Wonder at Pulpit Rock, Pennsylvania★ 6.3⌖ 30 miHiking
Pulpit Rock

Scenic Wonder at Pulpit Rock, Pennsylvania

Experience the stunning vistas of Pulpit Rock along the Appalachian Trail in Kempton, PA. This moderately challenging hike is ideal for adventure seekers and photographers, with picturesque views especially captivating in spring and fall.

Tranquil Waters of Sunfish Pond★ 7.0⌖ 43 miHiking
Sunfish Pond

Tranquil Waters of Sunfish Pond

Explore the serene Sunfish Pond in Hardwick Township, NJ. Hiking and nature watching are popular, with the Appalachian Trail offering scenic views. Ideal for picnics and birdwatching, this quiet spot is best visited in spring or fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Reclaimed mining ponds teeming with fish and waterfowl✦ Diverse habitats supporting populations of white-tailed deer and wild turkey✦ Trail network through recovering forests and wetlands✦ Opportunities to witness successful ecological restoration in a previously mined landscape
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Mined Land Wildlife Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Mined Land Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Mined Land Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Mined Land Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Mined Land Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Mined Land Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Mined Land Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Trail Running

Available in Mined Land Wildlife Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Mined Land Wildlife Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access; Pennsylvania hunting licenses required during hunting seasons.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Mined Land Wildlife Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Hazleton
⌖ 6.75 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hazleton, Pennsylvania

A historic coal region town surrounded by forests and rolling hills offering a quiet gateway to outdoor adventures in the Pocono Mountains area.

Spring through FallExplore Town
White Haven
⌖ 6.85 miles
Gateway Basecamp

White Haven, Pennsylvania

A classic riverside town offering outstanding access to outdoor water and trail adventures, set against the backdrop of the Pocono Mountains.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Weatherly
⌖ 7.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Weatherly, Pennsylvania

A peaceful small town offering access to rugged trails, serene waterways, and authentic Appalachian foothills outdoor adventures.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Nanticoke
⌖ 12.94 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nanticoke, Pennsylvania

A small town with easy access to outdoor activities that combine river paddling, local hiking trails, and nearby forest preserves for a laid-back adventure experience.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Jim Thorpe
⌖ 13.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

A historic town that offers a thrilling mix of outdoor activities and breathtaking vistas in the Pocono Mountains.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Plymouth
⌖ 14.54 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Plymouth, Pennsylvania

A historic coal-mining town offering peaceful riverfront access, easy trail options, and nearby forested parks ideal for low-key outdoor exploration.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Mined Land Wildlife Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Family-Friendly Summer Rafting on the Lehigh River: Jim Thorpe to BowmanstownNesquehoning, Pennsylvania · 12.56 mi away
On the Water· Whitewater Rafting Adventures

Family-Friendly Summer Rafting on the Lehigh River: Jim Thorpe to Bowmanstown

Float eight scenic miles of the Lehigh River from Jim Thorpe to Bowmanstown — a family-ready rafting trip with small rapids like Bear Trap and Great Gorge. Perfect for kids as young as four, this guided summer run mixes playful waves with calm eddies and plenty of riverside scenery.

3–4 hours on the river / 4–5 hours total

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.