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 Reporter |
Summary: hiked around Panther Lake on a side trail through the northern part of the Stillwater Natural Area. The trail was deserted; the log at the trailhead had not been touched for a month! I saw many deer along this route, most of which had young with them. I heard lots of turkey calling, and flushed out a few pheasants, all of who were probably hiding their young. The area was incredibly buggy however, and flat. I reached the Thunder Swamp Trail when it enters the southern part of the Stillwater Natural Area. I followed the trail around Big Bear Swamp, which was muddy, buggy but filled with beautiful wildflowers. The terrain remained flat; I never gained very much elevation. The loop around Big Bear Swamp lead me past Coon Swamp Road and around Panther Swamp. Another side trail led me back along the other shore of Panther Lake to the trailhead. Trailhead: I hiked at the parking lot by Panther Swamp along Flat Ridge Road - this is an unpaved road, but my car made it with no problems. I would not attempt this in snow or wet conditions (Lat:41.128476 Lon:-75.013207) Trail Guides for Stillwater Loop: Thunder Swamp Trail by Keystone Trails () Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: PA Department Of Conservation and Natural Resources Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Brian Walter, who has posted 10 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by keith on 9/4/2007 Chad or Pattie do you know the civil war history about an encampment for desrerters and draft dodgers that lived in that swampy area to avoid the civil war? If so email me at RKPD83@aol.com 
Reviewed by Pattie on 9/4/2007 Thunderswamp Trail System is definitely near the top of my list as far as hiking in NE PA is concerned. The solitude you'll find here is hard to match. The feel of this trail is such that you could almost imagine that you are an animal on a game trail. Please note the reviewer means PAINTER SWAMP and on the south side of it the trail is partially flooded but still passable. The views into Painter Swamp are awesome!! Big Bear swamp trail is partially obscured and overgrown in sections but just keep looking for the orange blazes and you'll get through it alright. To access Painter Swamp from I-84 head south on 402, make left on Old Bushkill Road and left of Flat Ridge Rd. Park lot is on left u can't miss it!
Reviewed by chad. on 6/28/2006 i grew up in this area, and have trecked the green forests of the buskill area for many years. i have to say, stillwater loop. especially around big bear swamp, is serene. never many hikers in the area. i haven't been mnay places in awhile where silence is actually prevelent. no hum from highways in the distance. no sound but the wind, birds flying overhead, and the growing of trees (gotta listen close for that one). this area is one of the greenest places i have ever been. many different shades of the green exists here. to be honest, slighly rainy days are the best for hiking big bear swamp. it adds to the hue amazingly, and there is so mush tree-canopy that ya dont get all that wet. hail bear swamp, forever and always. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Pennsylvania Hiking, Pennsylvania Trails, Pennsylvania Hikes, Pike County Hiking, Pike County Trails, Pike County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
