I rather liked this panorama shot of Lake Wallenpaupack from the overlook near the dam. When you’re there, look up to your right and you might see an osprey nest in season.
Closer to home, here is a shot from Kirkwood Preserve (in Chester County).
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The Secrets of the Trees
Trees and forested areas can be some of the most difficult to photograph. For me, it’s primarily the challenge of finding the strong focal point. The woods in Promised Land State park are some of my favorites. Let’s take a drive around the Upper Lake.
A lake in the picture never hurts. 
I love how this spot emphasis the boggy and marshy qualities of the Poconos. 
I would love this dock. 
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Return to the Promised Land
I made my third trip to Promised Land State Park this past Memorial Day weekend. I love the Bear Wallow Cabin area, a cluster of former CCC cabins that still are largely original construction with hand made wood furniture. I also like the proximity of the Wildlife Observation Station to these cabins. The weather was unseasonably cold and raining so most of time was spent travelling around to other nearby sights to get a feel for those places. In this post, I will focus on some of the logistics of the park.
Promised Land contains two lakes with multiple boat launches, a beach with concession, boat rental, hiking and horseback riding. There are opportunities for hunting and fishing in season. The park is mostly surrounded by the Delaware State Forest. It is unusual in that most of the town of Promised Land is within the boundaries of the park and privately owned cabins are tucked away around the lakes.
Cabin number 2, named Buchanan. The cabins come in varying sizes, This is a smaller one. 
The bathrooms for Cabin 1 and 2. Each cabin has its own bathroom which is unusual in a state park. The cabins have an oven, fridge, microwave, coffee maker and electrical outlets. Heat is by wood stove and there is no running water. The bathrooms are modern with toilet, shower, and sink and are heated. The park has multiple campgrounds and a variety of different camping options as well.
The interior looking toward the bedroom. 
An old drop down desk. 
A bench near the Bear Wallow boat launch on the Lower Lake. 
The statue in front of the Masker Museum, which focuses on the CCC. -
Entering the Promised Land
I spent the Labor Day weekend at Promised Land State Park in Pike County. I stayed in the CCC constructed Bear Wallow Cabin area. This is one of my favorite areas of the park, being close to the Wildlife Observation Station. The cabins also have a lot of rustic charm. The park is also a great jumping off point for side trips to Lake Wallenpaupack and other areas of the Poconos.
The lake in that ares offers some great sunset views.
The historic village of Promised Land, surrounded by the park, and nearby area have a unique character that draws visitors from three states. The large number of privately leased cabins in the park also seem unique among Pennsylvania state parks.
White baneberry, or Doll’s Eyes, is a distinctive and beautiful, if not slightly creepy looking, plant. This was growing around my cabin.
