Gouldsboro State Park - Gouldsboro, PA
Gouldsboro State Park is a sprawling, pet-friendly destination nestled near Big Bass Lake and adjacent to Tobyhanna State Park in Gouldsboro, PA. Covering almost 3,000 acres, this park features multiple beautiful hiking trails perfect for dog-friendly adventures. The park’s easy access, scenic lake, and abundant wildlife make it a standout choice for dog owners and nature lovers seeking pet-friendly recreation in Pennsylvania.
While primarily known for its natural beauty, the park also offers shaded picnic areas, a sandy beach, swimming opportunities, and convenient amenities like restrooms and parking. Walking the lakeside and woodland trails, kayaking, and spending time at shaded picnic groves create memorable experiences for visitors and their canine companions. Please note, while the park is very welcoming to dogs on its trails and open areas, there is no mention of a dedicated, fenced dog park or separate off-leash zone within the facility.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must remain on a leash while visiting the park and trails.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there are many shaded areas and picnic groves with trees near the lake that provide relief from the sun.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, restrooms are available on site.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, there is a playground and lots of family-friendly activities in the park.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, the park is open year-round and offers seasonal activities like cross-country skiing and ice skating.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? No, entry to the park is free.
- Where is the best place to park? Multiple parking lots are available; Lot 4 is popular for access to the lake and trails.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are several pet-friendly hiking and multi-use trails throughout the park.
- Is there a swimming area? Yes, there is a beach and designated swimming area at the park (for people).
- Are picnics allowed? Yes, picnicking is encouraged in the designated grove areas with tables.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, visitors report that the park is always clean and neat.
Reviews
Comprehensive Review: Gouldsboro State Park is adjacent to Tobyhanna State Park. It is a more rustic park than Tobyhanna. It has no running water bathrooms and no camping. The lake water quality tends to be lower than at Tobyhanna.
What I do like is the picnic table grove near the lake. If you get too much sun, you can sit under the nearby trees. In the lot 4 area there’s also a boat launch, boat mooring, a boat rental concession, and a new handicap fishing pier.
Hike the 3.2 mile Frank Gantz Trail from lot 4 into the Black Bear Swamp where it will connect to the Lakeside Trail in Tobyhanna State Park. The Old Entrance Trail goes north and south from the parking lots. If you go south, you can connect to the multi-use 3.8 mile Old 611 Trail which will require you to do a return trip as there are no parking lots at its end.
Other park activities include a playground, mountain biking, fishing, seasonal hunting, ice skating, and cross-country skiing.
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Good fishing lake. Very weedy at the boat launch in the Summer months though and through out the lake. There is 1 section in the middle of the lake on the opposite side of the launch that is deep and weed free. The rest of the water is loaded with weed beds but bass like the cover. Its difficult fishing so be warned. Rest rooms on site, boat rentals, fishing pier, hiking trails and a beach. Always clean and neat when I visit.
Lovely state park and beach! I got such beautiful pictures with my partners when we went. There aren’t many deep woods that my partners and I were looking for, but I can’t complain at all. I enjoyed every moment of being here!
This quiet state park is free and has a beach, swimming, and kayak/canoe rentals for NULL an hour. Plenty of shaded areas for picnics and clean restrooms. I went there with 4 other adults and we had a great time kayaking through the lily pads to the other side of the lake where we saw a few beaver dams. Beautiful!
This fantastic sprawling state park located near Big Bass Lake offers a truly exceptional experience. Encompassing nearly 3000 acres, it presents a wealth of natural beauty for all to enjoy. Multiple gorgeous trails wind through the landscape, inviting exploration and discovery. Adding to its allure are convenient boat launch points (permit or registration required) providing access to a beautiful lake, perfect for aquatic adventures. Gouldsboro state park stands out as an ideal destination for both local residents and those visiting the region, promising scenic beauty, wildlife, and recreational opportunities in abundance. It’s a highly recommended stop while exploring the area.