Hike the Lake Shore Trail at Little Pine State Park

Once you pass the famous Happy Acres Resort you better slow down. Coming up quickly on your right is the parking area for the Lake Shore Trail.

The trails uses the Little Pine Creek damn as its starting point, which itself is a great place to sit and watch for birds, but to have the best experience you better keep going. Once you cross the damn, follow the trail to the left and enter into the wooded section along the lake. With a moderate elevation gain and descent after the first mile, you will be brought out of the wooded section and placed right in front of the nesting area of a Bald Eagle pair (Be aware that signs are posted and you are not to disturb the area within the nesting site). Depending on what time of year you go, this area will be full of mosquitoes, so make sure you have some spray.

After spending time around the nesting area and continuing your hike, you will be taken to a beautiful valley beyond the lake. This is the loop in the trail; stay to the right and you will have the hard part out of the way early. On this hike, I did the hard part first. The trail continues to stay tucked into the woods until the mountain is too steep and you are forced to cut out of the woods again and into the valley. The views of the mountains to the left are the most beautiful in the early morning hours, so don't sleep in; if you are really lucky you will even see some deer and turkey.

As the trail begins to loop back, the Little Pine Creek will now be on your right. If you enjoy fly fishing, now would be a good time to start casting; however, keep your eyes peeled because you may see a Bald Eagle catch his breakfast out of the creek, if you don't first. This section of the Hike is the easiest, but soon brings you back to the start of the loop where you will be lead back past the nesting area and through the woods and a crossed the damn.

During the winter months with enough snow this is one of my favorite places to go in Lycoming County because it is an excellent spot for cross country skiing. Plus, everything is more beautiful in the snow, at least that's what I think.