I’ve not been having much luck with finding wildlife near me to photograph. I was frequenting Gettysburg for a bit, but there’s too many people walking around for me to find anything other than birds. Is there any state parks within an hour or so from me that would be ideal? Or any tips y’all have? Thank you!

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Dirt_dawg21 t1_is3b79y wrote on October 13, 2022 at 12:08 AM

#89,996

Nockamixon state park has bald eagles, osprey and all kinds of wildlife. It's big enough, even when it's crowded, you can find quiet, secluded spots.

Lake Galena in the Doylestown area has a nature preserve on the east end of the lake. Birds, turtles and deer hang out in the area of the Nature Center.

Edit. I misread where OP is from. These places are a good way away. But would make a cool weekend trip.

EAS_Agrippa t1_is3bcg8 wrote on October 13, 2022 at 12:09 AM

#90,002

First question is where are you? South Central PA is a big area. Gifford Pinchot out near Wellsville has deer, wild turkeys, and red foxes.

Scrungo_Mungo t1_is3dk8g wrote on October 13, 2022 at 12:25 AM

#90,095

Michaux state forest (spelling might be wrong) it’s where Caledonia is lol, or near laurel and fuller lake, it’s near Arendtsville, in the evening foxes are everywhere, I have seen beaver, obviously tons of deer lol and even bears show up on rare occasion (never seen one though)

I used to live in Arendtsville, was born and raised in Gettysburg… the winter time is the best time for the battlefield like February, I’ve seen mink and plenty of fox

Scrungo_Mungo t1_is3dqbl wrote on October 13, 2022 at 12:27 AM

#90,104

Replying to Dirt_dawg21 (#89,996)

I lived in Arendtsville (15 min north of GBurg) and I saw plenty of bald eagles, the best was last winter saw two of them sitting in apple trees during a snow storm :)

SamShephardsMustache t1_is3g17w wrote on October 13, 2022 at 12:44 AM

#90,210

https://explorewildwoodpark.org/

Osprey, Hawks, all kinds of birds and assorted wildlife.

caitthatequestrian OP t1_is3ggud wrote on October 13, 2022 at 12:47 AM

#90,231

Replying to Scrungo_Mungo (#90,095)

What areas of Gettysburg? I would go to the cemetery and there’s road “trails” across the main road from it. That’s where I would go mainly. Would you suggest up by little round top in the woods there?

caitthatequestrian OP t1_is3gkab wrote on October 13, 2022 at 12:47 AM

#90,236

Replying to EAS_Agrippa (#90,002)

Adams county is where I’m located. About 15-20 from Gettysburg.

caitthatequestrian OP t1_is3gxfp wrote on October 13, 2022 at 12:50 AM

#90,255

Replying to SamShephardsMustache (#90,210)

I just looked at the photos, that place looks gorgeous! Thanks

Scrungo_Mungo t1_is3hvbv wrote on October 13, 2022 at 12:57 AM

#90,292

Replying to caitthatequestrian (#90,231)

Yeah little round top, devils den, Spangler’s spring, out by where Pickett’s charge took place it’s called confederate ave… they are all on the actual National Park so it’s not disturbed as much by people, I’ve taken tons a great sunset pics out there too, but you will definitely see squirrels and other small animals out there away from town, and the birds haha but like you said aside from a rare bald eagle they are pretty basic, I do love hawks out there though

EAS_Agrippa t1_is3jyru wrote on October 13, 2022 at 1:12 AM

#90,404

Replying to caitthatequestrian (#90,236)

Might want to try Caledonia State Park near Chambersburg or the Michaux State Forest.

Duckduck0420 t1_is3kc2t wrote on October 13, 2022 at 1:15 AM

#90,419

I have a bunch of turkey and deer in my area, weiser state forest, saw 2 bald eagles today feeding in a fresh cut field of corn

IamSauerKraut t1_is4258b wrote on October 13, 2022 at 3:34 AM

#91,191

Replying to caitthatequestrian (#90,255)

You are in Gettysburg with a literal, large state forest just to the north of you. Check out Michaux State Forest. You can get there by heading west on Rt 30 out of Gettysburg. Then head north on Rt. 233.

As you head thru Michaux, you will hit Pine Grove Furnace. Always deer around there. A few smaller ground and tree critters, too. The Appalachian Trail runs thru it, too. Fact it goes south thru the Michaux and crosses Rt 30 just west of the Rt 233 intersection. Look for signs beyond the blacksmith shop.

There is also a PA Fish & Boat fish hatchery not far outside of Gettysburg just off Rt 233 on Lebo Road. Look for the Huntsdale Fishery signs near Point and Leeds Rds in Penn Township.

Further north on 233, there is Colonel Denning State Park. Be sure to take a peak around from Doubling Gap. Across the road is the larger Tuscarora State Park. You can follow 233 right into Perry County. You might see a bear or two.

Once you get into Landisburg, 233 turns north. You want to go straight onto Rt 850. That'll bring you right into Marysville. Maybe you'll see an eagle fishing on the river.