Name | Buzzard Swamp Wildlife Viewing & Hiking Area | |
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Summary | A system of interconnecting trails offers excellent opportunities to view wildlife | |
Type | Day Hike - Out and Back | |
Distance (Total) | 9.6 miles / 15.4 km | |
Elevation Gain | ||
Minimum Elevation | ||
Maximum Elevation | ||
Hiking Season | - All Year Long | |
Things To See | - Ponds - Swamps - Wildflowers - Wildlife | |
Difficulty | Easy | |
Rating | Trail has not been rated. | |
Nearby Town | Marienville, Pennsylvania, United States | |
Link | http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/recreation/hiking/buzzard_swamp/ | |
Permit Required | No | |
Trail Map |
Most of the trails are not marked with diamonds, so watch the informational signs for directions. The skill level of the trails is easy and the terrain is relatively flat. Some of the trails are located within meadows with little protection from the sun and wind. Be prepared.
Buzzard Swamp offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on the Forest. The area is an important link in the Atlantic flyway during the waterfowl migration. During spring migration, 20-25 species of waterfowl can be seen around the swamp. An observant hiker could see bear, deer, beaver, coyote, snapping turtles, turkey, osprey, and bald eagles. Don't forget your binoculars or spotting scope for great views of the native fauna.
All of the ponds have small and large-mouth bass, perch, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Boating is permitted on the ponds, but no motors are allowed. The nearest pond is 1 mile from the trailhead, and since no motorized vehicles are allowed within the swamp, boats must be carried.
The Songbird Sojourn Interpretive Trail is a 1.5 mile long self-guided nature trail. The trail starts at the Forest Road 157 trailhead, and is marked with off-white diamonds. Pamphlets are available at the trailhead and the Marienville Ranger Station, 2 miles north of Marienville on State Route 66.
Two trailheads provide access to the area. The southern trailhead is located on Forest Road 157, 1 mile south of Marienville on Loleta Road. The northern trailhead is located on Forest Road 376, 2.5 miles east of Marienville on Lamonaville Road.
Latitude | 41.4490635783 degrees / 41° 26.944' / 41° 26' 56.63" |
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Longitude | -79.0792036057 degrees / -79° 4.752' / -79° 4' 45.13" |
Created by Nick on 12/13/2007 |
Last edited on |