Stillwater Natural Area
Natural area in Pennsylvania
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Stillwater Natural Area is a 1,931-acre (781 ha) protected area in Pike County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of Delaware State Forest.[1][2]
| Stillwater Natural Area | |
|---|---|
Hikers' footbrige over Little Bushkill Creek in Stillwater Natural Area | |
  Location within Pennsylvania | |
| Location | Pike County, Pennsylvania |
| Nearest town | Bushkill |
| Coordinates | 41°14′07″N 75°01′30″W |
| Area | 1,931 acres (781 ha) |
Description
The Natural Area was established to protect a mixed hardwood forest, and it contains a segment of Little Bushkill Creek that offers "still water" for canoeists.[1] Areas featuring swamps or very dense forest cover served as a refuge for deserters during the American Civil War, who built cabins on islands in the swamps.[3]
The area is traversed by the Northeast Spur of the Thunder Swamp Trail,[4] and it includes the secluded Big Bear Swamp which houses a large population of black bears.[5] The area is indicative of the poorly-drained forest lands of the Pocono Plateau, sporting numerous swamps and wetlands.[2]