12-04-2025
Pennsylvania Game Commission approves land swap involving Glen Onoko Falls
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — A popular hiking spot in the Poconos could reopen as it may soon change hands between state agencies.
Glen Onoko Falls near Jim Thorpe in Carbon County has been closed since 2019. At the time, authorities cited dangerous conditions and that the trail had claimed ten lives since the late 1970's. Recuring serious injuries also created a challenge for local first responders.
It is part of State Game Lands 141, administered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Why are there geese statues all over Mifflin and Juniata counties?
The Board of Game Commissioners approved a deal Saturday morning to swap 495 acres, including Glen Onoko Falls, to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). DCNR handles Pennsylvania's state parks and forests.
In return, DCNR will give the Game Commission 495 acres in Nesquehoning borough, including part of Lehigh Gorge State Park. The land adjoins State Game Lands 141. They would also get six acres of land in Crawford County near the Pymatuning Wildlife Learning Center.
DCNR plans to improve trails at Glen Onoko and reopen the area to the public. PGC says that, 'with its mission of managing and protecting wildlife and its habitats,' it would be unable to do.
The new addition to SGL 141, PGC says, offers better hunting opportunities and manageable habitats, as opposed to steep slopes around Glen Onoko.
The land swap is not final, as state legislation has to be passed to complete the exchange.
Elsewhere, the Board of Game Commissioners approved the purchase of 427 acres of lane adjacent to State Game Lands 132 in Hegins, Barry, and Eldred townships in western Schuylkill County.
Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices
The board also approved an agreement with Laurel Mountain Energy, LLC, of Pittsburgh, for oil and gas rights under portions of State Game Lands 95 in Butler County. Laurel Mountain will pay $807,000 plus royalties and there will be no additional surface use or disturbance to the game lands.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
