Gerald E. Seyfried Bear Swamp & Archery Complex
Gerald E. Seyfried Bear Swamp Park & Archery Complex is a 251-acre park and natural area of woodlands, wetlands and a tributary to and the main
stem of East Fork Martin's Creek. This site lies within the Greater Minsi Lake Corridor Greenway, is adjacent to two sportsmen's associations and has a regional conceptual trail that crosses the park. Facilities include a one-half-mile long loop boardwalk through Bear Swamp; an interpretive pavilion used for environmental education; and archery facilities, which include a target range, the Hunt Course, with a loop trail and picnic table, and Olympic Field.
Location: Upper Mount Bethel Township
Open: Sunrise to sunset.
Activities: Hiking, organized group camping (by permit only), birdwatching, nature study, archery, hunting (bow & firearms).
Amenities: Olympic Field with picnic pavilion, tables, grill and group tent camping area; archery complex (target range & Hunt Course, with loop trail); elevated boardwalk through Bear Swamp; nature center; orienteering course. No restrooms (portable toilets must be rented for overnight camping, which parks staff can facilitate).
Watershed: Martin's Creek
Directions: Lake Minsi Drive
GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 40.909137 Longitude: -75.182206
Area: 251 acres
Owned by: Northampton County
Difficulty Trail: Easy, but wet & muddy in many places.
Pets: Must be on a leash less than 6 feet in length
Historical Interest
Bear Swamp was originally a natural peat bog, with most all the peat moss harvested from the bog by the early 20th century.
Environmental Features: Extensive woodlands and wetlands, vernal pools, two small ponds, East Fork Martin’s Creek, rare threatened & endangered plant and animal species. Located within the Bear Swamp and Bear Swamp Powerline Natural Heritage Areas and the Greater Minsi Lake Corridor Greenway.
Future plans: Develop a trail network connecting Bear Swamp Park to thousands of acres of adjacent public lands, rehabilitate Archery Complex and nature center, improve ADA Access.