Facility Overview
The State Gamelands Number 260 Parking area at Shickshinny Falls serves as the primary designated trailhead parking access for outdoor enthusiasts exploring Little Shickshinny Falls and the surrounding wilderness in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Situated along Shickshinny Valley Road (PA Route 239), this rustic open-air gravel surface lot is managed under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The lot features an informal drive-in layout capable of accommodating standard passenger cars, large pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, and outdoor recreational gear. Because it is completely open to the sky, there are no vertical clearance restrictions or low overhead barriers, though drivers of oversized vehicles or trailers should take care when turning around within the unpaved surface lot.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
This car park is the direct launch point for exploring one of Luzerne County’s most picturesque hidden cascades:
- Little Shickshinny Falls: Located only a 5- to 10-minute walk (roughly 0.3 miles) from the parking area, this scenic 25-foot tiered waterfall flows along Little Shickshinny Creek and is one of the most accessible natural cascades in the area.
- State Game Lands No. 260: Spanning over 3,000 acres of protected public forest land, offering seasonal hunting, birdwatching, and extensive primitive hiking routes.
- Downtown Shickshinny & Susquehanna River: Located just 2.5 miles south via PA Route 239, offering access to local diners, supply stores, and river access for kayaking and angling along the North Branch Susquehanna River.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Vehicle access to the lot is straightforward via Shickshinny Valley Road (PA-239). Drivers arriving from the south can take US-11 into Shickshinny and turn onto PA-239 North for a quick five-minute drive. Those arriving from Interstate 80 or Route 118 can easily navigate south on PA-239 through rural Luzerne County. Ingress and egress are directly off the two-lane state route; care should be taken when slowing down to enter or pulling back onto the roadway, as sightlines can be partially obscured by roadside foliage. Public transit does not service this rural forest area, making personal vehicles, carpools, or ride-hailing services essential for arrival.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Free Trailhead Parking: Public parking provided at no charge on state game land property.
- Open-Air Headroom: Zero height restrictions, accommodating roof racks, kayaks, and high-clearance 4x4 vehicles.
- Direct Trail Access: Trail entrance marker and pathway leading directly to the falls creek basin.
- Natural Setting: Unpaved gravel and packed-dirt terrain blending naturally into the forest landscape.
Ideal For
- Waterfall Hikers & Photographers: Visitors looking for a brief, rewarding walk to Little Shickshinny Falls without a strenuous trek.
- Hunters & Anglers: Licensed sportsmen utilizing State Game Lands 260 during open hunting and fishing seasons.
- Nature Lovers & Pet Walkers: Local day-trippers seeking peaceful woodland trails and freshwater creek access.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Because this is a primitive wilderness parking lot, there are no public restrooms, trash bins, or nighttime illumination; visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles and carry out all refuse. During hunting seasons (especially autumn deer seasons), all non-hunting trail users are required or strongly advised to wear fluorescent blaze orange for safety. The unpaved lot can develop mud ruts or ice during wet spring thaws and harsh Pennsylvania winters, so proceed slowly when maneuvering lower-clearance sedans. Space is limited to around 8 to 12 vehicles, so arriving earlier in the morning during warm summer weekends is recommended to guarantee a spot.
