Pennsylvania
Should Pa. finalize land swap to reopen once-popular waterfall trail? Here’s how to comment.
Pennsylvania park officials are accepting public comment on a land exchange proposal that could reopen a once-popular waterfall trail to hiking.
The proposal involves the Pennsylvania Game Commission conveying about 450 acres in Carbon County to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of State Parks.
This land in Nesquehoning and Lehigh Township, just outside Jim Thorpe, surrounds the waterfalls on Glen Onoko Run, a Lehigh River tributary. It’s now managed by the Game Commission as part of State Game Lands 141. It would become part of Lehigh Gorge State Park.
The Game Commission effective May 1, 2019, closed the trail alongside the falls due to severely eroded trails that created deadly conditions for hikers. Access is still open to the Overlook and Shortcut trails, which form a steep 1.6-mile loop offering a panoramic view of the Jim Thorpe area but provide access only to the Upper Falls.
DCNR officials, in turn, would convey to the Game Commission about 332 acres that abut State Game Lands 141 in the Lehigh Gorge park, which extends northward along the Lehigh River from just below Glen Onoko. Additionally, the Game Commission would receive about 6 acres the DCNR owns in Pine Township, Crawford County. The Game Commission in May began construction on a new Pymatuning Wildlife Learning Center slated to open in spring 2027 in that area.
In a public notice published Saturday in the Pennsylvania Code and Bulletin, DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn wrote: “The acreage the Bureau proposes to convey to the Commission affords better hunting opportunities and manageable habitats, compared to the steep slopes of the glen. The acreage at Pymatuning is immediately adjacent to the future site of the Commission’s Pymatuning Wildlife Learning Center.”
Pennsylvania’s Board of Game Commissioners in April approved the land swap. It would be completed after the final subdivision of the Glen Onoko parcel by the Game Commission and the passage of Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 budget authorizing the funding and staffing necessary for the Bureau of State Parks to safely construct and administer the trail system and other recreational and ecological amenities at Glen Onoko, according to the public notice.
Budget negotiations are expected to continue past the June 30 deadline for legislators to approve the spending plan, a top Republican said last week.
“DCNR is planning to make upgrades to the trail,” state Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, told constituents in an update on the proposal via Facebook earlier this month. “They want to keep the natural beauty of the falls and the trail, but they’re going to do some enhancements to make it a little bit safer and provide access to those individuals that want to come out and enjoy this.”
Recent appraisals estimate the land proposed to be exchanged to be of equal value, according to the Pennsylvania Bulletin notice.
Members of the public can learn more about the proposed land swap by reviewing project documents through July 31 at the Hickory Run State Park Office
Oral or written comments or questions concerning this proposed exchange may be addressed to John Hallas, Director, Bureau of State Parks, Attn: RMPD—Planning Section, P.O. Box 8551, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8551; by phone at 717-787-6640; and by email at RA-Park-Operations@pa.gov.
Comments must be received within 45 days following the June 21 publication of the notice to become part of the official document used in the final decision process, officials said.
A public informational meeting may be scheduled if there is a “significant amount of public comment,” according to the notice.
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Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
Pennsylvania
Between Harrisburg And Baltimore Is Pennsylvania’s Lovely State Park Escape For Hiking Trails And Scenic Views – Islands
In Pennsylvania, 300,000 acres of land are dedicated to 125 state parks. It’s an understatement to say that the state’s residents are proud of their outdoors. Among PA’s most-visited state parks is Presque Isle State Park, a seashore destination with sandy beaches. Not to be left out, Susquehanna Riverlands State Park is a unique riverside spot whose primary trail delights its guests with breathtaking views.
Riverbanks along this section of the Susquehanna River are dotted with parks, and Susquehanna Riverlands is right off Interstate-83. Located in York County, it’s 40 minutes south of Harrisburg and 1 hour north of Baltimore. You can hike Susquehanna Riverlands’ easy 1.3-mile out-and-back Overlook trail, rated 4.6 on AllTrails, for views from Schull’s Rock.
Susquehanna Riverlands State Park is a convenient dip into nature that you can enjoy during a lunch hour. One Google review described it as “beautiful,” with trails that are “well marked” and “easy to follow.” Open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset, Susquehanna Riverlands is free to access, as are all Pennsylvania state parks. At the time of publication, there are no permanent restroom facilities, only port-a-potties.
Enjoy extended hiking along the Mason Dixon Trail
For hikers with a little more time to invest and something more than flip-flops or sandals on their feet, the Mason-Dixon Trail crosses the southern border of the Susquehanna Riverlands State Park, where it joins the Robert A. Kinsley Nature Preserve. At 2.75 miles, the going is slightly challenging, with steep grades and narrow paths, but guests are rewarded with another overlook of the Susquehanna at Buzzard’s Roost.
AllTrails rates this section of the Mason-Dixon as moderate, unusual for such a short jaunt, and worthy of note. You’ll want to follow the trail counterclockwise from the first Y for the best advantage on the terrain. A 500-foot elevation change, largely in the middle of the trail, is no joke for the inexperienced. AllTrails reviews note the steep incline and muddy spots in wet seasons. Plan on taking up to two hours to finish the entire loop to the Roost and back, and don’t forget to wear sturdy shoes.
To reach the Mason-Dixon trailhead, park in the first lot at the top of River Farm Road, just inside the park, and follow signs to the blue-blazed trail. Please note, there are no amenities along the Mason-Dixon, and hikers are advised to take plenty of water and bug spray if hiking in the summer, when the humid PA climate can get steamy without a breeze.
Dip down to Wrightsville for more views of the Susquehanna River
Despite Susquehanna Riverlands State Park’s abundant river scenery, don’t expect to find a boat launch. There’s a natural “soft put-in” where the Codorus Creek converges with the Susquehanna, but it is undeveloped and parking is limited. Experienced paddlers use it to exit the bottom of the creek, before hitting the river.
Fortunately, there’s more than one way to enjoy the Susquehanna. Before or after your time at the state park, grab a beer and a bite to eat 11 minutes away in nearby Wrightsville. John Wright Restaurant has an outdoor pizza patio on the riverfront that’s open in the summer and nets views of the historic Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge, officially dubbed the Veterans Bridge, above. Housed in a former silk mill, John Wright guests enjoy steak and fresh local fish for dinner. If you’re an Old Bay fan, give the Chesapeake Nachos a try. You’ll want reservations before you go.
If you get too sweaty on the trail, the Burning Bridge Tavern is nearly next door to John Wright’s and serves upriver views in a considerably more casual environment, alongside craft burgers and a rotation of 12 beers on tap. If you want to avoid weekend traffic on Front Street, top off your day with a sandwich and soda at Riverside Subs or pizza from Marcello’s. If you want to check out York while you’re there, it has a vibrant art scene and affordable attractions.
TRANSFER, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – Sandra “Sandy” J. Kulka, age 68, of Transfer, Pennsylvania, passed away on Friday, April 24th, 2026, peacefully.
She was born June 24th, 1956, in Mercer, Pennsylvania, to Gerald Stainbrook and Violet (Patton) Stainbrook.
Sandy was a graduate of Hickory High School.
She was a homemaker and later in life worked as a custodian at Hermitage School District until her retirement. She enjoyed spending time with her five grandchildren and beloved pets, Teddy and Bella.
Sandy is survived by her three children, April Redfoot and her husband Daniel, Becky Kulka and Samuel Kulka, all of Greenville, Pennsylvania; a brother, Dennis Stainbrook and his wife, Margaret Kern of Transfer, Pennsylvania; and her five grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Kulka; her sister, Gail Hall; and her parents, Gerald and Violet Stainbrook.
In following Sandy’s wishes there will be no services.
Memorial contributions can be made in her name to Strayhaven Animal Shelter, 94 Donation Road, Greenville, PA 16125
John Flynn Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. is serving the family with arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sandra J Kulka, please visit our floral store.
Pennsylvania
Target of Action News Investigation Agrees to settlement with Pennsylvania attorney general
The target of an Action News Investigation in 2022 has agreed to a settlement with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
Florida-based MV Realty was accused of offering homeowners, many of whom are low-income, a few hundred bucks.
In return, the company would get exclusive rights for the opportunity to sell the properties for a 3% commission.
But many homeowners claim they were unaware there was a 40-year life to the agreement, and mortgages were placed on their homes.
They would also be forced to pay the fee in the event they transferred properties to loved ones.
“I could’ve jumped out of the chair and did a little dance,” said Latrelle Fuller to Action News Investigative Reporter Chad Pradelli upon learning of the settlement.
We first met her in 2022 after she entered into an agreement with MV Realty for $500.
She says she was unable to get a home equity loan on her paid-off house because of MV Realty’s mortgage.
Her neighbor, Carolyn Brown, had to pay $6,000 dollars to MV Realty to get a loan on her home. She, too, entered into an agreement with MV Realty several years ago.
“They told me that I have to do this or they would not give me the loan,” Brown says.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday called MV Realty’s actions reprehensible.
“So as a result of the settlement, all 1,300 mortgages that were entered into in Pennsylvania are going to be cancelled, ” he said in an exclusive interview earlier this week.
Action News Investigation: Real estate company accused of deceptive practices
Rosetta Loper Grant, who is selling her Oxford Circle home, signed onto the agreement offered by MV Realty. But then in May, she started second-guessing her decision.
He says the Action News Investigation led to his office taking action by his predecessor, now-Governor Josh Shapiro. The investigative team dug through city property records to uncover the MV Realty mortgages.
He says the company will pay $645,000 in restitution under the settlement so homeowners like Brown will get their money back.
The owner of MV Realty, former reality TV personality Amanda Zachman, has not responded to requests for comment.
“I know what it’s like to work unbelievably hard for what you have and to take it in such a misleading way from consumers, especially to Target low-income communities, is disgusting to me, ” Sunday said.
If you were a victim of MV Realty and paid the company fees to sell or transfer a property, reach out to the AG’s office online.
You can also email the complaint or call 1-800-441-2555.
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