Is Nolde Forest open?
Yes we are! The trails and restroom facilities at Nolde Forest are open from sunrise to sunset, each and every day of the year. At this time however, the Mansion/Park Office is open for official business only—Monday thru Friday from 8am to 4pm. Restrooms and water fountains are located in McConnell Hall adjacent to the Mansion. Currently masks must be worn when entering Nolde Forest facilities. Visitors are otherwise welcome to walk to and around the Mansion where a series of interpretive signs helps tell the story of the Nolde Family, Forest and Mansion.
All open houses are cancelled through January 2021. Visitors interested in seeing the inside of the Mansion must wait until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Are you currently offering programs for children?
Yes we are! We have monthly Children’s Story Time, seasonal programs, and a variety of interpretive walks, to name a few. All programs require pre-registration and can be found on the DCNR Calendar of Events. Simply search for “Nolde Forest.” All participants are required to wear a mask while with the group and follow the CDC guidelines on Social Distancing. We wish to keep our coworkers, volunteers and visitors healthy.
Why is the Mansion Gate Closed on weekends?
The Mansion Gate is open Monday thru Friday from 8am to 4pm. Parking is also available at the Sawmill, at North Pond on Church Road and at the Fire Gates on Oregon Road. The Mansion Gate is open on weekends when there are scheduled programs and activities. If the gate were open throughout the weekends, those who have registered for our programs would very likely not have a place to park as our parking spaces are limited. We want to ensure that those who register for our programs have a place to park. Visitors are permitted to walk to and around the Mansion from other parking areas.
Why have you roped off the grass near the Sawmill?
Visitors are only permitted to park in designated parking spaces. We do not permit parking in the grass, on roadways or at gates. Parking in non-designated areas damages the resource, hinders emergency responders and creates dangerous roadway conditions for pedestrians and other motorists. We are also using rope fencing to help protect our watershed. The fencing placed along Angelica Creek and Punches Run is to help safeguard the streambank from erosion. We have seen that, with a little patience, visitors looking for a parking space at Sawmill generally wait no more than a minute for a space to become available. If you’re in a hurry, there are other parking areas located on Church Road and Oregon Road.
Do you offer tours of the Mansion and/or is the Mansion open to the public?
Yes, though they are currently cancelled through January 2021. The Friends of Nolde Forest is our 501 (c) 3 non-for-profit group generally offers monthly Open Houses on the First Sunday of each month. These Open House events are free to visitors and are scheduled from 1pm to 330pm. A special Guided Tour is offered in conjunction with the Open House. The tour begins at 4pm and costs $5 per person. The money raised from these tours and other fund raising events helps the Friends of Nolde Forest support education, improvements, programs and activities here at Nolde Forest. Please note that we will update this again once tours resume.
Do you allow weddings at Nolde Forest or at the Nolde Mansion?
We no longer offer opportunities for weddings at Nolde Forest. As an environmental education center with limited staffing, resources and parking facilities, weddings are no longer permitted here. Our mission is to provide environmental education to our community and visitors. Weddings are a strain on resources and detract from that mission. Those who appreciate the Mansion and gardens are encouraged to look into holding your wedding at the Stokesay Castle located on Reading’s Mount Penn—which has similar architecture, beautiful gardens and a restaurant with banquet facilities.
May I swim/boat/wade/etc. in North Pond or Painted Turtle Pond?
No. Nolde Forest EE Center does not permit such activity in our water ways. As an environmental education center, we are charged with protecting and providing opportunities for environmental study, learning and passive recreation such as walking and bird watching. Boating is permitted at nearby French Creek State Park, Marsh Creek State Park and Middle Creek. Both French Creek and Marsh Creek have swimming pools for wading and swimming.
** NEW ** Am I allowed to ice skate or play ice hockey on North Pond?
Ice skating is not permitted in Nolde Forest. As an environmental education center, our park land is designated for “passive recreation” only—which includes walking and nature study.
Where is a good place to fish in Nolde Forest?
Fishing is permitted in Angelica Creek and North Pond ONLY. Fishing in North Pond is Catch and Release Only. There are not many fish in North Pond as it is not stocked and others have not followed the Catch and Release-only policy. Only a very short section of Angelica Creek runs through Nolde Forest, and not all of it is open to fishing. We do not permit fishing within 100-feet up and downstream of the Historic Sawmill. There is a short section of Angelica Creek below the bridge at the Sawmill Restroom and above where the stream goes under New Holland Road that is open to fishing. All those fishing must abide by PA Fish and Boat Commission Rules and Regulations and respect private property.
Are we permitted to feed wildlife at Nolde Forest?
No. Did you know that while seeing wild animals up close can be enjoyable and may be grounded in good intentions, the negative consequences of feeding and the emergence of several new wildlife diseases indicate it is causing more harm than good? As an environmental education center under the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, we take pride in educating our visitors to help us conserve and sustain Pennsylvania's natural resources for present and future generations' use and enjoyment.
Why do you allow Hunting at Nolde Forest?
Our Permit-Only Archery Deer Hunt is designed to help sustainably manage the population of white-tailed deer in Nolde Forest. Our rules and regulations are designed to provide opportunities for hunters to harvest deer during set days and times throughout the hunting season, while minimizing conflicts with our non-hunter visitors. We do not permit hunting on weekends or between 9am and 3pm. We only permit the use of archery equipment and hunters must follow all applicable PA Game Commission rules and regs on top of Nolde Forest rules and regs. Hunters and visitors are encouraged to wear orange during hunting season and contact the park Office if they witness a safety violation.
Am I permitted to cut Firewood at Nolde Forest?
Yes. We sell Firewood Permits that permit the cutting of dead/down trees by a permit-holder to collect firewood for their own use. The permit is good for up to one cord of firewood from select areas. I can put you in touch with the Park Manager who can help you determine the best place to access firewood. Firewood cutting is intended for personal use. PA State Parks does not allow firewood cutting for the purposes of selling.
What are the cables and obstacles in the woods of Nolde Forest and can I/we use them?
The “elements” in Nolde Forest are part of our Group Problem Solving (GPS) Course. These elements are designed to be facilitated by our staff for organized groups such as Scout Troops and small classrooms. While they are tempting, we do not permit the unfacilitated use of them by our visitors. If you are interested in potentially scheduling a program, I can put you in contact with our Env. Ed. Supervisor to discuss options.
** NEW ** Do you permit Metal Detecting in Nolde Forest?
All PA State Parks and Forests require written permission to engage in metal detecting on state property. In most cases, metal detecting is not permitted in or around historic sites or areas deemed sensitive. As an environmental education center, metal detecting is not permitted in Nolde Forest. Those caught violating the law will be prosecuted.
** NEW ** Am I permitted to fly my drone in Nolde Forest?
Drones are not permitted to be flown in Nolde Forest. In fact, drones are not permitted to be flown in most all PA State Parks and all National Park Service sites. Studies have shown that drones disturb wildlife which led NPS to adopt the policy and for PA State Parks to follow suit. In some rare circumstances, such as Search And Rescue operations, drones may be used when called upon by Park Management for that specific purpose. A few PA State Parks have designated flying areas which allow the flying of drones. The nearest parks to our location are Beltzville State Park and Tuscarora State Park. A simple Google search for “PA State Parks and Drones” will provide you with this and further information.
This is my first time visiting Nolde Forest, can you recommend a nice hike?
Absolutely. Watershed Trail offers visitors a lovely stroll along Punches Run—the main artery through the Forest. Visitors can walk up along the stream for nearly a mile to its source and return on Boulevard Trail which offers a slightly more elevated view of the forest and stream below. If you have more time, or are interested in a greater hiking challenge, add on one or more of the other trails that intersect with Watershed Trail. Be sure to take a map and water and wear closed-toed shoes as our trails twist and turn and can be quite steep and rocky in places.
I love Nolde Forest, how can I help / get involved?
We welcome visitors to volunteer here in a multitude of ways that include weekly Volunteer Trail Crew, the Garden Committee, Mansion Open House docents, getting involved with our Friends Group, and more. We have opportunities for individuals and families—for one or multiple visits. Youth seeking to earn their Eagle Scouts or Gold Award can also find rewarding projects that help keep Nolde Forest the special place that it is. Visit the JOIN and EVENTS pages on our site.
Yes we are! The trails and restroom facilities at Nolde Forest are open from sunrise to sunset, each and every day of the year. At this time however, the Mansion/Park Office is open for official business only—Monday thru Friday from 8am to 4pm. Restrooms and water fountains are located in McConnell Hall adjacent to the Mansion. Currently masks must be worn when entering Nolde Forest facilities. Visitors are otherwise welcome to walk to and around the Mansion where a series of interpretive signs helps tell the story of the Nolde Family, Forest and Mansion.
All open houses are cancelled through January 2021. Visitors interested in seeing the inside of the Mansion must wait until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Are you currently offering programs for children?
Yes we are! We have monthly Children’s Story Time, seasonal programs, and a variety of interpretive walks, to name a few. All programs require pre-registration and can be found on the DCNR Calendar of Events. Simply search for “Nolde Forest.” All participants are required to wear a mask while with the group and follow the CDC guidelines on Social Distancing. We wish to keep our coworkers, volunteers and visitors healthy.
Why is the Mansion Gate Closed on weekends?
The Mansion Gate is open Monday thru Friday from 8am to 4pm. Parking is also available at the Sawmill, at North Pond on Church Road and at the Fire Gates on Oregon Road. The Mansion Gate is open on weekends when there are scheduled programs and activities. If the gate were open throughout the weekends, those who have registered for our programs would very likely not have a place to park as our parking spaces are limited. We want to ensure that those who register for our programs have a place to park. Visitors are permitted to walk to and around the Mansion from other parking areas.
Why have you roped off the grass near the Sawmill?
Visitors are only permitted to park in designated parking spaces. We do not permit parking in the grass, on roadways or at gates. Parking in non-designated areas damages the resource, hinders emergency responders and creates dangerous roadway conditions for pedestrians and other motorists. We are also using rope fencing to help protect our watershed. The fencing placed along Angelica Creek and Punches Run is to help safeguard the streambank from erosion. We have seen that, with a little patience, visitors looking for a parking space at Sawmill generally wait no more than a minute for a space to become available. If you’re in a hurry, there are other parking areas located on Church Road and Oregon Road.
Do you offer tours of the Mansion and/or is the Mansion open to the public?
Yes, though they are currently cancelled through January 2021. The Friends of Nolde Forest is our 501 (c) 3 non-for-profit group generally offers monthly Open Houses on the First Sunday of each month. These Open House events are free to visitors and are scheduled from 1pm to 330pm. A special Guided Tour is offered in conjunction with the Open House. The tour begins at 4pm and costs $5 per person. The money raised from these tours and other fund raising events helps the Friends of Nolde Forest support education, improvements, programs and activities here at Nolde Forest. Please note that we will update this again once tours resume.
Do you allow weddings at Nolde Forest or at the Nolde Mansion?
We no longer offer opportunities for weddings at Nolde Forest. As an environmental education center with limited staffing, resources and parking facilities, weddings are no longer permitted here. Our mission is to provide environmental education to our community and visitors. Weddings are a strain on resources and detract from that mission. Those who appreciate the Mansion and gardens are encouraged to look into holding your wedding at the Stokesay Castle located on Reading’s Mount Penn—which has similar architecture, beautiful gardens and a restaurant with banquet facilities.
May I swim/boat/wade/etc. in North Pond or Painted Turtle Pond?
No. Nolde Forest EE Center does not permit such activity in our water ways. As an environmental education center, we are charged with protecting and providing opportunities for environmental study, learning and passive recreation such as walking and bird watching. Boating is permitted at nearby French Creek State Park, Marsh Creek State Park and Middle Creek. Both French Creek and Marsh Creek have swimming pools for wading and swimming.
** NEW ** Am I allowed to ice skate or play ice hockey on North Pond?
Ice skating is not permitted in Nolde Forest. As an environmental education center, our park land is designated for “passive recreation” only—which includes walking and nature study.
Where is a good place to fish in Nolde Forest?
Fishing is permitted in Angelica Creek and North Pond ONLY. Fishing in North Pond is Catch and Release Only. There are not many fish in North Pond as it is not stocked and others have not followed the Catch and Release-only policy. Only a very short section of Angelica Creek runs through Nolde Forest, and not all of it is open to fishing. We do not permit fishing within 100-feet up and downstream of the Historic Sawmill. There is a short section of Angelica Creek below the bridge at the Sawmill Restroom and above where the stream goes under New Holland Road that is open to fishing. All those fishing must abide by PA Fish and Boat Commission Rules and Regulations and respect private property.
Are we permitted to feed wildlife at Nolde Forest?
No. Did you know that while seeing wild animals up close can be enjoyable and may be grounded in good intentions, the negative consequences of feeding and the emergence of several new wildlife diseases indicate it is causing more harm than good? As an environmental education center under the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, we take pride in educating our visitors to help us conserve and sustain Pennsylvania's natural resources for present and future generations' use and enjoyment.
Why do you allow Hunting at Nolde Forest?
Our Permit-Only Archery Deer Hunt is designed to help sustainably manage the population of white-tailed deer in Nolde Forest. Our rules and regulations are designed to provide opportunities for hunters to harvest deer during set days and times throughout the hunting season, while minimizing conflicts with our non-hunter visitors. We do not permit hunting on weekends or between 9am and 3pm. We only permit the use of archery equipment and hunters must follow all applicable PA Game Commission rules and regs on top of Nolde Forest rules and regs. Hunters and visitors are encouraged to wear orange during hunting season and contact the park Office if they witness a safety violation.
Am I permitted to cut Firewood at Nolde Forest?
Yes. We sell Firewood Permits that permit the cutting of dead/down trees by a permit-holder to collect firewood for their own use. The permit is good for up to one cord of firewood from select areas. I can put you in touch with the Park Manager who can help you determine the best place to access firewood. Firewood cutting is intended for personal use. PA State Parks does not allow firewood cutting for the purposes of selling.
What are the cables and obstacles in the woods of Nolde Forest and can I/we use them?
The “elements” in Nolde Forest are part of our Group Problem Solving (GPS) Course. These elements are designed to be facilitated by our staff for organized groups such as Scout Troops and small classrooms. While they are tempting, we do not permit the unfacilitated use of them by our visitors. If you are interested in potentially scheduling a program, I can put you in contact with our Env. Ed. Supervisor to discuss options.
** NEW ** Do you permit Metal Detecting in Nolde Forest?
All PA State Parks and Forests require written permission to engage in metal detecting on state property. In most cases, metal detecting is not permitted in or around historic sites or areas deemed sensitive. As an environmental education center, metal detecting is not permitted in Nolde Forest. Those caught violating the law will be prosecuted.
** NEW ** Am I permitted to fly my drone in Nolde Forest?
Drones are not permitted to be flown in Nolde Forest. In fact, drones are not permitted to be flown in most all PA State Parks and all National Park Service sites. Studies have shown that drones disturb wildlife which led NPS to adopt the policy and for PA State Parks to follow suit. In some rare circumstances, such as Search And Rescue operations, drones may be used when called upon by Park Management for that specific purpose. A few PA State Parks have designated flying areas which allow the flying of drones. The nearest parks to our location are Beltzville State Park and Tuscarora State Park. A simple Google search for “PA State Parks and Drones” will provide you with this and further information.
This is my first time visiting Nolde Forest, can you recommend a nice hike?
Absolutely. Watershed Trail offers visitors a lovely stroll along Punches Run—the main artery through the Forest. Visitors can walk up along the stream for nearly a mile to its source and return on Boulevard Trail which offers a slightly more elevated view of the forest and stream below. If you have more time, or are interested in a greater hiking challenge, add on one or more of the other trails that intersect with Watershed Trail. Be sure to take a map and water and wear closed-toed shoes as our trails twist and turn and can be quite steep and rocky in places.
I love Nolde Forest, how can I help / get involved?
We welcome visitors to volunteer here in a multitude of ways that include weekly Volunteer Trail Crew, the Garden Committee, Mansion Open House docents, getting involved with our Friends Group, and more. We have opportunities for individuals and families—for one or multiple visits. Youth seeking to earn their Eagle Scouts or Gold Award can also find rewarding projects that help keep Nolde Forest the special place that it is. Visit the JOIN and EVENTS pages on our site.
