We are at Gouldsboro State Park, the next park in our eight-part series on Exploring State Parks in the Poconos. Gouldsboro, if you remember, is direct neighbor to Tobyhanna State Park which has a lake a lot like this one it has boating and we head out on the trail with Park Manager Justin Waid plus learn about some projects being done by the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps.

From a bird’s eye view, Gouldsboro State Park is a sight to behold — its serene lake surrounded by lush woods offers a peaceful escape into nature.

Closer to the water, migratory birds glide across the surface while visiting families, like Lyric Ellis and her twins from Delaware, cast their fishing lines and soak in the experience.

“It’s a perfect place to take kids — my kids’ age or younger, older — there’s a lot to do,” Ellis said.

The trip to Gouldsboro was a birthday celebration for her twins turning nine.

“They’re not going to forget this,” she added. “Whether you catch a fish or not, it doesn’t matter. It’s the experience — learning how to cast, reeling it in, and taking in the nature.”

Nature surrounds every visit to the park, whether paddling on the water or hiking the miles of trails. Park Manager Justin Waid joined us on a sunny May day for a walk along the Frank Gantz Trail.

“The Frank Gantz Trail connects two parks,” Waid explained. “We’re hiking about a half-mile to a bridge that acts like the centerpiece. The full trail is about three and a half miles and connects Gouldsboro and Tobyhanna — two parks with rich history right next to each other. That’s pretty unique.”

Gouldsboro State Park features more than seven miles of trails, often accompanied by birdsong, a beach for swimming, and boat rentals for exploring the lake.

“What makes it stand out from other parks is the visitation — it’s quiet, secluded,” Waid said. “Not that many people know about it. That little park you see on the map is a state park — and when you add its connection to Tobyhanna, it becomes a large venue for outdoor recreation.”

Visitors this season will also notice some upgrades — including improvements to the changing rooms at the beach — thanks to the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps.

“This week, we’ve mostly been working on carpentry skills,” said Rebeka Gordon of the Corps. “Tearing down walls, rebuilding them, using power tools, and making sure everything is plum and square.”

These young workers are learning real-world job skills — in all weather — as they prepare for careers in conservation. Vincent DeMarco, also part of the Corps, already has his next step lined up.

“I look at it as a stepping stone,” DeMarco shared. “This job is great for networking — for state parks, state forests, anything in conservation. I was lucky to extend my work to Ricketts Glen and have a future position open for me. I thank the PA Outdoor Corps for giving me the starting step to my journey.”

And these aren’t volunteer positions.

“These jobs — these are actual jobs,” said Rich Fritsky of the PA Outdoor Corps. “They get paid, and they get paid well.”

Beyond training and pay, the program is also helping to build a more diverse workforce in Pennsylvania’s public lands — a workforce that better reflects the communities visiting them.

“I take pride in state parks,” said DeMarco. “Even when I’m not at work, I’m hiking, fishing, just enjoying the outdoors. I’d tell anyone — whether you're local or from across the U.S. — get outside and visit a state park. It’ll change your perspective.”

As these future stewards gain experience, they may go on to lead parks just like Justin Waid, who now oversees three in the region and welcomes visitors in every season.

“We’re open all four seasons,” Waid said. “Fishing, relaxing on the beach, hiking, picnicking, kayaking — there are opportunities for everyone.”