SigmaChris
Par Member
I will be in these areas next week on business. I wanted to hit up a few courses for some sunrise DG. Any suggestions with current conditions and the must play courses in the area?
Thanks,
Chris
Thanks,
Chris
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Allentown / Harrisburg / York
- Thread starter SigmaChris
- Start date
80playedin10states
Banned
i liked jordan creek but im way outdated for that area...been 10 years or so...near york is gifford pinchot ...i hear they have a gem on the other side of the lake...2 courses..one is par 54 and fun, heard the other is a doozy...par 66?
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Allentown is one of the best disc golf destinations in the country. By far. Top course is Nockamixon (will take your breath away, and destroy your ego) -- hardest course that's ever been played at a World's event, from what I recall.
Lehigh Valley is awesome -- beautiful grass and some epic shots. Definitely worth the time, and would be great for a morning round.
Jordan Creek is the most fun course to play, IMHO. Some of the best variety and prettiest holes in the country, and it flows incredibly well. This is the course I wish I had as a home course.
Down in Harrisburg, you get Gifford Pinchot State park, which does have two courses. Quaker's Challenge lives up to its name -- very challenging -- but it isn't broken in well enough yet, IMHO. The Allentown courses are better.
Down near York, you've got Codorus, which is 54 baskets across four courses (two 18 hole courses and two nine hole courses), plus a 9-hole course with mini baskets. More disc golf than you will have time to play, but to me, none of it is as memorable as the Allentown courses -- the two nine hole courses are more distinctive than the 18s. Some fun shots, but it all blurs together after a long day of golf.
All in all, it's hard to go wrong in that area, but if you can play the Allentown courses, you'll be playing some of the best golf in the country. The others are good -- way above average -- but the top Allentown courses are AWESOME.
Make sure you pack quality hiking/cross-country shoes. Some of the terrain at Nockamixon and Quaker's Challenge is rough going and you'll want good footwear. The other courses are a lot friendlier on the feet, and you could get by with normal sneakers at the other courses. I just think they'd be ill advised at QC and Nockamixon.
Lehigh Valley is awesome -- beautiful grass and some epic shots. Definitely worth the time, and would be great for a morning round.
Jordan Creek is the most fun course to play, IMHO. Some of the best variety and prettiest holes in the country, and it flows incredibly well. This is the course I wish I had as a home course.
Down in Harrisburg, you get Gifford Pinchot State park, which does have two courses. Quaker's Challenge lives up to its name -- very challenging -- but it isn't broken in well enough yet, IMHO. The Allentown courses are better.
Down near York, you've got Codorus, which is 54 baskets across four courses (two 18 hole courses and two nine hole courses), plus a 9-hole course with mini baskets. More disc golf than you will have time to play, but to me, none of it is as memorable as the Allentown courses -- the two nine hole courses are more distinctive than the 18s. Some fun shots, but it all blurs together after a long day of golf.
All in all, it's hard to go wrong in that area, but if you can play the Allentown courses, you'll be playing some of the best golf in the country. The others are good -- way above average -- but the top Allentown courses are AWESOME.
Make sure you pack quality hiking/cross-country shoes. Some of the terrain at Nockamixon and Quaker's Challenge is rough going and you'll want good footwear. The other courses are a lot friendlier on the feet, and you could get by with normal sneakers at the other courses. I just think they'd be ill advised at QC and Nockamixon.
SigmaChris
Par Member
T I M, thanks so much, that is the break down I was looking for. I have all the courses you mentioned in my "wish list", but this local knowledge of the area in invaluable, thanks again. This will be my first of at least 3 trips to the A-town area this year, so I hope to know all of these courses very well.
SigmaChris
Par Member
TIM, 2 follow up questions...
When you say "Lehigh Valley", is that the same as Little Lehigh Parkway?
http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=19
Also how does Unami Creek fair in your opinion?
http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=2936
When you say "Lehigh Valley", is that the same as Little Lehigh Parkway?
http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=19
Also how does Unami Creek fair in your opinion?
http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=2936
Yes -- Lehigh Valley is Little Lehigh Parkway -- I never have gotten that name right. I always just remember the "Lehigh" part, and add a word or two around it. There is nothing "little" about the course, so the name doesn't seem to fit (it is a parkway, though).
I have not had the opportunity to play Unami Creek. I've got it on my wishlist, but I haven't been there. I live about 3.5 or 4 hours from the Allentown courses, so I'm not one of the locals and have only played the highlights. I'll be hitting Unami next time through. If you're nearby, I think it would be well worth the time, from what I've read and heard talking to locals.
Also, since you're planning several trips to the area, Tinicum isn't far away, and has great tent camping for about $15 a night if I recall... you have to reserve about a week in advance, but it's a perfect spot and you can walk out your tent and start throwing at baskets, which is always a great feeling.
And, AND, Tyler State Park is about an hour from Nockamixon or Unami, and the 27 hole-course there is a top course -- still in the DGCR top 10. It's a great course. To me, Jordan Creek and Nockamixon are both far more memorable than Tyler, but are lacking in some of the amenities of Tyler.
Nockamixon will be in your dreams for the rest of your life after you play that course once. It is like no other course in the country that I've played. It's relatively close to Unami, so you might be able to hit both in a morning, and be one of the happiest disc golfers on the planet.
Ok I am an Allentown area local, I will agree with what Tim has said. Lake Nockamixon or Make Nock-ya-discs-in as it was nicknamed at 2005 Worlds is the must play....its just 14 holes until further notice but still will require more throws to complete than any of the other 18 holers in the area! Nockamixon is the most challenging, Jordan is the most fun, and the Little Lehigh is the most open. All 3 provide exceptional challenges and are beautiful courses and environments to play in. Jordan has some very pleasurable and unique holes.....Little Lehigh has huge open drives in a groomed park setting....Nockamixon will make you curse and smile at the same time.....I followed Ken Climo around the course for 2005 Worlds, trust me when I tell you the course is challenging....It was pretty neat to watch the guy whos discs I throw stop and ponder then second guess and then think some more on not only every hole but every shot....Unami is under 15 minutes from Nockamixon and would definetely make for a wonderful 23 hole day....Out of curiousity when you say sunrise disc golf how much time are you allowing to play these courses..They take some time to play and without a guide your gonna be playing even slower yet especially the Parkway. FYI locals call Little Lehigh Parkway, Nockamixon is Nocky and Jordan Creek is just Jordan. Playing Jordan, Nocky and the Parkway and you can say you played some of the most amazing disc golf possible. Tinicum is an hour away and Tyler is 1.5 hrs away. Parkway is similiar but better than the beautiful open Tinicum and Nockamixon and Jordan are superior plays than Tyler unless you know for certain that Tyler is in the C positions...If you need a guide or more advice feel free to contact me
Nocky is an experience. Like the others said that course will totally destroy any illusions that you have arrived in the DG world. Its terribly tough, but incredibly beautiful. The first time I played it I was amazed at the shear beauty and variety offered in just 14 holes. I cant wait for the other 4 to open back up (although I cant imagine my scores with 4 more holes ...)
Last time I played up in Allentown I was only able to play Unami and Nocky. [Nocky took me about 2 hours to play alone and that was pretty quick ... this course takes a good shunk of time to play so make sure you leave time ... and wear hiking shoes!] Unami is well worth the time especially if you are playing Nocky since they are very close to each other. Its the best 9 holer I've ever played and I do hope they make it a full 18 soon.
On a side note I need to play Little Lehigh and Jordan soon. Im hoping with the weather starting to improve I can find some days to get up there and play again.
As for Tinicum and Tyler ... Tinicum is a great course and you camp literally right at the course. if you have the extra time to play it I would recommend it. Tyler ... well Im a bit biased here but I do agree the course is at its best when its all in 'C' - you won't forget it. But its still worth playing if you have the time.
Last time I played up in Allentown I was only able to play Unami and Nocky. [Nocky took me about 2 hours to play alone and that was pretty quick ... this course takes a good shunk of time to play so make sure you leave time ... and wear hiking shoes!] Unami is well worth the time especially if you are playing Nocky since they are very close to each other. Its the best 9 holer I've ever played and I do hope they make it a full 18 soon.
On a side note I need to play Little Lehigh and Jordan soon. Im hoping with the weather starting to improve I can find some days to get up there and play again.
As for Tinicum and Tyler ... Tinicum is a great course and you camp literally right at the course. if you have the extra time to play it I would recommend it. Tyler ... well Im a bit biased here but I do agree the course is at its best when its all in 'C' - you won't forget it. But its still worth playing if you have the time.
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Also from the Eastern PA area, I have to agree with everything mentioned. I am not sure how much time you will have, but Nockamixon is a great course. It is a bit of a drive from Allentown, but if you have time, you can get Nockamixon and Unami in. THey are pretty close. Unami is a really good course, too, so combining a 14 hole and a 9 hole makes a pretty full day of disc golf.
I do think Jordan Creek is one of the best examples of a disc golf course I have ever played. It is just fun to play. Little Lehigh is a really good course, too. I feel I am repeating what everyone else has said, but wanted to throw in my 2 cents.
Why don't you use the Round Scheduler to let everyone know when and what you are playing. If the timing is right, one of us might be able to make it up/over to play a round and help guide.
I do think Jordan Creek is one of the best examples of a disc golf course I have ever played. It is just fun to play. Little Lehigh is a really good course, too. I feel I am repeating what everyone else has said, but wanted to throw in my 2 cents.
Why don't you use the Round Scheduler to let everyone know when and what you are playing. If the timing is right, one of us might be able to make it up/over to play a round and help guide.
SigmaChris
Par Member
Thanks for everyone's input...sounds like Nocky for sure on this trip and hopefully Jordan. I should have my appointments set in the next 48 hours so I will post my schedule.
I am thinking Monday the 23rd, I fly into Harrisburg at 1.00 and I will play both Pinchot courses or high tail it to A-town for Nocky and Unami.
Tuesday sunrise a quick Jordan or does someone have another suggestion? I can pick where I stay so I prefer a hotel near a DG course. Nothing fancy, Holiday Inn Express, Red Roof, Hampton, those type hotels.
Wednesday afternoon Pinchot courses if I haven't played them Monday.
These will obviously be quick turn arounds. When I return in May and a later sunset I will be able to get more DG in after biz meetings. Maybe in the summer when I return I will bring the tent for a Friday night campout at Tyler.
Thanks again everyone for their input, not let's hope for half way decent weather (30s with no wind and no moisture would be perfect for February DG).
I am thinking Monday the 23rd, I fly into Harrisburg at 1.00 and I will play both Pinchot courses or high tail it to A-town for Nocky and Unami.
Tuesday sunrise a quick Jordan or does someone have another suggestion? I can pick where I stay so I prefer a hotel near a DG course. Nothing fancy, Holiday Inn Express, Red Roof, Hampton, those type hotels.
Wednesday afternoon Pinchot courses if I haven't played them Monday.
These will obviously be quick turn arounds. When I return in May and a later sunset I will be able to get more DG in after biz meetings. Maybe in the summer when I return I will bring the tent for a Friday night campout at Tyler.
Thanks again everyone for their input, not let's hope for half way decent weather (30s with no wind and no moisture would be perfect for February DG).
80playedin10states
Banned
wow ok,, sorry im not into writing books on forums, i will be silent from now on
little lehigh and jordan are 5 minutes from one another in the center of Allentown....Nockamixon and Unami are 25 minutes south of Allentown and 15 minutes apart. You will never make from harrisburg to Unami/nockamixon and finish before dark,,,especially since both are woods courses. Plenty of hotels near Unami since its close to the turnpike. Quality Inn is very close to Jordan Creek and thus the Little Lehigh Parkway...you could stay there roll out of bed and play Jordan. Thats what I would do.
Lancaster has Buchmiller. It's a decent 18. Cubby played it. 
Lancaster has Buchmiller. It's a decent 18. Cubby played it.
Yes, Buchmiller is a nice course. Personally, I would recommend Codorus over Pinchot. IMHO, Codorus's two courses are better than Pinchots, though they are very close. Also, Codorus has two additional nine hole courses.
You can't go wrong either way.
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SigmaChris
Par Member
Thanks again for everyone's advice. If weather holds up I will being playing Idlewild before my flight and Pinchot after the flight. Nockamixon and Jordan late in the week and time permitting Codorus' before my return. Not a bad biz trip.
Jaysus
Double Eagle Member
Creekside is pretty much in Harrisburg (just across the river) - 18 hole course with a sweet new elevated tee on #16. One of the club members works off shifts, and is always looking for someone to play with during the day - heck, you may even be able to get him to show you around the Quake at Pinchot State park. (Boulder Woods at Pinchot is easy to navigate as is).
Post up on the creekside board, or shoot me a message when you are in the H'burg area: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/CreeksideDiscn/messages
Post up on the creekside board, or shoot me a message when you are in the H'burg area: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/CreeksideDiscn/messages
SigmaChris
Par Member
Thanks for everyone's input again.
My outbound flight got canceled so I wasn't able to play Monday at all. I did get Jordan's in Tuesday morning and Lehigh Parkway Tuesday afternoon.
An added bonus...business unexpectedly took me out to Halltown, WV. I say what the heck I am in WV let's find Paw Paw. I didn't realize I was 100 miles away, but found it and played Woodshed on Wednesday.
Not a bad week...
My outbound flight got canceled so I wasn't able to play Monday at all. I did get Jordan's in Tuesday morning and Lehigh Parkway Tuesday afternoon.
An added bonus...business unexpectedly took me out to Halltown, WV. I say what the heck I am in WV let's find Paw Paw. I didn't realize I was 100 miles away, but found it and played Woodshed on Wednesday.
Not a bad week...
Sounds like a really GOOD week. I look forward to seeing your reviews if you do them. Glad the WV trip worked out. I would love to go to Paw Paw.
SigmaChris
Par Member
The first review about Paw Paw is the directions suck...great course, Gabby is really nice, but the directions on this site (and another site were the same too) were off. When you get off the state route you go back into the hills for about 6 miles on a rural road that is wider than one lane but not 2 lanes. I just happened to come across Paw Paw just when I was about to give up looking for it.
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