Hiking

There are many hiking opportunities around the Poconos that have varied levels of terrain.

  • Please hike at your own risk and note that hunting is permitted in the Gamelands so bright orange or red clothing is recommended during hunting season. Always contact the park directly to check if hunting is closed in the area you are planning to hike if that is a concern.

  • Geographic and weather conditions should determine appropriate equipment and clothing. Generally, sturdy shoes are a must.

  • Poison ivy is common and Lyme disease is possible throughout the hiking trails; long shirts and pants offer some protection.

  • Never drink untreated water. Giardiasis, a micro-organism found in open streams, can cause illness.

  • Please respect any private property you might find on your hikes.

  • Hikes are in order of approximate distance from our home.

  • Hike with someone.. it's more fun and safe!

Cathy's Trail at Hauser Nature Center

Cathy's Trail is a 1.6 mile easy loop trail located in Long Pond, Pennsylvania that also has ball fields and playgrounds (great for little kids). Approximately 10 minutes away.

Tobyhanna State Park Loop Trail

Tobyhanna State Park Loop Trail is a 5.1 mile loop trail located near Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Fun views of the dam at the end of the hike when going counterclockwise. The blue square trail (lake loop) is a family favorite as it's very well marked and maintained.

Devil's Hole Trail

Devil's Hole Trail is a 3.1 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Cresco, Pennsylvania that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from April until October. One of 2 trails in the state game lands.

Devil's Hole Loop

Devil's Hole Loop is a 4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Cresco, Pennsylvania that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from April until October.

Mount Sophia via Red Rock Trail Loop

Mount Sophia via Red Rock Trail Loop is a 2.3 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Cresco, Pennsylvania that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching.

Austin Blakeslee (Highland Trail)

Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area (Highland Trail) is a 2.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Blakeslee, Pennsylvania that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. A personal favorite especially with kids. Approximately 15 minutes away.

Brady's Dam Loop

Brady's Dam Loop is a 3.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Blakeslee, Pennsylvania that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. One of 3 other trails in states game land.

Big Pocono South and North Trail Loop

A short, but moderate hike with some nice views along the way (and just at the top of the mountain when you arrive). Fun to traverse next to Camelback ski trails! Good for 2 hours of exploring. Follow it clockwise..

Wolf Swamp & Deep Lake Trails Loop

Wolf Swamp and Deep Lake Trails Loop is a 5.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Tannersville, Pennsylvania that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. One of 4 other trails in Big Pocono Park.

Mount Minsi via Appalachian Trail

Mount Minsi via Appalachian Trail is a 5.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. One of 36 other trails in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Choke Creek Trail

Choke Creek Trail is a 6.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. One of 3 other trails in Spruce Swamp.

Bear Creek Preserve: Green, Gray and Yellow Trails Loop

A 4.5 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Blakeslee, Pennsylvania that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Can easily turn into a 6+ mile hike and has fun water features with a mix of shade and open sun. Check out the boulder caves near the end but beware of wildlife! Great for athletic kids.

Bear Creek Red Loop Trail

Bear Creek Red Loop Trail is a 6 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options. One of 5 other trails in Bear Creek Preserve.

Hickory Run Trail, Fireman's Trail, Skyline Trail Loop

A 5.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near White Haven, Pennsylvania that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips.

Good for strong hiking kids with lots of wildlife and wild flowers combined with challenging elevation changes.

Shades of Death Trail

Shades of Death Trail is a 2.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running, and bird watching and is best used from March until October. One of 13 other trails within Hickory State Park. Approximately 30 minutes away.

Seven Tubs Nature Area

Seven Tubs Nature Area is a 1.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and trail running and is best used from May until June. One of 5 other trails within Whirlpool Canyon Falls area.

Dingmans Falls via Dingmans Creek Trail

This is an easy hike to two beautiful waterfalls in Child's Park within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.