These 6 Hiking Trips in PA Afford Beautiful Vistas and Waterfalls
It’s no secret that the Pocono Mountains are a scenic destination for outdoor recreation. Hiking trips in PA are the perfect place to view beautiful vistas and waterfalls along the way. If you’ve never visited the region before or you’re coming back for another getaway, let us help you find some of the best hiking trips in PA. We think these 6 hiking trips in PA offer the most breathtaking views.
1. Promised Land State Park
There are 50 miles of trails to explore at nearby Promised Land State Park. Trails vary in difficulty with options for everything from a relaxing stroll or a strenuous workout. The Bruce Lake Trail is one of the most popular. The five mile hike leads to a natural glacial lake. It’s a pristine body of water, undeveloped and only accessible on foot. Little Falls Trail is a fairly easy hike along a woodland trail.
The one-mile loop trail follows along a babbling creek with numerous cascades and two footbridge crossings. Conservation Island Nature Trail is a pleasant one-mile walk with stunning lake views. The self-guided nature trail circles the island and is suitable for all ages and abilities. Visiting the park in all seasons will offer a completely different view each time. The blooms in the spring brighten the trail while the changing leaves in the fall offer a breathtaking view of a variety of colors.
2. Lacawac Sanctuary
Lacawac Sanctuary in Ledgedale, PA sits on 510 acres of protected and preserved land. The sanctuary offers a range of trails for beginners and skilled hikers. The park is also home to 52 acre Lake Lacawac, which is known as the southernmost unpolluted glacial lake in North America. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Registered National Natural Landmark.
Hikers looking for an easy walk should check out The Historic Great Camp Trail, which is only one-mile and rated easy. The Big Lake Trail is 2.9 miles and rated more difficult to traverse.The sanctuary also boasts a mature second growth forest, two ponds, several wetlands and over a mile of unspoiled shoreline along Lake Wallenpaupack. Sites to tour also include the original lodge, an icehouse turned caretaker’s cottage, a carriage house and a visitors center.
3. Pocono Environmental Education Center
The Pocono Environmental Education Center, PEEC, in Dingmans Ferry, PA is home to six trails with varying terrain. The Tumbling Waters Trail is three-miles loop trail and can take two hours to complete. The hike is rated moderate to difficult and offers many points of interest. There’s an overlook of the Delaware River and Kittatinny Mountains in New Jersey as well as lush mixed growth forests and a pond.
A series of switchbacks leads to the waterfall. Remnants of a farm are also visible along the trail. PEEC is located in Dingmans Ferry.The Two Ponds Trail is named for the two ponds seen along the 1.4-mile trail. The aptly named, Trail for Everyone, is the easiest and flattest walk offered at PEEC. Stroll through field and forest and along a pond on this trail that’s under a mile. There are numerous benches along the way to rest and observe wildlife.
4. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
There are 67,000 acres of forested mountains and river valley within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The area straddles the Pennsylvania and New Jersey state lines with the Delaware River running through the center. It’s a perfect place for hikers who love to explore the trails year round. In spring the blossoms splash the trails with bright colors. Summer time trees provide plenty of shade.
Autumn is beautiful with the changing fall foliage. And the winter season, though cold, offers views that no other season does because of the absence of the leaves in the trees. There are 100 miles of hiking trails, many which offer waterfall views. Some of the most popular include Dingman Falls and Raymondskill Falls. Hike to Buttermilk Falls to see the highest waterfall in New Jersey. For sweeping views, try the Cliff Trail or Milford Knob Hikes. The Mt. Tammany and Mt. Minsi hikes are also among the most popular in the park and offer dramatic views of Delaware Water Gap.
5. Shuman Point
Shuman Point boasts lovely views of Lake Wallenpaupack. This three-mile hike is narrow with one area of the trail that elevates to 80-feet above the lake. It’s part of a 250-acre plot in the Northeast corner that’s one of the last undeveloped areas along the lake. Much of the three-mile loop path traverses the lake shore.
Take a break at a rocky beach outcrop and enjoy a picnic. Continue on a woodland path to see stone walls, remnants of the area’s farming past.The trail is great for all ages and skill levels.
6. Wallenpaupack Lake Trail
For the less adventurous hikers, the Wallenpaupack Lake Trail is 1.5 miles and boasts some of the best views of the lake. The trail is located next to the Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center. For the most part, the terrain is smooth and level. The vantage point along the dike offers expansive views.
There are benches along the trail to take it all in. At the end of the trail are steps that lead down to an observation deck overlooking a wetland area which is overflow from Lake Wallenpaupack.
After a day spent hiking the trails of the Pocono Mountains, retreat back to The Settlers Inn for a restful night of sleep. Our Inn offers 23 spacious guest suites, each unique in their décor and offering a private bath. The Settlers Inn is home to a full-service farm to table restaurant and tavern. We’ve got some great upcoming events happening at the Inn to keep in mind when planning your getaway. Our Jazz on the Deck series continues through September 4th. Or we’d love for you to join us for one of our holiday brunch celebrations including Labor Day or Columbus Day brunch. For reservation information, please give us a call at 570-226-2993.