Your Guide to Biking in the Poconos

biking in the PoconosIt’s time to leave your car parked for the day and head out on 2 wheels, your bike!  When it comes to biking in the Poconos, we’ve got you covered.  Cycling is not only great exercise and better for the environment, it’s a fun way to explore the town to run errands or just ride for leisure.  This guide to biking in the Poconos highlights some of our favorite routes with scenic views and just some cool places to check out along the way.

Our very own Jeanne here at The Settlers Inn offers up her favorite pick for riding bikes, the Wayne County Scenic Ride.  On this route, there is a 15-mile loop on a rural road that runs parallel to a brook.  Riders looking for more of a challenge will enjoy the hills on the 33.5-mile route.  Both routes are great for viewing the countryside and wildlife.

For scenic routes along the Lackawaxen and Delaware Rivers, check out the Lackawaxen River Ride.  Riders can customize the length of the trip from as little as a 5-mile ride to as long as a 40-mile round-trip journey.  Sites to be seen along this river ride include The Rowland Café, the Zane Grey Bridge and Union Cemetery.

With the creation of the Hawley Bike Share Program, everyone has the opportunity to enjoy bike riding through the town.  The Hawley Bike Share Program has been a great way to help visitors and locals rediscover the town.  With 12 bikes in 2 different sizes, bikes can be checked out free of charge and taken all around town for the day.  The Settlers Inn, Hawley Silk Mill, and the Delaware Highlands Conservancy are just a few places that participate in the Bike Share Program.  Each bike comes with helmet, lock, and front basket.

Some of the state’s most beautiful bike trails can be found in the northern tier of the Poconos.  The Indian Pipe trail is a great route for viewing lush landscape.  The trail runs for 7.4 miles through a 4,000-acre hardwood forest.  Bikers will see the trails namesake the exotic Indian Pipe flowering plant also known as the ghostflower.  Another route known for its beautiful views is the Longhouse National Scenic Byway.  This 29-mile paved route is great during all seasons as Mountain Laurel can be viewed in the spring and the changing leaves during the fall season.

When your day comes to an end here in Hawley, be sure to retreat each evening back to The Settlers Inn for a most relaxing spot to rest.  Soak in the in-room Jacuzzi tub or curl up in your Microfiber robe and unwind in one of the 23 beautiful guest rooms.  The Inn is located on 6-acres of land so there are plenty of places to explore and enjoy.  With our farm to table restaurant also located on the property, there’s no reason to even leave.  Leave all the cooking and cleaning up to us and take in some much needed time to yourself.  When booking your reservation, be sure to ask about our Big Deal in the Big Lake Region special.  You’ll experience not only a stay at Settlers but also at our sister property Ledges Hotel.  Top it off with dinner at each place and you’ve got the makings of a fantastic summer getaway.

Photo courtesy of Ravi Shah