Rolling hills, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and evergreen forests: the Pocono Mountains offer 2,400 square miles of natural beauty for hikers. Here are some wonderful places to hike in the Poconos:
Big Pocono State Park, Camelback Road, Tannersville—Steep and rough grades are appropriate for experienced, physically fit hikers.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, River Road, Bushkill—40 miles of the Delaware River roar within the park that is a sanctuary for eagles, bears and rattlesnakes, among other wildlife species. After your hike, stop by the Shawnee Gallery in nearby Shawnee-on-Delaware for paintings, ceramics, jewelry and more from local artists.
Raymondskill Falls at Dingmans Falls Visitors Center, 224 Dingmans Falls Road, Dingmans Ferry—The tallest waterfall in the state, Raymondskill measures a mere four feet shorter than Niagara.
Gouldsboro State Park, Route 507, Tobyhanna—Rugged terrain makes hiking in this Northern Pocono park challenging, but fun.
Mauch Chunk Lake Park, 625 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe—Try the Switchback Trail and walk among towering Hemlock, White Pine and American Beech trees.
Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg—This center sponsors numerous year-round activities, including guided hikes, within its Kettle Creek wildlife sanctuary.
Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry—Located within the Delaware Water Gap Recreational Area, PEEC offers six trails for every fitness level. Some trails afford splendid views of the Kittatinny Mountains across the river.
