IN APPRECIATION OF PROTECTED LAND, PROTECTED WATER

Your Hike Starts Here

boot print

Get Outdoors Poconos is supported by a grant from the William Penn Foundation. 

NEW HIKING BOOKLET AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD!

Volume 3 of our Get Outdoors Poconos hiking booklet, published November 2022, is available as a free download!  Click on the image to see and download the PDF document– save it on your phone for easy access while hiking! 

Complimentary paper copies will soon be available at the BWA office. 

Volume 3: Bowers Creek & Gap, Caldeno Falls/Table & Lookout Rocks, Cherry Valley Ridge Trail, Glen Park, Lost Lakes, Maple Tract Preserve, Resica Falls, Sixteen Mile Run & Dancing Ridge, Stony Run, Wolf Rocks, Dixon Miller Recreation Area, Long Pond Conservation Easement, Rattlesnake Falls, Spruce Mountain, Deep Lake & Wolf Swamp Lake, Devil’s Hole Falls, Fern Ridge Bog

click to enlarge

VOLS. 1 & 2 HIKING BOOKLETS TO DOWNLOAD

Volumes 1 and 2 of our Get Outdoors Poconos compilation booklets are available to download. Click on the image to see and download the PDF documents – save them on your phone for easy access while hiking! 

Complimentary paper copies are available at the BWA office. 

Volume 1: Pinebrook Park, Paradise-Price Preserve, Cherry Creek Loop, Austin T. Blakeslee Preserve, West End Regional Park, Thunder Swamp, Silver Valley Natural Area, Pasold Farm Preserve, Childs Park, Snow Shanty Loop, Sherwood Forest Greenway, Long Swamp, Swiftwater Forest Preserve, Zimmer Preserve, Stairway Ridge, Shuman Point, Mount Wismer 

Volume 2: Big Woods, Mount Nebo, Red Rock Loop, Thomas Darling Preserve, Bruce Lake Natural Area, Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Lacawac Sanctuary, Mount Wismer ‘from the top,’ Nothstein Preserve, West End Regional Park’s East End, Chestnut Mountain, Paradise-Price Preserve’s Waterfall Trail 

More hikes are listed below in the hiker’s archives!

MAP YOUR FAMILY FUN OUTDOORS

Brodhead Watershed Association has just the ticket: “Finding fun in the Brodhead Watershed,” a map of nature-based water activities, all but one of them public and free, right here in the Poconos – nature’s original waterpark.

Waterfalls. Fishing holes. Places to paddle and wade. Driveable views and hikeable views. Even two short kayak routes. You’ll find something here for people of most abilities. One side of the map gives you an idea of where activities are, and the other lists corresponding addresses, GPS and descriptions, and indicates activities suitable for children and people who use wheelchairs. We even tell you where your well-behaved, leashed dog can go with you.

GET YOUR FREE MAP

To get a copy of the map “Finding fun in the Brodhead Watershed,” check these locations. Please call to confirm hours for browsing and curbside pickup.

• Barrett Paradise Friendly Library, 6500 Route 191, Cresco, PA 18326; (570) 595-7171

• Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Road, Pocono Pines, PA 18350; (570) 646-0826

• Hughes Library, 1002 North Ninth Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360; (570) 421-0800

• Library of the Smithfields, 5200 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18302; (570) 223-1881

• Pocono Mountain Public Library, 5500 Municipal Drive, Tobyhanna, PA 18466; (570) 894-8860

• Western Pocono Community Library, 131 Pilgrim Way, Brodheadsville, PA 18322; (570) 992-7934

• Steele’s Ace Hardware, 6626 Route 191, Cresco, PA 18326; (570) 595-2501

Hiker's Archive

PINEBROOK PARK
PINEBROOK PARK

Easy, flat trails for all. Protects the Brodhead Creek.

Read more.

PARADISE-PRICE PRESERVE

Easy, 1-mile trail through woods, and then another trail leading to waterfalls. Protects Brodhead and Cranberry creeks.

Read more.

Cherry Creek Loop
CHERRY CREEK LOOP

Easy, interesting 2.6 miles. Protects Cherry Creek.

Read more.

Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area
AUSTIN T. BLAKESLEE NATURAL AREA

A nearby haven for hikers. Protects Tobyhanna Creek.

Read more.

West End Regional Park
WEST END REGIONAL PARK

An easy 3.3 miles. Protects McMichael Creek.

Read more.

Thunder Swamp
THUNDER SWAMP

What glaciers made. Protects Little Bushkill Creek and Delaware River. Read more.

Thomas Darling Preserve
thomas darling preserve

Footbridges, boardwalks, ancient marsh waters and glacier-carved landscape. Protects Two-mile Run and Tobyhanna Creek.

Read more here and here.

Mount Nebo
MOUNT NEBO

Secluded yet close to civilization; 159-acre park straddles a ridge between two creeks. Protects Marshalls Creek.

Read more.

Red Rock Trail
RED ROCK TRAIL

Manicured trails (4 miles of them) right off the road. Flora and fauna all year. Protects Forest Hills Run and Paradise Creek.

Read more.

Big Woods Natural Area
BIG WOODS NATURAL AREA

Fairly easy hiking, and popular with bikers and equestrians.
Protects McMichael Creek.

Read more.

Minisink Park
MINISINK PARK

28 acres left mostly natural. Easy trails. Protects Cherry and Brodhead creeks.

Read more.

East Stroudsburg University's Arboretum
EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY'S ARBORETUM

A tree museum with easy walking.

Read more.

Bluestone -Browns Hill Preserve
BROWNS HILL PRESERVE

Easy trail on old woods road. 20-foot rock cairn. Start of a public-land greenway. Protects Brodhead, Cranberry creeks.

Read more.

ForEvergreen Nature Preserve-Lewis
ForEvergreen Nature Preserve

Mile loop that passes by an eagle nest. Protects Brodhead Creek.

Read more.

DELAWARE STATE FOREST'S WARBLER HABITAT-Warbler
DELAWARE STATE FOREST'S WARBLER HABITAT

Special site catering to the tiny cerulean warbler.

Read more.

ICE LAKE SCAVENGER HUNT

An outdoor challenge for families to enjoy.

Read more.

BIRDING AT CAMP WILLIAM PENN

Easy, wide and grassy trails. An excellent place to spot feathered friends. Protects Brodhead, Bushkill creeks.

Read more.

SNOW HILL

An adventurous wander through natural history. Protects Stony Run, Brodhead Creek.

Read more.

WOODLAND TRAIL

A family-friendly adventure. Protects Forest Hills Run.

Read more.

JOSIE PORTER FARM

Explore Cherry Valley’s “community treasure.” Protects Cherry Creek.

Read more.

CATHY'S TRAIL

A winding hike through a boreal coniferous swamp, a natural environment more often found in Canada. Protects the Pocono Plateau headwaters.

Read more.

RAIL GAP POCONO CREEK PRESERVE

A gem hidden between two highways. Protects Pocono Creek.

Read more.

SILVER VALLEY

A network of trails along the beautiful McMichael. Protects McMichael Creek.

Read more.

Pasold Farm Nature Preserve
pasold farm nature preserve

64 acres of “enchantment.”
Protects Brodhead Creek.

Read more.

CHILDS PARK falls bridge
CHILDS PARK

Water, water everywhere. Protects Dingmans Creek.

Read more.

SNOW SHANTY LOOP PROMISED
SNOW SHANTY LOOP

Family-friendly outing. Protects Snow Shanty Run and Wallenpaupack Creek.

Read more.

SHERWOOD FOREST
SHERWOOD FOREST

A view from the top. Protects Appenzell and McMichael creeks.

Read more.

Long Swamp
Long Swamp

Visit a relic of the Ice Age.  Protects Dingmans Creek.

Read more.

MOUNT WISMER 'FROM THE TOP'
MOUNT WISMER 'FROM THE TOP'

An easier way to get to the top of Mount Wismer for the beautiful view.

Read more.

WEST END REGIONAL PARK'S EAST END
WEST END REGIONAL PARK'S EAST END

A 2-mile challenge for hikers and bikers. Protects McMichael Creek.

 Read more.

NOTHSTEIN PRESERVE
NOTHSTEIN PRESERVE

150 acres to explore: Cranberry Creek crossing, old stone quarry and a gorge. Protects Cranberry Creek in Paradise watershed.

Read more.

CHERRY VALLEY WILDLIFE REFUGE
CHERRY VALLEY WILDLIFE REFUGE

193 acres of forested preserve featuring Cherry Creek and two walking loops. Protects Cherry Creek.

Read more.

LACAWAC SANCTUARY
LACAWAC SANCTUARY

Lake views, extensive wildlife.  Protects Wallenpaupack Creek.

Read more.

BRUCE LAKE NATURAL AREA
BRUCE LAKE NATURAL AREA

An 8-mile trail network featuring wildlife and two lakes. Protects Egypt Creek and Lackawaxen River.

Read more.

GRAVEL FAMILY NATURE PRESERVE

Blueberry fields and a creek in the shadow of Mount Wismer. Protects Brodhead Creek headwaters.

 Read more.

CHERRY VALLEY REFUGE REVISITED
CHERRY VALLEY REFUGE REVISITED

A year later, see how former golf course has rejoined its place in nature. Protects Cherry Creek.

 Read more.

pasold farm
pasold farm REVISITED

Elephant-sized boulders and a picturesque farm spring. Protects Brodhead Creek.

Read more.

WOLF ROCKS

3.5 miles on Appalachian Trail. 180-degree views.

Read more.

TABLE ROCK

Search for signs of a glacier. Protects Caledonia Creek.

 Read more.

GLEN RUN

Hiking, biking in Stroudsburg’s backyard. Protects Cherry Creek.

 Read more.

CRESCO HEIGHTS

Three miles and an amazing view. Protects Brodhead Creek.

 Read more.

Flowing waters
TARGA FALLS

Water, water everywhere. Protects Brodhead Creek.

 Read more.

CHERRY VALLEY SCAVENGER HUNT

Family fun searching for habitats. Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge protects Cherry Creek.

 Read more.

STONY RUN

An adventure far from the usual. Protects Stony Run and Brodhead Creek.

 Read more.

PARADISE DISCOVERY PARK

A natural place to play and hike for the whole family. Protects Cranberry Creek.

Read more.

CRANBERRY CREEK

A peaceful place. Protects Cranberry Creek.

Read more.

SWIFTWATER FOREST PRESERVE

Explore the old woods. Protects Swiftwater Creek and Forest Hills Run.

Read more.

ZIMMER WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
ZIMMER WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

History to be found. Protects Brodhead Creek headwaters.

 Read more.

STAIRWAY RIDGE
STAIRWAY RIDGE

Well worth the climb. Protects Delaware River.

Read more.

SHUMAN POINT NATURAL AREA
SHUMAN POINT NATURAL AREA

An oasis along Lake Wallenpaupack. Protects Wallenpaupack Creek.

Read more.

MOUNT WISMER
MOUNT WISMER

Panorama from the top. Protects Brodhead Creek headwaters.

Read more.

CHESTNUT MOUNTAIN NATURE PRESERVE
CHESTNUT MOUNTAIN NATURE PRESERVE

Scenic views, glacier-deposited boulders. Protects Buck Hill Creek.

Read more.

PARADISE-PRICE PRESERVE TO THE WATERFALLS
PARADISE-PRICE PRESERVE TO THE WATERFALLS

A challenging hike of about 5 miles toward the falls on Brodhead Creek. Protects Paradise and Brodhead creeks.

Read more.

CHERRY VALLEY RIDGE TRAIL
CHERRY VALLEY RIDGE TRAIL

Views of Cherry Valley, abundant wildlife, a rock pool that is the headwaters of Cherry Creek. Protects Cherry Creek.

Read more.

VAN BUSKIRK PRESERVE
VAN BUSKIRK PRESERVE

A 2-mile, strenuous loop hike on and off trail. Protects Cranberry Creek in the Paradise watershed.

Read more.

CHESTNUT MOUNTAIN
CHESTNUT MOUNTAIN REVISITED

Long views of beautiful foliage. Enormous glacier-dropped boulders. Protects Buck Hill Creek.

Read more.

SPRUCE MOUNTAIN
SPRUCE MOUNTAIN

Waterfalls and a stunning view. Protects Middle Branch and Brodhead creeks.

Read more.

RATTLESNAKE FALLS
RATTLESNAKE FALLS

Waterfalls, beautiful ravine. Protects Upper Brodhead Creek.

Read more.

PRESERVED PRIVATE LANDS

Price property
Price property
Timber Hill Farm
TIMBER HILL FARM

A family farm preserved in Paradise Township. Protects Forest Hills Run.

Read about how a conservation easement can make a difference: click here.

EAGLES REST FARM
EAGLES REST FARM

A family farm that produces Christmas trees and wine will be preserved for perpetuity in Cherry Valley. Read about how a conservation easement can make a difference: click here.

Protects Cherry Creek.

FOR THE BIRDS
FOR THE BIRDS

As we hike through the Poconos, let’s give a thought to the imperiled golden-winged warbler and a nod to the landowners who make a point to provide habitat.

For a feature story and more photos, click here.

THE DRY DAM
THE DRY DAM

Learn what a dry dam in northern Monroe County does to protect the Brodhead watershed.

Click here.

TRAILBLAZERS IN MONROE
MAKING CONNECTIONS: TRAILBLAZERS
IN MONROE

With trails scattered throughout the county, many would-be walkers don’t know where to start.

What if existing trails could be linked, with access and parking at clearly marked trailheads in every township? More — what if our trail system could be linked to networks of trails beyond? What if you could bike, say, from Delaware Water Gap to the Portland footbridge — even all the way to the Statue of Liberty?

That’s not a pipe dream. Read more about the trail plans here.

Bartolacci land

Bart Bartolacci reveals the reasons why he preserved his Price Township property.

Click here.

FORESTS AT BUCK HILL

Why Buck Hill Conservation Foundation takes forests so seriously.

Click here.

ESU'S SCHISLER MUSEUM
INDOOR ADVENTURE: ESU'S SCHISLER MUSEUM

In the span of an hour at the Schisler Museum at East Stroudsburg University, visitors can tour the Frozen North, a Boreal Forest, Canyon Country, the Verdant East, and the African Bush.

Click here for photos and a feature about the museum.

TURTLE HABITAT IN CHERRY VALLEY
TURTLE HABITAT IN CHERRY VALLEY

Private, protected land that protects colonies of the rare bog turtle.

Click here for photos and a feature about the preserve.

HOW A COMMUNITY CHANGED CHERRY VALLEY
HOW A COMMUNITY CHANGED CHERRY VALLEY

Years of dedication created a refuge that protects wildlife as well as Cherry Creek headwaters.

Click here for photos and a feature about the refuge.

WINTER HIKES

Pennsylvania protects its outdoor heritage with state parks, state forests, and game lands. What luck to have all of these nearby!

Click here for photos and a feature about winter hikes in the Poconos.

SNOW STORIES

Snow tells tales of life, death and our changing climate.

Click here for photos and a feature story.

HANDLING HENRI

How the Brodhead watershed dealt with a record deluge of rain.

Read more here

WISMER, wOODS & WATER

Take a hike atop Mount Wismer in Barrett Township to get inspired … and then take action. Click here for more.

WATERFALL PHOTOGRAPHY

How waterfalls — a favorite among photographers — are actually “gifts from a glacier.” Click here for more.

FAMILY FARM CARBON PROGRAM

The Family Forest Carbon Program is a win for people who own forested land they love, for companies committed to reducing their carbon footprint, and for doing something meaningful about climate change. Read about it here.

OTHER RESOURCES​

Tannersville Cranberry Bog Trail Map

The Trails at 
Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary (managed by Monroe County Conservation District)