The Paradise Trail Feasibility Study was a two-year project that set out to explore whether a new trail could be developed in Monroe County, one that would connect the lower Brodhead to the upper Brodhead and eventually stretch across the county. This extension could become a key piece of the larger regional trail network envisioned by the William Penn Foundation. The study focuses on one missing segment of that bigger picture, helping to close a major gap and link the Pocono Plateau to some truly remarkable natural areas. Someday, trails along the Brodhead Creek and the Lehigh River could tie into the Delaware River, creating stronger connections to regional environmental destinations and public access points.

With that broader goal in mind, this study specifically looked at how to link the Brodhead Creek Heritage Center at ForEvergreen Nature Preserve in Stroud Township to the Cresco Station Museum in Barrett Township. This potential route follows the “Brodheads” – the Brodhead and Paradise creeks and their tributaries – along a corridor that closely mirrors the existing railroad line.

A previous study had focused on using an abandoned railroad right-of-way in this area for a multi-use trail. But moving that plan forward proved difficult because of its proximity to an active rail line and the railroad owner’s policies. As a result, this new effort took a fresh look at the corridor, considering alternative alignments and opportunities. The goal was to identify a trail route that could work using public lands already in place, while also exploring whether certain privately owned areas might offer key connections to make the full trail linkage possible.