The Brodhead Watershed is a forested, headwaters-rich watershed in the heart of the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. It covers roughly 270 square miles in Monroe County (with small portions touching Pike and Northampton Counties) and ultimately drains into the Delaware River.

The Brodhead is dominated by forest, steep ridges, cool wetlands, and clean mountain streams. Much of the water that flows into the Delaware River begins here as springs, seeps, and small tributaries. Because of the intact forests and healthy wetlands, many of the streams in this watershed are classified as High Quality (HQ) or Exceptional Value (EV) – the highest protection Pennsylvania gives to freshwater resources. The watershed is also known for exceptional trout habitat. Cool groundwater inputs and forest canopy help maintain the cold water temperatures these species rely on. Our region has a rich fishing history, with the Brodhead often called the “birthplace of American fly-fishing.”

The watershed is named for Brodhead Creek, formed by the union of two primary headwater tributaries: the Middle Branch and the Leavitt Branch, flowing south through East Stroudsburg and Stroudsburg before joining the Delaware.

Key sub-watersheds include:

• Brodhead – Upper and Lower

• Cherry Creek

• Cranberry Creek

• Marshalls Creek

• McMichael Creek

• Paradise Creek

• Pocono Creek

• Swiftwater Creek

Each of these has its own network of tributaries and headwaters that feed the mainstem Brodhead.

The Brodhead provides:

• Clean drinking water for thousands

• Critical trout and wildlife habitat

• Flood protection for downstream communities

• Scenic, recreational spaces for hiking, paddling, angling, and more

• A living connection to the natural and cultural heritage of the Poconos