Exploring the Beauty of the Pocono Mountains: My Top 5 Favorite Spots
One of the best things about living in the Pocono Mountains is the abundance of state parks and wildlife preserves. These scenic locations offer the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, spot unique wildlife, and, my personal favorite, capture stunning photographs. This week’s blog highlights my five go-to spots in the Poconos, featuring breathtaking trails and magnificent scenery.
1. Tobyhanna State Park | Tobyhanna, PA
Tobyhanna State Park holds a special place in my heart. As a child, I spent countless summers swimming in the lake with my grandfather and boating with my dad. Covering 5,440 acres, this park features the beautiful 170-acre Tobyhanna Lake, surrounded by lush forests that look stunning in every season.
One of the park’s most fascinating aspects is its history—during World War II, it was used as an artillery range by the U.S. Department of Defense. In 2011, the Army Corps of Engineers had to clear out old munitions left behind, some of which contained live explosives! Though the park is now safe and fully reopened, signs still warn visitors about possible undiscovered artillery shells in remote areas.
Aside from its history, the park offers excellent recreational activities, including hiking, boating, swimming, and picnicking. There are three main trails:
- Blue Trail (5.1 miles): Circles the lake, offering beautiful views and hidden waterfalls along the way.
- Yellow Trail (3.3 miles): Passes through Route 196 and is still on my hiking to-do list!
- Red Trail (3.2 miles): Links Tobyhanna State Park to Gouldsboro State Park. It’s a challenging trek with rugged terrain—definitely not for the faint of heart!
2. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area | PA & NJ
If you've ever driven on Route 80 from New Jersey into Pennsylvania, you’ve passed through the Delaware Water Gap, a dramatic point where the Delaware River cuts through a ridge of the Appalachian Mountains. This incredible geological formation began developing 500 million years ago and continues to evolve today.
Adventure seekers flock to the Gap for rafting, hiking, and rock climbing, but I personally love it for its breathtaking scenery. My favorite spots include:
- Mount Tammany: When you look closely at the mountain, you can see the profile of a Native American man’s face, with the lush forest forming his headdress. It’s especially striking in autumn!
- Point-of-Gap Overlook: A perfect place to admire the Delaware River, the Appalachian Mountains, and even spot a soaring eagle.
- Kittatinny Point: The park’s beach area, where you can start a rafting adventure or simply take in the view.
Standing at the base of the mountains, looking up, you realize how small you are compared to nature’s grandeur. It’s an awe-inspiring experience every time I visit.
3. Brodhead Creek Heritage Center at the ForEvergreen Nature Preserve | East Stroudsburg, PA
Located on the former Penn Hills Golf Course, the ForEvergreen Nature Preserve is a hidden gem for wildlife lovers and photographers. I discovered this place thanks to my photography group while on a mission to capture eagles and their eaglets. Since then, I’ve returned many times to photograph eagles, Indigo Buntings, and even waterfowl families.
The main trail, ForEvergreen Loop (1.1 miles), is a gentle hike, ideal for all skill levels (and even dogs!). Along the way, you’ll pass through tree-lined paths and a peaceful pond where I’ve often spotted a family of waterfowl—two adult ducks with their seven adorable ducklings.
However, my favorite spot is by Brodhead Creek, where eagles have built their nest. If you're lucky, you might see one perched in the tree or soaring above the water. Capturing an eagle in flight is always a rewarding challenge!
4. Big Pocono State Park | Tannersville, PA
Whenever I visit Big Pocono State Park, I feel like I’m standing on top of the world—because, technically, I am! The park sits on Camelback Mountain’s summit and offers breathtaking views of three states: Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.
With rugged terrain and rewarding vistas, this park is perfect for a scenic workout. While I usually visit for photography, I’m planning to tackle the hiking trails this summer. I can’t wait to see the views along the way!
5. Hickory Valley Park | Stroudsburg, PA
Though Hickory Valley Park is small, it’s a peaceful retreat, popular among trout fishers and dog walkers. I first came here for a photography class on low-light photography, where we captured stunning images of McMichaels Creek, trees, and flowers.
The park’s open space is perfect for doing laps, and it’s an excellent spot for sunset photography. Unlike some parks that offer just one main feature, Hickory Valley has a little bit of everything—flowing water, vibrant plant life, and plenty of wildlife. It’s a quiet escape for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Nature Changes You
I wasn’t always a nature lover, nor did I ever picture myself exploring hiking trails. But as I spent more time outdoors, capturing nature through my lens, I developed a deep appreciation for it. The more I learned, the more I wanted to explore.
Nature teaches patience. It teaches respect. It reminds us to slow down and appreciate the little things—the delicate petals of a flower, the sweet melodies of birds, the soothing sound of raindrops on leaves.
Spending time in nature doesn’t just connect you to the world around you—it makes you a better person. So, if you ever find yourself in the Pocono Mountains (or if you live here and need a new adventure), I highly recommend visiting one of these incredible spots. You never know what you’ll discover!
📸❤️🌻
