Explore the Pristine Wilds of the Pocono Mountains in Pike, Monroe, Carbon and Northampton Counties
Delaware State Forest sprawls out over 83,519 acres covering Pennsylvania’s jagged eastern border. The forest includes portions of the Delaware River, the Pocono Mountains, Pocono Lake Region and the Pocono Plateau. Glacial lakes, swamps and dense stretches of hardwood forests offer an abundant diversity to the plant and animal life that call the forest home.
The vast forest features a multitude of recreational activities. Most forest tracts offer several parking areas, restroom facilities and proximity to nearby towns and amenities. In some locations, the forest also connects to adjacent PA State Game Lands, designated Natural Areas, and State Park land. The adjacent Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers an additional 70,000 acres to explore.
PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry, the PA Game Commission and the PA Fish and Boat Commission regulate all recreational activity within the state forest system. Please consult individual state forest districts for current access, recreation and public safety advisories.
Hike nearly 7 miles of trail at this unique trail system developed by the Pike County 4-H Club in partnership with the Bureau of Forestry. The system features two loop trails, dense forested swamps and a wide-open meadow. It’s also open to snowshoeing in the winter. The trail is located west of Route 402 just one-half mile south of US Route 6.
The Bruce Lake Natural Area in Greentown features two pristine lakes, moderate hiking trails and nearly 3,000 acres to explore. The trails allow visitors to explore dense forests and wetlands teeming with wildlife. Some of the trails even connect to trails within the adjacent Promised Land State Park.
The Camp William Penn Tract in East Stroudsburg offers over 330 acres of mixed oak forest, open meadows and a catch-and-release fishing pond. It’s also a popular stop for local bird watchers due to its variety of different habitats. The tract also provides three connected loop trails.
Egypt Meadow Lake is a popular destination for fishing and hiking. The 48-acre lake is stocked with bass, bullheads, and panfish, attracting many anglers. A scenic trail surrounds the lake, providing a peaceful setting for hikes and walks. Access is walk-in only, requiring a ½-mile trek from the nearest parking area off S.R. 390.
This scenic, 2.8-mile, out-and-back trail located within the Stairway Wild Area of the Delaware State Forest in Milford carries you along the Delaware River offering stunning views, opportunities for bird watching and a stop at the beautiful, 12-acre Stairway Lake.
Explore 26 miles of trails within the Thunder Swamp Trail System in East Stroudsburg. The system features many interconnected shorter, loop trails for day use and offers a glimpse into the various terrains of the Pocono Mountains from wetlands to forests to glacial lakes and more
Year-Round Fun at Delaware State Forest
Spring and summer at Delaware State Forest are perfect for exploring trails featuring rushing waterfalls and for fishing the abundant lakes and streams. The dense, wild forests come alive with color during the autumn months and active wildlife can often be seen out and about foraging for the coming cold months. In winter, the trails within the forest become peaceful under blankets of snow while the lakes and various wetlands freeze over creating a one-of-a-kind, picturesque backdrop for refreshing hikes.
You’ll find 200 miles of easily accessible, shared-use trails throughout Delaware State Forest. Hiking and biking remain the most popular activities, though many trails are also used for ATVs, snowmobiles and horseback riding. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also popular trail activities throughout the winter.
There are three designated ATV trails totaling over 28 miles at Maple Run, Burnt Mills and Dixon Miller Recreation Area. The Dancing Ridge Disabled Sportsman Area is open all year for disabled ATV riders. The Delaware State Forest also features nearly 115 miles of snowmobile trails. Snowmobiles are also welcome on connected trails at Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park.
Delaware State Forest is home to 13 natural and manmade lakes and ponds. Anglers can expect to target bass, panfish, pickerel, musky, catfish and trout. Many of the streams and brooks throughout Delaware State Forest are stocked with native trout. The forest is also open to hunting during designated seasons. Targeted species include deer, black bear, coyote, squirrel, ducks, turkey and other small game.
Overnight primitive and roadside camping are permitted throughout Delaware State Forest. There are 29 designated motorized camping sites featuring fire rings and tables. Motorized and roadside campsites require camping permits and reservations. There are two designated picnic areas within the forest. The Snow Hill Picnic Area in Monroe County offers tables, a pavilion, charcoal grills and restrooms. Pecks Pond Picnic Area in Pike County features charcoal grills, potable water and tables.
Boats with electric motors, kayaks, canoes and row boats are permitted on most waters within the forest. Boating is not permitted on lakes located within Natural Areas. Boat launches are available at Whiter Deer Lake, Peck’s Pond, Little Mud Pond and Lake Minisink. Launch permits, mooring permits or PA Fish and Boat Commission Registrations are required to launch on Commonwealth waters.
All 83,519 acres of the Delaware State Forest are home to a wide variety of plant and wildlife. From small critters and birds to black bear and coyote to massive old oak forests, the trails and recreational areas of the forest offer the occasional unique glimpse into NEPA’s wondrous natural ecosystems.
Enjoy miles of trails for winter hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are welcome on any trail or road throughout the forest. There are nearly 115 miles of snowmobile trails in the forest. Nearly seventy miles of trail are groomed specifically for snowmobile traffic.
Make it a Day Trip
Check out these must-see places nearby.
Conservation Tip
By following these responsible outdoor ethics from our friends at DCNR, we can help keep Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests top-tier outdoor recreation destinations for generations to come.
Leave No Trace
- Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know regulations, prepare for weather and emergencies, travel in small groups, minimize waste, and use a map and compass instead of marking trails.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stay on established trails, camp at least 200 feet from water, and avoid damaging pristine areas.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, use catholes for human waste, and wash dishes 200 feet from water sources with biodegradable soap.
- Leave What You Find: Preserve historical sites, avoid disturbing nature, and prevent the spread of invasive species.
- Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use stoves when possible, keep fires small, burn wood to ash, and fully extinguish campfires.
- Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance, don’t feed animals, store food properly, and control pets to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Respect others by keeping noise low, yielding on trails, and camping away from high-traffic areas.
Article updated from its original version published on 11/23/22.
Delaware State Forest
