Under a fresh layer of snow, the Bruce Lake Trail is perfect for a winter adventure. Braving the cold is worth it for the breathtaking views and peaceful forests.

The Bruce Lake Trail wraps around the Bruce Lake Natural Area, a section of the Delaware State Forest in Pike County. The Bruce Lake Natural Area consists of 4,376 acres of protected forest land that are fit for hikers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Leashed pets are welcome.

There are two trailheads along State Route 390 that grant visitors access to this trail. The Egypt Meadow parking area is located just a few hundred feet south of I-84, and the Bruce Lake parking area is slightly over a mile south of I-84.

From the Bruce Lake Trailhead, visitors of all experience levels can follow the wide, grassy trail 2.5 miles before reaching Bruce Lake. This crystal-clear glacial lake is an incredible scene during any season. Whether it be the radiant, colorful leaves reflecting off the lake in the fall or the snowy shores of an ice-covered view, you are sure to capture a beautiful photograph. In the warmer months, the area surrounding the lake is a pristine wetland perfect for viewing wildlife. Birds, reptiles, amphibians and beavers call this area home. Keep an eye out, as they become more active in the spring.

Alternatively, hikers can begin at the Egypt Meadow Trailhead, which takes you past Egypt Meadow Lake. This lake was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1935. There are several trails that intersect from Egypt Meadow, but visitors who wish to also see Bruce Lake should remain on the Bruce Lake Trail.

Although you can make Bruce Lake a turnaround point, as many visitors do, the trail then continues another 4.7 miles to North Shore Road in Promised Land State Park. The wide tread and minor elevation change make this route popular among cross-county skiers in the winter months. Approximately 50 miles of trails are located at Promised Land State Park and the surrounding state forest. Some are shared use or open to snowmobiles. The most up-to-date map of Bruce Lake Natural Area, Promised Land State Park and the surrounding state forest can be found here.

If you made it all the way to Promised Land State Park, you deserve to treat yourself to some good food! For quick takeout service, visit the Promised Land Inn near the center of the park. For dine-in service, warm up at the Old Rangers Inn, or grab a beer at the Mountainhouse Tavern.

If you have extra time, check out our the nearby Wallenpaupack Lake and Creek Trails, which were a recent Trail of the Month highlight. These trails are another great destination and are close to local breweries and fun things to do.

About Delaware State Forest

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry’s mission is to ensure the long-term health, viability and productivity of the commonwealth’s forests and to conserve native wild plants. This organization manages state forest land under sound ecosystem management while providing low-density recreation, habitat for plants and animals, sustainable timber and environmentally sound utilization of mineral resources.

Delaware State Forest is one of 20 state forests across Pennsylvania. With 84,000 acres in Pike and Monroe counties, Delaware State Forest manages nearly 200 miles of multi-use trails. Supportive conservation volunteers are critical to keeping this trail network open. For more information about becoming a volunteer in the Delaware State Forest, send your contact information to fd19@pa.gov. To keep up to date on events, follow the Delaware State Forest Facebook page.