Welcome Warmer Spring Days with a Trip into NEPA’s Great Outdoors
Winter has passed. And while we certainly enjoyed hitting the slopes and snowmobile trails and our favorite ice fishing spots, by this time, it’s safe to say, we’re all ready for spring. Bring on those longer days. Make way for the return of NEPA’s bountiful wildlife and vibrant spring flowers. Melt away the frost on our favorite hiking trails. We’re heading outside.
Dust off those hiking boots. Dig out those walking sticks. Tune up the old mountain bike. It’s time to hit the trails! And to make things a little easier, we’ve rounded up a handful of videos to inspire your next outdoor adventure. From waterfall views to mountaintop vistas, we’ll show you where to find the best hiking and biking spots.
Set in the Delaware State Forest, the Painter’s Swamp trail gives hikers great views of the pond and plenty of beavers. The trail is moderately challenging and takes about an hour to complete. It’s popular for bird-watching, beaver-watching, and hiking, but travelers can still find peace and quiet at the right time of day.
These two trails create a lollipop loop in the southwest corner of Lackawanna State Park. Despite a few short, steep climbs, the trails are generally easy and family-friendly, and the dense forest keeps them shady and cool. The fast, fun terrain is also a favorite for mountain bikers.
The Falls Trail is the gem of Ricketts Glen State Park. This challenging trail features over 20 majestic waterfalls, which make it worth every step. The upper half of the trail is quite narrow, so stick to the lower portion or visit at less crowded times (like early in the morning).
Soak up the spring sunshine at Lacawac Sanctuary in Lake Ariel, PA. Walk along the lake trail for the best views of the water and countless inhabitants.
Located just a short drive from Wilkes-Barre, the Shades Creek Parcel Green Trail at Bear Creek Preserve offers miles of trails to explore. Along the way, you’ll find pristine waterfalls and scenic overlooks of the Lehigh River.
There’s plenty of space to roam on the D&H Rail-Trail, which extends 38 miles from the New York border to Carbondale. The trail follows the old Delaware and Hudson railroad line and features several cool historic sites.
Dense, vibrant greenery and wildflowers line the paths of the Sidewinder and Pine Creek Trails at Prompton State Park. Located in the heavily-forested northern Pocono Mountains, a short footbridge over the river brings you to these trails providing unmatched tranquility, stunning scenery and, most importantly, light traffic.
More than 12 miles of trails guide visitors through Salt Springs State Park lands, but follow the yellow blazes for the breathtaking 1.1 mile Meadow Trail. This popular trail brings you to the iconic Picnic Rocks as well as views of the Endless Mountains.
The Lookout Trail at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is home miles and miles of scenic vistas. This rocky terrain might look like it’s for experts, but it’s a trail that is doable for all skill levels. Be sure to keep an eye out for hawks flying over head!
The gentle grade and crushed stone surface of the Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails are perfect for a relaxing walk or bike ride. The main segment of the trail is four miles long and includes views of the Dreck Creek Reservoir.
You won’t run out of trails to explore and mountains to climb in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Check out our trails directory for even more hiking and biking destinations in NEPA.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 3/26/2020.