What We See

Recommended Nature Walks 

Easy:  

Two Ponds Trail (PEEC) (PA) 1.4 mile loop / 1 hour*

PEEC Directions , Two Ponds Trail Map , Two Ponds Trail Guide

About the Trail: View towering pine plantations and two scenic pond environments. Watch for various birds and wildlife along this trail.

Other Information: Bathrooms located inside the building of PEEC. Parking lot is located in front of the PEEC visitor center. To access the trailhead: If you are looking at the PEEC visitor center, turn left towards the exit of the parking lot.  Across the street, you will see a trail with a white blaze which is the start of the 2 ponds trail. Dogs are allowed on this trail.

Crater Lake Trail (NJ) 1.6 mile loop / 1 hour*

Crater Lake Directions , Crater Lake Map

About the Trail: Crater Lake is a glacial lake left behind after the Wisconsin Glacier retreated from this area about twenty-two thousand years ago. This beautiful setting attracted developers and in the mid-1900s, this was a budding vacation community. Today, the Crater Lake Trail loops around the lake through the ridge-top forest.

Other Information: Restrooms are located at the trailhead. Parking lot at the end of a 3.6 mile unpaved road with some large potholes. Higher clearance vehicles recommended. Once you park, walk down towards the lake. The trail is accessible on both the left and right side, once you start walking look for orange blazes on the trees. Dogs are allowed on this trail.

Medium Difficulty - Short: 

Walpack Ridge Trail (NJ) 3 mile loop / 1.5 hours*

Walpack Ridge Directions , Walpack Ridge Map  

About the Trail: The trail begins at the gate near the pond and follows the road that formerly continued along the ridge-top. This portion of the trail offers some nice views of the valley below. The Walpack Ridge Trail turns left and joins the Military Trail for 0.4 mile before separating from the Military Trail . The return section of the Walpack Ridge Trail traverses gentle slopes in an open hardwood forest. The trail terminates behind the Thunder Mountain studios. Follow the road for a short walk back to the trailhead.

Other Information: Restrooms located across from the store and gallery at Peters Valley School of Craft . Dogs are allowed on this trail.

Medium Difficulty - Long: 

Rattlesnake Swamp (NJ) 2.6 miles one way / 2.5 hours*

Rattlesnake Swamp Directions , Rattlesnake Swamp Map

About the Trail: This trail is great to enjoy as a loop with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail . From the Mohican Outdoor Center, a short trail connects to the main Rattlesnake Swamp Trail. A left turn onto the main trail leads by Catfish Pond, where evidence of beaver activity is abundant. As the trail continues, numerous small stream crossings and the Rattlesnake Swamp can make this trail very wet. This swampy environment provides a plethora of interesting plant life and an interesting contrast to the dry rocky environment seen elsewhere along Kittatinny Ridge.

Other Information: Restrooms are located at Mohican Outdoor Center . Despite the name, rattlesnake encounters are no more likely than along the Kittatinny Ridge. Dogs are allowed on this trail.

*The average person hikes 2 miles per hour so all of these times are based off of that and the difficulty level of the trail.*

*A "blaze" is a trail marker.*