What We Smell - Nature Walks
What We Smell
Recommended Nature Walks
Easy:
Pond Loop (PA) .7 mile loop / 30 minutes*
Pond Loop Directions , Pond Loop Trail Map
About the Trail: The easy stroll around the pond provides numerous opportunities to observe wildlife and relax near the water's edge.
Other Information: Restrooms located at Cliff Park Trailhead. Get to the Parking lot: Turn at the Cliff Park Golf Course sign (green sign). When the road splits, take the right fork and follow the unpaved road back and it will end at a parking lot with a bathroom. To access the Pond loop trail, go to the left side of the parking lot where there is a break in the fence and follow the blue trail blazes. Dogs are allowed on this trail.
Medium Difficulty - Short:
Tumbling Waters (PEEC) (PA) 3 mile loop / 2+ hours*
Tumbling Waters Directions , Tumbling Waters Trail Map
About the Trail: This trail has it all – an overlook of the Delaware River Valley, Tumbling Waters waterfall, remnants of farms, hemlock forest, mixed forest, a pine plantation, and two ponds.
Other Information: Restrooms are located in the main building; trail guides are available for a nominal fee at the main building; more information about Pocono Environmental Educational Center . To access the trailhead: follow the road on the right side of the building. Look for orange blazes across from cabins A and B. Dogs are allowed on this trail.
Medium Difficulty - Long:
Ridgeline Trail (PEEC) (PA) 4.5 mile loop / 2+ hours*
Ridgeline Trail Directions , Ridgeline Trail Map
About the Trail: For the first half-mile and the last mile of the trail, the Ridgeline Trail runs concurrently with the Scenic Gorge Trail . The trail wanders through expansive oak-hickory forests, shady hemlock ravines and around numerous seasonal wetlands. Even though the terrain is hilly, much of the area was farmed and rock walls and a stone chimney can be seen along the trail. The trail ends behind Cabin #20. Return to the trailhead via the main campus.
Other Information: Restrooms are located in the main building; trail guides are available for a nominal fee at the main building; more information about Pocono Environmental Educational Center . To access the trailhead: If you are looking at the visitor center, you want to go to the left. You will see a small cabin (#1) and the trailhead is to the left of that. As you walk along the trail, you will want to follow the yellow blazes on the trees. Dogs are allowed on this trail.
Blue Mountain Lake (NJ) 5.9 mile loop / 3+ hours*
Blue Mountain Lake Directions , Blue Mountain Lake Trail Map
About the Trail: This inner looping trail was once a former road system for a housing development. Today, those roads have been turned into nearly six miles of paths that wind through ridge top forest and alongside Blue Mountain Lake. To extend the hike, add the Hemlock Pond and Crater Lake loop trails.
Other Information: Restroom located at trailhead. The directions lead you directly to the Blue Mountain Lake Parking Lot. The trailhead is located at the far end of the parking lot on the left side. 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 difficult level of the trail.*
*A "blaze" is a trail marker.*