10 Best Natural Wonders To Visit In The Poconos This Year
The Pocono Mountains are more than just a retreat for tired city dwellers. This ancient region forms a landscape that has been created by millions of years of glacial movement, tectonic shifts, and water erosion. Beneath its canopy of hemlock and oak trees lies a geological treasure trove of natural wonders. This includes the cascades of Pennsylvania's tallest waterfalls, ancient bogs, and massive seas of stone. Here are 10 spectacular natural wonders that exemplify the raw, wild beauty of the Poconos.
Lehigh River Gorge - Jim Thorpe
Lehigh River Gorge is a natural wonder within Lehigh Gorge State Park, passing through Carbon and Luzerne Counties. Its southernmost access point is in the historic Pocono Mountain town of Jim Thorpe. The deep gorge with steep walls was carved by the Lehigh River over the course of millions of years. The canyon is more than 20 miles long and transitions between the two counties as you move along the river. A 26-mile-long downhill scenic rail trail, popular with bikers and hikers but closed to motor vehicles, runs from White Haven to Jim Thorpe.
The best times of the year to visit Lehigh River Gorge are fall, to see the vibrant autumn foliage, and late spring (May and June), when everything is green, wildflowers are in bloom, and crowds are fewer. Be aware that if you want to take the Scenic Railway, the first three weekends in October typically sell out for train reservations. Admission to Lehigh River Gorge and Lehigh Gorge State Park is free.
Raymondskill Falls - Dingman Township
The tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, Raymondskill Falls, is in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Dingman Township, Pike County, near the town of Milford. This awe-inspiring multi-tiered natural waterfall is cited anywhere from 83 feet to 180 feet. When taking all three tiers into account (its three individual drops are 42, 25, and 45 feet), its total height is comparable to that of Niagara Falls.
A trail running for 0.3 miles provides two viewing platforms from which the three-tiered falls can be seen, and photos can be taken. The trail winds down into a ravine with rocks, roots, wet spots, and tripping hazards. Visiting Raymondskill Falls is free, and some of the best times to visit are March to mid-June, when the waterfall is at its maximum volume and full flow, and October, when fall foliage is at its peak. Some prefer to visit in the winter to see the frozen falls, but if you do so, note that the upper parking lot is closed from early January to mid-April.
Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve - Tannersville
Monroe County locals refer to Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve as "The Cranberry." One of The Nature Conservancy's first nature preserves in Pennsylvania, this 1000-acre protected natural area in Tannersville holds the southernmost low-elevation boreal bog on the eastern seaboard. Named a National Natural Landmark in 1974, the peat moss bog was formed by a retreating large glacial lake thousands of years ago, and today, it is a unique ecological wonder.
Native orchids, wild cranberries, black spruce, and tamarack trees are found within the bog. It is also home to black bears, river otters, bobcats, beavers, and snowshoe hares. A boardwalk runs along the bog but is closed to visitors and only accessible through guided public walks that cost $6 per person. Public trails such as the North Wood Trail and the Fern Ridge Trail are free to the public to use. Most say that the best time to visit the bog is late spring to early summer, when it comes alive with rare orchids, wild rosemary, and other wildflowers in bloom. Others prefer the gorgeous fall foliage seen in October, when the tamarack trees turn golden.
Slateford Creek Falls - Upper Mount Bethel Township
Also located within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, you'll find the gorgeous Slateford Creek Falls, consisting of three drops spread along a half-mile stretch of Slateford Creek. This quieter falls area is preferred by many who want to escape the crowds found at the more famous falls. Upper Slateford Creek Falls has a 100-yard trail leading to the base of a 20-foot waterfall and the historic ruins of an old concrete dam. The Middle and Lower Falls are further down National Park Drive, although they are currently closed for construction, so keep an eye out for when this becomes available again.
If you make it down the scrambling trail, you will be rewarded with gorgeous waterfall views framed by natural stone. You may opt to park at the Slateford Loop Trailhead for a 3.1-mile, easy hike that takes you on the Slateford Loop Trail, past a former slate quarry and farm. Visiting the Slateford Creek Falls is free. Spring (April through June) is said to be the best time to see a consistent water flow from seasonal snowmelt and showers. If you want to view foliage, late September and October are great times to visit.
Mount Minsi - Delaware Water Gap
Mount Minsi marks the eastern end of the Blue Mountain range of the Poconos, in Monroe County, on the Pennsylvania side of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, along the border with New Jersey. This natural wonder forms the western side of the Delaware Water Gap along the Delaware River. Mount Minsi reaches an elevation of 1,463 feet and is made of sandstone and conglomerate rocks from the Shawangunk Formation, creating a steep, rocky eastern face.
Visitors can hike a popular 5-mile loop that includes part of the Appalachian Trail. Along the trail, you'll pass Lake Lenape, Eureka Creek, and scenic overlooks such as Council Rock and Lookout Rock. Reaching the top of the lookouts will provide you with panoramic views of the Delaware River, New Jersey, and Mount Tammany, Mount Minsi's sister mountain across the gap. It is free to visit Mount Minsi and hike the trail. One of the best times of the year to do so is October, when panoramic views at the top will include vibrant autumn colors. The strenuous, rocky hike up is also a bit easier in October's cooler weather. Just be careful, as fallen leaves can make the trail slick and even more difficult to navigate.
Hawk Falls - Kidder Township
Hawk Falls is a scenic 25-foot natural cascading waterfall flowing over rhododendron-lined bedrock ledges and moss-covered rocks in Hickory Run State Park, Carbon County. This natural wonder follows Hawk Run down to its confluence with Mud Run. A 1.2-mile round-trip trail, the Hawk Falls Trail, provides an easy-to-moderate 45-minute hike on a shaded dirt path crossing a wooden footbridge over Hawk Run. The path is surrounded by beautiful rhododendron that bloom in late spring, making May and June the best times of the year to witness this natural wonder. Swimming is prohibited in the pool below the waterfall. There is no charge to enter the park or see Hawk Falls.
Hickory Run Boulder Field - Kidder Township
Also found within Hickory Run State Park in Carbon County, Hickory Run Boulder Field is a National Natural Landmark consisting of a huge, 16-acre glacial boulder field. These ancient rocks, made of red sandstone and quartz conglomerate boulders, were named a landmark in 1967 and are a unique natural wonder. Some of the boulders are as big as 26 feet long, and they sit an average of 12 feet deep beneath the surface. Hickory Run Boulder Field was created about 20,000 years ago during the last Ice Age as glaciers melted. Freeze-thaw cycles cracked local ridge rocks, causing boulders to tumble down into the flat valley below.
The barren, level field has remained mostly unchanged for thousands of years. It is the largest boulder field of its kind in the Poconos and Appalachian Mountains. Admission to the park and the field is free. The best times to see Hickory Run Boulder Field are in the autumn, when fall foliage is on display, and from June to July, when rhododendrons and mountain laurel are in full bloom. Remember to never try to climb the boulder field during wet, icy, or rainy conditions, as they are quite slippery and dangerous when wet.
Shohola Falls - Shohola Township
A multi-tiered, 70-foot stone tiered waterfall in Pike County, Shohola Falls, is within State Game Lands 180. This natural wonder is in Shohola Township, about 10 miles west of the town of Milford. Shohola means "place of peace" in the Lenni Lenape language. The water drops 70 feet over natural rock terraces, moss-covered cliffs, and layered ledges, fed by the Shohola Creek directly downstream from the 909-acre Shohola Lake dam. To take full advantage of the falls' beauty, take the Shohola Falls Trail, an easy 0.6-mile loop path, which takes about a half-hour to complete. There are no admission or parking fees at Shohola Falls. Two of the best times to visit are spring, when the waterfall is at its most powerful, roaring capacity, and autumn, when the changing leaves add to the natural beauty of the falls.
Irving Cliff - Honesdale
A 300-foot rock outcropping, Irving Cliff, is in Gibbons Memorial Park in Honesdale, Wayne County, rising above the junction of the Lackawaxen River and Dyberry Creek. This huge, sheer red sandstone ledge is clearly a natural wonder, offering views of the Lackawaxen River valley below. It is said to be named after author Washington Irving, a frequent visitor to the area. Gibbons Memorial Park consists of 55 acres that were donated to the community in 1955.
Irving Cliff features a 50-foot winter holiday star, a tribute to Honesdale native Dick Smith, author of the song "Winter Wonderland." Hike the 1.1-mile Irving Cliff Trail to the top of the cliff. You may also opt to access it and its scenic overlooks via Gibbons Park Road by car. Visiting the park and the cliff is free. Some of the best times to do so include autumn, with vibrant foliage surrounding the cliff, and spring and summer, when wildflowers bloom along the trail, and the tree canopy provides shade to hikers.
Bushkill Falls - Lehman Township
Bushkill Falls in Lehman Township, Pike County, has been nicknamed the "Niagara of Pennsylvania." This series of eight waterfalls, which are reachable through hiking trails and bridges running through the forests of the Pocono Mountains, is a natural wonder in the Poconos that should not be missed. The network of trails within the 300-acre property has multiple skill levels and includes boardwalks, hiking trails, and bridges. Water from the Little Bushkill Creek and Pond Run Creek flows down the mountain towards the Delaware River below, carving out the eight waterfalls.
The main falls is the park's centerpiece, plunging about 100 feet into a deep pool below. Other falls include Bridal Veil Falls, Bridesmaid's Falls, Laurel Glen Falls, Pennell Falls, and Lower Gorge Falls, along with other unnamed falls. Bushkill Falls is privately owned and open daily from April through October/November, weather permitting. The falls are closed to the public from December through March. Admission varies but ranges from $20 to $24 per person, including parking. The best times to visit include April and May, when the falls are at their peak waterfall flow, and October, just before closing, when foliage is at its peak.
For generations, the Pocono Mountains have been celebrated as a premier tourist destination. The heart of this region in Pennsylvania lies within its environmental diversity. Within a short drive, the landscape transforms from river canyon vistas to ancient wetlands that feel frozen in time. Just imagine hiking to the base of a 150-foot waterfall and standing atop huge vertical cliffs, then watching the sunset over a beautiful river valley, all in the same day. These Poconos natural wonders will take you to all of these places and more.
