Spring Hiking in Northeastern Pennsylvania

View of Lake Wallenpaupack along the Shuman Point Trail

Springtime is a great time to hit the trails in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The days are generally not hot and sticky; squadrons of insects are generally not out en masse; the birds are back from their winter havens; and wildflowers begin popping up throughout the area. Whether you are out for a long day hike deep into the Delaware State Forest, or just taking a quick jaunt up to the views overlooking Milford, there’s plenty to see and experience for anyone whether a novice hiker or a seasoned veteran.

View from the Cliff Park Trail in the Delaware Water Gap NRA

Where I hike varies greatly throughout April. Early in the month I’m prone to venture into the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area or Ricketts Glen State Park to check out the waterfalls. Those April showers, coupled with the runoff from melting snows swell the streams and boost the water volume that tumbles over the escarpments. While the most popular falls inside the Delaware Water Gap can be reached easily via boardwalks and well-used trails, journeys to places such as Adams Creek Falls and Indian Ladders, both in the recreation area and accessible off US-209, require waterproof hiking boots with good traction, as does hiking at Ricketts Glen.

Adams Creek Falls in the Delaware Water Gap NRA 

If I’m in the mood to look for birds I generally head to the Bruce Lake Natural Area just north of Promised Land State Park. While some of the trails can be a bit rocky, most of them are relatively flat and open allowing the birding hiker the luxury of walking quietly and not having to keep looking down for rocks and downed limbs. The woods are fairly open so spotting songbirds is not too difficult and the trails skirt the edges of two lakes so waterfowl and pipers can also usually be found. Additionally, the dam and spillway constructed by the Civil Conservation Corps in the 1930s is worth checking out.

Inside the old barn at Varden Conservation Area

Old buildings and abandoned farms are another thing I like to seek out and early spring is a great time to find those things because there’s no snow cover, overgrown vegetation, or freshly fallen foliage to hide them. Easy scores can be found at the Varden Conservation Area while harder-to-find ruins lurk in the woods of Prompton State Park. Additionally, the trails at Prompton State Park run right along the Lackawaxen River, which is usually stocked with trout. Deeper into the park one can find some tiny holes where native trout hide out. So pack a fishing pole once trout season rolls around. At about the same time, Prompton’s wildflowers start to explode. Violets and Bluets will dominate the forest floor well into June, but the Trillium and Columbine that bloom only stick around for a short while. The State Game Lands off Masthope Plank Road between Welcome Lake and Lackawaxen also offer easy, creekside trails ideal for viewing flora or casting a line.

Trillium in bloom at Prompton State Park

So, whether you are the anxious angler waiting for the opening day of trout or you are a bummed out ski bum lamenting the end of winter, and you need an outdoor fix, find some ground, lace up your boots, and start walking. 

The Wild Life at Lake Shohola

The Wild Life at Shohola Lake, Pike County, Pennsylvania

About halfway between Hawley and Milford on the south side of US Route 6 lies Shohola Lake. I'm not sure when Shohola Creek was dammed to form the lake, or if it was done primarily for flood control or to enhance wildlife habitat (or both.) In any event, the lake and the surrounding area has become a home for mammals, reptiles, and birds of all sorts.

Immediately below the lake is the waterfall, the usual attraction. The fast water crashing over the rocks and splashing into a gorge is allegorical to the amount of excitement it provides. Although it is definitely a must-see while there, the quiet vastness of the lake offers more in the long run.

There are two launch areas on the lake. The first one has a large paved lot and easy ramp access for boaters with trailers. It is very close to the dam at the north end of the lake. I rarely use this launch since it makes for an extremely long trip up the lake and back. It is good if you have more than four hours to paddle or if you are using a motor. If you lack that sort of time or use manpower to move your craft, choose the second launch further up the lake. It too has a ramp, but the launch area is dirt and you must move your vehicle about 100 yards up to the parking area before embarking on your journey. I prefer the second launch because it puts me closer to the better wildlife viewing areas and I generally paddle for about two hours when I go there.

Early season explorers will find the water fairly open in most sections of

the lake. Lake level and plant growth contribute significantly to where you can easily travel later in the season. Subsurface and emergent plants can dominate the lake at times leaving only a defined channel where the creek flows through the lake. Overall, the lake is fairly shallow allowing Watershield to blanket much of the water. Spatterdock and White Lillies make occasional appearances, poking out of the water here and there.

The shallow water does make for some tricky paddling at times. Many stumps and bog mats protrude here and there throughout the lake. However, these obstacles generally serve as excellent perches for birds and reptiles.

Painted turtles catch some afternoon sun .

Cormorants frequently take up summer residence at the lake.

The reasons the lake has such an abundant population of wildlife has a lot to do with the fact that much of the lake is a designated propagation area. One side of the lake is practically inaccessible by foot, and observation areas for those without boats are located far from the lakeshore. Additionally, power restrictions for watercraft make the area a welcome place for nesting, breeding, and residency. Similarly, standing dead trees act as great hunting perches for Osprey and Bald Eagles and nests for cavity dwelling waterfowl, such as Wood Ducks and Woodpeckers.

A trip here on any given day from May through October should yield at least one Bald Eagle sighting. Wintertime viewing may not be as successful if the lake is frozen over. While eagles have been know to stay in the area through the winter mating season, often the birds will fly a few miles to the Delaware River to fish during the daytime.

To get to Lake Shohola, take Exit 34 off Interstate 84 to State Route 739. Travel north on 739 for 0.7 miles to Well Road. Turn right on Well Road and travel 3.8 miles to U.S. Route 6. Turn right onto Route 6 and travel east two miles to the Shohola Falls Water-fowl Management Area. An access road to the boat launches can be found just west of the large parking area on Route 6.

Map of State Game Lands 180