Big Pocono State Park is located just minutes away from The Swiftwater, located on Camelback Mountain. Big Pocono gives visitors a panoramic view of the Poconos, with sights from three states. Yes, you read that right- three states! From the top of the mountain, you’ll get to see portions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York!
This state park consists of over 1,300 acres, with 8.5 miles of trails of varying difficulties, making it the perfect location for hikers of all levels! In fact, Big Pocono even has a 1.4-mile-long paved trail that provides ADA-Accessibility, while still providing incredible views. It is important to note, however, that Big Pocono is closed during the winter months.
No matter where you choose to hike, head back to The Swiftwater to feel rejuvenated. You can grab a drink at the Olivet, take a swim in our indoor-outdoor pool, or simply relax by the fire on our outdoor patio. Make sure to touch base with your concierge to put together the perfect day!
Mount Minsi is a local favorite here in the Pocono Mountains for the breathtaking views of the natural beauty the Pocono Mountains has to offer. Located on the Pennsylvania side of Kittatinny Mountain, split by the Delaware Water Gap, this 30-minute drive is worth it!
When you arrive at Mount Minsi, you will be met with two trail options. One will take you to the top via the fire road, while the other takes you through the trees. The main trail will up and back is over 5-miles-long, with 3 separate overlooks. The first gives you a peek at Mount Tammany, which is another part of the Kittatinny Mountain, but on the New Jersey side. The second overlook will give you a full view of the beautiful Mount Tammany. Finally, the third overlook will show you parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the Delaware River. This is a must-see spot if you enjoy hiking!
Promised Land State Park is a 30-minute drive from The Swiftwater, making it the perfect afternoon trip. Promised Land offers visitors two lakes with opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Additionally, the park has over 50 miles of hiking and walking trails, each with unique opportunities for sightseeing. Before starting your hike, make sure to grab a trails map at the park office!
Little Falls Trail is a 1.02-mile-long hike that takes you alongside a creek with some beautiful waterfalls. The Bruce Lake Trail is 2.5-miles-long and extends for an additional 7.5 miles if you choose. The first part of this trail takes you to the natural glacial lake, while the second part takes you to Boundary Trail at the eastern portion of Promised Land Lake.
Only 18 minutes away, The Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect spot if you’re looking for an easy hike. There is ample opportunity to see some of the wildlife the Poconos has to offer. This area is best known for its migratory bird populations. Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge features three trails: two 1.7-mile-long paved trails and one 3.2-mile-long dirt and loose gravel trail.
Whether you’re hoping to see waterfalls, wildlife, fields, or even a lake, Beltzville State Park is the place for you! Take the 41-minute drive and spend the day hiking and have a picnic by the lake. This state park spans just over 3,000 acres of the southern Poconos, with over 15 miles of hiking trails. These hiking trails all vary in length, with most being easy to moderate difficulty.
The Falls Trail, which is a mile long and accessed via another trail, leads to the waterfalls area of the state park. The 2-mile-long Sawmill Loop Trail takes you on a trail that features historic areas, including an abandoned slate quarry from the 18th century. If you’re looking for an easy trail that keeps you close to the park office, check out the 1.2-mile-long Ground Pine Trail!
The Levee Loop Trail is approximately a 20 minute drive from The Swiftwater. Once there, the full 4.5-mile-long trail takes you alongside Brodhead Creek, with four separate parks in between. This easy-to-moderate trail connects Stroudsburg to East Stroudsburg. The full Levee Loop Trail brings you to a bridge where you can cross over the creek and walk along the other side, meaning you can end where you started!
Cresco Heights is a quick and easy 14-minute drive from The Swiftwater, meaning you can fit multiple activities into your day! This location offers you a moderate 3-mile-long hike, with some longer uphill stretches. From the top, you will have the opportunity to look beyond the trees at the ridgeline and Delaware Water Gap. Below you, you will see nature at its finest- birds, trees, the creek. This hike is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature!
Take a day trip to the Lehigh Gorge State Park and downtown Jim Thorpe! The Lehigh Gorge State Park, is located 46 minutes from The Swiftwater in Luzerne and Carbon counties, is regularly recognized by hikers as one of the best spots in Pennsylvania. This state park spans over 6,000 acres, following along the Lehigh River. This state park features over 33-miles of trails, including the 26-mile-long Lehigh Gorge Trail.
The Lehigh Gorge Trail is considered an easy hiking trail that is perfect for beginners. There are multiple access points along the trail. However, the park suggests that you plan to either return to where you started, or shuttle back to your initial location due to the access points being spread out. Along the trail you can view beautiful scenery, such as the waterfall at Buttermilk Falls.
Hickory Run State Park, nestled in the western part of the Pocono Mountains, spans almost 16,000 acres of land. This state park is well worth the 36-minute drive from The Swiftwater. On your visit, you will be met ample with opportunities for hiking, fishing, swimming, and even disc golf! In fact, there are over 40 miles of hiking trails within the park. A lot of the trails were even roadways in the past, so the area is very rich in history.
Hickory Run State Park is home to Boulder Field, which is currently one of the 604 National Natural Landmarks. The Boulder Field Trail is a 3.5-mile-long trail that leads you directly to this landmark. Along this trail, you will even have the opportunity to see different wildlife such as owls, bears, and ruffed grouse.
Located just 11 minutes from The Swiftwater, The Paradise-Price Preserve resides alongside Broadhead Creek. This incredible preserve has two entrances that are situated 6 miles apart from one another. Within the preserve, you can find two separate trails that will each bring you a great experience with nature. One trail is about one mile long, taking you through a glacial split rock boulder. Then, if you hop in your car for a quick drive across the ridge, you can find more trails, including the sight of Targa Falls, which is the only natural waterfall at Broadhead Creek.
