Oct. 22 - Tobyhanna Falls Hike

“There is a hidden message in every waterfall. It says, if you are flexible, falling will not hurt you.” ―Mehmet Murat Ildan

Saturday was a beautiful fall day and the temperature even warmed up a bit. We started the day by going to the Pocono Farmers Market...it was actually an Amish Market. Wow what a great selection of vegetables and fruits, meats, cheeses, baked goods and home canned items. I really like Amish markets.

Our farmers market finds.

We generally don't like to go places on Saturdays because it's such a zoo out there, but it was just too pretty to stay home. After lunch we decided to do a short hike to Tobyhanna Falls, which is only a few miles from the house. It was a nice little hike, the falls were impressive even though they weren't high and we really enjoyed sitting on the rocks and soaking up the warmth of the sun. But it was packed with people...people were everywhere. 

The hike to Tobyhanna Falls.

There may have been a crowd coming and going to the falls, but we really enjoyed our time there.

Oct. 21 - Shades of Death Trail

"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn." ―Elizabeth Lawrence

Today we hiked the Shades of Death Trail. The name is a little gruesome, but it’s the most popular and picturesque trail in Hickory Run State Park, and I can understand why. While it might sound scary, the trail is actually among the most fun trails to hike in Pennsylvania. The trail is an out and back hike about 2.5 miles that follows the Sand Spring Run and meanders through rhododendron thickets and unique rock formations. Along the trail, the creek cascades over two beautiful man-made dam waterfalls and a series of small riffles and waterfalls as it drops 300 feet to Hickory Run. There are also remains of logging mills. The ruins and dams date back to the early 1800s.

The first colonists chose this sinister name for the area that had rocky soil, numerous swamps and dark forests.

Remains of an old lumber mill.

The Stametz Dam was built 150 years ago.

Small falls along the trail.

The rock formations are so much fun to see and hike through.

This dam was built by the CCC during the Great Depression.

This beautiful lake was formed when the dam was built.

Shades of fall.

Saylorville Dam and Falls along Sand Spring Road.

Bridge crossing Hickory Run on Sand Spring Road.

Oct. 20 - Appalachian Trail in the DWG

“Great things never came from comfort zones.” ―Anonymous

One of the most beautiful areas in the Pocono Mountains is the Delaware Water Gap, where 40 miles of the Delaware River run between high bluffs and forested shores. It has beckoned visitors to the Pocono Mountains for centuries and is known as the Gateway to the Poconos. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a wonderful place to canoe, kayak, camp, fish and hike. It's full of beautiful waterfalls and stunning vistas to enjoy. The DWG is situated within the most densely populated region of the United States and provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes. Interstate 80 runs through the gap and has to be the most beautiful view from any highway I've seen.

A water gap is formed when water carves its way through a mountain range. The Delaware Water Gap is known for its depth, width, and scenic beauty. It's more than 1,200 feet from mountaintop to the river surface, nearly a quarter mile wide at river level and about a mile wide from the top of Mt. Tammany to the top of Mt. Minsi. Our first hike in the DWG was along part of the Appalachian Trail that took us to the top of Mount Minsi. The four mile hike gave us dramatic views of the Delaware Water Gap and Mount Tammany and wound through rhododendron tunnels and past a few small waterfalls. It was a bit chilly when we started the hike, but it felt exhilarating to be in such a beautiful place on such a beautiful day.

The first part of the trail was very easy and relaxing...a stroll in the woods.

Part of the rhododendron forest we went through. It must be beautiful here in July when they bloom.

We took a break at Lookout Rock...what an incredible view.

From the lookout we had a great view of I80. We knew the kids would be coming by soon on their way to NYC, so we waited to see them go by.

That's their car circled in red. It's also in view in the above photo...just harder to make out.

More pictures of the trail.

The second great lookout over the Delaware Water Gap.

Part of the trail up to Mount Minsi. It gave us a good workout.

Looking at Mount Tammany from the top of Mount Minsi.

We are loving the beautiful color...but they will soon be gone.

The Appalachian Trail goes through fourteen states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian Mountain Range. It starts in Georgia and ends in Maine. The trail is marked by white "blazes", which are most often found on trees. The trail is almost 2200 miles long. This small portion of the trail was beautiful.

Looking up to Mount Minsi from the scenic drive that goes along the Delaware River. (RT611)

Looking towards Mount Tammany from the overlook on the RT611.