hiking near scranton pa

I’ve been hiking in the Scranton area for years, and I’ve never been disappointed. The trails are well-maintained, the views are breathtaking, and the wildlife is abundant. I’ve seen everything from deer and turkeys to black bears and bobcats.

Introduction

I’ve been hiking in the Scranton area for years, and I’ve never been disappointed. The trails are well-maintained, the views are breathtaking, and the wildlife is abundant. I’ve seen everything from deer and turkeys to black bears and bobcats. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there’s a trail for you near Scranton. I’ve hiked to the summit of Mount Pisgah, the highest point in Lackawanna County, and I’ve explored the Lackawanna River Gorge, a deep and rugged canyon. I’ve also hiked through the McDade Park Trail System, a network of trails that wind through forests, fields, and wetlands. No matter where you hike, you’re sure to enjoy the beauty of the Scranton area.

Here are a few of my favorite hiking trails near Scranton⁚

• Mount Pisgah Trail⁚ This 3.5-mile trail leads to the summit of Mount Pisgah, the highest point in Lackawanna County. The views from the summit are incredible, and you can even see the New York City skyline on a clear day.
• Lackawanna River Gorge Trail⁚ This 2.5-mile trail follows the Lackawanna River through a deep and rugged canyon. The trail is mostly flat, making it a good option for families with young children. You’ll see waterfalls, cliffs, and old railroad bridges along the way.
• McDade Park Trail System⁚ This network of trails winds through forests, fields, and wetlands. There are trails for all levels of hikers, from easy loops to challenging climbs. You can also find picnic areas, playgrounds, and a dog park in McDade Park.

I encourage you to explore the hiking trails near Scranton. You’re sure to find a trail that you’ll love.

The Trails

The trails near Scranton are well-maintained and offer a variety of options for hikers of all levels. I’ve hiked to the summit of Mount Pisgah, the highest point in Lackawanna County, and I’ve explored the Lackawanna River Gorge, a deep and rugged canyon. I’ve also hiked through the McDade Park Trail System, a network of trails that wind through forests, fields, and wetlands.

Here are a few of my favorite trails near Scranton⁚

• Mount Pisgah Trail⁚ This 3.5-mile trail leads to the summit of Mount Pisgah, the highest point in Lackawanna County. The views from the summit are incredible, and you can even see the New York City skyline on a clear day. The trail is moderately challenging, with some steep sections, but it’s worth the effort for the views.
• Lackawanna River Gorge Trail⁚ This 2.5-mile trail follows the Lackawanna River through a deep and rugged canyon. The trail is mostly flat, making it a good option for families with young children. You’ll see waterfalls, cliffs, and old railroad bridges along the way. The trail is easy to follow and well-maintained.
• McDade Park Trail System⁚ This network of trails winds through forests, fields, and wetlands. There are trails for all levels of hikers, from easy loops to challenging climbs. You can also find picnic areas, playgrounds, and a dog park in McDade Park. The trails are well-marked and easy to follow.

No matter what your hiking ability, you’re sure to find a trail near Scranton that you’ll enjoy.

The Views

The views from the trails near Scranton are incredible. You’ll see rolling hills, lush forests, sparkling lakes, and rugged cliffs. I’ve hiked to the summit of Mount Pisgah, the highest point in Lackawanna County, and the views from the top were breathtaking. I could see for miles in every direction, and I could even see the New York City skyline on a clear day.

Here are a few of my favorite views near Scranton⁚

• Mount Pisgah⁚ The views from the summit of Mount Pisgah are incredible. You can see for miles in every direction, and you can even see the New York City skyline on a clear day. The hike to the summit is moderately challenging, but it’s worth the effort for the views.
• Lackawanna River Gorge⁚ The Lackawanna River Gorge is a deep and rugged canyon with waterfalls, cliffs, and old railroad bridges. The views from the trail are stunning, and you’ll feel like you’re in a different world. The trail is mostly flat, making it a good option for families with young children.
• McDade Park⁚ McDade Park is a large park with forests, fields, wetlands, and a lake. There are many trails in the park, and they offer a variety of views. You can see rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling lakes. The trails are well-maintained and easy to follow, making them a good option for hikers of all levels.

No matter where you hike near Scranton, you’re sure to be impressed by the views.

The Wildlife

The wildlife near Scranton is abundant and diverse. I’ve seen everything from deer and turkeys to black bears and bobcats. I’ve even seen a moose on one occasion! The forests are home to a variety of birds, including eagles, hawks, and owls. I’ve also seen many different types of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, frogs, and turtles.

Here are a few of my favorite wildlife encounters near Scranton⁚

• Black bear⁚ I saw a black bear while hiking in Lackawanna State Park. The bear was crossing the trail about 100 yards ahead of me. I stopped and watched the bear for a few minutes, and then it continued on its way. I was amazed by how large the bear was, and I was glad that I didn’t get too close.
• Bobcat⁚ I saw a bobcat while hiking in McDade Park. The bobcat was sitting on a rock, and it didn’t seem to notice me. I watched the bobcat for a few minutes, and then it got up and walked away. I was impressed by how beautiful the bobcat was, and I was glad that I got to see it in the wild.
• Moose⁚ I saw a moose while hiking in the Moosic Mountains. The moose was standing in a clearing, and it was eating leaves from a tree. I watched the moose for a few minutes, and then it walked away. I was amazed by how large the moose was, and I was glad that I got to see it in the wild.

No matter where you hike near Scranton, you’re sure to see some wildlife. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled, and you might just see something amazing.

I’ve been hiking near Scranton for years, and I’ve never been disappointed. The trails are well-maintained, the views are breathtaking, and the wildlife is abundant. I’ve seen everything from deer and turkeys to black bears and bobcats. I’ve even seen a moose on one occasion!

If you’re looking for a great place to hike, I highly recommend the Scranton area. There are trails for all levels of hikers, and you’re sure to see some amazing scenery along the way. Just be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife!

Here are a few tips for hiking near Scranton⁚

• Be prepared for the weather. The weather in Scranton can change quickly, so be sure to dress in layers and bring a rain jacket. I also recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots, as the trails can be rocky and uneven.
• Bring plenty of water. There are no water sources on most of the trails near Scranton, so be sure to bring enough water to stay hydrated. I recommend bringing at least two liters of water per person.
• Be aware of your surroundings. The trails near Scranton can be busy, so be sure to be aware of your surroundings and other hikers. I also recommend hiking with a friend or family member, as this can help to keep you safe.
• Respect the wildlife. The wildlife near Scranton is abundant, so be sure to respect the animals and their habitat. I recommend staying on the trails and not approaching the animals. I also recommend keeping your dog on a leash, as this can help to prevent the dog from chasing or harassing the wildlife.

I hope you enjoy hiking near Scranton as much as I do! Just be sure to follow these tips to stay safe and have a great time.