Top 3 Hidden Gem Hiking Spots in NEPA 2018

Raymondskill Falls: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area





Sitting on the state line between Pennsylvania and New Jersey the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Beautiful forested land surrounds the Delaware River on this 70,00 acre park. Down the road in Dingmans Ferry, Pa you will find Raymondskill Falls. This is a three-tiered waterfall on Raymondskill creek and is a truly awe-inspiring waterfall. As an avid hiker and waterfall enthusiast, I believe the Raymondskill falls to be one of the best waterfalls in NEPA. The other cool part about this waterfall is it is relatively close to Bushkill Falls in Bushkill, Pa. So you can see two waterfalls in one day if you’re feeling adventurous. Sitting on the state line between Pennsylvania and New Jersey the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.Beautiful forested land surrounds the Delaware River on this 70,00 acre park. Down the road in Dingmans Ferry, Pa you will find Raymondskill Falls. This is a three-tiered waterfall on Raymondskill creek and is a truly awe-inspiring waterfall. As an avid hiker and waterfall enthusiast, I believe the Raymondskill falls to be one of the best waterfalls in NEPA. The other cool part about this waterfall is it is relatively close to Bushkill Falls in Bushkill, Pa. So you can see two waterfalls in one day if you’re feeling adventurous.

When I went to Raymondskill Falls for the first time I was taken back by how beautiful it was. At the waterfall, there are two platforms, a lower platform and an upper platform. On the lower platform you can feel a mist from the crashing waterfall below, and if you look close enough you can see a rainbow forming in the mist. On the upper platform, you can see the true power of the falls as it cascades down to the earth below. I would highly recommend this spot to anyone who is looking to see an amazing waterfall.





Safety Tip: Keep in mind before you leave that there are some parts of the trails where there are rocks that may be slippery. Make sure you wear shoes with good traction and still watch your step because slippery rocks can lead to a really bad fall. There are also some trails that are harder than others, so make sure to watch what trails you take.

Pine Hill Vista: Lackawanna State Forest





Located in Luzerne County the Lackawanna State Forest is an almost unknown 44,743-acre forest. This forestland is popular with backpackers and hikers with its beautiful natural features and wildlife. Located in the Thornhurst, Pa is a tract of the forest is where the Pine Hill Vista is located. The vista itself is a tall wooden tower that overlooks the beautiful mountains of NEPA. Located in Luzerne County the Lackawanna State Forest is an almost unknown 44,743-acre forest. This forestland is popular with backpackers and hikers with its beautiful natural features and wildlife. Located in the Thornhurst, Pa is a tract of the forest is where the Pine Hill Vista is located. The vista itself is a tall wooden tower that overlooks the beautiful mountains of NEPA.

I have been to the Pine Hill Vista many times and the view never gets old. Right along the sides of the tower, there is beautiful pitch pines and other short brush, which makes it a perfect viewing spot. On occasion, you can see porcupines in the trees sleeping and deer walking along the trails. I have also seen some many different bird species along the trail. The American woodcock and the scarlet tanager were among my favorite.

The Loyalsock Trial: The Loyalsock State Forest

Located in Pennsylvania’s endless mountains the Loyalsock State Forest is one of the must good spot if you’re in the area. You can find this trail running though Fox Township, Pa. The rugged landscape of the area makes it perfect for hiking. If you love rocky trails that run along mountainsides that over look a babbling stream you’ve found the right place. You can spend all day hiking along the 59-mile long trail and never run out of places to adventure.

I’ve been to the LT (loyalsock trail), and I really enjoyed hiking over the rough terrain of the land. I enjoyed seeing the waterfall and catching a cute selfie before I left. This tract of forest also has a unique stream feature where the rocks of the Haystack Rapids shine in the sun due to their high quartz content. I really enjoyed my visit there and would definitely go back again.





If there is any other cool place you would like me to check out leave a comment below! If you love any of these places to let me know in the comments as well!







