Fall , Hiking & Biking , Local, State & National Parks , Sports & Outdoors
Fall Hikes in NEPA
Posted: October 2, 2023
Enjoy a Colorful, Autumn Stroll on NEPA’s Picturesque Hiking Trails
Fall is NEPA’s finest hour. The air is cool and crisp. Everywhere you go, the surrounding hills and mountains glow with autumn electricity. Vibrant yellow, red and orange bleed into the green landscape. And, as the season matures, our state and local parks turn into colorful galleries housing nature’s finest works.
Few things compare to a Sunday lost on a long walk in the woods. As robins plump their feathers and squirrels and chipmunks crunch through fallen leaves, our worries fall by the wayside. And when the sun shines through the trees just right, we are reminded exactly why NEPA is so special.
Rediscover home this fall on NEPA’s scenic hiking trails. And don’t forget to snap those pics and share your journey with us.
Scenic Fall Hikes in NEPA
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Bear Creek Preserve
Bear Creek, PA
Take your pick from a wide variety of pristine trails at this popular preserve just 15 miles outside Wilkes-Barre. Choose from quick, mile-long strolls or longer, more challenging hikes.
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Bushkill Falls
Bushkill, PA
There’s no doubt that the “Niagara of Pennsylvania” offers fall hikes. With four trails featuring eight waterfalls, you’ll come across plenty of beautiful, natural sights along the way.
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Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Bushkill, PA
Take your pick from over 100 miles of hiking trails at this massive park spanning over three NEPA counties. The park features a wide variety of hiking options from water views to mountain vistas and stunning waterfalls.
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Dick and Nancy Eales Nature Preserve
Jessup, PA
This hike makes it easy to see the sprawling fall foliage of Lackwanna County. A winding path guides you through colorful brush and trees to an incredible overlook.
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Frances Slocum State Park
Wyoming, PA
Venture through this popular park’s 13.7 miles of wooded trails. Embark on a lakeside stroll. Look for wildlife in lush woodlands and peaceful marshes. The park also features picnic areas, a playground and fishing.
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Hickory Run State Park
White Haven, PA
Hike your way through this densely forested state park in the southern Pocono Mountains. Explore creekside trails, thick rhododendron forests and the famous Boulder Field. The park features 44 miles of trails.
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Hillside Park
South Abington Twp., PA
This South Abington Twp. Park boasts 100 peaceful acres. Explore several easy walking trails, lighted pavilions, picnic tables and a beautiful, tree-lined lake.
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Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
Scranton, PA
With 30 trail heads stretching 70 miles from Pittston to Union Dale, this trail is accessible all across NEPA. Running along the scenic Lackawanna River, walkers, runners and cyclists are guaranteed picturesque views of surrounding forests.
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Lazybrook Park
Tunkhannock, PA
Take in the gorgeous, tree-lined scenery of this quaint community park in Tunkhannock. Make your way along the convenient hiking and biking loop trail. The park also features an old 19th century bridge.
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Lehigh Gorge Trail
White Haven, PA
Make your way along the scenic Lehigh River along this 26-mile rail trail from White Haven to Jim Thorpe. Enjoy historic canals and waterfalls along the easy, relatively flat gravel trail.
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Little Rocky Glen Preserve
Factoryville, PA
Explore all 26 gorgeous acres of this favorite autumn destination between Tunkhannock and Factoryville. Enjoy short hiking trails along the rugged Tunkhannock Creek Gorge and look out for waterfalls and natural potholes.
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Locust Lake State Park
Barnesville, PA
Take a long walk in the woods at this recreational gem in Barnesville. The park features several trails of varying lengths and difficulty, and includes a paved bike trail that encircles the lake.
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Merli-Sarnoski Park
Greenfield Twp., PA
Trek along this tranquil mountain park’s clear, 35-acre lake in Greenfield Twp. The park also offers sports fields, basketball courts, pavilions and picnic tables.
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Nay Aug Park
Scranton, PA
Spend an autumn afternoon taking in the picturesque sights along the walking trails at this popular park on Scranton’s east side. Look out over Roaring Brook from the 150-foot high David Wenzel Treehouse.
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Nesbitt Park
Kingston, PA
Play a round of disc golf, or enjoy a long, quiet walk on the paved levee trail at this convenient Kingston park. Stroll along the Susquehanna River and keep your eye out for the abundant wildlife.
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Nescopeck State Park
Drums, PA
This popular state park in Drums offers easy, level hiking trails. Walk along the cool, clear Nescopeck Creek or enjoy a long hike around the beautiful Lake Francis.
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Promised Land State Park
Greentown, PA
Take your time exploring 50 miles of hiking trails at this massive state park in Greentown. Keep your eye on the sky and see if you can spot the park’s famous pair of bald eagles.
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Ricketts Glen State Park
Benton, PA
Bring your camera for some incredible waterfall photos at this popular park in Benton. An assortment of trails offers a wide variety of terrain and scenery from a lake and waterfalls to thick forests.
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Riverside Park
Tunkhannock, PA
Enjoy a long stroll along the banks of the Susquehanna River. This popular Endless Mountains park offers trails, a playground and picnic areas. You might even witness a few majestic bald eagles with your own eyes.
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Salt Springs State Park
Montrose, PA
Experience the peaceful beauty of NEPA’s Endless Mountains at this state park in Montrose. Over 12 miles of trails pass through Hemlock forests, along mountain streams and open meadows.
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Seven Tubs Recreation Area
Wilkes-Barre, PA
This local favorite is just a few minutes from Downtown Wilkes-Barre. The Seven Tubs consists of the Main Loop and the Audubon Loop Trail, both under 2 miles and featuring waterfalls, rushing streams and winding paths.
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Sweet Arrow Lake County Park
Pine Grove, PA
This 183-acre county park in Pine Grove offers miles of scenic hiking trails, lake access and an 18-hole disc golf course. The park also boasts a playground and picnic area.
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Tobyhanna State Park
Tobyhanna, PA
See the Pocono Mountains come alive in the fall at this picture perfect-park in Tobyhanna. Over 10 miles of trails vary from easy to difficult and include lakes, forests and even swamps.
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Top of the World Dunmore
Dunmore, PA
Lace up for this moderately difficult 4.2-mile loop trail and enjoy one of NEPA’s most stunning views across the rolling eastern Pocono Mountains. The cliff’s edge view spans Roaring Brook and miles of dense, colorful forest.
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Trolley Trail - Clarks Summit to Dalton
Clarks Summit, PA
Hop on this easy walking and biking trail in Clarks Summit. The Countryside Conservancy’s 2.8-mile pathway follows the old Northern Electric Trolley rail bed over both gravel and earthen terrain.
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Tuscarora State Park
Barnesville, PA
Discover the natural beauty of this Schuylkill County gem on several miles of mountain trails. Explore thick forests, sprawling meadows and flat agricultural fields. Keep an eye out for the park’s famous Spirit Tree.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 10/14/2020.
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