When you think about wildlife watching, the Pocono Mountains might not be the first destination that comes to mind, but that could change. With diverse habitats and a rich variety of species, these mountains offer some remarkable spots to observe nature in action. From majestic bald eagles soaring above the Delaware Water Gap to the serene trails of Lacawac Sanctuary, there’s more than meets the eye here. You might be surprised at what you can discover in this lush landscape, especially when you explore the top ten places for wildlife encounters.
Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary
The Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary spans nearly 600 acres, offering you a stunning glimpse into the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of northeastern Pennsylvania. As you explore this serene environment, you’ll encounter various indigenous wildlife and waterfowl that call this sanctuary home. Imagine walking along the five miles of nature trails, where each step reveals the rich flora and fauna thriving in their natural habitat. These trails lead you to beautiful spots like Trout Lake and Suydam Pond, perfect for quiet observation or simply soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings. In the winter months, you can even enjoy cross-country skiing, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, you can spot different bird species such as bald eagles, which are prevalent in the winter months. The sanctuary is also home to the Dorflinger Glass Museum, showcasing the craftsmanship of European artisans who settled in the area. Furthermore, the sanctuary’s mission includes natural history, conservation, and cultural education, creating a holistic experience for visitors.
Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or just seeking a peaceful retreat, the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary provides an ideal backdrop. Remember to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife encounters. This sanctuary isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the delicate balance of ecosystems in the Pocono Mountains. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in Pennsylvania’s natural wonders!
Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center
Nestled within the 166-acre Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary in Bartonsville, the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center invites you to explore and engage with nature. Here, you’ll discover over 2.5 miles of well-marked trails winding through old fields, mature forests, evergreen stands, and serene ponds. While enjoying the peaceful surroundings, keep in mind that hunting, camping, and pets aren’t allowed, ensuring a tranquil experience for everyone.
Throughout the year, the center offers diverse educational programs for all ages, including hands-on activities, interpretive tours, and camps focused on native plants and animals. Special events like Bugfest and Maple Sugaring make learning fun and engaging. You can also join public programs such as Bog Walks or Kayak and Canoe with KC. Additionally, the center utilizes the Poconos as an outdoor classroom for experiential learning, enhancing the educational experience. The center also provides customizable programs that cater to various groups and individuals, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the rich educational opportunities available.
The center features amenities like an observation deck, a pond, and a wildlife exhibit. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop for nature-related items and check out the Media Gallery showcasing local wildlife. Open daily from dawn to dusk, this center is a perfect spot for wildlife watching and a great way to deepen your appreciation for the natural world.
Lacawac Sanctuary
Lacawac Sanctuary, located in the Northern Pocono Mountains, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and environmental education. Spanning 550 acres, this sanctuary protects the pristine 52-acre Lake Lacawac and provides a home for diverse wildlife. You can explore over 9 miles of hiking trails, including the Historic Great Camp and Big Lake Trail, which vary in difficulty. As you hike, keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including birds, waterfowl, and aquatic life. Ospreys often nest along the shore of Heron Pond, making it a great spot for birdwatching. Additionally, Lacawac Sanctuary is a top spot for wildlife viewing, attracting nature enthusiasts year-round. The area is also known for its lush landscapes that provide ideal habitats for various species.
Lacawac Sanctuary emphasizes environmental education, offering scheduled programs for individuals and families. You’ll find self-guided educational tours with QR codes along the trails, enriching your experience as you discover the local flora and fauna. Leashed dogs are welcome, so you can bring your furry friends along for a day of exploration. The Visitor Center and Welcome Station provide maps and information, ensuring you make the most of your visit. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply seeking tranquility, Lacawac Sanctuary is a must-visit destination in the Pocono Mountains.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Located along the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. You’ll find breathtaking views and an abundant variety of wildlife, particularly along the Upper Delaware River. This area boasts the largest concentration of wintering bald eagles in Pennsylvania, with 150-200 eagles migrating each winter. Milford Beach and Smithfield Beach are perfect spots to catch sight of these majestic birds, while Bushkill Access offers great opportunities for eagle and other bird species observations.
As you explore, keep an eye out for hawks like red-tailed and northern goshawks, and don’t be surprised if you spot peregrine falcons nesting on cliffs. The forest is alive with mammals too; while black bears are common, they usually keep their distance. You might also encounter raccoons, bobcats, and white-tailed deer. Additionally, the Upper Delaware River provides essential open water that remains ice-free, allowing eagles to find food during the winter months. With over 100 miles of trails available for hiking, you can enjoy the scenery while keeping your binoculars ready. Don’t miss the chance to experience this vibrant ecosystem, as there’s always something exciting waiting to be discovered in the Delaware Water Gap.
Promised Land State Park
Promised Land State Park offers another fantastic opportunity for wildlife watching in the Pocono Mountains, building on the rich experiences found in the Delaware Water Gap. With 50 miles of hiking trails, you can explore diverse landscapes, including the Village Trail and Bald Eagle Trail, which lead to scenic lakes and waterfalls. Early summer, from mid-May through mid-June, is the best time to hike, as blooming flora and fauna create a vibrant backdrop. The park’s lush forests provide habitats for many species, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
Make sure to visit the wildlife observation station near Lower Lake, where you can catch a glimpse of nesting bald eagles from early spring through late May. Keep an eye out for these majestic birds around Conservation Island and the prominent tree limbs. An important bird area designated by the National Audubon Society, this park is a prime location for spotting various bird species. Approximately 200 bird species have been documented in the park, enhancing your chances of observing both common and rare birds. Kayaking or canoeing also enhances your chances of spotting eagles and other wildlife.
As you walk quietly through the park, you might encounter black bears, otters, and a variety of bird species, including Canada geese and Blackburnian warblers. July is particularly rewarding, as it’s the time when eaglets leave their nests, and blueberry season attracts bears and birds alike. Your patience will surely pay off in this wildlife haven.
Big Pocono State Park
Have you ever wondered where to find diverse wildlife in the Pocono Mountains? Big Pocono State Park is a fantastic spot for that. Here, you can encounter black bears, white-tailed deer, foxes, and rabbits, making it a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting various species, including wild turkeys, while over 260 bird species call this area home.
The park’s scrub oak forest is rich with vibrant blueberry bushes and mountain laurel, providing a unique habitat for many creatures. While hiking the 8.5 miles of trails, you might see mammals like coyotes, red foxes, and even bobcats. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for box turtles, garter snakes, and the elusive timber rattlesnake.
With trails varying from smooth to rugged, you’ll find something for every skill level. The scenic drive offers breathtaking summit views, and picnic areas with amenities make it easy to enjoy a day outdoors. Whether you’re hiking, mountain biking, or simply soaking in the scenery, Big Pocono State Park is a must-visit for wildlife watching in the Pocono Mountains.
Hickory Run State Park
After exploring the wildlife-rich trails of Big Pocono State Park, Hickory Run State Park offers another fantastic opportunity for nature lovers. Spanning nearly 16,000 acres, this park is a haven for diverse wildlife, including black bears, deer, and wild turkeys. As you hike along its 44 miles of trails, such as the Shades of Death Trail and Hawk Falls Trail, keep your eyes peeled for various bird species and the native brook trout in the streams.
The Fireline Trail also provides beautiful overlooks, enhancing your chances of spotting wildlife amidst the stunning woodlands, streams, and meadows. You’ll find trails lined with hemlock, hickory, and spruce, along with blooming mountain laurel and rhododendron, adding vibrant scenery to your adventures.
For fishing enthusiasts, the park features stocked waters and wild trout streams, including Hickory Run and Hawk Run, and the Lehigh River is open year-round. Don’t miss the wheelchair-accessible fishing pier at CCC Pond or the chance to observe aquatic life at Sand Spring Lake. With so much to see and do, Hickory Run State Park is a must-visit for wildlife watchers and outdoor adventurers alike.
Tobyhanna State Park
Tobyhanna State Park is a hidden gem in the Pocono Plateau, where nature enthusiasts can explore a diverse ecosystem shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago. The park’s unique landscape features sphagnum moss bogs, evergreen trees, and acidic shrub swamps, creating the perfect habitat for numerous wildlife species. As you wander through the 1,600 acres of Black Bear and Bender Swamps Natural Area, keep an eye out for black bears foraging for berries, alongside white-tailed deer and various birds that thrive in these habitats.
The park’s plant life is equally fascinating, with carnivorous pitcher plants and vibrant mountain laurel blooming in mid-June. For a memorable wildlife viewing experience, hike the 5.1-mile Lakeside Trail, which winds past sandy beaches and picnic areas. Fishing in Tobyhanna Lake offers a chance to spot aquatic species like bass, catfish, and trout, while swimming and boating can reveal even more wildlife. If you’re up for it, hunting and trapping in designated areas during the appropriate seasons can also enhance your experience, attracting diverse wildlife. Embrace the opportunity to connect with nature at Tobyhanna State Park!
Delaware Highlands Conservancy
Nestled in the stunning landscapes of the Pocono Mountains, the Delaware Highlands Conservancy offers a unique opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to connect with nature. One of the highlights is the guided Eagle Watch bus tours, running from December to March. These tours take you along the breathtaking Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and Lackawaxen River, where you can learn about bald eagles and their habitat. Be sure to book in advance, as spots fill up quickly!
The Upper Delaware River Region is a prime habitat for bald eagles, drawing them from Maine and Canada during winter. You’ll find popular viewing spots near the historic Roebling Bridge and Zane Grey Museum, where eagle sightings are common. With 44 sightings recorded in a single day, it’s a haven for bird watchers.
Don’t miss the Upper Delaware Visitor Center in Lackawaxen, featuring interpretive exhibits and engaging programs. The Van Scott Nature Reserve, the Conservancy’s headquarters, offers walking trails and educational workshops year-round. Through these immersive experiences, you’ll deepen your appreciation for conservation and the beautiful wildlife of the Pocono Mountains.
Beltzville State Park
Beltzville State Park is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise, brimming with diverse habitats and abundant species. You’ll find everything from warblers and migrating waterfowl to white-tailed deer and playful beavers. With 15 miles of trails winding through woodlands and wetlands, you can easily spot squirrels, chipmunks, and a variety of bird species along the way. The Sawmill Trail offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
The park features a stunning 949-acre Beltzville Lake, where you can enjoy fishing for trout, walleye, and bass. Two public boat launches allow easy access for boating, while designated “no wake” zones ensure a peaceful environment for paddlers. As spring and fall migrations bring an array of waterfowl, you won’t want to miss these seasonal spectacles.
Whether you’re hiking, fishing, or simply soaking in the scenic views, Beltzville State Park has something for everyone. You can visit year-round, with activities ranging from summer swimming to winter ice fishing. Make sure to plan your trip to catch the rich wildlife and natural beauty that this park has to offer.
Conclusion
Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or just love spotting wildlife, the Pocono Mountains have something for everyone. From the breathtaking views at Lacawac Sanctuary to the rich ecosystems of Hickory Run State Park, each location offers unique encounters with nature. So grab your binoculars and explore these top spots, where you’ll create unforgettable memories and connect with the stunning wildlife that calls this region home. Don’t miss out on the adventure waiting for you in the Poconos!
