Exploring Pike County

Pike County is home to the Delaware Water Gap and other lakes, state parks, hunting grounds, etc. Its a truly beautiful county nestled in the mountains of PA. I enjoyed just driving around and stopping at random locations.  This trip was more of a "cliff notes" to a great novel. I didn't stay in any one location too long but it was enough to know I loved what I saw and I'm looking forward to returning.

Lake Wallenpaupack appears to offer a lot of fun--boating, golfing, shopping and more.  Though I only stopped at a few locations to see it, it was beautiful and reminded me of many fun family adventures on lakes growing up. I'd definitely want to return with friends or family, this is not a place to experience alone.

Lacawac Sanctuary was not where I was expecting to go but thankful a wrong turn took me there.  Its a tranquil 550 acre non profit nature preserve on the shores Lake Wallenpaupack. I arrived late in the day so I only traveled on one of the many trails. I sadly didn't get a picture of the two large wild turkeys who crossed my path. I was so startled that by the time I grabbed my camera they were gone but it was a neat experience for sure! (And yes I thought about Thanksgiving after seeing them--lol).

Nesting for Osprey located around the pond and preserve  

Check out the sanctuary if you're ever in the area www.lacawac.org 

Raymondskill Falls -- this is a beautiful location but not a "safe" hike--steep areas with roots. Though there were some safety railings,  there were not enough to make me feel safe bringing small children (unless the kids carried by parents). I recall hiking with my brothers when we were younger. They could climb any mountain (regardless of if realistic or not), had no fear (or pretended they did not), and had such a zest for exploration and adventure. I could see them loving this place but I also could see them running the trails ahead of mom and dad as I am sure most kids do and there were some spots where a slip of the foot could lead to a long drop down the side of the mountain so I share this for my friends who love the outdoors but also have small children. Also the trails were not marked so definitely take a picture when at the start of the trail so you could make your way back. I ran into a few people lost. I just took the small loop to see the falls and end up back at my starting point.

Other beautiful spots found along the way on my day traveling through Pike County:

 (I don't know the man fishing but he was one of the few taking advantage of one of the many activities this area offers)

Visiting only instills my growing desire to have a mountain home one day......