Looking for underrated hikes Poconos? Skip the crowds and explore hidden trails at our ten top quiet hikes Poconos picks below! You'll discover a wide variety of scenery and trails for every skill level to enjoy, with easy hikes, moderate hikes, and challenging hikes. Find refreshment for your mind and body as you spend the day solitude hiking on a peaceful forest path or a challenging mountain climb in our local, state & national parks. We've even included some great dining spots where you can to refuel after your time in the fresh air!

Best Times to Go Hiking in the Poconos

From the blooming meadows of spring and summer to the vibrant leaves of autumn to the serene and snowy landscapes of winter, the changing seasons make these lesser known trails Poconos great no matter the time of year - but don't forget to check the weather! Snowy and icy conditions can render some trails inaccessible, and if there has been a lot of rain, paths may be muddy.

Safety, Parking, and Trail Etiquette

Plan ahead to have the best hiking trip possible. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind...

  • Consult our list below to find out are dogs allowed and where to park at each park.
  • Keep in mind cell service may be limited, so it's a good idea to download your map or keep a paper copy on hand.
  • Set out well before sunset so you won't be caught on a trail in the dark.
  • Respect wildlife and plant life and be sure to leave no trace on the environment you visit.
  • Practice good trail etiquette: comply with all posted signs, keep noise levels low, keep your dog on a leash, and share the path with other hikers.

What to Pack for a Low-Crowd Hike

Check the weather and prepare for the elements: bring layers for lower temperatures, wear a good pair of hiking boots, and don't forget sunscreen and bug spray. Since you'll be hiking in a less crowded area that may be further from populated areas with easy access to shops, consider bringing first aid supplies, a map or GPS device, as well as plenty of water and protein-dense snacks.

  1. Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area
  2. Browning Beaver Meadow
  3. Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge
  4. ForEvergreen Nature Preserve
  5. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center
  6. Lacawac Sanctuary
  7. Lackawaxen River Trails
  8. Lehigh Gap Nature Center
  9. Pocono Environmental Education Center
  10. Van Scott Nature Reserve of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy

Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area

1. Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area

Parking: Upper Lot and Lower Lot off Route 115
Difficulty: Easy
Scenery: Woods, Tobyhanna Creek
Dog Friendly: Yes

Listen for birdsong as you weave your way through soaring trees to find your way to the wide, flat waterfalls along Tobyhanna Creek, a tributary of the Lehigh River. The Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area is a pristine, 130-acre preserve offering uncrowded hikes near I-80 include the Pine Trail, Creek Trail, and 2.2-mile Highland Trail Loop Trail. Bring a picnic to enjoy at the covered pavilion at the lower trailhead off Route 115. Remember to take along any trash to help us keep the Poconos clean and green!

Nearby Coffee & Bites After the Trail

Just six minutes away from Austin T. Blakeslee, Pocono Organics Cafe serves up hot and cold drinks, pastries, and fresh meals, with lots of gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options on the menu. Lake Harmony is just ten minutes away and features many great eateries like Piggy's Restaurant, which has a menu full of tasty breakfast and lunch specials.

Browning Beaver Meadow

2. Browning Beaver Meadow

Parking: Lot on Hawley Road just past Helmer's Hill Road
Difficulty: Easy
Scenery: Woods, Pond, Footbridges, Meadow
Dog Friendly: Yes

Get off the grid at Browning Beaver Meadow in Wayne County in the Northern Poconos where you'll find uncrowded hikes near Honesdale. The 2.2-mile, out-and-back Wood Duck and Bluebird Trail traverses wetlands and forests, leading to an observation deck where you can catch a glimpse of undisturbed wildlife.

Nearby Coffee & Bites After the Trail

Drive 25 minutes south to downtown Honesdale after your hike to grab some dinner and brews at Runaway Train Brewery or take a detour to Moka Origins, located on the grounds of the Himalayan Institute just outside of town, to enjoy coffee and chocolate concoctions.

Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge

3. Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Parking: Headquarters Lot off of Cherry Valley Road; Ridge Trail Lot off of Lower Cherry Valley Road
Difficulty: Easy
Scenery: Woods, Meadows, Mountain Vistas
Dog Friendly: No

Once a golf course, Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge is now home to quiet paths and wild areas for migrating birds. There are two areas to explore: the headquarters with the Front Nine and Back Nine Trails located just outside of Stroudsburg off Cherry Valley Road or the Ridge Trail located in Saylorsburg just off of Route 33. Take in the varied terrain on these uncrowded hikes near Stroudsburg as you wander the trails and follow the switchbacks up to the gazebo at the top of the Ridge Trail.

Nearby Coffee & Bites After the Trail

No matter which area of the refuge you visit, there are delicious things to eat close at hand! The Stroudsmoor Bakery and Cafe is just a five minute drive from the headquarters and has a great selection of cookies, pastries, salads, and sandwiches. If you're taking a hike on the Ridge Trail in Saylorsburg, you'll find Sorrenti Family Estate Winery, Distillery, and Pizzeria right next door: swing by for a glass of wine and a dish of pasta or a wood-fired pizza.

ForEvergreen Nature Preserve

4. ForEvergreen Nature Preserve

Parking: Lot at the Brodhead Creek Heritage Center
Difficulty: Easy
Scenery: Woods, Brodhead Creek, Pond, Meadows
Dog Friendly: Yes

Part of the Brodhead Water Association, the ForEvergreen Nature Preserve has a one-mile loop trail on its scenic property alongside the Brodhead Creek just north of East Stroudsburg. You may even spot a bald eagle in its nest!

Nearby Coffee & Bites After the Trail

East Stroudsburg's Crystal Street is just about ten minutes away from the preserve and is packed with restaurants to try. Refuel with a burger at Trackside Station Grill & Bar or find chic coffee drinks and a full food menu at Farmhouse Crystal.

Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center

5. Kettle Creek Enviornmental Education Center

Parking: Lot off of Running Valley Road
Difficulty: Easy
Scenery: Woods, Wetlands
Dog Friendly: Yes

From the Grey Fox Loop to the Black Bear Trail from the Upper Meadow to Woodling Way, Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center has three miles of hiking trails across 166 acres. Lilliana's Nature Discovery Area is perfect for toddlers and little kids with lots of interactive elements like a canoe and tunnel. The center also offers a variety of nature education programs throughout the year.

Nearby Coffee & Bites After the Trail

Bartonsville is only five minutes away from Kettle Creek and has coffee and sandwich shops like Jiva Java Cafe as well as restaurants like Longhorn Steakhouse.

Lacawac Sanctuary

6. Lacawac Sanctuary

Parking: Lots at trailheads throughout the Sanctuary
Difficulty: Easy
Scenery: Woods, Lake
Dog Friendly: Yes

A hidden gem in Wayne County, Lacawac Sanctuary is located off the northern shore of Lake Wallenpaupack and has its own beautiful Lake Lacawac which hikers can discover. The 550 acres and nine miles of uncrowded hikes near Lake Wallenpaupack also lead to diverse wildlife habitats, woodlands, wetlands, and a historic lodge. See the blooming rhododendrons, find the osprey nests along Heron Pond, or sign up for a seasonal event to learn more about the landscape from local experts.

Nearby Coffee & Bites After the Trail

About ten minutes away in Greentown, Jam Room Brewing Company has great beers on tap as well as a menu of small bites and big bites including salads, burgers, mac n' cheese, and more. Located inside the adults-only Cove Haven Resort and open to the public, Spooner's Sports Bar & Grille serves up pizza, sandwiches, wings, and more about 15 minutes away from Lacawac Sanctuary.

Lackawaxen River Trails

7. Lackawaxen River Trails

Parking: Lots at each access point
Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Scenery: Woods, Lake, River
Dog Friendly: Yes

It's an exciting time to plan a hike in Pike and Wayne counties because of the ever-expanding Lackawaxen River Trails. This network includes not only new boat launches along the Lackawaxen River but also peaceful greenways and forest trails blazing new connections between favorite destinations. Check out the accessible riverside walkway at Sycamore Point Park in Honesdale, the challenging Gorge Trail running between Hawley and Lake Wallenpaupack, as well as trails at Bingham Park and White Mills.

Nearby Coffee & Bites After the Trail

The Lackawaxen River Trails run through both Honesdale and Hawley, meaning you'll find plenty of spots to stop and eat! Grab a bagel sandwich and coffee at Camp Umpy's Bagels & Stuff or enjoy a latte and sweet treat from the Cocoon Coffee House & Bakery outside the Hawley Silk Mill.

Lehigh Gap Nature Center

8. Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Parking: Small Lot at Lehigh Gap Bridge, Larger Lot down Paint Mill Road at the Center
Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Scenery: Woods, River, Mountain Views
Dog Friendly: Yes

The famed Appalachian Trail and the historic Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor are two of the incredible many-mile trails that pass through the Pocono Mountains region, and visitors to the Lehigh Gap Nature Center in Slatington can experience both of them! Find panoramic views as you ascend Blue Mountain to follow the AT, stay by the river to discover a portion of the D&L, or venture out onto the 11 other trails crisscrossing this 75-acre wildlife refugre.

Nearby Coffee & Bites After the Trail

Not far from Lehigh Gap, towns like Palmerton and Walnutport have plenty of dining options. Take a fifteen minute drive to eat at the Covered Bridge Inn or enjoy the panoramic view from Slopeside Pub & Grill at Blue Mountain Resort.

Pocono Environmental Education Center

9. Pocono Environmental Education Center

Parking: Lot at the Center on Emery Road
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Scenery: Woods, Ravines, Waterfall, River, Mountain Views
Dog Friendly: Yes

Located within popular Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the six quiet loop trails at Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) are free and open to the public year-round from dawn to dusk. Challenge yourself and watch for wildlife along the Ridgeline and Scenic Gorge Trails, admire the waterfall along the Tumbling Waters Trail, or take a restful meander on the violet-blazed, ADA-compliant Trail for Everyone. Don't forget to check out the educational classes and nature events that PEEC hosts throughout the seasons.

Nearby Coffee & Bites After the Trail

The charming small town of Milford is about 20 minutes north of PEEC and has lots of restaurants to enjoy. Grab a coffee and pastry at BetterWorld Store & Cafe or sit down for a family meal at Apple Valley Restaurant.

Van Scott Nature Reserve of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy

10. Van Scott Nature Reserve of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy

Parking: Lot off of Perkins Pond Road
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Scenery: Woods, Meadows, Ponds, Old Farm Buildings
Dog Friendly: No

The wetlands, woods, and meadows at the Van Scott Nature Reserve of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy are important habitats for birds and pollinators and a beautiful backdrop for the 144 acres and three miles of hiking trails. Keep an eye on the reserve's calendar of events to attend a conservation or education class.

Nearby Coffee & Bites After the Trail

Beloved Woodloch Resort is a fifteen minute drive away from the reserve and boasts several restaurants that are open to the public including The Grille Room at The Country Club at Woodloch Springs and TREE - Restaurant and Bar at The Lodge at Woodloch.

Lesser Known Trails Poconos

Before you head out on your Pocono hike, make sure you're prepared with appropriate attire including a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or boots, plenty of water, sunscreen and bug spray, and a first aid kit. Take care of the environment and leave no trace when visiting our beloved parks and trail systems. Looking to take care of Mother Nature while you spend time outdoors? Celebrate Earth Day and sign up for our Pick Up the Poconos Clean-up Day on Saturday, April 26, 2026! Don’t forget to check out even more restaurants and places to stay to refuel and rest while visiting. See you in the Poconos!

Spring and Summer Poconos Hiking Photos

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