For the better part of 2025, we’ve been showcasing state parks and state forests in the Poconos. These are publicly accessible places where you can get outside and enjoy nature.

Here in northern Wayne County, north of Honesdale, Sue and Craig are joining me at Browning Beaver Meadow Sanctuary, administered by Lacawac Sanctuary, which we’ve featured before. This is where people can start, right Craig?

“It’s a beautiful spot off of Hawley Road. Just kind of drop off here, park and hit the trails,” said Craig Lukatch of Lacawac Sanctuary. "“We love people to park here, grab a trail map, go to the trails, learn a little bit more. There’s a lot of signage now on properties. People can learn the history of the property and a lot about the ecosystem here.”

JIM: “I do want to take you out here though. This looks like a great vantage point to check out.”

CRAIG: “The sanctuary gets its name because there’s beaver activity. Browning was one of the families who owned the property at the time. Audubon took it over and made it a birding sanctuary. They sometimes count anywhere between 75 species of birds on this property. This is a viewing platform to look out and see the birds.”

​JIM: “Absolutely. So Sue’s got her hiking shoes on, me as well. We’re going to take a little hike here at Browning Beaver Meadow Sanctuary.”

JIM: “This is where you can access the trail—the Wood Duck Trail. Important note: stay on the trails and respect adjacent landowners.”
CRAIG: “Exactly.”
JIM: “All right, let’s head out.”

Browning Beaver Meadow Sanctuary is nearly 80 acres located just under a half hour north of Honesdale. Open sunrise to sunset and free to the public for miles of hiking and taking in nature. 

JIM: “As we take our hike, we’re noticing this new bridge with freshly fallen snow—and bear tracks! A big bear.”
CRAIG: “It’s a big bear. Wow.”
JIM: “That’s impressive. Let’s hope we don’t run into him.”

There are signs of beavers here—they’re responsible for damming up creeks that eventually flow into the nearby Delaware River. With signage throughout, the views change as you hike—just like they change throughout the seasons.

JIM: “Craig, this time of year as we head into winter really gets me thinking about the outdoors and the benefits it has for mental health. A place like Browning Beaver Meadow Sanctuary lets people get outside, get that fresh, crisp air, and benefit their mental health.”
JIM: “Right. Being outdoors—even on a cloudy day—helps reconnect to nature and does something for your mental health. Leave your phone in the car unless you want photos. You have a whole different sense of the world when you reconnect to nature.”

JIM: “Even that idea of left foot, right foot gets your brain functioning and processing things.”
CRAIG: “There are so many studies about what nature does for PTSD, depression, and more. That’s why we encourage people to get on the trails and reconnect with the world.”
JIM: “This is a great place to do it.”

“It’s beautiful and a great example of different ecosystems in one area. Once you get under this canopy of hemlocks, it’s a much different feel—mossy, shaded, and offering cover for wildlife. It’s almost like a majestic, church-like feeling,” said Sue Cosgrove also with Lacawac Sanctuary.
JIM: “It reminds me of Narnia—fantastical and imaginative. Places like this spark that sense of wonder.”
SUE: “Exactly. It’s like a different world.”