Sept 30, Oct 1, 2, 3, 4, 2021
Promised Land State Park, PA
Thursday 9/30
Arrive @ Promised Land SP, campsite 326.
In the RV loop mistakenly 😳 so there is no good spot for our tent. We walked out from camp, up alongside the Wallenpaupack Creek, and saw Little Falls running brown with tannins. We took a right turn onto Big Dam Ridge Trail for a rocky trail thru rhododendron groves and fern glens on a tiny unused trail. Back to camp after a 4 mile hike and started a fire for grilling burgers.
Friday 10/1
We took our bikes on a shuttle to ride the Lehigh Gorge Trail from the Tannery near White Haven down to Jim Thorpe village for about 23 miles on dirt. The gorge was ok, and the promised downhill was quite flat and non-exhilarating.
We next chased down a weird geographic phenomena in Hickory Run State Park. The boulder field was immense - 16 acres!
Tried a few breweries and found Halloween in full gear at Barley Creek brews. Sadly, none of the beers made it to the cooler.
Saturday 10/2
Hike on the Appalachian Trail up to Mt. Minsi from the town of Delaware Water Gap for a view of the river (& I-80…), a cute little coiled snake, and pretty but invasive Spotted Lanternfly.
Out for music and winery/brewery with a nice hilltop view and a killer sunset. Back to camp to shower and warm by the fire.
Sunday 10/3
Out for a fall color recommended lake look (too early in the season), then to Shohola waterfall (next to a shooting range?!?), a bike ride on the McDade Recreational Trail (dirt bike path) in the Delaware Water Gap SRA ( between the river and acres of soy bean fields), and then some live music with our beverages at the very welcoming and homey Shawnee Craft Brewery.
Monday 10/4
Rain all day, so head out from a soggy camp to dry out and warm up at the nearest brewery, then hide at the movies (remember those?!?).
Tuesday 10/5
Leave the Poconos for family…
You don’t want or need to hear any of that.. but I will say Squam lake in NH can sooth the soul😋