Photo: Nicholas Tonelli
Please join Brodhead Watershed Association as they host a guided hike starting at Spruce Lake Retreat in Barrett Township, PA!
The summit trail takes hikers past — and through — waterfalls and a fast-flowing creek, around enormous glacier-dropped boulders, and over rocky terrain strewn with shale and twisted with surface-running roots of trees.
The land, trails, and facilities here are privately owned, but the public is welcome to enjoy them by paying a small fee. From the office, the trail leads past neat cottages to a picturesque waterfall on Spruce Mountain Run, then along the bank of the run, and quickly leaves the camp behind.
After half an hour of steep climbing, more falling water comes into view. The trail seems to lead directly into the highest waterfall, and in fact it does. The next few yards are wet, slippery and vertical.
At the top, hikers with a hiking pole, sturdy boots and good balance will find their reward.
IF YOU GO
Join Carol Hillestad for a strenuous hike to a viewpoint at 1,700 feet on Spruce Mountain. Registration required.
WHERE: Spruce Lake Retreat, Barrett Township, Pa. Register for directions. Ample parking. Restrooms available at the beginning and end of the hike.
NOTE: Trail is 2.5 miles round trip and very difficult — rocky, wet, and steep with about 400 feet elevation change. Some climbing. Boots, hiking stick, and good balance required.
COST: The $5 per-person fee is covered for registered hikers, and includes access to other resort facilities for the day. Open to the public at other times for a day-use fee of $5, payable at the office.
INFORMATION: Call 570-839-1120 or 570-629-2727; email info@brodheadwatershed.org.
For information about this and other hikes in the free Get Outdoors Poconos series, please click here!
The hike series is administered by Brodhead Watershed Association and supported by a grant from the William Penn Foundation.