A hike to Rattlesnake Falls in Barrett Township, Pa., requires a creek crossing, a steep ascent, and then a slippery descent along rock walls. Brodhead Watershed Association will host a guided hike to the falls to show participants how the journey is worth the effort.
A hiking pole helps participants slide down to the first landing place. From there, narrow switchbacks make the descent a little easier. Two ropes are anchored to the rock walls, dripping with water and thickly carpeted in moss.
At last, hikers reach the flat rocks at the foot of the falls. Here, the air is cool and misty, full of the sound of rushing water cascading down rock steps to a wide pool.
Pure and clean, from here the water curves away downhill. The open forest closes in around the creek, and it flows onward beneath dense arching stands of rhododendron and mountain laurel. Beautiful.
IF YOU GO Carol Hillestad will lead a 2.5-mile out-and-back hike to Rattlesnake Falls before Brodhead Watershed Association’s annual Ramble.
WHEN: Noon on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019
WHERE: In Barrett Township. Register for directions.
COST: The hike is free, but registration is required.
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, go to brodheadwatershed.org/gopoconos. The hike series is administered by Brodhead Watershed Association and supported by a grant from the William Penn Foundation.
ABOUT THE RAMBLE: The Ramble, an interactive self-driving tour in Barrett to be held 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4, includes visits to Buck Hill Falls, Rattlesnake Creek in State Gamelands 221 and other local sites, and an after-Ramble party on the site of the former Buck Hill Falls Inn. The Ramble starts at The Friendly Community Center, Mountainhome. The Ramble is $15 for members of BWA and/or Buck Hill Conservation Foundation; $20, nonmembers; children under 12, free. There is a $2 discount for registering by July 31, 2019. To pre-register or for information: 570-839-1120 or brodheadwatershed.org/Ramble.html.
