Hidden Gems of PA - Tank Hollow Vista

I had seen people putting pics of this hike on one of the FB groups related to hiking, and that is when I made my mind to visit this hidden GEM of Pennsylvania.
It is a hidden gem because of two things, first it is not easy to find and second because it is not officially a marked hike.

It was a sunny day and I and my wife decided to try our luck.
We followed the directions from one of the blog that we have read online, and it helped us to find the State Game Lands first gate. The gate was closed, hence we parked the car there and started our hike.
The trailhead was still ahead and we were really excited to find it. The road ahead was in good shape and also had some beautiful wildflowers, so we really enjoyed following it.

We met few groups on our way ahead which couldn’t find the trailhead, and were still confused whether to give up and go back or still keep on the search going.
We were a bit nervous, but my wife had a keen eye. She recognized two quite obvious trails one on the left and other on the right, and remembered that in one of the blog it was mentioned to take the right one for the Tank Hollow Vista. So, we took the right one.

It was a leveled trail with no elevation at all. Quite easy for any level of hiking skill.
As we moved ahead on the trail, the forest became more beautiful with pine and rhododendron.
The trail was wide in the starting but narrowed down as we moved towards the Vista.

After a little over a mile hike, we were welcomed by the stunning view of the vista.

The vista looked down onto a bend in the Leigh River with mountains around. I could hear and also see the rapids.

We sat there for sometime to take in the beauty of the scenic view. After half hour, we headed back to the same route from where we came.

It am pretty sure the sunset would be amazing here. Definitely a GEM of a place and highly recommended to everyone who loves hiking.

More Details:

Parking -
Park your vehicle at State Game Lands # 141, PA which is along the Behrens Road in Jim Thorpe, PA.
If the lot one gate of  is open, you can take the car inside and park it in the next parking space which spans to both left and right side of the road.

Difficult Level -
Easy

Best Time to go -
From Spring to Fall, any day should be good.

Thins to carry -
1. Map of the trail as it is a bit difficult to find the trailhead
2. Hiking boots
3. Water
4. Food and Snacks
5. Mask
6. Gloves
8. First Aid kit and sunscreen

Distance -
It is 3.5 miles round trip in case the first lot gate is not open, otherwise it is just 2.5 miles round trip.

Time -
If you find the trailhead in the first place, it should take you 3 hours max, assuming you will spend half hour at the vista point.

Activities -
There are only two activities to do here – hiking and hunting.

Fees -
No Entry fee

Website -
No official website

Continue Reading..

Hidden Gems of PA - Raymondskill Falls

Located in the Delaware Water Gap area of Pennsylvania, Raymondskill Falls is titled as the tallest waterfall of the state. It is a series of three cascading waterfalls and when seen together, is believed to be only few feet shorter than Niagara Falls.

It is located on Raymondskill Creek in Milford and is easily accessible.
The Raymondskill Falls Loop Trail is just 0.4 mile and is rated easy.
The parking area and trails are maintained by the National Park Service, which ensures that they are generally in great condition.

The official trails take you to the top and middle tier of the Raymondskill Falls.
There are two viewing platforms available for you to take pictures and soak in the beauty of the falls.
But if you want to get to the lowest tier, you can take the faint trails that appear to be seen on the other side of the fence that head down to bottom.

The way is a bit steep and slippery to the lowest tier waterfall. As it is not maintained, people should take extra caution while getting down through it. But if you manage to get down, you will be treated with some breathtaking views of the lowest tier waterfall. Also it is quite peaceful and dreamy down there, so highly recommended.

If you want, you can also get to the river stream. The trail curves steeply downhill, until reaching creek level. The sound of flowing water is quite serene.

Address: Raymondskill Falls,Raymondskill Road, Milford, PA 18337

Parking: The parking is free, though there are only few spots available.

Admission: There is no admission fee for the waterfall.

Amenities: There are restrooms available.

Continue Reading..

Hidden Gems of PA - Hyner View State Park Overlook

Pennsylvania is home to many beautiful outdoor destinations. It is known to have some of the most gorgeous waterfalls and stunning overlook points. With natural wonders like Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Pocono Mountains, to ringing rocks and the longest river on East Coast - Susquehanna River, this state has it all.

But there are some crowing glories of Pennsylvania’s landscape, which will make you go all gaga about this state. Through this series, I will take you for a virtual tour of these hidden gems of PA.
So, without further ado, here is the first place on the list – Hyner View State Park Overlook.

Hyner View State Park Overlook located in Hyner View State Park is one of the best scenic overlook in entire Pennsylvania. It is 1940 feet above sea level and provides breathtaking views of the Susquehanna River valley.

You can drive all the way to the top and the overlook point is just a small walk from the parking lot.
At the point there is an overlook wall that was built in 1930 by Civil Conservation Corps and you can comfortably sit on the wall and treat yourself to the awesomeness of the nature.

Many daredevils and adventure seekers also try their hands on hang gliding and paragliding from the top. It is fun to watch and we really enjoyed it.

Address:Hyner Overlook Vista, Hyner View State Park, Clinton County, PA

Parking: The parking is free, though there are only few spots available.

Admission:There is no admission fee for the overlook point

Amenities:There are restrooms available at the top. Hyner View State Park has a small picnic area too.

There is also a very beautiful city in the vicinity of the park - Lock Haven City.
Located near the confluence of the West Branch Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Creek, this city has got some stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains.

You can walk along the William Clinger Riverwalk starting from the Veterans Park and enjoy the beautiful river views, cool breezes, the Corman Amphitheatre and floating stage. We also saw boats taking people along the river.

Continue Reading..