NEPA Locals Guide

Scranton is an ideal city for a home base, offering endless possibilities for Road Trips of all timeframes.

We always joke that the only reason people know about Scranton, PA is because of “The Office” and while that is still up for debate in our own household. We also very affectionately think of this area as the home base of all home bases, at least for the moment that is! Scranton is in the perfect location for all types of road trips from day tripping, weekend tripping, long weekend tripping, and full on vacationing!

I set out to make this post with 10 great road trips from Scranton and had to stop myself at 31 within 6 hours before the entire East Coast, Midwest, New England, and Canada were listed here. If only I could get good Mexican food in Scranton (and by good, I really mean if I could have San Diego’s Mexican food here… )

Road Trips Within 1 Hour

1. Lake Wallenpaupack, PA (about 45 minutes)

One of the best little trips from Scranton is to Pennsylvania’s second largest lake. The land was originally inhabited by the indigenous Lenape people, who named the area “Wallenpaupack,” meaning “The Stream of Swift and Slow Water.” But, the lake wasn’t always present; constructed by PP&L in 1926 for hydroelectric and flood control purposes by damming the Wallenpaupack Creek. With 52 miles of shoreline and 13 of length, there’s an abundance of fun to be had on land and water.

We suggest spending the day adventuring outdoors and visiting the nearby town area for some grub. Start off your morning by hiking the Wallenpaupack Lake Trail, a not entirely dog friendly, 3 mile loop around the lake. Then head over to Wallenpaupack Boat Tours and Rentals to get out on the lake in the summer!

Other activities for summer exploration include golfing, hiking in the area, fishing, exploring the quaint area, and simply breathing in the fresh Pocono air! During winter, aside from the annual Wally Ice Fest, check out ice skating, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing at the lake. Nearby you can also find skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing!

For Eats:

As for Food, we suggest The Boat House or Wallenpaupack Brewing Company in the Lake Wallenpaupack area. Or you can make the trek over to Honesdale for our all time favorite NEPA area restaurant – Native!

2. Pocono Mountains, PA (about 30 minutes-1 hour)

Okay, okay, I know you’re sitting here saying out loud that I’m already including destinations within the Pocono Mountains. Well, you’re right, many of these locations are within the Poconos. I added this because there are so many great places within the Pocono Mountains that you should visit if you have a day or weekend trip. The Poconos covers 4 counties to the West side of the Delaware river and all the way down to the Jim Thorpe area.

We suggest you try not only the main cities that are often visited like Jim Thorpe, Lake Wallenpaupack, Stroudsburg, but also the little communities within the entire Mountain range. Take a trip through the top waterfall hikes within the Poconos, visit the mom and pop shops, and eat at the delis and diners! For those of you that love resorts and/or spas – be sure to visit Woodloch, Kalahari, and Ledges!

Check out our Ultimate Pocono’s Sunset Hike here:

3. Delaware Water Gap, PA/NJ (about 1 hour)

The Delaware Water Gap is a national recreation area that lies in both PA and NJ. Marked by the Delaware River’s journey through the mountain ranges and low lying forest, you won’t miss the gorgeous views.

For our hikers, there are 28 miles of Appalachian trail to enjoy within the area. In order to accommodate your travels, there is a hiker shuttle that permits dogs. It runs every 30 minutes at some of the key trailheads and lots. Bicycles are only permitted on the McDade Trail. If you’re bringing your own kayak, bike, canoe, and/or dogs take the MCTA shuttle for easy and free relaying. For complete information on visiting the national recreation site click here for the visitor guide.

We like to camp when we visit if staying for longer than a day and suggest the Dingman’s campground on the PA side!

4. Ricketts Glen State Park (about 1 hour)

Ricketts Glen is one of the most scenic areas in all of Pennsylvania and also a hiker’s haven! Enjoy hiking the main trail system taking you by the scenic waterfalls. After you’ve had a full day of hiking, go enjoy a swim at Lake Jean. If you’d rather explore the lake by boat, check out the boat rentals. When visiting in winter, be sure to enjoy cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking. There are limited food options available at the park so be sure to plan ahead and bring your needed refreshments. Pets are welcome!

Camping Reservations – $20

5. Jim Thorpe, PA (about 1 hour)

Jim Thorpe is a historical and adorable town in Pennsylvania, 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 100 miles west of NYC. The city has a long history in coal mining and the railroad industry that you can learn about in one of its many museums or as you’re taking a ride on the passenger train that still exists today. When visiting Jim Thorpe, you are surrounded by nature. So go ahead and take a hike, go mountain biking, or whitewater raft down the Lehigh Valley Gorge.

While visiting, be sure to check out The Harry Packer Mansion as it was the inspiration for the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney parks in both California and Florida.

Road Trips Within 3 Hours

6. Ithaca, NY (about 2 hours)

Home to Cornell University and an abundance of beautiful art and nature. Ithaca can be your gateway to the finger lakes for a wine tasting weekend or you can simply stay put to enjoy everything this beautiful city has to offer. When visiting in the summer, take in all the waterways and hikes to famous gorges, such as Buttermilk State Falls.

On Saturdays, there’s an eclectic farmers market where you can purchase local produce for your picnic lunch. When you come back to visit in winter, check out the frozen falls via hikes, go ice skating, or check out one of their many museums. The Sciencecenter and Johnson Art Museums are two of our favorites!

Before your time here ends, be sure to tour the campus – it’s really beautiful and shouldn’t be missed!

7. Harrisburg, PA (about 2 hours)

The capital of Pennsylvania is only 2 hours away by car and a load of historical fun to take in at every corner! To be honest, we haven’t been here yet, but have a trip planned this summer for a little weekend getaway. While visiting, we plan to spend some time on the Baron’s Beer Trail to relive the period of time before the prohibition where Harrisburg and Hershey were main brewer locations.

Additionally, take some time to walk the state capitol complex and visit the state museum. After walking the riverfront and taking a cruise, be sure to spend some time at the many great restaurants and bars within the city!

8. Philadelphia, PA (about 2 hours)

Brotherly love and great eats! In only 2 hours on that turnpike, you can get great food, great music, and a city sky line to fill you with the hustle and bustle you’ve been missing. We highly suggest breaking Philadelphia (and most large cities) into chunks. If you try to do everything in one trip, you won’t be able to enjoy all the city has to offer!

When visiting in the summertime, be sure to plan a weekend with a music festival to take in all the excitement and live music we’ve been missing over these past few COVID years.

9. Gettysburg, PA (about 2.5 hours)

History buffs and civil war fanatics rejoice as you visit Gettysburg, PA! Not only is there a ton of history here, there are also a lot of really interesting haunt stories! Add this to your list of Halloween season destinations and you’ll be amazed with the foliage, ghost stories, and battle reenactments. Plan your visit to Gettysburg National Military Park to include a battle walk, campfires, or horseback rides.

When your day is settling down, plan for a period fare from the civil war era from The Dobbin House or head to one of the many delicious farm-to-table establishments. Check out our most Haunted sites post in Gettysburg here:

10. New York City, NY (about 2.5 hours)

I’d say this one is self explanatory, but go here, spend the weekend here, and then go again in a few months after your wallet has recovered. As for us, we have spent a ton of time in the city and absolutely love it to pieces, not only for the typical touristy stuff, but for the getting lost, staying out too late by accident, and realizing you’ve accidentally walked 10 miles worth of steps and only traveled within 3 miles of the city sort of stuff too.

We highly suggest breaking NYC into chunks. If you try to do everything in one fell swoop, you won’t be able to enjoy all the city has to offer! Don’t worry, we plan to do mini posts on different areas/weekend trip itineraries. But, until then, try to break up along the following suggestions, if you need some inspiration:

• Manhattan
  • Downtown
  • Chelsea/Meatpacking
  • Midtown West
  • Upper West Side
  • Midtown East
  • Upper East Side
  • Morningside Heights/Harlem
• Brooklyn
  • Park Slope, Caroll Gardens, Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO
  • Dumbo (again), Downtown Brooklyn, Navy Yard, Fort Green, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint
• Long Island
  • Beaches
• The Bronx
  • Yankee Stadium
• Queens
  • Citi Field

Check out our New York City in the rain post here:

11. Hudson, NY and/or surrounding Hudson Valley cities (varying around 2.5 hours)

Hudson is an artist’s haven and you will be smitten with this adorable town not even 3 hours away. Wander down their Main Street – Warren Street for great shops, great eats, and beautiful galleries galore. While Hudson is a little expensive for our wallets, we’ve always had such a wonderful experience visiting and are always blown away by the food.

Be sure to check out the many antique stores, The Maker Hotel, and the dried floral shop while visiting! Also, don’t be shocked if you catch some celebrities while visiting, Hudson is about a stone’s throw from the city and many celebrities hole in up here!

The lodging can be pricey here, but we suggest checking out all of the stops via Airbnb, off season stays, hotels in and outside of the town, and even camping nearby!

12. Albany, NY (about 2 hours, 45 minutes)

The capital of NY is a beautiful city with a ton of history. Be sure to check out the Empire plaza with beautiful reflecting pools, a massive park, and gorgeous architecture. Albany is the gateway to great outdoors in the northeast for all 4 seasons and still maintains a lively and lovely downtown.

Be sure to check out Albany in the spring for a gorgeous tulip festival around Mother’s Day that you’ll be sure to reminisce on during those cold winter mornings where you long for the birds chirping and warmth of the sun to bring joy to your day.

13. Saratoga Springs, NY (about 3 hours)

Horse racing, hot springs, and a beautiful, dog friendly main street! This place is wholesome, has great food, and loves your dogs too! Whether you’re spending an afternoon passing through or an entire weekend there are a ton of options to have this little city cater to your needs. Our favorite thing to do when passing through with our dogs is to grab a sandwich or two at Putnam market and then walk over to Congress park for a little picnic. One of the simplest and cutest trips from Scranton you can take with your dogs!

14. Canandaigua, NY and/or surrounding Finger Lake Cities (varying under 3 hours)

The Lakehouse – enough said? But seriously, this is my favorite place to stay in Canandaigua. It’s pricey and definitely a resort vibe – but if you’re looking for a spa weekend with the girls or a reset for your family and pups, this place is for you.

If you’d like to not spend half your savings (alright it’s not that expensive and totally worth it for a summer trip) there’s a ton of great and beautiful camping in the area that you can still stay at and access the water and wineries. The Rose Tavern or Casa Italiana are both great dinner options while popping around the area!

Road Trips Within 6 Hours

These Roads Trips are definitely worth it!!

15. Atlantic City to Cape May, NJ (3-3.5 hours)

Gamble, drink, and enjoy the vices with a weekend of the little Vegas of the East Coast. Or just enjoy the beach and lighthouses while biking on the boardwalk. The great thing about Atlantic city is you really can have both of those options and if you aren’t spending all of your money at the table or on the slots, this place is pretty budget friendly. We love the buffets and boardwalk entertainment the most (seriously never a dull moment out there)!

16. Baltimore, MD (around 3.5 hours)

Camden Yards, the home of Edgar Allen Poe, and good seafood. Be sure to sing the star spangled banner while visiting as this is the city of its birth! Alongside crab shacks, the downtown shore hosts the USS Constellation, a civil war era warship.

17. Lake George, NY (around 3 hours 45 minutes)

Camping, boating, and forgetting about city life for a little while. This not so little lake region is filled with some fun little towns, like Bolton Landing, Lake George Village, and Huett’s landing. Be sure to take your time driving up the shoreline and settle on a place that speaks to you. Camping, airbnb, and little BnB’s are available along the entire length of the Lake. Kayaking can be a little risky, but is possible if you’re keeping safety in mind as there are a lot of motorized boats out on the water.

18. Washington D.C. (around 4 hours)

Our nation’s capital and it’s only about 4 hours from Scranton! Hope on the road and head down to the capital for a lesson in history. Our favorite way to see the city is by bike – you can hit all of the great landmarks in a weekend and enjoy downloadable audio tours while you bike around the Potomac thinking about previous wars fought, legislature brought to the forefront and monumental signatures put onto paper.

The weight of this city gets me in the best way every time we visit. Don’t miss out on Arlington Cemetery to pay your respects to our fallen soldiers.

19. Boston, MA (around 4.5-5 hours)

Go Sox! Boston is your long weekend of history, Sam Adams Beer Tours, and good seafood! Just as we suggest with all large cities – break this baby up into chunks! A couple of must do’s from us are hitting up Fenway and/or Yawkee Way, The Cheers Bar, and frolicking around the beautiful colleges within the city.

With lots of city to see and plenty of parks to picnic at, get those miles in and enjoy the city by foot! Don’t forget to visit the wharf and literally a million other places. That being said, we are confident you can fill up a weekend with the aforementioned and likely a long one at that!

20. Shenandoah, VA (around 4.5 hours)

One of the prettiest and most fun drives we have ever done (and we have done a lot of driving). We suggest visiting at different times of the year to take in Shenandoah’s unique seasonality. In the spring, you can enjoy beautiful color gradients due to the elevation change and blooms galore.

Driving along the main drag, Skyline drive, you can get to a ton of hikes and fun lodging options. If you’re a bird watcher, make sure you’re on the lookout (which we know you always are if you’re a bird watcher) but we saw a massive owl along with the abundance of wildlife on the many trails!

21. Newport, RI (around 4.5 hours)

Mansions and old world money galore – come here and take it all in with some great cocktails and seafood to finish the day. Newport is one of our favorite trips from Scranton to imagine a world 100 years ago along the tortured coastline. We promise you’ll be properly tired by the end of your day if you adventure along the cliff walk and into many of the mansion museums along the rocky shoreline.

It’s highly recommend spending at least a day walking the cliff walk and then onto main street to enjoy a night on the town. There are many summer festivals that can be enjoyed while visiting so be sure to check out the Newport events calendar here.

22. Killington, VT (about 5 hours)

We’ve only been here in the winter so far, but loved every minute of this area. To be honest, Vermont has been on our top 10 favorite states list for quite some time. I’d argue that Killington strengthened their standing, for now, with our last visit. If you plan on visiting in the winter, be sure to visit Killington/Pico Mountain resort, as it’s the largest ski resort this side of the Mississippi.

When visiting during the summer, be sure to check out the many hikes in the Green Mountains. If you are the adventurous summer visitor, enjoy the Killington resort by bike as one of the best mountain biking destinations in New England. For you golfers out there – The Green Mountain National Golf Course was voted the number one public golf course in Vermont.

Rutland and Woodstock surround the town of Killington and are also cities that offer much to be explored within this area!

For Eats:

For breakfast, we loved Liquid Arts Coffeehouse and Eatery.
As for dinner, we thoroughly enjoyed The Foundry. The food here was decadent and the perfect end to a day on the slopes while watching the passing snow squall through the massive windows.

23. Burlington, VT (about 5.5 hours)

When we moved across country 7 years ago, we drove through Vermont and marked it as one of our must return states. Here we are back on the east coast after being away for about 5 years and we’ve already gone to Vermont 4 times. Seriously, this state speaks to us.

Burlington is a lively and quirky city own the East shoreline of Lake Champlain. Known for its free thinking spirit, you will lose track of time wandering the vibrant city. Spend time downtown touring the shops and delicious farm to table restaurants before nestling in for the night to prepare for an outdoorsy day two!

After enjoying downtown, take a boat trip down Lake Champlain taking in Burlington and the surrounding cities via water. Then, do our favorite touristy activity and walk as much of the beautiful city trails and roads as you can! For food, we highly suggest The Farmhouse Tap and Grill!

24. Buffalo, NY (about 4.5 hours)

More than just Niagara falls, don’t miss the city that gave us buffalo wings and is the second largest in the state of New York. Be sure to check out both Anchor Bar and Duff’s Famous Wings to compare which are the best of the best in Buffalo. Plenty of sports teams to watch (mildly thanks to Terry Pegula (from the great town of Carbondale, PA) and parks to frolic in the summer.

If you’re visiting in the winter – take note you might get stuck in a snowstorm, but who doesn’t love a good blizzard to snuggle up in a cabin and forget about the rest of the world for a hot minute. Buffalo is one of our favorite gateway city trips from Scranton.

25. Pittsburgh, PA (about 4.5 hours)

The “steel city” and ranked among the top places to live in the United States, Pittsburgh is a great place to go with a family, alone, or with friends. Take a walk on one of the many 446 bridges (no wonder Pittsburgh is also affectionately known as the city of bridges) or hop on one of the rail trails nearby – there’s an abundance of activity to be enjoyed throughout the city. For food, don’t miss out on the Primanti sandwiches or a Pittsburgh salad after a day full of adventure.

26. Delaware and/or Maryland Beach Cities (between 3.5 and 5 hours)

Moving away from Northeastern PA made me forget how many beautiful ocean beaches are within a days drive. Feeling a sleepy beach? Feeling a beach filled with nightlife? Family Friendly? There are beaches to cover each option – Rehoboth, Dewey, and Ocean city are all excellent choices, but check out the map of the coastline and pick one for a weekend away!

27. Assateague/ Chincoteague, MD/VA (about 5 hours)

Assateague National Seashore is one of our favorite places in the United States to camp! Wild horses and miles of shoreline make this the perfect destination when you want to be by the ocean but without the surplus of tourism and people. Spend a weekend camping on the beach, biking the shoreline, or simply taking in the scenery.

After getting some activity in for the day, be sure to grab some groceries and local wood at the nearby markets just outside of the National land so you can enjoy campfire cooking and s’mores by the fire. Campsites book out early and require reservations from March 15th to November 15th. So be sure to book these spots a few months in advance if you’d like a specific weekend.

Chincoteague is the entrance to Assateague’s shoreline from the VA side. Once a summer, they have a pretty famous pony swim, where the local ponies swim across the water as thousands of spectators watch. There’s a ton of extra fun things going on in the area during this time, but it can also be quite crowded during this week.

28. Lake Placid, NY (around 5 hours)

As the home of the 1932 and 1980 Olympics, Lake Placid is an awesome, all-weather city in the heart of the Adirondacks. When you visit in the summer, be sure to climb one or a few of the famous 46 high peaks or paddle through the lakes and rivers that make Lake Placid one of the premiere paddling destinations of the Northeast.

During the winter, enjoy world class skiing, snowboarding, and ice sports. Then, settle down by the fire with a local bottle of wine at one of the amazing lake front hotels or one of our favorite Airbnbs. Lake Placid is one of our favorite trips from Scranton to get lost in the wild.

If you plan to visit during the fall, be prepared to drive very carefully because you will want to hang your head out the window uncontrollably for your entire trip through the Adirondacks, all while being mesmerized by the gorgeous colors that paint the olympic sized scenery.

Seriously, I’ve seen a lot of leaves change, but there’s just something about a deep fog hanging over the lake while the fall colors mirror onto the water and into the sky. When packing, bring extra camera batteries, memory sticks (cloud access if you’re in this century), and remember to spend time simply smelling the air and feeling alive.

When looking for food, we never went wrong with the homey breakfast nooks. For dinner, we thoroughly enjoyed Smoke Signals. They’re highly rated among visitors. Therefore, we suggest making a reservation or putting your name on the list as their wait times can be pretty gnarly depending on how crowded the town is when you’re visiting!

29. Cape Cod, MA (around 5.5 hours)

Difficult to get to but oh the seafood is so worth it. I am not sure what’s better about this little hook of heaven, the quaint villages or the picturesque sunrises that seem to be unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been. Be sure to check out the JFK and lighthouse museums while visiting.

30. Toronto, Canada (around 6 hours)

Tim Horton, the Maple Leaves, and the space needle are staples of this city in Canada. Take a long drive for a long weekend and enjoy getting out of the USA for a little while to appreciate what’s different and what’s the same by just crossing the north border.

Catch a baseball or basketball game to experience American leagues with a Canadian twist and enjoy taking in the views of many filming locations of your favorite movies. If you didn’t know it’s much easier and cheaper to film in Canada so many of your US based movies were actually filmed in Canadian cities. In the winter, take in some of the world’s best skiing or snow sports!

31. Portland, ME (around 6 hours)

Breweries and sunshine along the beach in the summer! Enjoy a walking brew tour or biking the city on a warm summer weekend. In the winter, take up an evening of ice skating, dog sledding, or cross country skiing on the many trails nearby. Beaches in New England with lighthouses, snow, and a nice glass of wine to warm you up is something you won’t want to miss. We think the ice bar is a novelty but fun to visit!

We hope you enjoyed this list! Enjoy your journeys.

Seven Tubs Recreation Area

Take a Hike and Dip in a Watering Pool or “Tub”

Seven Tubs Recreation Area is a gorgeous nature escape located near the city of Wilkes Barre, PA about 20 minutes south of Scranton in the town of Bear Creek. The family friendly recreation area is a popular spot for hiking, swimming, and family outings during the warm summer months on Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The Recreation area is a 537 acre recreation area that boasts watering pools or “tubs” that were formed by glacier run off water of the last ice age. The recreation area also features 2 hiking trails that navigate through the park cutting through sweeping meadows, narrows low-lying trees, and trek parallel to the creek that feeds the pools. The two creeks that flow through eh park are known as Laurel Run and Wheelbarrow Run and are the main driving flows that have cut the gorges and valley and formed the pools.

The recreation area is one of the most scenic outdoor destinations in the area. It is mostly known for and most commonly visited because of the pool (tubs) that are located throughout the recreation area. In certain spots water fall rock slides can be used to slide down to the pools. This is very popular with children especially.

Hikers of all levels flock to the area to take in the pols and trek the loops that wind through the recreation area. Seven Tubs is also a phenomenal location to view wild flowers as it is home to over 60 different types of flowers throughout the park.

How To Get To Seven Tubs Recreation Area

Address: 900 Bear Creek Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

Seven Tubs is located a few miles south of downtown Wilkes Barre and right off of Interstate 81 in the town of Bear Creek. From I-81 take exit 170A to merge onto PA-115 South toward Bear Creek. From PA-115 head towards and turn right onto Bear Creek Blvd which will lead you to both. parking areas of the recreation area.

Audubon Trail Loop

Our trip to Seven Tubs was on a very hot July day that features temperatures in the mid 90s. To us that is a perfect day to explore some nature especially when it offers us a chance to cool off in some natural water at the end of our journey.

We chose the Audubon Trail Loop, which is a 1.8 mile loop that circles the area and offers amazing views of the waterfalls and pools. This is a great trail for hikers of all abilities and very common for trail runners. Starting the hike in the parking area, we headed up towards the bridge that leads to main pools and which were very busy that day. From the foot bridge, you will come across a steep set of stairs that lead to the start of the trail.

Onwards To The Water

We trekked forward and weaved through narrow trails following the creeks until we came up a large open field that offers a great view of local valley out in the distance. We continued until we came upon some waterfalls and a waterfall slide leading into a tunnel which was a pretty cool sight. The trail has some elevation in certain spots but the majority of thew hike is rather flat and not difficult and cn be done b y the average or beginner hiker. About 1.5 mile into our hike we cam across some secluded pools away from the hustle and bustle of the main pool which were filled with family and pol goers cooling down from the hot summer day.

We set up camp and enjoyed some quiet and peaceful time on the pool. It was a great way to end our hike. I would definitely recommend this trail and Seven Tubs to anyone looking for a nice hike with some great rewards at the end.

The Other Seven Tubs Recreation Area Hike

Seven Tubs is home to two trails, the Audubon Lop and the Main Loop. The Main Loop is a .3 mile loop that leads from the parking area rio the main pools and passes along a wooden walking bridge that looks down on the rock slides and pools. This is considered a hike but for most of hikers its a nice walk.

Be Sure to check out our other NEPA posts and guides here:

Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve

Catch a Picturesque Sunset

The Dick and Nancy Eales Preserve is a 2,250 acre preserve located on Moosic Mountain in Jessup, PA. This scenic preserve is a great location for hiking, birdwatching, mountain biking and photography. The preserve offers sweeping views of Northeastern Pennsylvania and is a great spot to catch a sunset over the valley below.

The preserve was named after Dick and Nancy Eales in 2009 for their continuing and generous donations and efforts to maintain the area. When accessing the preserve today, you will be greeted by low-lying shrubs, pine and oak trees, and an array of blueberries and huckleberries. The preserve is home to many forms of wildlife including deer, black bear, coyote, fox, birds, and butterflies and moths. Along with local wildlife and birds, the preserve is home to the rare Sallow Moth and Barrens Buckmoth.

How to get to the Preserve

Location: 222 In The Deed, Jessup, PA 18434

Located in Jessup, PA the Eales Preserve is easily accessible from most of Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. A short drive from Interstate 81 and connecting Route 6 make the preserve accessible from multiple locations. From I-81 you will continue to the merging of Route-6 Carbondale (Casey Highway) and exit at Jessup (exit 3). From the exit you will turn on Moosic Lake Rd and the preserve is located 1.5 miles up on the left.

Our Hike at Dick and Nancy Eales Preserve

Having moved back to NEPA we decided to take 2 hikes each week and really explore what Northeastern Pennsylvania has to offer. We chose the preserve after researching great hikes in the area. Our hike for the day was the Moosic Mountain Loop.

The loop is a 4.7 mile loop with an elevation gain of 383ft. Starting right pat the parking area, the loop continues around the preserve and offers amazing views of NEPA. The hike is relatively level and moderate for all types of hikers. Rocky areas comprise of a large portion of the hike along with dense brush, and tight trails passing through fern fields and berry fields. We did this hike in mid July and were about 2 weeks away rom prime blueberry picking season. As we got about halfway through the loop, we were greeted by berry fields, white tailed deer, and field full of moth cocoons which was really cool to see.

Our hike took us about 1.5 hours to complete and we chose to hike near sunset to catch some views of the area. As we neared the end of our hike we were greeted with a cotton candy sky with a great sunset to end our trek. It was definitely a great choice for that time of the day in the area and we highly recommend the trail.

Try Another Hike at Dick and Nancy Eales Preserve

The Dick and Nancy Eales Preserve features over 15 miles of trails that all intersect and intertwine. Below are the trails located within the preserve and many of the trails continue along each other.

Nature Preserve and Blueberry Loop:

The Nature Preserve and Blueberry Loop is a 3.4 mile loop through the preserve and classified as easy. The trail is rocky and does not offer much shade so be prepared when picking this trail.

Bruised Ego, Stone Henge, Waterfall and Blueberry Trail Loop:

This loop is a 6.1 mile loop and features and elevation gain of 511 feet. The loop is classified as moderate and takes about 2-3 hours to complete depending your hiking ability. The loop offers great views of the valley and is a great trail especially for sunset.

Dick and Nancy Eales Preserve Loop:

The Dick and Nancy Eales Preserve Loop is a moderate 10.8 mil loop that spans the outside of the preserve and is a great day hike for the hiking lover. The trail features an elevation gain of 1,079 feet and I one the better hikes in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Gene’s, After Five, Stone Henge, Conglomerate, and Nature Preserve Trail Loop:

This 3.8 mile loop is a great hike for beginner hikers and is a great to bring along your dog. The trail is rated as moderate with a 396 foot elevation gain.

Nature Preserve, Power Line, and Waterfall Trail Loop:

This loop is one of the more challenging hikes that preserve has to offer. Spanning 5.1 miles with an elevation gain of 564 feet, the loop is a great hike especially for berry picking and bird watching.

Other Activities at the Preserve

Along with hiking, the Dick and Nancy Eales Preserve is a great location for mountain biking, snow shoeing and bird watching. The preserve features shared paths for mountain bikers and the rocky terrain and tight turns make this a great location for biking.

Be sure to check out our other NEPA posts and guides here:

If you’re a Coffee lover like me, these places are a can’t miss if you live or are visiting Northeastern Pennsylvania

Black & Brass Falls – Honesdale, PA

Black & Brass is local coffee chain offering coffee products, pastries, and souvenirs with 4 locations in Wayne County, PA. they have 2 locations in Honesdale, 1 in Waymart and 1 in Lake Ariel, PA. With a rustic ambiance, Black & Brass is by far one of the coolest coffee shops in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Black & Brass Falls is located off Grandview Ave with a stunning waterfall located to the rear of the location. With outdoor seating and the sound of rushing water, Black & Brass’s Falls location is a great place to enjoy a morning coffee and gear up for whatever your day has in store for you.

Make sure you browse the stores custom made apparel, soaps (made with coffee grounds, they are amazing), and rustic artwork.

Hours: Monday-Saturday: 7am-6pm, Sunday: 9am-3pm

Phone Number: (570) 253-1248

Address: 101 Grandview Ave, Honesdale, PA

Website: blackandbrasscoffee.com

Burning Bush Cafe – Carbondale, PA

Located on Main St in Carbondale, this new town staple sits in the remnants of an old car wash which makes for a very cool and rustic scene. Burning bush has a medium sized menu fixed with your traditional coffee staples, and cold brews.

Outside of their coffee menu, Burning Bush is known for their homemade donuts. Burning Bush has a rotating weekly donut special and classics always on their menu. The coffee shop has a drive through, large roll up window doors, and outdoor seating to the front of the location facing Main St.

If you happen to pass through historic Carbondale, definitely check out Burning Bush, you will not be disappointed.

Hours: Monday-Friday: 7am-5pm, Saturday-Sunday: 8am-5pm

Phone Number: (570) 936-2025

Address: 64 N Main St, Carbondale, PA

Website: burningbushcoffee.com

Adezzo – Scranton, PA

Located in Downtown Scranton, Adezzo is one of the more popular coffee shops in the Electric City. Adezzo offers traditional and custom coffee products with pastries and sandwiches for you to choose from. My favorite thing about Adezzo is by far the dog friendliness of the coffee house. Be sure to take your pup in, snap a pic, and put to on the dog wall.

Artwork from local artists fill the walls with calming soft music playing in the background make Adezzo the perfect location to bring your laptop and get some work done if you happen to work from home or have some time to kill. Located right out of the side entrance is a patio area resting underneath vines that sprawl the side of the building.

I highly recommend you checking Adezzo out if you find yourself in Scranton.

Hours: Monday-Sunday: 9am-7pm

Phone Number: (570) 995- 0130

Address: 515 Center St, Scranton, PA

Website: adezzolife.com

Northern Light Espresso Bar and Cafe – Scranton, PA

Northern Light is located in Downtown Scranton not too far form the above mentioned Adezzo. Offering traditional coffee drinks, home brewed teas, and baked goods, Northern Light is a local staple for college students looking for a quiet place to get some studying and school work done.

Northern Light makes you feel as if you were sitting comfortably in your living room enjoying some delicious coffee. A dark ambiance, with local artwork littering the walls, cozy chairs and tables, make Northern Light is local staple. You can go upstairs and look down on the entire establishment for some cool vibes within the shop. Make sure to check out their apparel as well.

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am-6pm, Saturday: 9am-6pm, Sunday: CLOSED

Phone Number: (570) 342-3200

Address: 536 Biden St, Scranton, PA

Website: northernlightespresso.com

Grateful Roast Cafe and Coffee Roaster – Clarkes Summit, PA

Grateful Roast is one of the smaller coffee shops listed here, with a few tables and chairs in an open setting right in the heart of downtown Clarkes Summit. Known locally for their unique blends, and specialty coffees, Grateful roast is the most popular coffee house in Clarkes Summit.

Dog friendly and a great place to set up shop to accomplish some work goals, I definitely recommend taking your coffee and pastries for dine in. The owners and workers are incredibly friendly and the location offers great lighting and a solid view of the hustle and bustle of city streets outside.

Hours: Monday-Friday: 7am-6pm, Saturday-Sunday: 7am-3pm

Phone Number: (570) 599-6249

Address: 320 S State St, Clarkes Summit, PA

Website: gratefulroast.com

Blackwatch Cafe – Scranton, PA

Located inside Nay Aug Park in the heart of Downtown Scranton, Blackwatch Cafe is a unique coffee house that takes you back in time to the industrial days that made Scranton a hot bed for the coal boom. Stone walls, and rustic feel make this location a great spot to grab an afternoon snack or coffee when enjoying historic Nay Aug Park.

Known locally for their traditional blends, good eats, and to go coffee grounds, Blackwatch is a must visit when in Scranton. Grab a coffee and snag a seat on their outdoor patio and take in the views of the park, local architecture, and park goers and maybe their pets!

Hours: Monday: CLOSED, Tuesday-Sunday: 8am-4pm

Phone Number: (570) 348-1735

Address: 239 Arthur Ave, Scranton, PA

Website: theblackwatchcafe.com

Muggles Mug Coffee Shoppe – Jim Thorpe, PA

Located in historic Jim Thorpe, about 45 minutes south of Scranton, Muggles Mug is a Harry Potter fans dream. For all us “Muggles” this is definitely a place to check out. This place takes in all the themes from the popular book and movie series. Muggles Mug serves specialty coffee drinks, and teas named after…you guessed it, Harry Potter favorites.

They serve baked goods, cookies, and yes, chocolate frogs. If you’re a wizard lover or a wizard yourself, check this place out. It’s definitely worth the visit.

Hours: Monday: 8am-3pm, Tuesday: CLOSED, Wednesday: 8am-3pm, Thursday-Sunday: 8am-6pm

Address: 79 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA

Website: mugglesmug.com

Matterns Floral Cafe- Kingston, PA

Located inside Matterns Floral and Furnishing,this location is a flower lovers heaven. Offering floral inspired drinks, Matterns Floral Cafe has the feel of a chill cafe, and the ambiance of a flower field.

They however, do not bake or brew their own coffees. Coffee is fresh from Black & Brass, and baked goods from Electric City Bakehouse, and floral cookies from Short & Sweet.

Hours: Monday-Tuesday: 9am-5pm, Wednesday: 9am-4pm, Thursday-Friday: 9am-5pm, Saturday: 9am-4pm, Sunday: 10am-4pm

Phone Number: (570) 331-3557

Address: 447 Market St, Kingston, PA

Website: matternsfloral.com

Abide Coffee House- Wilkes Barre, PA

Located in the heart of downtown Wilkes Barre, about a 20 minutes drive down interstate 81 from Scranton, Abide Coffee House is a popular destination for city goers. They offer fresh brewed coffee, baked goods and snacks.

Featuring live entertainment, trivia, and a toy play room for parents to let their little ones run wild while relaxing and sipping some delicious coffee and espressos. If you love it so much, don’t worry, they have beans for purchase to take and enjoy in the sanctity of your home.

Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:45am-1pm, Saturday-Sunday: CLOSED

Phone Number: (570) 994-3153

Address: 23 W Market St, Wilkes Barre, PA

Website: abidecoffeehouse.com

Check back later as I will continue updating as I try new coffee places!

“Lackawanna County’s Lesser Known Gem”

Merli Sarnoski Park is a 840-acre park located just outside of Carbondale in northern Lackawanna County and in between Homestead Golf Course and Sleepy Hollow Golf Course. Dedicated in 1974 after Medal of Honor recipients, Gino Merli and Joseph Sarnoski. The park features a public lake for swimming and fishing, athletic fields, basketball courts, volley ball courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, and hiking and biking trails.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

Merli Sarnoski Park has over 15 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails for you to enjoy.

Merli Sarnoski Park Trail

The parks main trail is a 2.9 mile moderate loop located just at the entrance to the park. Total elevation for this hike is 577ft which makes for a great activity for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Dogs are welcome on the trail but must be on a leash.

Mountain Mud Pond and Boneyard Loop

Another popular trail is the Mountain Mud Pond Trail which leads into the Boneyard Loop. All together the trail is a 3.5 mile loop with a total elevation gain of 403ft which makes for easy hiking and biking. The trail takes you down to the beach where it connects with the Merli Sarnoski Lake Trail eventually merging off and continuing deeper into the forest.

Merli Sarnoski Lake Trail

Disclaimer: Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from amazon.com.

Our personal favorite, mostly because it is our dogs favorite hike every, the Merli Sarnoski Lake Trail is a 1.1 mile easy hike that takes along the lake all the way around. Typically a less traveled, this trail offers quiet areas to hang your hammock, take in the lake views, and spot some of there parks many birds.

Blade Biking Trail

This 1 mile moderate biking trail is a great trail to get your feet wet to the world of mountain biking.

Fern Trail

Fern Trail is a 1 mile multi use trail typically used for hiking and running, but mountain bikers do tend to use the trail for a quick out and back.

HR 280

HR 280 is a 3 mile hiking and biking trail that is one of the less popular trails located within there park, but features some of the most difficult terrain in the area.

Twister Trail

Twister Trail is a 1 mile extremely difficult trail for hikers and bikers and is one of the most popular mountain biking trails in northern Lackawanna County.

Lake and Beach Activities

Merli Sarnoski Park is a great place to enjoy some beach time and fun in the sun even with the ocean hours away. The park features a large beach with bath houses, a pavilion for some shade and grilling, and has a large area for recreational swimming.

Fishing is arguably the most popular lake activity within the park. The park is typically stocked with fish by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Located to the rear of the lake is a boat launch for motorized boats, kayaks, and fishing boats for your enjoyment. The lake also features a large handicap accessible pier for everyone to enjoy.

Athletic Fields/Courts and playgrounds

Merli Sarnoski is the place for outdoor activities in Greenfield Township. The park is equipped with a regulation soccer field typically used for soccer matches, clinics and practices. Also located just north of the beach area is a full court basketball court nestled in the trees hidden from the road. It is a great location for some pick up games with friends or to get some shots up with no disturbances to distract you from your jump shot.

Along with basketball and soccer, the park is great for volleyball activities. At the entrance to the park is a full grass volleyball court located right next to the playground. Just off the beach to the south is a full sand volleyball court for beach goers to enjoy.

The park also features 2 full playgrounds fixed with swings, slides, monkey bars, and a variety of playground equipment for your young one’s enjoyment.

Make Merli Sarnoski Park a priority next time you visit NEPA.

Next time you find yourself in Carbondale or Greenfield Township make sure you take a trip to Merli Sarnoski Park. Whether you are looking for some lake fun, hiking, biking, or just relaxing in the parks many open fields to set up a picnic, this is the place to be.

Until next time,

BRICK

Scranton, Pennsylvania’s third largest city, is home to the beautiful Nay Aug Park. The park features natural wonders, and family fun activities such as the Nay Aug Gorge, swimming pools, open fields, and some coal mine history. Additionally the Everhart Museum, play grounds, waterslides, and pet friendly waling paths are an afternoon must when visiting Scranton. This post will share some experiences and guides to enjoy an afternoon at Nay Aug Park.

Walking Trails of Nay Aug

The park offers a few different pet friendly (leashed up of course) walking trails, including the Davis Trail. A personal favorite, the David Trail spans the outside edge of the park and runs parallel to Roaring Brook. This 2 mile trail with access to over looks of the Nay Aug Gorge, a walking bridge across the Gorge and some great views of the Nay Aug Falls, is the most popular trail within the park. You can access Roaring Brook by taking Kanjorski Covered Bridge. Another spectacle of the park and easily accessible, the bridge offers great views of the Gorge, therefore this a popular spot for park goers. Swimming or accessing the gorge is strictly prohibited as fatalities have occurred in the Gorge. Signs are easily visible on where you are allowed to access.

On our visit to the park, Britt and I took our little pups, Cali and Peyton on the Davis Trail for a nice afternoon walk. The dogs loved it. All the sniffs and open areas for them to run around is exactly what we were looking for. We started at the beginning of the Davis Trail in the northwest corner of the park, and headed down to the Gorge. The trail offers a few different outlook and viewing points of the river below as well as tunnels and the old remnants of the railroad tracks that used to be bustling back when coal was king. The path itself is mostly gravel creating a comfortable hike that can be done regardless of skill or physical ability.

The Gorge

Formed over 11,500 years ago after the last Ice Age, the Gorge is one of Pennsylvania’s 27 National Park Service Natural Landmarks in Pennsylvania. Offering beautiful views of the valley, changing leaves in the fall, and a natural waterfalls, this Gorge is definitely a must see when visiting the park. Again, as stated. above, access to the water is off limits.

When Britt and I finally made it down to the viewing point for the Gorge, it was a perfect time to hydrate and for the pups take a little break. The viewing points offer great views and shaded areas for some cover on a hot summer day. The day that we decided to choose to do the park was a sunny yet cool day for an afternoon stroll, a perfect combination in my opinion. The park and trails were not as busy as the normally are in the summer, therefore it was a perfect day to get out.

David Wenzel Tree House

Offering more stunning views of the Gorge is the David Wenzel Tree House. This is a great spot to take your kids for a good view of the Gorge.

From the trail, the tree house really is something to stop and take in. The Davis Trail runs directly below the walking bridge to the edge of the tree house. You can access the bridge from the parking area, or trails above the Davis Trail.

The Everhart Museum

Another great activity to take in while visiting the park, is checking out the Everhart Museum. The museum was built in 1908 and offers education, art, science and natural history galleries. The museum offers a variety of different membership and community events for all to enjoy. If you plan on enjoying the museum for the afternoon, the fee is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors and students, and children are free. This is definitely worth the visit.

The Swimming Pools and Waterpark

Nay Aug offers 2 olympic sized community pools and a water slide for the kiddos to enjoy. Unfortunately at the moment the swimming complex is undergoing renovations and is closed to the public. However, once renovations are complete, the swimming pools are a great way to enjoy the sunshine and enjoy an afternoon at Nay Aug Park.

Grab a bite or some coffee at Blackwatch Cafe inside the park

Nestled at the northwest corner of the park is Blackwatch Cafe. This small, quant, and cute cafe is located just before the Davis Trails entrance. Grab a bite or a drink before your trek. They offer indoor and outdoor seating for their patrons.

Have a Picnic in the park

The park offers large fields for relaxing and lounging. Additionally these field are great for family activities and get togethers. The park has 2 playgrounds, great for your little ones, as well as benches and grill pits. You can grab a bite at the acfe or pack your lunch for the day. 2 places I would recommend if you choose to bring your food is “Eden a Vegan Cafe”. Known for their vegan food and fares, this eatery is great for salads as well as their pizza and sandwiches. If Vegan is not your thing, no worries. Pick up a to go sandwich or light meal from Purple Pepper Deli & Farmstead. This Deli is a local favorite featuring a large menu so you will be sure to find something you enjoy.

Events and Conclusion for your Afternoon at Nay Aug Park

Nay Aug hosts a variety of different events year round, from Concerts, poetry reading and stand up comedy, as well as galleries and events in the museum. I highly recommend that you check their events page before planning a visit to the park. I hope this post helps you enjoy an afternoon at Nay Aug Park.