Located near Honesdale, the Van Scott Nature Reserve is a great place to hike with about three miles of intersecting trails featuring great scenery. There is a pond, woodlands, an old cemetery, and extensive fields and meadows. Probably the highlight are the excellent views from the fields. You can see from the Catskills to New Jersey’s High Point.
Park behind the barn at the conservancy’s office. We followed a rather convoluted route. First we hiked down to the pond along the Explorer Trail. The trail went around some fields. Next we hiked the Woodland Trail, which as the name implies, goes into the woods. The forest is mostly open hardwoods with some ledges. Next was the Butterfly Trail, which has the best views of the hike. The views are rather impressive and extensive thanks to the vast fields and meadows. Do not miss hiking to the highest point of the hill for the best views. Fall would bring great colors, as would spring and summer with all the wildflowers.
We also saw an old cemetery along the Explorer Trail. The Bluebird Trail was another fine hike with more views.
The terrain is moderate and hilly in places, but it is never very steep or difficult. The Van Scott Nature Preserve is worth exploring and offers a different kind of hiking experience in the Pocono region.
Parking is at 41.597093, -75.125123.
Hike Pennsylvania with Jeff Mitchell 