Length: Approx. 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Trails: This hike follows jeep roads and an unblazed trail. No trails have signs or blazes.
Parking: A lot is here 41.517442, -75.472724. Road is only open during hunting season. Road was in good shape when I drove it.
Highlights: Extensive views. You can even see the Catskills! Blueberry meadows, heath barrens.
Issues: Wear orange during hunting season.
Best time to hike: Blueberry meadows turn red in mid October. Wildflowers in late spring and summer.
Description: Moosic Mountain is a local treasure and a very unique mountain. It is a broad sloping ridge that resembles more of a plateau. It has the largest heath barrens in the east and is home to several rare species. Most people visit Moosic Mountain at the beautiful Eales Preserve. However, this hike has views that are superior to Eales. The hiking here is also more isolated and natural, as it is further away from urban areas than Eales.
This is by far the finest hike near Scranton for views. I was impressed. From the parking area, follow the jeep road as it makes a gradual climb across meadows and past pine trees. Descend gradually and a gravel jeep road joins from the right, this is your return route. Begin another gradual climb as views open in all directions. Reach the height of the ridge and enjoy views over the ridge of red blueberry meadows. Begin a gradual descent.
Keep an eye out for an obvious trail that makes a sharp right, you will take this. For now, continue straight across the blueberry meadows. This is spectacular on bright sunny days during peak red foliage. I turned around at a spot with almost a 360 degree view. Return to the trail I mentioned earlier. Now turn left on the trail and climb gradually. Enjoy the views. The peak of Elk Mountain rises to the north. Reach a grove of pine trees. Notice a faint trail through the pine, it ends at a stunning vista to the north and east. You can even see the Catskills. Do not miss this view.
Continue south on the trail. This trail is followable, but brushy. Enjoy more meadows and occasional views. The trail can get faint, but you can follow it as it stays near the top of the ridge. Reach the gravel jeep road. Turn right and then turn left onto the next jeep road. Retrace your steps back to the car.
Hike Pennsylvania with Jeff Mitchell 