Length: The loop described is 19 miles. The entire trail system is about 45 miles.
Blazes: Orange. Side trails are yellow.
Parking: The main trailhead is along PA 402, located at 41.147592, -75.080363.
Terrain: The trail is fairly easy with hilly and rolling terrain. There are no big climbs or descents. The trail passes near several swamps. The trail is often rocky.
Trail conditions: The trail is generally well blazed and established. Most trail junctures have signs. Most stream crossings have bridges. Sections of the trail can be brushy. We did encounter a short, wet area on the north side of the loop, just west of PA 402.
Highlights: Waterfall and cascades of Red Rock Run. Old low dam crossing at Thunder Swamp. Bushkill Creek. Views of wetlands. Footbridges.
Camping: Sites tend to be small. The largest sites are on the west side of the loop, along Spruce Run and Bushkill Creek. Campsites are marked with a purple C on the map below. There are no shelters. This is a good trail for hammock camping.
Best time to go: Best colors are in mid to late October.
Maintained by: Keystone Trails Association, Pocono Outdoors Club
Maps: Are for free, and available online, through the Delaware State Forest.
Description: The Thunder Swamp Trail (TST) is an extensive trail system, but this description covers the main loop, which is also the most popular for backpackers. The terrain is rolling and fairly easy, although rocky. I enjoyed the many creeks and swamps. Saw Creek, Red Rock Run, Spruce Run, and especially Bushkill Creek are beautiful. There are also nice views of the swamp on Spruce Run. Forests are mostly hardwoods with understories of brush and blueberry bushes. There are some areas of pine, hemlock, and spruce. There are occasional ledges and boulders, but they are not gigantic in size. This trail is ideal for beginning backpackers and is perfect for a weekend overnight trip. Due to the swamps, the TST can be very buggy in hot, humid weather. The TST is rarely overcrowded.
Hike Pennsylvania with Jeff Mitchell 