Best Hiking Trails Near to Lake Harmony – Hike Map

April 12, 2022
Revive your hiking spirits in Lake Harmony. Blessed with the natural scenic beauty of the lake and slopes around, Lake Harmony is a perfect place for hiking in Poconos. You can enjoy hiking around Lake Harmony in all the four distinct seasons and the endless fun that the place offers for a perfect family getaway.  Lake Harmony is a perfect destination for people looking to enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you love hiking, biking, snowboarding, or kayaking, Lake Harmony promises a truly adventurous experience for all its visitors. Along with Hiking, you can also enjoy hearty meals in beautiful restaurants, explore antique and unique items in specialty stores or even rent a canoe or kayak and float on the lake. 

What to know before going to Lake Harmony for Hiking 

Lake Harmony is the hotspot for adventurous outdoor activities in Poconos. Lake Harmony has more than 58 trails (some of which are popular) spread over 673 miles. Most of these trails are suitable for hiking enthusiasts, whether beginners or professionals.  Before choosing a hiking trail, it is important to research to shortlist the perfect trails for you. Every trail in Lake Harmony has something unique to offer – from lake views to waterfalls. Most of the popular hiking trails are well-maintained and completely safe. Make sure that you read this guide to get all the necessary information about the popular hiking trails around Lake Harmony that are perfect for family getaways. 

Who should hike around Lake Harmony

Selective trails around Lake Harmony should be attempted only by experienced professionals. Most of the hiking trails in Lake Harmony are rocky, but it is easy if that is not a major concern. Most of them are beginner-friendly, and many areas allow the hikers to unleash pets. If you love a good scenic view of the lake and the mountains, hiking around Lake Harmony is perfect. 

What is the best time to visit Lake Harmony for Hiking? 

For outdoor adventure activities like hiking, the weather is at its best between June and October, including summer and fall. The fall is the best season for hiking in Lake Harmony, as the temperature drops a bit down after the summer, making it comfortable for the hikers. Also, you can enjoy and experience the foliage beauty of Poconos, with brown and yellow leaves beautifully enveloping the slopes around Poconos. 

1. Split Rock Hiking 

  • Best for: Families and beginners | Discover the split rock structure 
  • Address: 36 Split Rock Rd, Lake Harmony, PA 18624, United States 
  • Features: Kid Friendly, Dog friendly, Waterfalls, Bridges, and Creeks 
  • Trail surface: Partly Muddy, Partly Rocky 
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate 
  • Length: 7.9 miles 
  • Route type: Out and back
  • Parking: Available  
The Split Rock Hiking can take a little over 3 hours, depending on the speed and trail you choose. There are two red and blue trails with many other small trails and routes to discover. It is recommended to wear boots as the path can get a little muddy. The hiking trail offers spectacular scenery. The initial mile is a bit steep but gets better as you proceed. There is a boardwalk in many areas of the trail.  What to expect From the parking lot, you will have to walk a little further to reach the bridges to start the trail. You might need a trail map until you encounter the red blazes that guide you through the hike. The initial mile of the trek is steep uphill. Many hikers have reported that the trail is usually muddy, especially after rains. The blue trail is comparatively easier than the red trail. You will also come across many bridges as you walk across the steams. You will also come across boulder fields, where you might have to climb rocks. The hiking ground has many unmarked trails and roads in the areas that have not been marked – it is recommended to stick to the marked trails.  Hike Map
  1. Walk over the dirt road that leads towards a bridge. You will see the reservoir from the bridge. You will notice blazes that lead two ways – one for the red trail and the other that leads to the blue trail. 
  2. You will cross a wet area, which can be tricky to hike when a high water level. You will explore many spots down the stream and get a short view of the reservoir.
  3. You will continue straight on a flat trail and come across a rocky piece of land along the reservoir. You can hop across the rocks and reach another open rocky point. 
  4. You need to follow the marked trail and make your way across the open rocky trails. The trail also skirts a Misty Pond in the middle. 
  5. You will come across a steep section with cliffs that offer a fantastic view of the reservoir from atop. There is also a large rock where you can take a break. As you continue down the trail, you should have crossed Charlottesburg road. After reaching the Split Rock, you can come to turn right to Splitrock Road and make your way back to the lot. 

2. Shades of Death, Hickory Run State Park  

  • Best for: Beginners | Engulfed in the woods 
  • Address: Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, United States 
  • Features: Kid-friendly, Bird watching, Running, Dog friendly, Woods
  • Trail surface: Rocky 
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate 
  • Length: 1.89 miles 
  • Route type: Out and Back 
  • Parking: Available 
This beautiful hiking trail is one of the most popular trails around Lake Harmony. Even though the trail is close to a mile in the distance, hiking through the rocky surface can be challenging. It might take around an hour to complete the Shades of Death hiking. It is also popular for bird watching, trail running, and hiking. The best time to visit the trail is between March and October. The trail offers waterfall views, surrounded by rhododendron thickets and rock formations.  What to expect Even though the name of the hiking trail itself sounds scary, it is one of the most fun trails that you can come across at Lake Harmony. It is located in the southwestern corner of the Poconos, deep in the Hickory Run State Park. Along the trail, you will come across two manmade waterfalls, and many small riffles and waterfalls that drop by 300 feet down the hillside of Hickory run. The trail earns the title of “most difficult trek” because of the tricky footing technically challenging spots rather than the trail itself.  Hike Map
  1. From the main parking lot, you will come across a small bridge that marks the start of the trail towards the Sand Spring Run. As you continue to hike, you will come across Stametz Dam. 
  2. It is a man-made waterfall but is still scenic. It is 15 feet in height and is also one of the most beautiful man-made waterfalls in Pennsylvania. 
  3. It also has a small pond nearby, popular with the fishermen during the season. You can relax and enjoy the picturesque view of the greenery and water around. 
  4. After crossing the pond, you will come across a woodland that leads to a rocky path and narrow openings in the forest. You will come across some spots where you can spot small riffles and hillsides that run adjacent to the trail. 
  5. As you trail towards the CCC Dam, you will have to walk over a staircase that cits into the rock and between two huge boulders. You will also find a lake above the spot ideal for fishing. 
  6. Across the bridge over the pond, you will find an open field where you can rest. You can now turn around the second pond and make your way back to the parking lot. 

3. Boulder Field Trek 

  • Best for: Beginners 
  • Address: 3613 State Route 534, White Haven, PA 18661 
  • Features: Dog friendly, Rock climbing, Family-friendly, Scenic, Dog friendly, Camping, Bird watching 
  • Trail Surface: Rocky | Beware of the loose boulders 
  • Difficulty: Moderate 
  • Length: 6.9 miles 
  • Route type: Out and back 
  • Parking: Available 
The beautiful trail in Hickory Run State Park might take an average of 2 hours and 43 minutes to complete. The trail is quite popular for birding, camping, and hiking. Dogs are welcome, but it can be difficult for them to walk around, especially those with small legs. You might also need to climb the boulders. It is open to climbing and exploring. Even though you walk around the rocks, it is surprisingly flat. However, you can also hop around a boulder safely. You might find it difficult to find a restroom.  What to expect The boulder field is located deep in the woods of 16,00 0-acre state park of Lake Harmony. The boulder field is located in the northeastern park and can be reached through a hiking trail. The boulder field is one of the unique spots that you can find in Poconos.  Hike Map
  1. The parking area for this trail is located across the street that connects the trailhead for Hawk Falls. 
  2. From the trailhead, you will come across a wide field of boulders and rocks scattered all over the field, with small areas of trees that seem to pop up in the middle of the boulder field. 
  3. You will also come across a pine tree in the middle of the area when exploring the boulder field. 
  4. The trail is filled with rocks and boulders, perfect for rock climbing and a unique hiking experience. 

4. Hawk Falls

  • Best for: Experienced 
  • Address: Route 534 Access, Hickory Run State Park White Haven, PA – 18661 
  • Features: Kid-friendly, Dog friendly, Snowshoeing 
  • Trail Surface: Slippery 
  • Difficult: Moderate 
  • Length: 0.68 miles 
  • Route type: Out and back 
  • Parking: Available 
This considerably challenging route takes an average of half an hour to complete. The trail is downhill but slippery, so it is recommended to use good hiking shoes. The trail is open year-round, and you can also enjoy snowshoeing during the winter months. Dogs are supposed to be kept under a leash. The rock outcrop at the top of the falls makes a good lookout point. It is also ideal for families and can also be attempted by beginners.  What to expect The 25 foot tall Hawk Falls is located in the southeastern corner of the Hickory Run State Park. It is located quite close to Interstate 476 but also considerably away from the bustle of the vehicles on the road. The trail passes one of the most beautiful forests in the area with tall trees. The hike is downhill but not much more difficult. Because of the park’s size, you will need a map or a guide to help you locate the waterfalls.  Hike Map
  1. The trail leading to Hawk Falls is located 100 feet above the road from the parking lot. Once you locate the start of the trail, you will be able to hear the falls, and the trails are easy to find, even if it is not marked. 
  2. The trail is quite short and is only half a mile from the top of Hawk Falls. 

5. Austin T Blakeslee Natural Area 

  • Best for: Experienced.
  • Address: 20 PA-115, Blakeslee, PA 18610, United States.
  • Features: Kid-friendly, Fishing, Dog friendly, Forest.
  • Trail Surface: Sloppy and slippery.
  • Difficulty: Moderate.
  • Length: 2.48 miles.
  • Route type: Loop | Out and back (Multiple trails) 
  • Parking: Available 
The Austin T Blakeslee Natural Area has three trails – Highland trail, Highland loop trail, and Pine trail. It is moderately challenging and can take anywhere from half an hour to complete. It is great for hiking near the river and also for fishing. The dogs are also welcomed and can be set off-leash only in certain areas.  What to expect The trail is blazed in red, blue, and orange, along with other side trails. The trails are filled with rocks and roots, which are wet in certain areas. It is recommended to have appropriate, good-quality footwear for the trek and a walking stick (if necessary).  Hike Map
  1. There are three hiking trails that you can choose from. At several points of the hiking trail, you will find people indulging in recreational activities like fishing, walking, and relaxing. 
  2. The pine trail is a quick half-mile loop and is blazed in orange. The Highland trail is almost a mile long, is blazed in blue, and is looped in the pine forest. The red-blazed trail is a 2.3 mile that goes along the creek. 
  3. You will find many seeps and wetlands as you walk uphill. The walk can be a bit muddy, but there are bridges and stone crossings with tree trunk slices where needed. 

6. Thomas Darling Preserve (Loop) 

  • Best for: Beginners 
  • Address: Pocono Lake, PA 18347, United States 
  • Features: Kid-friendly, Bird watching, Wildlife, Fishing 
  • Trail surface: Grassy 
  • Difficult: Easy 
  • Length: 2.1 miles 
  • Route: Loop 
  • Parking: Available 
It is considered an easy route and can take around 45 mins to an hour to complete. The trail is great for bird watching, hiking, and trail running. The Thomas Darling Preserve trailhead is located outside Blakeslee, PA. On Burger Road, towards the right, you will find the trailhead. The trail is blazed in blue and has some red and white blazes. It is recommended to wear appropriate footwear and carry sufficient water.  What to expect There is no facility for disposing of the trash, so do make necessary arrangements. The trail is only suitable for walking/hiking, and no vehicles are allowed. Some of the things you will experience across the trail include black bears, rivers, and migratory birds. The trail is marked and has a narrow boardwalk. The trail can feel a bit spongy and wet in some areas.  Hike Map 
  1. You will find small rocks pebbled along the way. Following fast-running waters upstream, you will find a flat marsh. The long boardwalk has Sphagnum moss everywhere, with bushes of blueberries on the boggy, wet ground. 

What to bring for hiking in Lake Harmony 

Remember to pack the essentials – sunscreen, insect repellent, water, face masks, and hand sanitizer. It is also important to have some navigational tools if you decide to take a difficult hike. Keep your first aid supplies handy, with enough water and food by your side. Most importantly, make sure that you bring only the required items as they can add to the weight you will carry while hiking. 

FAQ

 Lake Harmony has more than 58 trails (some of which are popular) spread over 673 miles. Most of these trails are suitable for beginners, professionals, and hiking enthusiasts. Lake Harmony is the hotspot for adventurous outdoor activities in Poconos.

The weather is at its best between June and October, including summer and fall. The fall is the best season for hiking in Lake Harmony, as the temperature drops a bit down after the summer, making it comfortable for the hikers.

Split Rock Hiking is the best for families and beginners. It is 7.9 miles long and kid-friendly, and the surface is partly muddy and partly rocky.

Hawk falls and Austin T Blakeslee Natural Area are challenging hikes, Selective trails around Lake Harmony should be attempted only by experienced professionals. Most of the hiking trails in Lake Harmony are rocky, slippery and sloppy.




Remember to pack the essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, water, face masks, and hand sanitizer. It is also important to have some navigational tools if you decide to take a difficult hike. Keep your first aid supplies handy, with enough water and food by your side.

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