Nature

Throughout most of Skytop’s 5,000-acre estate there are trails that leave behind the sights and sounds of the human world and enter the beauty and peace of the wilderness. These paths lead to waterfalls, dark evergreen-lined ravines, pristine lakes, ancient forests, mountain vistas, rugged cliffs, dense swamps and clear streams.



By quietly walking along these trails, a person has the rare opportunity to observe a great variety of wildlife, from whitetail deer and porcupine to black bear and beaver, as well as some of the approximately 175 different kinds of birds that have been recorded at Skytop. There are also secretive coyotes, otters and bobcats, colorful woodland wildflowers and butterflies in the warmer months, over 30 kinds of reptiles and amphibians and delicious blueberries and huckleberries in the summer.

Skytop’s resident naturalists lead nature walks along these trails in all seasons – 5 days a week during the summer and winter vacation weeks, and on weekends throughout the year. Guests at the lodge can find out these walks in their Skylites newsletter and from the Activities staff. These walks, as well as indoor nature programs, are excellent opportunities to learn about the region’s wildlife, vegetation and ecology. Some of the trails also have Self-Guided Booklets (available at Activities) or interpretive plaques, giving the visitor a chance to hike and experience nature in solitude. The Tea Room also has other books and guides describing the wildlife, scenery and vegetation of Skytop.

The trails marked easy and moderate are found to be the best choices with cross country skiers and mountain bikers. The Lake Trail, White Birch Trail, Skytop Mtn. Road, and east fork of the Trout Stream Trail are appropriate for baby strollers. Runners can enjoy any of the trails.

 

• Lake Trail - Easy
• Rhododendron Swamp Trail - Challenging
• Stable Trail - Very rugged
• Leavitt Falls Trail - Very Rugged
• Trout Stream Trail - Easy
• Upper Falls Trail - Moderate
• Beaver Dam Trail - Challenging
• West Rim Trail - Moderate
• Skytop Mountain Road and Trail - Moderate
• Goose Pond Road and Trail - Moderate
• White Birch Trail - Easy
• Pine Trail - Easy
• Raven Trail - Challenging
• Tall Trees Trail - Very rugged

Nature Happenings
Explore the Skylites for this week's nature programs from Skytop Naturalists Jackie Speicher and Rick Koval.

Skytop Nature Press and Publicity
Skytop's Naturalist, Rick Koval, is a favorite media resource for his expertise on Northeast Pennsylvania wildlife.

• Read Rick's Pocono Record's Outdoors nature columns.
• Watch Rick on WNEP's Pennsylvania Outdoor Life and be sure to check out his piece on Vulture Watching.
• Watch Rick in the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader's video series, Snakes of PA.
• Watch Rick & Jackie talk about Skytop's conservation efforts.
• Watch Rick provide a fall foliage forecast for the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Identifying Fall Trees & Leaves in the Pocono Mountains.

Download our free Trail Map!