Pocono Heritage Land Trust preserves protect important natural habitats and cultural landscapes in the Pocono region of northeastern Pennsylvania, offering hiking, birding, and peaceful nature experiences.
Pocono Heritage Land Trust (PHLT) manages a diverse collection of preserves across the Pocono Mountains, aimed at protecting the region’s ecological and cultural heritage. The trust safeguards over 6,000 acres of forests, wetlands, streams, and meadows in Monroe, Pike, and Carbon counties. These preserves feature a variety of ecosystems including hardwood forests, vernal pools, riparian corridors, and open wetlands that provide crucial habitat for native flora and fauna. Popular among nature enthusiasts, the preserves offer well-maintained trails suitable for hiking, bird watching, and environmental education. Preservation efforts also include protecting historic farmsteads and stone walls that reflect the region’s rural past. Some preserves contain special features such as high-quality trout streams and rare plant communities. The PH Land Trust's activities emphasize stewardship and community engagement, including volunteer trail maintenance and guided nature walks. Visitors appreciate the quiet setting for photography, wildlife observation, and outdoor fitness. The preserves’ varied terrain ranges from gentle valley bottoms to rolling ridges, making them accessible to a wide audience. By keeping these lands protected and undeveloped, the Trust contributes to regional biodiversity and water quality, ensuring that natural landscapes remain intact for future generations. Rustic trailheads and informational kiosks provide orientation points, while seasonal wildflowers and migratory songbirds highlight the changing seasons. Although the preserves do not have campgrounds, day-use activities are ample and well supported by local visitor centers and community outreach.
Brooks Preserve — featuring mature hardwood forests and scenic trout streams
Carlton Preserve — home to rare vernal pools supporting amphibian breeding
Weiler Arches Preserve — notable for historic stone arch bridges and rural landscape
Flatwoods Farm Preserve — a peaceful setting with open meadows and old stone walls
Seasonal wetlands that provide crucial breeding habitat for salamanders, frogs, and other amphibians.
Coldwater streams within preserves that support wild brook trout populations and pristine aquatic ecosystems.
Remnants of 19th-century rural infrastructure featured prominently in the Weiler Arches Preserve.