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Pocono Heritage Land Trust preserves adventures

Pocono Heritage Land Trust preserves Adventures

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.

6,000+
Acres Protected
Over 30
Miles of Trails
Estimated 15,000+
Annual Visitors
1984
Year Established

About Pocono Heritage Land Trust preserves

 

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.

Highlights

Highlight

Brooks Preserve — featuring mature hardwood forests and scenic trout streams

Highlight

Carlton Preserve — home to rare vernal pools supporting amphibian breeding

Highlight

Weiler Arches Preserve — notable for historic stone arch bridges and rural landscape

Highlight

Flatwoods Farm Preserve — a peaceful setting with open meadows and old stone walls

Notable Natural Features

Vernal Pools

Seasonal wetlands that provide crucial breeding habitat for salamanders, frogs, and other amphibians.

Trout Streams

Coldwater streams within preserves that support wild brook trout populations and pristine aquatic ecosystems.

Historic Stone Arches

Remnants of 19th-century rural infrastructure featured prominently in the Weiler Arches Preserve.