Ring in the new year right with an outdoor adventure – either a casual morning stroll or a rugged trek.

Brodhead Watershed Association is teaming with Pocono Outdoor Club to present a New Year’s Day “double header” – two different hikes at different times with different levels of difficulty. Do one or both – just get outdoors and enjoy the beauty within our watershed.

Merry Hill Trail System

This easy-paced, family-friendly hike along the Merry Hill Trail System in Paradise Township will begin at 10 a.m.  January 1.

Wander through groves of hemlock along a newly reconstructed trail lined with native sassafras and witch hazel, enjoy winter views of Forest Hills Run, and meander throughout a picnic grove. This quick loop hike of 1.25 miles wanders up and down gentle slopes and hills on a sometimes rocky surface.

Wear appropriate clothes for adverse winter conditions, including a warm, wind-proof jacket, wool cap, gloves and hiking boots in good condition. Hiking poles are useful on steep, rocky hills. Bring water and/or a winter beverage.

Meet at the Merry Hill Trail System parking area, off Merry Hill Road in Paradise Township. From Route 611 in Swiftwater, take Route 314 East. At fork, bear left onto Upper Swiftwater Road, then left onto Carlton Road, then right onto Merry Hill Road. Parking area is on the right.

Suggested donation: $5 for members, $10 for nonmembers; children 12 and under walk for free. All donations will go toward the conservation efforts of the participating organizations.

Registration: Contact PHLT at 570-424-1514 or send email to: info@phlt.org.

Severe winter conditions or unplowed parking might cancel the hike. Call hike leader Ann Foster at 570-977-3708 or check Brodhead Watershed Association’s Facebook page for updates.

Mount Minsi

This fast-paced, strenuous hike up Mount Minsi on the Appalachian Trail will begin at 1 p.m. January 1.

Brodhead Watershed Association and Pocono Heritage Land Trust will join Pocono Outdoor Club for its traditional New Year’s Day trek to the top of Mount Minsi.

Hike to the overlook near the top of Mount Minsi and enjoy a panoramic view of Mount Tammany and the surrounding area of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This 3- to 4-mile hike has an elevation gain of approximately 1,000 feet. The terrain is rocky and steep.

Wear appropriate clothes for adverse winter conditions, including a warm, wind-proof jacket, wool cap, gloves and hiking boots in good condition. Hiking poles are useful on steep, rocky hills. Bring water and/or a winter beverage.

Meet at the Appalachian Trail parking lot near Lake Lenape in Delaware Water Gap, off Mountain Road.

Suggested donation: $5 for members, $10 for nonmembers; children 12 and under walk for free. All donations will go toward the conservation efforts of the participating organizations.

Registration: Contact PHLT at 570-424-1514 or send email to: info@phlt.org.

Severe winter conditions or unplowed parking might cancel the hike. Call the hike leader Frank Allen at 570-234-9945 for updates or more information.

For more information, visit the Get Outdoors Poconos or the Brodhead Watershed Association website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Brodhead Watershed Association.

12/7/2015