The Brodhead Creek Watershed Association is hosting another in its series of Get Outdoors Poconos hikes on February 27 at the Zimmer Wildlife Sanctuary in Barrett Township, Monroe County.

Darryl and Jackie Speicher will lead a hike to explore the 97-acre “neighborhood preserve” on Spruce Cabin Road.

Here once stood the Old Orchard Inn, which burned in 1928. Stone steps remain, cut into the hillside, providing access to Brodhead Creek. Visitors will see exhilarating views upstream and downstream of this bend in the creek.

Follow the red-blazed trail into stands of big, old rhododendrons; large patches of Christmas fern; white pines and hemlock; and very few invasive plants. Living boulders the size of small cars are carpeted in lichens and moss.

The Old Orchard Inn is long gone, and its open meadows and long views across the creek have changed to densely wooded land. But it’s easy to imagine how the clear-cut land looked back in the day, and be grateful for a winter walk – and a little wilderness – in Mountainhome’s backyard.

The hike begins at 10:00 a.m. and is free, but registration is required.  Call 570-839-1120 or send email to: info@brodheadwatershed.org (subject line “Zimmer hike”).

For more information on other hiking opportunities in the Poconos, visit the Get Outdoors Poconos webpage.

For information on programs, initiatives and other special events, visit the Brodhead Creek Watershed Association.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Association.

2/1/2016