The Brodhead Watershed Association is hosting a May 21 Thunder Swamp Hike in the Delaware State Forest in Pike County as part of its Get Outdoors Poconos series.

Hikers are invited to join naturalist Carol Hillestad for this 1.5-mile outing exploring part of this extensive preserve with creeks, 45 miles of trails, and unusual flora and fauna.

Hikers will follow a rocky path to see evidence of coyotes, big slices of slate rising from the ground, huge boulders covered with moss and ferns, sheep laurel, blueberries, witch hazel, and wintergreen.

Great blue herons often survey the swamps partially maintained by beavers – a chain of three lodges lines the west side of the swamp.

Meet at the trailhead off Flat Ridge Road, Dingmans Township, Pike County. Take Route 402 to Bushkill Road (the road sign is missing — it’s the road between Porters Lake to the north and Burnt Mills ATV parking to the south). Take Bushkill Road 1.3 miles to Flat Ridge Road on your left.

Two stone pillars mark the dirt road. Follow Flat Ridge 2.1 miles to parking area on the right, just past Bergof Road. Coordinates: 41º 14’ 32” N 75º 1’ 42 W

The hike is free, but registration is required.  Call 570-839-1120 or 570-629-2727 or send email to: info@brodheadwatershed.org to register.

This hike series is administered by Brodhead Watershed Association and supported by a grant from the William Penn Foundation.

For information about this and other free hikes, visit the Get Outdoors Poconos webpage.

For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the Brodhead Watershed Association website.

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