The Brodhead Watershed Association is sponsoring a free Get Outdoors Poconos hike June 25 Blakeslee Natural Area in Monroe County and a June 26 Learn To Fly-Fish the Brodhead Creek events.

Blakeslee Hike

Carol Hillestad will lead a moderate hike of about 2.5 millions on June 25 in the Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area, a 130-acre preserve.

Just off Route 115 and close to Blakeslee, Pa., and Route 80, it is an easy-to-reach haven for walking, fishing, picnicking, photography, and peaceful contemplation.

Three blazed trails make for lots of hiking options. There’s a quick half-mile loop – Pine Trail – blazed in orange.

Highland Trail, blazed in blue, is almost a mile long and loops through mixed hardwood and pine forest above the creek. The red-blazed Creek Trail is a 2.3-mile, out-and-back walk along the creek.

Then there is the highlight everyone aims for: the falls. Wide, flat bedrock above the falls has been worn smooth by decades of sightseers and fishermen.

With good balance and a walking stick, you can make your way down to the deep pools below the falls and along the very edge of the creek. Or take the easier high route to an overlook above, in a clearing furnished with picnic tables and benches.

The walking would be mucky, but volunteers have placed bridges and simple stepping-stone crossings made of tree-trunk slices and smooth rocks – anything to welcome people to this outdoor wonder.

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

Information: Call 570-839-1120 or 570-629-2727 or send email to: info@brodheadwatershed.org.  

Learn To Fly-Fish

Fly-fishing experts from three Pocono organizations will share their knowledge with beginners during a hands-on workshop on June 26. The session will run 1 to 4 p.m. at ForEvergreen Nature Preserve, Analomink.

Brodhead Watershed Association, Pocono Heritage Land Trust and the Brodhead chapter of Trout Unlimited are dedicated to enjoying and protecting Brodhead Creek – historically a world-class trout fishery – and wish to welcome newcomers to the sport.

Participants will receive an easy, entertaining introduction into equipment selection, casting techniques, trout stream entomology and basic fly-tying.

Suggested donation is $10 for BWA, PHLT or TU members, $15 for nonmembers. Children under 12 attend free.

Reserve your spot by calling 570-424-1514 or send email to: info@phlt.org.

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

6/6/2016