The Brodhead Creek Watershed Association will sponsor another in its series of Get Outdoors Poconos hikes, this time on the Cherry Creek Loop near Delaware Water Gap in Monroe County on August 20 starting at 10:00 a.m.

Many hikers seek places to get away from it all – to go deep into the woods or high up a mountain and escape civilization. But there’s nature and peace to be found in busy places, too.

Laid out along Route 80, Cherry Creek Loop passes over and under the busy highway. Yet the trail is cool, shady and dense with trees offering rich habitat for wildlife.

Concrete stepping stones lead across Cherry Creek and into the 28.5-acre park where Cherry Creek, Brodhead Creek and the Delaware River meet.

Join Carol Hillestad for this easy hike of about 2.6 miles. Another walk – a very easy, shorter stroll suitable for people who are just starting to exercise – will be led by Dr. Nche Zama, head of the cardiothoracic surgery program at Pocono Medical Center, East Stroudsburg.

Zama will discuss the ways walking protects your heart and contributes to good health and good spirits. After the short hike, there will be light refreshments and a question-and-answer session with Zama.

Tokens will be available for hikers to use for a free beverage or other treat at locations throughout Delaware Water Gap, thanks to sponsors Legend Properties LLC and Jim DePetris, Strauser Nature’s Helpers, the Village Farmer & Bakery, Water Gap Diner and Boucher & James Inc.

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

For information about this and other hikes in this free series, visit the Get Outdoors Poconos webpage. The hike series is administered by Brodhead Watershed Association and supported by a grant from the William Penn Foundation. This hike is held in partnership with Pocono Medical Center.

8/1/2016