The Brodhead Watershed Association announced the new Discovery Nature-Play Park in Paradise Valley in Monroe County is now open to provide new opportunities for outside recreation.

There are no plastic swings or manmade climbing walls here. Instead, kids climb and explore in the natural world — boulders and rocks, a log bridge, a circle of timber stakes they can imagine into a tipi, fort, pirate hideaway or igloo. And of course, the woods.

The park is only about six acres, but it backs up on the 80-acre Van Buskirk Preserve. The yellow-blazed trails here take you in the “backdoor” of the preserve.

And there’s even a view. In winter, a line of white pines indicates where Cranberry Creek flows down below, and toward the horizon, the next ridge line hints at the Brodhead Creek valley.

In spring, an old quarry becomes a lively vernal pool, hopping with toads, frogs, and salamanders of every description. In summer, overgrown apple and pear trees show the location of an old family farm.

Each season brings a new discovery in Paradise Township’s newest park.

If you go--

-- The loop described here is about 1.75 miles. Many other combinations are possible. To find this hike at Paradise Discovery Park, go to 5708 Paradise Valley Road; GPS 41.116608, -75.270339. A smaller trailhead is at 309 Cranberry Creek Road.

-- Entrance is paved for a short way. Trails are blazed in yellow, some with black directional arrows. Trails are both single track and wide woods roads, and are a mixture of boggy, roots and rocks, and wide, smooth and grassy. Caution: Many stumps and snags in some sections of trail.

-- Leashed dogs welcome. Hunting is allowed in season; always wear fluorescent orange.

-- Wear sturdy footwear. Hike with a buddy, take a map and water, and let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.

-- No restrooms or trash containers. Pack out what you pack in.

Visit the Get Outdoors Poconos webpage for more information on outdoor recreational opportunities in the Northeast Poconos region.  Get Outdoors Poconos is administered by Brodhead Watershed Association and supported by a grant from the William Penn Foundation.

For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the Brodhead Watershed Association website or Follow them on Facebook.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Association.  Click Here to become a member.

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[Posted: January 12, 2021]

1/18/2021