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Feature: 'Every Trail Sparks A Story' - Jonas Mountain Nature Preserve, Monroe County; Sept. 24 Fall Colors Hike

By Carol Hillestad, For Pocono Heritage Land Trust

Even in the midst of this summer’s long dry spell, Jonas Mountain Nature Preserve in Polk Township, Monroe County is still flush with water. Springs, runs, and wetlands abound, all leading to the living heart of this place: Jonas Creek.

Linda Snyder, whose family once owned land here, has been hiking these woods for years. Hundreds of houses now border the property, but 417 acres here are preserved in perpetuity, thanks to Linda, Pocono Heritage Land Trust and its supporters.

Heading uphill from the trailhead, the trail is wide and rocky, and provides access to a recently created power line.

Pointing out the single-track trail that leads steeply up under the wires, Linda recommends the view from the summit. At more than 1,500 feet, five gaps are visible along the far ridge: Delaware Water Gap, Wind Gap, Little Gap, Smith Gap and Lehigh Gap.

But that’s a hike for another day. The goal right now is the creek.

Sweet fern and mountain laurel, tart blueberries and wineberries soon give way to the cool shade of the woods, dominated by chestnut oak mixed with other hardwoods. The trail here is wide and grassy — Linda credits work by her father and others who protected their homesteads by cutting these fire lines.

Soon, though, the easy footing ends. The trail heads steeply downhill, becoming rocky and eroded as the sound of rushing water grows. Straight ahead is what looks like a solid thicket of 20-foot rhododendrons.

A trail marker placed by Pocono Heritage Land Trust points to a narrow cut in the foliage.

Ducking through the opening, Linda leads the way to a simple footbridge. Filtered through the rhodies, the sunlight itself has a greenish cast. It’s cool, and the air smells of damp moss.

The rocky creek bed shows clearly in the crystal water, patterned with rippling green and gold reflections.

Once on the other side of the bridge, Linda bears off upstream, eager to reach some of the many wetlands and springs. Along the trail, she points out heavy rocks shifted by bears looking for insects and grubs.

Shallow, sandy-bottomed wetlands open up ahead in the forest. A toad’s black-and-gold eyes glitter. Birdsong enlivens the canopy overhead. The water shimmers, barely moving — yet always trending toward the creek among ferns and remains of spring wildflowers. A sense of connection, reverence and peace also rises here.

There is much more to see, but it’s getting past noon. Linda strikes out along the trail, as low, stair-step waterfalls stretch away upstream. The quickest way back is through the creek, and Linda doesn’t hesitate. Cool, wet feet feel pretty good on a warm summer day.

For Linda, in this green retreat, every view and trail sparks a story.

Back at the trailhead, Linda reflects on the human history of Jonas Mountain. Long-ago winter hunting grounds for first people Lenni-Lenape. Hideout for Civil War objectors. Site of a pine-tar kiln, timbering operations — and beloved natural retreat for generations of people in Monroe County’s West End.

Amid continuing development, this rich, intact forest provides pure water, clean air, healthy habitat for birds, amphibians, mammals, and other creatures — and fills a very human need for time in nature. Come see for yourself!

If You Go

For information, visit Pocono Heritage Land Trust’s 417-acre Jonas Mountain Nature Preserve webpage, including a map of trails. The trailhead and kiosk are at 739 Rainbow Terrace in Polk Township.

Trails are being laid out and marked now, and vary from moderately easy to moderately difficult, with steep, rocky and wet areas. No facilities at the trailhead. Please pack out what you pack in.

Leashed dogs of considerate owners are welcome. Coldwater springs here form the headwaters of Jonas Creek, a high-quality, coldwater Class A Trout stream that is a tributary of Pohopoco Creek and the Lehigh River.

Fishing and hunting permitted in season. Hikers should wear fluorescent orange.

Funding for the property came from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PPL Electric, Monroe County, Polk Township — and more members, friends and neighbors than any other PHLT project in more than 30 years of conserving land.

Sept. 24 Fall Colors Hike

A fall colors hike will be led by Pocono Heritage Land Trust Stewardship Manager Matt Schultz at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. To register, call PHLT at 570-424-1514.

For more information on land conservation, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the Pocono Heritage Land Trust website. Explore Our Nature Preserves. Follow them on Facebook. Click Here to sign up for email updates (bottom of page).

Founded in 1984, Pocono Heritage Land Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the natural heritage of the Pocono Mountains region by conserving land and inspiring people to care for, enjoy, and explore their natural world.

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