The Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain-The Nature Conservancy

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The Eales Preserve has established itself as a premier destination for mountain biking and hiking.  For good reason.  The preserve protects some of the largest heath barrens in the eastern US, covering hundreds of acres.  The trails feature streams, ponds, rock outcrops, and non-stop views.  You can see for over thirty miles.  The Eales Preserve is owned by the Nature Conservancy.   It is surprising how much beauty surrounds Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.  

The trails were built by mountain bikers, so they tend to be curvy.  But hiking is also allowed.  Overall the trails are in good shape and have signs, but few blazes.  The trails also appear on Google Maps.

If you like views, the loop described below is my favorite.  I recommend hiking in late afternoon and save the Blueberry Trail for last, so you can see the sunset as you hike.  It will be an experience you won’t forget. The best time to see the preserve may be in early October when the meadows explode into fields of deep red.  It is incredibly beautiful.

This loop is 5-6 miles and is moderate in difficulty.  Climbs tend to be gradual and you will walk over and across rock slabs.  From the parking area, walked to the kiosk and soon thereafter turn left onto the Bruised Ego Trail as you get the first taste of some views.  Turn right onto the Conglomerate Loop and enjoy expansive views of the Lackawanna Valley.  Continue on the Stonehenge Trail, which is more wooded, but I like to include The View Trail.  As the name suggests, this one has some great views.  Return to the Stonehenge Trail with more woodlands and small streams.  Reach a powerline and continue on the Waterfall Loop, on which I have never found a waterfall.  This makes a gradual climb over ledges with some views, but then enters the woods.  Near the top, veer right onto the classic Blueberry Trail, which features non stop views that are breathtaking with some small pine groves.  Sunsets are incredible from this trail as it meanders across vast heath meadows.  As you descend enter a forest with a spring, but then return to the open meadows.  The trail drops down to the parking area.

All the trails at the preserve are worth hiking.  Another trail with superb views is High Voltage Trail.  Gene’s Trail is also enjoyable with streams and a pond.  

We are fortunate to have this beautiful place open to the public, for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Parking is at: 41.438408, -75.541067. 

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Waiting for sunset at the Eales Preserve on Moosic Mtn. Going to hike out at twilight. Beautiful place, non stop views.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Aug 25, 2019 at 4:16pm PDT

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Conglomerate Trail. Tired of the green tunnel? Go to the Eales Preserve, so many views and meadows. Perfect place for hiking, mtn biking and trail running.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Aug 26, 2019 at 3:02pm PDT

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Blueberry Trail, the classic trail at the Eales Preserve with views of Elk Mtn.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Aug 26, 2019 at 3:10pm PDT

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At Eales, you are taller than the oak trees. There are acres of dwarf oak trees that make up the largest heath barren ecosystem in the Northeast US. Here I looked out over a thick forest of stunted trees.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Aug 26, 2019 at 3:16pm PDT

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The Blueberry Trail at sunset is something you won't forget. I love living in Northeast PA.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Aug 26, 2019 at 3:20pm PDT

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Pine profile at twilight. I hiked out along the Blueberry Trail.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Aug 26, 2019 at 3:33pm PDT

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As I finished my hike at the Eales Preserve I was treated to these spectacular sunset rays. They soon faded to darkness.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Aug 26, 2019 at 3:36pm PDT

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Sunset at the Eales Preserve. As I reached my car a mtn biker was just beginning his night ride. Get out there.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Aug 26, 2019 at 3:41pm PDT

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Sunset at Eales Preserve.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Aug 27, 2019 at 4:15pm PDT

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The View trail. 30 to 40 mile views from the Eales Preserve.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Aug 26, 2019 at 3:06pm PDT