Thomas Darling Preserve-Hike a Boreal Boardwalk

Boardwalk across glacial wetland

Length: Approx. 1.5 miles one way, three miles total.

Difficulty: Easy, no large climbs. There are wet areas, as well as rocks and roots.

Highlights: Woodlands, beaver dam, pond, long boardwalk across a boreal glacial wetland.

Parking: Lot at 41.114682, -75.598562

Blazes: Blue

Description: This is a fairly easy hike to a large glacial wetland. The highlight is a 1,000 foot boardwalk, probably the longest in the Poconos, across a glacial wetland. This enables visitors to see rare plants and flowers.

While there is a loop trail, I prefer to do an out and back to the end of the boardwalk. This avoids crossing private land and allows you to see the boardwalk twice.

From the parking area, follow the first boardwalk and explore forests of pine, spruce, hemlock and birch. Cross a powerline swath and hike along a creek. Reach a beaver dam and pond. Here, the boardwalk begins. Cross meadows of the wetlands with a variety of plants. Reach the end and retrace your steps.

This preserve is owned by the Nature Conservancy. The adjoining preserve owned by the Wildlands Conservancy also has trails.

My route was the light blue dots.

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