Hello Trekking PA and Beyond, Yesterday, October 9th, 2024, I drove my friend and I to the Poconos from South Jersey. We had a great trip. Water flow wasn't great, especially the Upper Indian Ladder Falls. But my friend and I love hiking in fall foliage. The leaves were falling off as I took video and pictures, and there were a good amount of leaves already off the trees at Upper Indian Ladder Falls. Lower Indian Ladder Falls was pleasant too. There were a lot of fallen trees, and I couldn't get to the bottom to get closer to the water. There's just something about hearing a waterfall, even if there isn't much water, that is so relaxing and peaceful. I drive a 2024 Honda Accord, and was glad I didn't drive a Honda Civic (the bumpers are lower than an Accord) because I took a shortcut from the Trailhead off of US-209 through Chesnut Ridge Road (I think formally was Chesnut Hill Road - please correct me if I'm wrong). That road had many potholes, dips, rocks, and small trees with branches sticking out. We barely made it through since one spot we almost got stuck. Luckily no damage was done to my car since it didn't bottom out. One branch from a small tree made a mark on my car, but I was able to get it out, since it wasn't a scratch. The route I should have taken was through Federal Road (along US-209), Turn left onto Wilson Hill Road, which turns into Chesnut Ridge Road, then make a left onto Emery Road, then keep driving to Upper Hornbecks (Alternate) Trail Parking. Unless someone has an SUV or a pickup truck, I highly recommend NOT taking the shortcut through Chesnut Ridge Road. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for making this video and typing the description of your routes. It's really confusing reading other articles online, especially since some are outdated. You made our trip simple with your description of directions. I subscribed to this channel today, and look forward to more videos from you. - Paul Harwood
@PaulHarwood856 I'm glad that my video helped you to get there. I've also taken Chestnut Ridge Road when the weather was good and it's definitely not suitable for a low car. I have a Toyota Rav 4 and it makes it through, but I wouldn't attempt it in the winter. I've also taken the longer way around during the winter with no issues. I'm happy you enjoyed your hike.
@@TrekkingPAandBeyond That's great to know about the other route, thank you! We were both happy, and needed the peaceful sound of waterfalls. The leaves falling as I was taking video and pictures was awesome. Your video really did help, and I'll definitely check it out in March like you did! There was a lot of water flowing in your video, so awesome! I just wish there was a sign saying cars might have trouble down this path, hahh. It's hard to turn around as well. My friend and I are going to Jim Thorpe on Monday, and will be hiking in Lehigh Gorge State Park. Fall foliage is supposed to peak October 15-20, so we're excited!
@@hikingoutdoorfamily yes, Sizerville, Bendigo, and Elk state parks are within an hour of each other. Chapman was another hour west. All four are beautiful parks.
Amazing video, capturing stunning views and gave the feel we were with you. Also enjoyed you dropped some alpha about each place along the way. Keep up the great work !
Hey herculespapadimitrakis3244, Look up on Google Maps Upper Hornbecks (Alternate) Trail Parking. From there is a small walk, and you will see a sign with a map and a picture of Upper Indian Ladder Falls. Then hike to the waterfall. Warning: This trail wasn't the hardest but wasn't the easiest to hike. Be really careful and take your time since some rocks have moss and can be slippery. There are parts of the trail that are very steep. Definitely leave enough time to hike back to your vehicle before it gets dark, or at least bring a flash light. There wasn't great cell phone service here, so I would download a map so you have it in case you don't have service. If it is raining or had rained, be really careful you don't slip on the trial. I hope this helps... - Paul Harwood
@herculespapadimitrakis3244 sorry I'm just seeing this. I parked on Emery Road for the Upper Hornbecks Creek Trailhead. I use Google maps and if you search Upper Hornbecks Creek Trailhead, it will take you to the small parking area on the side of the road.
We were out at Trough Creek state park a few years ago which is not too far from Raytown lake but we never made it over there. It looks so beautiful from your video, I'll have to check it out!
Raystown Lake has easily become one of my favorite destinations. This was our third time there. The first two times we visited all of the state parks in the surrounding area, including Trough Creek, which I thought was a beautiful park, was one of them. We are very lucky to have so many beautiful state parks, lakes, etc. in Pennsylvania. I hope you get to visit Raystown Lake sometime soon.
There are a bunch more in Washington County, but we ran out of time. You can tell in the video that I was getting tired for the last two we visited. That just means a return trip out to Raccoon Creek!
Thank you! We are thinking of heading to the beautiful state of Michigan next year. I've been seeing a lot of videos of the Upper Peninsula, and it's calling me.
I was pleasantly surprised with the natural beauty of Bushkill Falls. It helped that we went early before it got too busy. I would definitely visit again.
I thoroughly enjoyed your hike! The foot bridges look like fun, and that forest of rhododendron was quite satisfying! I wonder if that area where it looked like power lines should be might be a planned fire break? Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching, I'm happy you enjoyed the hike. Bear Creek Preserve is beautiful, a great place to explore, and one of my favorites. That would make sense to have a fire break there. The area is heavily wooded. The streams there are exceptional, so scenic with lots of little waterfalls. If you have a chance, check it out.
Hi. I took my Sea Eagle inflatable for a float around Leaser Lake this summer. So I recognize your float. I did not video on the water, but two years ago I did hike around it. Nice area. Thanks for the float. Always peaceful.
Hi. I'm Quietjohn from Quietjohn Out and About. Welcome to You Tube. Your channel popped up. I took a look. I've been going to the Haystacks for over thirty years. Always fantastic to see them. Thanks. Wishing you sucess.
Hi Quietjohn! Thanks for the welcome! That hike was one of my recent favorites. I've been hiking my whole life, but I'm running out of PA state parks and have been branching out to other nearby states and their state parks, PA state forests and county parks etc. Always happy to connect with a like-minded fellow RU-vidr. I'll check out your channel for more ideas on where to explore.
Just found your channel and like it a lot. Ive been to several of those parks. Erie Bluffs had just opened and there were no trails to speak of when I was there. I definitely want to go back. Thanks for a great video.
Loved seeing this! We LOVED the bog area while we were in that area! Such an interesting area - you picked a great part of PA to explore!! We did almost that identical state park loop when we went!
Awesome! We always love watching the wildlife around the lake! Looks like another State Park in the books! Keep making memories & adventure on! ~Karen & Shannon WOY