Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area — Attraction in Tobyhanna Township

This is a nice preserved area with pine woods and a creek with waterfalls. The entrance has a pavilion with tables and a port a pot. There are several trails, the red, the orange, and the blue, each with varying terrain and with benches along the way. There are exposed roots and rocks, and there are wet spots along the way. How muddy the trails are is dependent upon prevailing conditions before you get there.

One downside during our visit is the harsh winter conditions have brought down a lot of trees along the trail. Until trail maintenance occurs, be prepared to take some evasive action to get around them.

Now for the bad part, several sections of each of the trails had missing or broken trail markers. This left some sections very poorly marked, and the current ground conditions made it very difficult to see if we were still on trail or not. I was frequently turning around to see if there were trail markings in the opposite direction that would confirm we were still on trail. I question the wisdom of using plastic reflectors as trail markers as they are easily broken, and many were. The blue ones were difficult to see from a distance.

There is a missing bridge along the red trail. We bypassed this missing bridge by taking the orange trail and reconnecting with the red. It adds time and distance, but is worth it.

Trail markings and downed trees aside, the location and scenery were beautiful, and we took advantage of the many scenic spots along the way, especially along the creek and near the falls. There are tables and benches at the overlook, and I took some pictures from there. My own favorite spot was some large rocks along the red trail.

I was debating giving only 3 stars as the poorly marked trail sections might oft put novice hikers, but decided to bump to 4 as the adventure...

Since I moved few miles from here, this past year, and first went, I am absolutely in love with this place and its beauty, and I always see something new each time I missed the previous times. Got to take my husky for the first time today, and she couldn’t get enough of it. She was able to get herself around and up and over many of natures little obstacles. The creek is just breathtaking, I also love hiking up into the woods where it gets to be just me and nature. It’s my therapy.

I wish tho they can get some set up in the area where bridge is out, since the rope is even gone now. I have seen people having to turn back bc they can’t get across due to age,health,etc.

And I also would think dog parents of all dogs, know that your dogs need to be on a leash, friendly or not. It protects them and also other dogs. Even the most friendly dogs may not like just one dog on the planet and it may be the one it passes off leash. And also dogs can have great recall all the time, until the one time they don’t, and it’s a very serious situation. I’m saying this because I love animals, dogs all dogs, deserve to have adventures and make memories. And just want them all to have humans making the right choices to keep them safe.

There isn’t a big restroom but there is a Porto potty, it’s not the nicest smelling but not the worst.

And please if you bring trash in, bring it back out! Especially see it happen when ppl come from out of state and are more carefree and in vacation brain. This is our home all year, and actually the animals real home. If I see it, I’ll call you on it. And wish others do that too.

I actually liked hiking here way better then Hickory Run, easier to navigate and just scenery is gorgeous, my husky likes...

Ventured to this charming spot for a short hike, captivated by the allure of its waterfall. Upon arrival, I was greeted with a serene ambiance and picturesque scenery. Initially, the trails were reasonably marked, but at times, we faced uncertainty about the correct path to take. The red path, known as the creek trail, gradually became more challenging due to its terrain, filled with numerous roots. After a recent rainstorm, the paths became slippery, emphasizing the importance of proper footwear – I observed a few individuals struggling with sandals or regular sneakers. The walk plank over the creek seemed flimsy, and in some areas, it was just a wooden board in the dirt or walking on stumps.

Reaching the magnificent waterfall up close was a memorable experience, inspiring our group to venture further in hopes of discovering more natural wonders. However, as we delved deeper, the path became increasingly difficult to follow, and many areas were poorly maintained and overgrown with vegetation. Our exploration became a challenging journey, requiring constant backtracking and navigating around fallen trees.

Despite the unexpected difficulties, the initial hike and the enchanting waterfall earned this place a 5-star rating from me. Yet, it's essential to be aware of the potential challenges and unmarked paths deeper into the trail. Proper preparation and suitable footwear will ensure a more enjoyable experience for future adventurers. It would probably be best to turn around after seeing...