We spent 4th of July morning hiking the loop around Paradise Price Preserve. We were last here in March when the ground was just starting to thaw out from the long, cold winter. Now the forest was full of life; butterflies, toads, wildflowers, etc. We walked along the trail dodging the red efts that were scattered about the mud and rock debris. I saw a unique wildflower, Monotropa uniflora, also known as ghost plant or Indian pipe that could easily be mistaken for some type of mushroom. There were many other notable mushrooms along the path, but I’m still not up to par on my east coast flora. When we reached the first creek crossing, we discovered a new bridge that had been added. In fact, there were two new bridges built since the last time we hiked here making it easier then boulder hopping over the creek. This preserve is very well loved. Next, we came upon the use trail and followed it to the edge of Targa Falls where we stopped for a moment to take in the scenery. We could have continued further, but the day was warming up and we had other obligations. We cut the hike short by following a more direct route back to the trailhead making it about 5.5 miles. It was a nice morning to get outside and enjoy some nature before continuing with our plans for the day.
It was a glorious Sunday morning. The air was crisp and the sun was gleaming in hues of orange and gold as we set out on the loop trail to hike to Targa Falls from the western side of Paradise Price Preserve. The trail started out in a forest of hardwoods scattered with eastern white pine. As we walked along the wide, rocky path heading east into the bright morning sunlight, the song of an eastern bluebird filled the air. We passed by vernal pools, wetlands and observed various types of fungi attached to fallen logs. Soon we came upon a picnic table along the side of the trail. We sat for a moment to enjoy the quiet of the peaceful forest. When we were ready, we continued along the path which was now starting a descent towards the Brodhead Creek. We passed by large boulders and crossed over tributaries that were flowing down from the ridge. We then turned onto the spur trail that took us directly to the large horseshoe shaped Targa Falls. This is the only natural waterfall on the Brodhead Creek. It’s not a tall waterfall, but its waters roar and move swiftly. We climbed down to the falls where I sat on some large boulder slabs to take in the scenery as the creek crashed and roared downstream. A cool mist from the falls brushed against my face. It felt so refreshing in the warm sunshine. I dipped my hand in to feel the cold, sparkling water. It was a lovely place to sit for a while, enjoy a snack and take in the beauty of nature before continuing. Once back on the loop, the trail took us above the Brodhead offering us lovely views of the rapids along the way before turning west and taking us back in the direction of the trailhead. It was a gorgeous day and the more time I spend hiking the trails here in northeastern Pennsylvania, the more the landscape is starting to grow on me. I’m finding so many gems right here in the Pocono Mountains, and I can’t wait to continue exploring all that this area and beyond has to offer.
The first stop on our Sunday adventure was Targa Falls, a natural waterfall found on the Broadhead Creek. The waterfall is easily accessible from a parking area just off the 447, or you can hike to it from the Paradise Price Preserve. I wanted to see and photograph it in the very early morning sunshine, so we chose the easy drive up access for today. Someday I plan to return to hike in from the west side of the preserve. We parked the car and as I stepped out I could hear the loud rushing waters. Just a few steps more and there it was, this incredible flowing creek roaring past me over large, rocky boulders. The early morning sunlight danced on the white foaming rapids, and the tall hemlocks swayed in the breeze on the banks. It was a beautiful sight just a stone’s throw away from the road. At that moment I honestly felt a little guilty having such a natural wonder within such easy reach. Being used to the rugged mountains of Southern California, I’m not used to having this kind of quick and easy access to something so beautiful as a roaring waterfall. I got my hiking legs out west where you have to earn your views by trekking miles into the wilderness and climbing to precarious mountain tops to view such spectacular places; no cell service, no wifi and only your two legs to rely on to get you there and back. Pennsylvanian’s are so very lucky in this respect.
After enjoying the waterfalls, we hopped back in the car and headed to the trailhead for the Red Rock Loop and Mt. Sophia. The Red Rock Trail is part of the Mount Airy Trail Network and sits on lands protected by a conservation easement held by Paradise Township. At the trailhead there’s a helpful map laying out the topography of the hike, and the trail begins just beyond the kiosk. It starts out on a gravel path leading up stone steps. Right away I noticed the beautiful oak trees and not far into the trail we arrived at a vernal pool. I imagined it would soon be filled with salamanders, wood frogs and other critters. The trails here seemed to be very well kept (save for some downed trees), and they were so pleasant to walk on. So much so that I forgot how rocky the Pennsylvania terrain usually is. We soon arrived at a well-marked junction for the Red Rock Loop and decided to continue northwest directly towards the junction for the top of Mt. Sophia. Along the trail there were large stands of mountain laurel which I am so excited to see bloom in late spring and early summer. This will be my first spring on the east coast in over 20 years. Soon the trail became covered with patches of icy snow and we reached the junction for Mt. Sophia. The trail took us up gently graded switchbacks and as we continued upward, there were helpful wooden steps peeking out from underneath the snow. As we approached the summit, an impressive forest of large pine and hemlock came into view. The sunlight radiated through the majestic trees. I spent some time exploring the summit and the views. From here I could make out the ski runs on Camelback Mountain to the south and more views to the north. We followed the trail a little further as it looped us around in a circle with a convenient “Exit” sign pointing back to the direction in which we came. We took our time hiking down enjoying the views through the beautiful pines and the sunshine. We then arrived at a junction for Red Rock Spur #1. It led us to the site of an old car from the 50s that was flipped upside down and settled into a ditch. It made me wonder what its story was and how it even got up there. There were some old logs that looked like they’d make a perfect place to sit down and enjoy the fresh mountain air, so we sat down and took a break. It was a windy day and I was enjoying listening to that groaning, creaky sound the trees make when they sway against each other in the wind. After our break, we continued along the trail and the winds started kicking up even more. We reached a junction for Red Rock Spur #2 (another outer loop) and began a gentle ascent. We passed by some interesting rock formations before noticing a vintage car graveyard nestled below us, deep in the woods. Had this been summer, we would have never even seen it since the trees would have concealed it with their leaves. We decided to move in closer to explore. There were three rusty cars who had clearly been here for a long time; their final resting place nestled into the forest. We took some photos and then got back on route, enjoying more views to the south as we hiked. The trail made its way down some lovely switchbacks until finally we were back at the junction for the Red Rock Trail on which we had started. This was a wonderful day hike. I really enjoyed my time here and again, it felt like wilderness even though we were so close to civilization. I’d like to come back again and explore more of the spurs and see it when the mountain laurel is in full bloom.
