“Once upon a time” signals the opening lines of the fairy tales most of us heard in childhood. For many of us, those fairy tales we read or listened to growing up planted images in our minds. A fairy tale, for instance, might now conjure imagines of a secluded forest surrounded by wildlife and the sound of cascading water as it rushes over rocks in a creek. Those fairy tale images leap to life at Blakeslee Natural Area in Pennsylvania.
Stretched across 130 beautiful acres, Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area draws nature lovers with its natural beauty, hiking trails, and waterfalls.
All Trails/Michelle Mann
The best way to explore the lush natural area, which looks as though it’s stepped straight from the pages of a fairy tale, is to follow one of the three hiking trails.
All Trails/Jake Wilson
Clocking in at just two miles, the Highland Loop Trail is perhaps your best bet if you don’t want to hike all three trails.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
The Highland Loop Trail will lead you through a beautiful forested area. Look up for views similar to the one below.
All Trails/Jennifer Pascual
Blakeslee Natural Area also features beautiful views of Tobyhanna Creek, a popular spot for those who enjoy fly fishing.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
You’ll even see several waterfalls that can get really heavy after a rainfall or after snow has melted. The natural area is open all year-round.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
If you’re in the mood for a shorter trail, follow the half-mile Pine Loop Trail. It, too, offers beautiful scenery.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
For an even more challenging adventure, go on the 2.3-mile Red Blazed Creek Trail.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Before you head to Blakeslee Natural Area, especially if you plan to hike the Highland Loop Trail, your best bet is to print a map of the trail or bring your phone along. Unfortunately, hikers report that the trail isn’t well-marked.
All Trails/Mary McKenna
Find a map and more information on hiking at Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area on All Trails.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Have you been to Blakeslee Natural Area in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! If you enjoy a challenging hike that leads to sensational views, follow the Turkey Path Trail that will take you straight to the floor of the Grand Canyon of PA.
All Trails/Michelle Mann
All Trails/Jake Wilson
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
All Trails/Jennifer Pascual
All Trails/Mary McKenna
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Address: Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area, 20 PA-115, Blakeslee, PA 18610, USA
