Many people in the eastern Pennsylvania area are familiar with the Poconos. Just to the west is an area called the Endless Mountains. The towns are farther apart, the woods are deeper and there are no hotels with honeymoon hot tubs!

My two favorite Endless Mountain places are Ricketts Glen State Park and World’s End State Park. Ricketts Glen is known for it’s amazing Falls Trail that passes by 22 named waterfalls. Click below to view a video of a hike I did on this trail. There is also Lake Jean, pictured above, which is great for kayaking or just strolling along side.

Worlds End is more rugged and isolated, with many hiking trails and vistas to explore. And if you want to spend an afternoon in civilization, the town of Eagles Mere is a short drive away.

Further west of the state parks is a beautiful stream called Rock Run. There are no blazed trails. Just find one of the access points from the road and follow the stream as it travels over carved rock, creating flumes, pools and more.