Mount Wismer Loop Trail

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Hi Blog!

We woke up this morning to the coldest temperatures so far this stay. It was 23 degrees with a 15 degree windchill. We decided to wait until after lunch to get out and explore. Since we were getting a late start, we looked around for a short trail, just a couple miles. We discovered the Mt. Wismer and Gravel Family Nature Preserves. The trailhead parking lot is home to the Barrett Township Dog Park. 

We began our hike by following an old woods road past the large dog park.

We soon enter an old hardwood forest filled with rhododendron bushes. The start of our loop hike was marked with a large red arrow. We knew the hike would have elevation gain in order to be able to enjoy the panoramic views from atop Mount Wismer. Rather than go straight up the side of the mountain on the red trail, we decided to follow the yellow trail and take the longer route.

The dusting of snow we awoke to still clung to the shady part of the trail.

We slowly began hiking higher and higher. The trees became smaller and the boulders grew larger.

It didn't take long to feel toasty. While the temperature never got above 29, the sun felt nice and warm.

As we climbed higher, we passed several frozen springs.

After about a mile, we picked up the blue trail and began hiking along the ridge line. At the end of the Blue Trail is a scenic overlook. A large bounder marked the spot.

Once we reached the height of land, we soon found ourselves on top of the Pocono Plateau. At over 2000 feet, we could see the Delaware Water Gap.

To see what we saw, click the link to this 360-degree view from near the top of Mount Wismer.

We would have loved to stay longer, but the there was nothing to block the wind. We said our goodbyes to Gravel Pond, and began our climb down.

We did take the red trail down to finish our loop hike. It was really steep and rocky. Glad we took the yellow trail up. Next time, we just might take the yellow trail out and back.