As travelers become more aware of the carbon-footprint left behind as they trek across the nation, the concept of “green” travel has become increasingly popular. Pennsylvania offers plenty of environmentally conscious options in each region of the state. Head outdoors and witness all that nature has to offer, eat fresh from local farmers markets and organic eateries and sleep with a sound mind at properties that have improved their environmental performance. When planning your next Pennsylvania roadtrip, don’t miss a few of these red hot “green” stops!
Play Green
Lake Wallenpaupack Hawley, PA www.hawleywallenpaupackcc.com Lake Wallenpaupack is a man-made lake built in 1927 for hydroelectric power. The lake’s huge dimensions—5,700-acres, 13-miles long and 52-miles of shoreline—provide various traveling opportunities. Six recreation areas feature hundreds of acres of forest lands, wildlife, walking trails, campsites and boat slips. The visitor center services the traveling public visiting the Lake Wallenpaupack area, as well as the entire Pocono Mountains Region.
Florence Shelly Preserve Thompson, PA www.endlessmountains.org/ The Florence Shelly Preserve offers more than 300-acres of plants, animals, and birds. Self-guided or guided tours are available along the many nature trails in the preserve. Habitats from hemlock swamp, emergent wetlands, a glacial pond, old fields and wooded uplands are home to deer, black bear, beaver otter, fox and other mammals, as well as many birds.
Pinchot Trail, Northern Loop Scranton, PA www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/hiking/pinchot.aspx Named for Gifford Pinchot, the first chief of the United States Forest service, the Pinchot Trail and associated trails offers tranquil touring amid the varied habitats of the Pocono Plateau, with numerous hiking options. The northern loop tour of the 23-mile Pinchot Trail System explores the Pocono Plateau, visiting an observation tower and an intriguing spring. In October, the hike offers spectacular views of the fire-blaze of autumn-colored leaves.
Lacawac Sanctuary Lake Ariel, PA www.lacawac.org A birdwatcher’s delight, Lacawac Sanctuary is a 510-acre land preserve with the mission of preserving Lake Lacawac, its watershed, the surrounding forest and historic structures; provide a venue for ecological research, scholarly interaction and the training of scientists; provide public education on environmental and conservation issues; and conserve open space in Pennsylvania. Lacawac’s 510 acres are comprised of a variety of habitats from two small ponds and a native plant garden to a succession growth field, a mature second growth forest, wetlands, and a glacial lake. A protected glacial lake, Lacke Lacawac was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1969, and researchers have studied it extensively for more than 40 years.
Eat Green
Miller’s Orchard Farm Market Clarks Summit, PA www.millersorchard.com This year-round food-producing farm, greenhouse, market and bakery opens it gates to visitors to enjoy the adventures of farm life. Visitors can explore fall attractions and taste farm-fresh goodies, all while getting a peek into a real-life food-producing farm operations.
Summerhouse Grill Montrose, PA www.summerhousegrill.com Offering fresh, seasonal, local food menus for all special occasions, Summerhouse Grill welcomes guests to a unique dining experience. The Grill provides delicious organic, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian requests, along with humanely raised, grass fed meats, pastured pork and poultry, and sustainably harvested seafood.
Sleep Green
All of the inns and hotels listed below have been recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has a “green hotel,” that is, a property that is managed in a way that helps to improve its environmental practices. For the guidelines of DEP’s green hotel designation, visit www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/pollprev/Industry/hotels/default.htm.
Brookview Manor Inn Canadensis, PA www.brookviewmanor.com An ideal place for couples, the secluded manor provides cuisine made by an award winning New York City chef as well as acres of privately-owned forests. Visitors of Brookview Manor can truly enjoy the surroundings each and every season. With its close proximity to biking, skiing, gambling and shopping, there is always great experience close by.
Pocmont Resort and Conference Center Bushkill, PA www.pocmont.com Located on 170 acres in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, the Pocmont Resort and Conference offers award-winning accommodations to all of their visitors. Located near many of the Pocono Mountains widely-known landmarks such as the Delaware Water Gap and Bushkill Falls, this resort leaves every traveler with many choices to fill their days. The Resort is recognized as a “Green Seal” lodging facility for comforting to recycling and is committed to its high standards.
Mountaintop Lodge Pocono Pines, PA www.poconovacations.com Escape by heading to Mountaintop Lodge in the beautiful Pocono Mountains. Established in 1928, this bed and breakfast resort has recently been remodeled to better serve their visitors. Enjoy the espresso bar and relaxation on the grand porch overlooking the remarkable view of nature.
Settler’s Inn Hawley, PA www.thesettlersinn.com For more than ten years, the Settler’s Inn has been honored with the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau Green Award. Inspired by the 1860s Arts and Crafts movement, the inn delivers life’s simplest pleasures in its purest form by using programs and practices to conserve the environment.