Rail Gap Nature Preserve

The 61.5-acre Rail Gap Nature Preserve, acquired in 2020, contains a section of the Pocono Creek with Class A Wild Trout Waters, clean and cold enough to support naturally-reproducing trout populations. Its forests boast thickets of old growth rhododendron, colonies of spring wildflowers (such as trout lilies and Canada mayflower) and wetland habitats for wood frogs and salamanders, amidst humbling groves of Pennsylvania's state tree, the Eastern Hemlock.

Resting on the Hamilton-Stroud township line just south of Bartonsville, this property features many interesting landmarks, including a path of the old Wilkes-Barre & Eastern (WB&E) Railroad, which transported coal, ice, and passengers between Wilkes-Barre and Stroudsburg from 1893 to the 1930s, as well as an abundance of small marine fossils, dating back approximately 400 million years!

A PIECE OF POCONO HISTORY

The name “Rail Gap” comes from the Wilkes-Barre & Eastern (WB&E) Railroad, which transported coal, ice, and passengers between Wilkes-Barre and Stroudsburg from the 1890s to the 1930s.  The former railroad bed is now part of the white trail, with a distinct “gap” where the trail meets Pocono Creek. A stone cliff is all that’s left of the railroad bridge that once crossed the flowing water. Any trace of the opposite bridge support has disappeared due to time, floods and the rerouting of Pocono Creek to build Route I-80. WB&E Railroad bridge crossing Pocono Creek, circa 1894 Sam Prynda photo Historic wooden water tower. Rail Gap Pocono Creek Nature Preserve

 

AN OASIS AWAITS

Just minutes from busy Route 611 in Bartonsville, this remarkable preserve offers both nature and history. From the main parking lot on Shafers Schoolhouse Road, visitors can access a beautiful stretch of Pocono Creek, with Class A Wild Trout Waters – clean and cold enough to support a naturally reproducing trout population (fishing permitted, catch and release only). Sit awhile beneath the humbling groves of Pennsylvania’s state tree, the eastern hemlock, and soak in the sights and sounds of nature.

EXPLORING THE WESTERN SIDE

An abandoned old car? Curious. A water tower, made of wood? It’s true! Although the history of the water tower and other artifacts are unknown, even more surprising is that wooden water towers are still manufactured today – so lightweight they’re sometimes used on city rooftops. Because the wood swells when the tower is filled with water, no nails or adhesive are necessary; the steel bands that encircle the wooden planks allow it to be tightened as needed. The water tower, a vintage 1920s car, and an assortment of antique farm equipment are all on the western side of the preserve, which can be accessed from the secondary parking lot on Brislin Road.

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EAST OF POCONO CREEK

Parking area: 3555 Shafers Schoolhouse Road

 

White trail

The white loop trail is flat and wide with a gentle grade. The lower half of the trail is an old access road; the upper half of the loop incorporates the former WB&E railbed. Rustic steps descend back to the trailhead near the parking area.

 

Yellow trail  

The yellow trail is a spur from the white trail. It follows Pocono Creek, providing an up-close view of the water.

 

Green trail 

The green trail is a “lollipop” design that loops back on itself. It branches off from the railbed to provide nice views of Stevens Run, which flows into Pocono Creek near the I-80 corridor.