Thunder Swamp Trail- Stillwater Natural Area (TR)

“Yesterday was sunny and cold- a perfect day for a hike. I decided to hike about 13-14 miles of the Thunder Swamp Trail, with the goal of visiting the isolated Stillwater Natural Area and Big Bear Swamp.

The trail began by meandering through a hardwood forest with a few rock ledges. The most scenic areas were the streams that drained from various swamps- there were hemlocks, spruce, and moss.

I crossed Little Bushkill Creek, which isn't very little, via a footbridge and continued onto Big Bear Swamp. The trail loops around the swamp, but there are no views of it due to a thick spruce/fir forest. At times the trail entered the spruce forest and it was very beautiful. The swamp is very isolated and even harbored draft dodgers during the Civil War.

I retraced my steps and took a side trail to Painter Swamp. The wind picked up and it was getting cold as the swamp began to freeze over. I crossed over a beaver dam. There are some nice campsites along the shore of this swamp. I got back to my car as the sun was setting.

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/561639218copmpk?vhost=outdoors”

“Thanks for the nice TR and photos. Looks like a great place to escape for a day!

I was too lazy to Google it but where in the country is this?”

“Thanks.

In the Poconos, PA”

“awesome pics and report, mitch!

Always a treat on the TST.

Did you have to cross Saw Creek? Is the bridge rebuilt yet?”

“I wasn't down at that end. This hike was at the northern end where the TST makes a spur to a loop around Big Bear Swamp. I plan to dayhike the entire main loop sometime this winter.”