The best walks and hikes in Promised Land State Park
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Hiking in Promised Land State Park is set on the Pocono Plateau at an elevation of around 1,800 feet (550 m). The park's landscape is characterized by two prominent lakes, dense forests of beech, oak, maple, and hemlock, and rocky terrain shaped by past glacial activity. The extensive trail network winds through these woodlands and along the lakeshores, offering varied routes.
Best hiking trails in Promised Land State Park
- The most popular hiking route is Egypt Meadow Lake loop from Bear Trap Mountain, a 3.7 miles (6.0 km) trail that takes 1 hour 34 minutes to complete. This is an easy route with minimal elevation change that circles the lake.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Big Lake Trail, an easy 2.0 miles (3.3 km) path. This trail offers views of the lake and surrounding forest.
- Local hikers also love the Mountain Lake loop from Skytop, a 2.2 miles (3.6 km) trail leading around the lake, often completed in about 56 minutes.
- Hiking in Promised Land State Park is defined by lakeside paths, dense woodlands, and gentle gradients. The network of Promised Land State Park hiking trails provides accessible options for different ability levels, with most routes being relatively flat.
- The routes in Promised Land State Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 1 review. More than 30 hikers have used komoot to explore Promised Land State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
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The Conservation Island Nature Trail offers a delightful, easy hike around its namesake island, providing continuous, beautiful views of Promised Land Lake. You'll wander through peaceful hemlock and pine trees on a wide, mostly flat path, with benches inviting you to pause and soak in the scenery. It's a perfect, family-friendly outing for those seeking a quick nature escape with minimal effort.
Planning your visit is straightforward, but be aware that this is one of the most popular trails in Promised Land State Park, so it can get crowded. Consider an early start to secure parking and enjoy a quieter experience. The trail is accessible year-round, but for blooming mountain laurel and lilies, aim for mid-June to mid-July, or for spectacular fall foliage, visit in mid-October.
This trail is particularly notable for its self-guided nature experience, with a corresponding booklet available to help you identify various natural features. Its loop design ensures constant lake vistas, and its minimal 14 feet (4 metres) of elevation gain over 0.9 miles (1.5 km) makes it an ideal choice for a 23-minute stroll for all ages and abilities, including those with dogs.
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The 1800 Trail offers a delightful, easy hike through a diverse forest within Promised Land State Park. You'll wander along a singletrack path, encountering various hardwoods, hemlock, and even tamarack in wetter areas. The terrain is generally flat, but expect some rocky or boggy sections due to the region's glacially deposited rocks, adding to the natural feel of the route. It's a short, scenic journey perfect for a quick nature fix.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is located within Promised Land State Park and is accessible year-round. For the most vibrant scenery, aim for mid-June to mid-July to catch the mountain laurel and rhododendron blooms, or visit in mid-October for spectacular fall foliage. The trail also welcomes winter enthusiasts for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, offering a different kind of beauty.
This easy 0.5-mile (0.8 km) hike, with only 10 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 12 minutes to complete, making it ideal for families or anyone seeking a gentle outdoor experience. It serves as a useful connector, linking Pines Campground to the Boundary Trail, and provides a taste of the rich natural environment found within the 3,000-acre park, surrounded by the vast Delaware State Forest.
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Big Lake Trail in Lacawac Sanctuary offers a delightful and accessible hiking experience, perfect for a relaxed outing. You'll wander through natural surroundings on mixed surfaces, including gravel, unpaved sections, and some paved areas, providing a varied and engaging path. The route is designed for ease, making it a fantastic choice for families and beginners to enjoy the outdoors. It's a gentle introduction to hiking, allowing you to soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the sanctuary.
Planning your visit to this easy 2.0-mile (3.3 km) trail is straightforward, as it's accessible year-round. With only 349 feet (106 metres) of elevation gain, it takes approximately 56 minutes to complete, making it ideal for a quick nature break. Dogs are permitted on a leash, so feel free to bring your furry friend along for a Big Lake Trail family friendly adventure. Check the Lacawac Sanctuary's website for specific visitor information and parking details before heading out.
This trail stands out as a welcoming gateway to nature within the Lacawac Sanctuary, a protected area dedicated to environmental education and conservation. Its connection to other trails like the Ledges Trail and Forest Study Trail offers opportunities to explore more of the sanctuary's diverse ecosystems. The Big Lake Trail provides a serene environment to observe local flora and fauna, making it a notable spot for a tranquil walk in Pennsylvania.
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Popular around Promised Land State Park
Tips from the Community
This is a relatively smaller lake, but most of the time, you'll find it full of life with people swimming, kayaking, and a wide variety of wildlife around the area. There's a nice trail that encircles the lake, offering views of the entire lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails in Promised Land State Park?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the trails in Promised Land State Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. The park offers many suitable trails for hiking with your canine companion, such as the relatively flat lakeside paths.
What are some good, easy hikes for families?
The park is very family-friendly, with most trails being rated as easy. For a pleasant walk with children, consider the Egypt Meadow Lake loop from Egypt Meadow Lake Dam. It's a short, 1.5-mile (2.5 km) loop with very little elevation change, making it perfect for little legs.
Are there any trails with waterfalls?
Yes, the park is known for its waterfalls. The most notable is the Little Falls Trail, a popular one-mile loop that follows a creek past several small, scenic cascades. It's a great choice if you're looking for picturesque water features on your hike.
What is the general difficulty of the trails in the park?
The hiking trails in Promised Land State Park are generally considered easy. The terrain is located on the Pocono Plateau and features mostly gentle gradients and lakeside paths. All of the featured routes in this guide are rated easy, making the park accessible for hikers of all abilities.
How do other hikers rate the trails in Promised Land State Park?
The trails are very well-regarded by the komoot community, which has given the area an average rating of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the beautiful lake views and the serene forest environment.
Are there circular or loop trails available?
Absolutely. Many of the most popular routes are loops, allowing you to enjoy a varied hike without retracing your steps. A great example is the Mountain Lake loop from Coveville, which provides a pleasant 2.2-mile (3.6 km) circuit around the lake.
What is the best season to hike in Promised Land State Park?
Hiking is excellent year-round, but autumn is particularly spectacular when the beech, oak, and maple forests display vibrant fall colors. Spring is also beautiful, with blooming mountain laurel and rhododendron. Summer is great for combining a hike with a swim, and winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing on the trails.
How can I get to the park and where can I park?
Promised Land State Park is located at 100 Lower Lake Rd, Greentown, PA. The best way to get there is by car. The park is a popular destination and provides multiple parking areas near trailheads and the main visitor center, but they can fill up on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
Are there any trails that connect to the surrounding Delaware State Forest?
Yes, several trails extend from the park into the vast Delaware State Forest, offering opportunities for longer and more remote hikes. The Bruce Lake Trail, for instance, leads out to a natural glacial lake within the state forest, providing a more rugged backcountry experience.
Can I go backpacking or camping in the park?
While there are no designated backpacking-specific trails with backcountry campsites, the park offers extensive camping facilities. You can set up a base at one of the six campgrounds and explore different trails each day. For official details on camping options and reservations, it's best to check the official park website.
What kind of elevation gain should I expect on the hikes?
Most hikes in the park involve minimal elevation gain, as the terrain is relatively flat. For example, the Mount Wismer loop is one of the routes with more climbing, and it only has about 330 feet (100 m) of ascent. The majority of trails are much flatter, especially those around the lakes.
How extensive is the trail network in the park?
Promised Land State Park features an impressive network of approximately 50 miles (80 km) of hiking trails. This offers a wide variety of options, from short lakeside strolls to longer treks through the forest.
Most popular routes in Promised Land State Park
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