Long Pond |
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Directions: See Long Pond Map or Google Map |
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Description: Continue on Clearview Road and, after passing the field on the right, stop and park at a red "City of Bethlehem-Trespass Notice" sign. Do not block the gate. Walk down the dirt track along the left side of the field. After 300 yards you will come to a wire gate. Continue on for another 200 yards past the house, through the field, then along the forest path to Long Pond. This access gives you the best look at Long Pond that you can get without bushwhacking. The road goes through beautiful mixed coniferous/deciduous forest that is home to many Pocono specialties. You should hear Red-eyed and Blue-headed vireos, Hermit Thrush, and Scarlet Tanager. At Long Pond, the alder thickets are a good place to hear Alder Flycatcher. Nashville, Chestnut-sided, and Yellow warblers are common in the scrub wetland that borders the pond. Remember to turn left at the old picnic table as you retrace your path to the field. When you return to your car, continue on Clearview Road and you will soon return to The Nature Conservancy headquarters. From Clearview Road, turn left onto Long Pond Road. In about 1.1 mile you will cross a bridge where on your left you will see Tunkhannock Creek as it exits Long Pond. Continue past the Pocono Raceway to PA 115. Big races are held twice a year, bringing 100,000 racing fans and massive traffic to the area. Try to avoid these events, which usually occur on the third weekend of June and the third weekend of July (call ahead for exact dates). Even on weekends when there are no big races, you are likely to hear track noise from practice sessions and lesser events. |