Pennsylvania

Choose Your Pace: A Hiking Adventure on the Appalachian Trail

Program No. 14629RJ
Hike a stretch of the Appalachian Trail in the Pocono Mountains at your own pace, explore trails each day and learn about the region’s history from a local historian and park ranger.

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At a Glance

Lace up your boots and discover a section of the Appalachian Trail in the Pocono Mountains — a stretch of NJ & PA prized for its outstanding views. Pass through the picturesque Delaware Water Gap and follow rocky ridges a few thousand feet above sea level. On daily hikes chosen by level of challenge, learn trail orientation, hiking safety and the history and preservation of a national treasure while wrapped in nature's beauty and serenity.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Choose Your Pace
Each day, choose from multiple hiking options based on your desired level of challenge and pace, ranging from 3-10 miles on rocky terrain. Elevations of 500-1,200 feet.

What You'll Learn

  • Enjoy hikes led by experienced, knowledgeable experts on the renowned Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
  • Get acquainted with the environment of the Poconos on a walk with a local naturalist.
  • Learn about the region from a local historian

General Notes

Airport transfer at added cost. The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal and a live performance or event.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Rick Koval
Rick Koval is a longtime resident of Luzerne County and a professional naturalist, consultant, wildlife photographer and award-winning outdoor writer. He was the director of land conservation for the North Branch Land Trust before becoming the head naturalist for Skytop Lodge in the Poconos. Rick is a local television personality as a naturalist on the popular show, “Pennsylvania Outdoor Life.” He is currently writing a book on the native orchids of the Poconos.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Rick Koval
Rick Koval View biography
Rick Koval is a longtime resident of Luzerne County and a professional naturalist, consultant, wildlife photographer and award-winning outdoor writer. He was the director of land conservation for the North Branch Land Trust before becoming the head naturalist for Skytop Lodge in the Poconos. Rick is a local television personality as a naturalist on the popular show, “Pennsylvania Outdoor Life.” He is currently writing a book on the native orchids of the Poconos.
Profile Image of Sandy Walter
Sandy Walter View biography
Sandy Walter is a native of Pennsylvania who has been teaching skiing for 18 years and recently became certified as a personal trainer. She has rafted and hiked the Grand Canyon, as well as rafted, kayaked and canoed on the Lehigh and Delaware rivers. Sandy has completed numerous long-distance cycling trips, including from West Virginia to Pennsylvania, from Portland, Maine, to Penn., as well as throughout Italy. She has also hiked in the Andes in Peru and several sections of the Appalachian Trail.
Profile Image of Midge McClosky
Midge McClosky View biography
Midge McClosky is the cultural program director for the Shawnee Institute, executive director of the Shawnee Playhouse, and the artistic director of the Worthington Players. Before moving to Shawnee, Midge worked as a professional actress, singer, and dancer performing musical theatre in 49 of the 50 states. Her extensive credits cross over into film, television, commercials, voiceovers and live industrials. She and Chris, her husband of more than two decades, have two grown sons.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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