loading spinner
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.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.

DATES & PRICES

No shuttle Roundtrip airport transfer
Mar 17 - Mar 22, 2024
No transfer 1,199
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,349
Apr 7 - Apr 12, 2024
No transfer 1,199
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,349
Apr 14 - Apr 19, 2024
No transfer 1,199
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,349
May 5 - May 10, 2024
SOLD OUT
No transfer 1,199
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,349
May 12 - May 17, 2024
SOLD OUT
No transfer 1,199
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,349
Jun 2 - Jun 7, 2024
No transfer 1,199
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,349
Itinerary Note

Private Group - The Ramblers

Sep 15 - Sep 20, 2024
SOLD OUT
No transfer 1,199
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,349
Oct 20 - Oct 25, 2024
SOLD OUT
No transfer 1,199
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,349
Itinerary Note

Private Group - OLLI@Penn State

Oct 27 - Nov 1, 2024
No transfer 1,199
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,349
Nov 3 - Nov 8, 2024
No transfer 1,199
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,349

DATES & PRICES

No shuttle Roundtrip airport transfer
Mar 17 - Mar 22, 2024
No transfer 1,609
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,769
Apr 7 - Apr 12, 2024
No transfer 1,609
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,769
Apr 14 - Apr 19, 2024
No transfer 1,609
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,769
May 5 - May 10, 2024
SOLD OUT
No transfer 1,609
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,769
May 12 - May 17, 2024
SOLD OUT
No transfer 1,609
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,769
Jun 2 - Jun 7, 2024
No transfer 1,609
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,769
Itinerary Note

Private Group - The Ramblers

Sep 15 - Sep 20, 2024
SOLD OUT
No transfer 1,609
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,769
Oct 20 - Oct 25, 2024
SOLD OUT
No transfer 1,609
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,769
Itinerary Note

Private Group - OLLI@Penn State

Oct 27 - Nov 1, 2024
No transfer 1,609
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,769
Nov 3 - Nov 8, 2024
No transfer 1,609
Roundtrip airport transfer 1,769

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.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • 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 and park ranger.

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 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 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, voice-overs, and live industrials. She and Chris, her husband of more than 20 years, have two active boys, ages 13 and 14.
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.
Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail
by Ben Montgomery
Emma Gatewood was the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail alone, as well as the first person—man or woman—to walk it twice and three times and she did it all after the age of 65. This is the first and only biography of Grandma Gatewood, as the reporters called her, who became a hiking celebrity in the 1950s and '60s. She appeared on TV with Groucho Marx and Art Linkletter, and on the pages of Sports Illustrated. The public attention she brought to the little-known footpath was unprecedented. Her vocal criticism of the lousy, difficult stretches led to bolstered maintenance, and very likely saved the trail from extinction. Author Ben Montgomery was given unprecedented access to Gatewood's own diaries, trail journals, and correspondence. He also unearthed historic newspaper and magazine articles and interviewed surviving family members and hikers Gatewood met along the trail. The inspiring story of Emma Gatewood illustrates the full power of human spirit and determination.
Hear the Challenge: Hike the Appalachian Trail
by Kyle Rohrig
If you have even remotely considered hiking the length of the nearly 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail, then you’ve “heard the challenge.” The question now is…will you answer it? If you have been on the fence about doing a thru-hike, the job of this book is to gently nudge, possibly even shove you off that fence, into the direction of the Appalachian Trail. But, if your mind is already made up to embark on this once in a lifetime adventure, then prepare to have your confidence elevated to new heights. Knowledge is power and information is currency; I intend to make you powerfully rich, in regards to the Appalachian Trail, as you read through the contents of this book. The subjects of this work include, but are far from limited to… -Preparing your life for a thru-hike -Financial preparation -Mental preparation (what you bring within yourself is far more important than what you put in your pack). -Physical preparation (I’ve been a strength and conditioning specialist for nearly a decade). -Hiking with a dog (I’ve done the whole trail with one) -Insights and information into nearly every aspect of thru-hiking, as well as life on trail and much, much more. -Extensive information regarding gear and itemized lists of what this journey requires. -Insights into each state, as well as noteworthy regions and the obstacles/highlights they present. This book is not designed nor intended to be a “how to” or a “guidebook.” It is simply designed to present you with information while simultaneously inspiring the confidence to use that information in making decisions that are perfect for you. Want the full story of the author's AT hike? Check out amazon.com best seller; "Lost on the Appalachian Trail."
A WALK IN THE WOODS
by Bill Bryson
Home in America after twenty years in Britain, Bill Bryson decided to reacquaint himself with his native country by walking the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine. A gloriously out-of-shape friend named Stephen Katz is along for the walk. Katz's overwhelming desire is to find cozy restaurants, but he and Bryson eventually settle into their stride and enjoy their adventure. On the trail, they meet a bizarre assortment of hilarious characters, making for a laugh-out-loud hike. But the book is more than that. Bryson's acute eye is a wise witness to this beautiful but fragile trail, with its astonishing landscape of silent forests and sparkling lakes. Bryson not only tells its fascinating history, but he also makes a moving plea for the conservation of America's last great wilderness. An adventure, a comedy, and a celebration, A WALK IN THE WOODS is destined to become a modern classic of travel literature.
Print All
Map details are not available for this location.
View Map
Expand All
6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5 B 3 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Reception, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, Class
Shawnee on Delaware
D
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort

Activity note: Inn check-in from 4:30 p.m. Remember to bring your name-tag (sent previously).

Afternoon: CHECK-IN: Hotel Room Check-in is available from 4:30 p.m. on. PROGRAM REGISTRATION: After you check in at the front desk and get settled into your room, join your fellow Road Scholars in the hospitality room to socialize until the Welcome Dinner begins. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Our programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for light morning exercise, interaction with members of the local community, a farm-to-table meal, and evening entertainment. We will begin each day with an invigorating stretch session. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding

Dinner: At 7 p.m. we'll enjoy dinner at the Inn, where you'll have the opportunity to choose from a "American Home-style" themed buffet offering choices of salads and entrées (one of which will be vegetarian), plus vegetables, rice, potatoes, or pasta, fresh fruit, and coffee, tea (iced or hot), water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: ORIENTATION: After dinner the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. CLASS: Next, we’ll have a class on hiking safety to prepare you for hiking on the Appalachian Trail, led by a trail expert. Following our Hiking Safety Class, we'll watch some video selections to see a glimpse onto the trails we will be hiking. This film clip captures the essence of this historic pathway, fascinating characters, beautiful scenery, and the small town America’s generosity of spirit Hikers will have the option of choosing between hikes of different levels of difficulty, organized into groups based on preference and ability. Indicated times are approximate.

DAY
2
Mt. Minsi Hikes, Historical Presentation
Shawnee on Delaware
B,L,D
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort

Activity note: Three hiking options to choose from in Pennsylvania on The Appalachian Trail for today: Moderate Hike: a 3 mile hike with plenty of rest stops. Elevation gain is up to 600 feet. Moderately Challenging Hike: a 4.5 mile hike with several rest stops and rocky terrain with an elevation gain of 900 feet. Challenging Hike: a 6.5 mile hike with rocky terrain, a faster pace with less rest stops and an elevation gain of over 900 feet.

Breakfast: Breakfast will be in the Inn’s River Room restaurant. Enjoy your choice of hot and/or cold breakfast selections from fruit to home-made granola, pancakes or French toast, a variety of breakfast meats, an omelet station, and more. Before we depart for the trails, we'll make our own lunches at the Inn. A variety of breads, cheeses, meats, condiments, fruit, snacks and drinks will be available.

Morning: After a morning stretch our hikers will have the option of choosing between hikes of different levels of difficulty, organized into groups based on preference and ability. You can choose a 3, 4.5 or 6.5 plus mile hike, all offering beautiful views on The Appalachian Trail. Today we'll hike Mt. Minsi as an introduction to hiking on The Appalachian Trail. Our first hike will help you determine your comfort level hiking on the rocky terrain.

Lunch: We’ll stop at a scenic spot along the trail to have the lunches we made for ourselves this morning.

Afternoon: We will continue our hikes, with the leader pointing out unique aspects of the local environment.

Dinner: We'll enjoy dinner at the Inn, where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy our "Italian" themed buffet offering choices of salads and entrées (one of which will be vegetarian), plus vegetables, rice, potatoes, or pasta, fresh fruit, and coffee, tea (iced or hot), water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: We’ll gather for a historical presentation called "The River's Edge" about the local history. This lecture features fascinating stories and hundreds of historical photographs led by a local expert.

DAY
3
Camp Mohican Morning & Afternoon Hikes, Evening Concert
Shawnee on Delaware
B,L,D
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort

Activity note: We begin to explore New Jersey's section of the AT. The Moderate Hike will be a 3 mile hike with plenty of rest stops and similar terrain to yesterday's hike. Today's Moderately Challenging and Challenging Hikes will once again experience rocky terrain and gains of over 900 feet in elevation. The challenging hike will move at a faster pace, the 6 mile hike will be at a moderate pace.

Breakfast: Breakfast will be in the Inn’s River Room restaurant. Enjoy your choice of hot and/or cold breakfast selections from fruit to home-made granola, pancakes or French toast, a variety of breakfast meats, an omelet station, and more. Before we depart for the trails, we'll make our own lunches at the Inn. A variety of breads, cheeses, meats, condiments, fruit, snacks and drinks will be available.

Morning: Hikers will have the option of choosing between hikes of different levels of difficulty, organized into groups based on preference and ability. You can choose a 3, 6.8 or 9.5 mile hike, all offering beautiful views. Today, after our morning stretch, we all start at Camp Mohican and hike along The Appalachian Trail with our expert guides to a variety of beautiful views and destinations. The Moderate Hike will start at a popular AT crossroad. The Moderately Challenging Hike will head south on the AT to Raccoon Ridge, which has a 360 degree view! The Challenging Hike will head North on the AT to enjoy glorious views of New Jersey and New York on the way to Crater Lake.

Lunch: We’ll stop at a scenic spot along the trail to have the lunches we made for ourselves this morning.

Afternoon: We will continue our hikes, with the leader pointing out fascinating aspects of the local environment.

Dinner: Inn buffet. Tonight's Farm to Table meal will be presented by our Executive Chef.

Evening: The Shawnee Institute concert series, open to the public, presents a variety of performing groups throughout the year. In tonight’s concert, we’ll hear local musicians. This is a great opportunity for community engagement with the audience member and performers!

DAY
4
Naturalist Walk, Free Time, LNT Class, Animal Presentation
Shawnee on Delaware
B,D
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort

Activity note: Today's hike will be a nature walk for all. This hike will be 3 miles and offer moderately rocky terrain, elevation under 500 feet and a slower "learning" pace.

Breakfast: Breakfast will be in the Inn’s River Room restaurant. Enjoy your choice of hot and/or cold breakfast selections from fruit to home-made granola, pancakes or French toast, a variety of breakfast meats, an omelet station, and more.

Morning: We will begin the day with an invigorating stretch. Led by a biology professor/naturalist, this morning features a 3 mile nature walk around Lake Lenape and into the town of Delaware Water Gap, which is a thru-hiker favorite stop. On our scenic nature walk, we'll learn about edible vegetation, geology, wildlife and exquisite plant life, while observing ecosystems.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Afternoon: Free Afternoon. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. Late afternoon, join us for a 30 minute, interactive presentation about our commitment to "Leave No Trace" led by a local expert. Completion of this course qualifies you for certification in the program. The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort has many offerings, such as a Spa, Watercraft and Bicycle rentals, a Pontoon Boat Ride and productions at The Shawnee Playhouse. The concierge and group leader can both assist you in finalizing these plans.

Dinner: We'll enjoy dinner at the Inn, where you'll have the opportunity to choose from a "Mexican" themed buffet offering choices of salads and entrées (one of which will be vegetarian), plus coffee, tea (iced or hot), water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Join us for a LIVE animal presentation with Kathy Uhler, director of The Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center! Gain insight to animal senses and the physical adaptations that allow them to survive. The Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center was founded in 1983 and incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1988. Licensed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the PWRC serves Monroe, Lehigh, Northampton, Wayne, Pike and Luzerne Counties. The facility takes in more than 2,400 animals annually including fawns, owls, hawks, falcons, eagles, squirrels, rabbits, songbirds, foxes raccoons, and bears.

DAY
5
Dunnfield Creek/Sunfish Pond Hikes, NPS Class
Shawnee on Delaware
B,L,D
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort

Activity note: Today we'll offer 3 hiking groups: 3, 7 and 10 miles. The Moderate Hike will be 3 miles with a moderate gain. The Moderately Challenging Hike will be 7 miles with rocky terrain and 1000 feet of elevation gain, and the Challenging Hike will be 10 miles with rocky terrain and 1000 feet of elevation gain. Both the 7 and 10 mile hikes will visit the popular AT destination; Sunfish Pond.

Breakfast: Breakfast will be in the Inn’s River Room restaurant. Enjoy your choice of hot and/or cold breakfast selections from fruit to home-made granola, pancakes or French toast, a variety of breakfast meats, an omelet station, and more. Before we depart for the trails, we'll make our own lunches at the Inn. A variety of breads, cheeses, meats, condiments, fruit, snacks and drinks will be available.

Morning: Today is our last adventure as a group on The Appalachian Trail. Once again, after our morning stretch, you’ll have the option of breaking into one of three groups based on your preference: 3, 7 or 10 miles. Those venturing out on the 3 mile hike will be along part of the Dunnfield Creek Trail. The trail runs along the Dunnfield Creek which is a designated Wild Trout Stream, supporting a healthy population of native brook trout. The trail follows the stream through a mature hemlock and mixed hardwood ravine with numerous small cascades along the way. Those opting for the 7 or 10 mile hikes will venture to Sunfish Pond, a glacially carved lake and a highlight to the AT. It's a great sense of accomplishment reaching Sunfish Pond and usually a good opportunity to run into some thru-hikers along the way.

Lunch: We’ll stop at a scenic spot along the trail to have the lunches we made for ourselves this morning.

Afternoon: After lunch we'll wrap up our hike and return to the Inn for some down time before dinner.

Dinner: Our farewell dinner will be extra special! Enjoy a lovely evening with new Road Scholar friends.

Evening: We’ll gather for a presentation by a ranger from the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Program concludes after class.

DAY
6
Program Concludes
Shawnee on Delaware
B

Activity note: Check-out is by 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: Breakfast will be in the Inn’s River Room restaurant. Enjoy your choice of hot and/or cold breakfast selections from fruit to home-made granola, pancakes or French toast, a variety of breakfast meats, an omelet station, and more.

Morning: After breakfast, the program will conclude. Checkout of rooms is by 11 a.m. We hope you have enjoyed your Road Scholar learning adventure and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!






Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.