🏃‍♀️ Hit the Ground Running: The Best Trails to Run in the Poconos

Whether you're training for your next race or just trying to start your day with some fresh mountain air, the Poconos is packed with scenic trails that are runner-friendly, peaceful, and downright breathtaking. Here are some of the best places to get your miles in—organized by town so you can find your perfect route no matter where you're staying (or living!).

🌲 1. Levee Loop Trail – Stroudsburg/East Stroudsburg, PA

Distance: 4.5 miles (loop)
Terrain: Gravel, dirt, flat with light inclines
Why runners love it:
The Levee Loop is a go-to for locals in Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg. This flat loop hugs Brodhead Creek and weaves through wooded sections and open meadows. It’s well-marked, easy on the knees, and ideal for tempo runs or recovery days.

💡 Local tip: Park at Yetter Park in East Stroudsburg for easy access and shaded warm-ups.

🏞 2. Lake Nockamixon Trails – Quakertown, PA

Distance: 2–10+ miles depending on your route
Terrain: Mixed trail and paved sections
Why runners love it:
Technically just outside the classic Pocono area, but worth including. The trails around Lake Nockamixon offer rolling hills, water views, and the kind of serenity that turns a run into therapy. The paved bike trail is a great pick for consistent footing.

💡 Local tip: Try a sunrise run near Haycock Boat Launch—unreal views.

🏔 3. Big Pocono State Park – Tannersville, PA

Distance: Varies – short loops to steep 3-mile ascents
Terrain: Steep, rocky, challenging
Why runners love it:
Looking for hill training with views? The North Trail to the South Trail loop at Big Pocono will humble your calves and reward your eyes. The summit overlooks three states on a clear day. It’s a technical run but deeply satisfying.

💡 Local tip: Start early—this is a favorite of sunrise chasers and gets busy fast.

🌳 4. Tobyhanna State Park Trail – Tobyhanna, PA

Distance: 5.1-mile loop around the lake
Terrain: Dirt, gravel, mostly flat
Why runners love it:
This wide, well-maintained trail loops around Tobyhanna Lake and is perfect for a mid-length or long run. You’ll catch glimpses of the water almost the whole time and likely spot eagles, herons, and deer.

💡 Local tip: Go counterclockwise for a slightly gentler gradient toward the end of your run.

🏃‍♂️ 5. McDade Recreational Trail – Bushkill to Milford, PA (Delaware Water Gap NRA)

Distance: 31 miles (you can hop on/off at several points)
Terrain: Crushed gravel, gently rolling hills
Why runners love it:
This is a hidden gem for serious distance runners. The McDade Trail winds parallel to the Delaware River and offers multiple access points, parking lots, and flat stretches ideal for long runs. Bonus: zero road crossings.

💡 Local tip: Try the stretch between Bushkill and Dingmans Ferry—shaded, quiet, and runner heaven.

🌅 6. Hickory Run State Park Trails – White Haven, PA

Distance: Miles of trails to choose from (try Sand Spring or Fireline for running)
Terrain: Mixed – from soft forest floor to rocky climbs
Why runners love it:
This area is trail-runner paradise. The Sand Spring Trail is a good warm-up, but the Fireline Trail adds some solid elevation if you're feeling bold. You’ll pass creeks, cross footbridges, and may even spot a black bear (from a distance, hopefully).

💡 Local tip: Download the trail map—cell service is hit or miss in the deeper sections.

🧭 Bonus Pick: Shuman Point Trail – Lake Wallenpaupack, Hawley, PA

Distance: 3 miles (loop)
Terrain: Forest trail with mild hills
Why runners love it:
Short but packed with beauty, this loop near Lake Wallenpaupack is a local favorite for a quick after-work run. It hugs the lake with lots of shade and peaceful solitude.

💡 Local tip: Bring bug spray in summer—the woods get thick!

🥾 Trail Running Tips in the Poconos

• Weather shifts fast. Bring layers, even in spring/summer.

• Black bears are around. They're not usually aggressive—make noise if you're solo.

• Cell service is spotty. Let someone know your route, or use an app like AllTrails Offline.

• Hydration is key. Many trailheads don’t have water—plan ahead.

Final Thoughts

Running in the Poconos is a breath of fresh air—literally. With trails for every level and view, it’s one of Pennsylvania’s best-kept secrets for runners. Whether you’re sprinting through Stroudsburg or climbing Big Pocono’s switchbacks, these trails will remind you why lacing up is always worth it.

🧡 Know a trail I missed or want to feature your favorite run on Our Poconos? Message me—I’d love to hear from you!