City Escape: Scranton, Pennsylvania

Get a taste of the Pocono Mountains and savor sweeping backroads to tight curves. This loop takes you along the Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers and through the Delaware State Forest—a perfect mix of riding and country scenery sure to spark a smile or three.

Length

Approximately 220 miles

Meet-up Spot

Dunkin’ Donuts, 1137 Moosic St, Scranton, PA

Lunch Stop

The Waterwheel Café, located in a historic, restored gristmill complete with working water wheel, offers riders an array of delicious Vietnamese and American dishes. Find it at 150 Water St, Milford, PA.

Scenery (4 out of 5)

Well known as an outdoor lover’s paradise, you’ll enjoy views of dramatic forested mountain peaks to scenic valleys and serene lakes and streams.

Traffic (3.5 out of 5)

Traffic is light to moderate, with an increase in activity on weekends and in the fall when foliage is ablaze with color.

Difficulty (3.5 out of 5)

Much of the route is composed of sweepers, but there are sections that get pretty exciting, with sharp turns, especially on 447 and 191.

Road Conditions (3 out of 5)

Though there are tar snakes and loose gravel in stretches, the roads are manageable and in fair to good condition.

Points of Interest

Lacawac Sanctuary
Immerse yourself in diverse natural habitats, from wetlands to fields and forests, at this nature center/biological field station located near Lake Wallenpaupack. There are also eight miles of hiking trails on the 545-acre property that can be accessed from dusk to dawn for free.

Zane Grey Museum
A popular museum for literary fans, the Zane Grey Museum in Lackawaxen was once the home of Zane Grey, and displays manuscripts, pictures, first edition books by the author, and other personal items and memorabilia. Closed from the last week in October to Memorial Day.

Bushkill Falls
Known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” Bushkill Falls offers walking and hiking trails, and of course, the waterfalls. For added adventure, you can even test your navigational skills at the Bushkill Falls Mining Company Maze.