OVERVIEW

The Pinchot State Forest is named after Gifford Pinchot for his contributions to forestry and his legacy of forest land conservation. Pinchot was a pioneer of U.S. forestry and is regarded as the "father" of American conservation for his unrelenting concern and protection of American forests.

The Pinchot State Forest is comprised of 50,000 acres in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming, Susquehanna, and Wayne Counties. This land is managed as a "working forest" where they are used for pure water, recreation, scenic beauty, plant and animal habitat, sustainable timber, and natural gas. 

The Thornhurst Tract (PDF Map) of the Pinchot State Forest is located in the southern part of Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania and where you will find the beautiful Choke Creek Falls.

GETTING TO THE FALLS

If you are looking for a quick hike or a longer stroll through the forest, there are two ways to get there. The first is a 3/4 mile long out and back trail mostly on old access roads, the other is a 4-mile loop that takes you through a rhododendron tunnel, passes by wetlands, and through spruce and hemlock forests. 

Choke Creek Falls is a popular spot for kids in the summer for swimming and rope swings. Getting to the falls in the morning is your best bet for a little quiet time - nothing beats coffee and waterfalls in the morning. Because this location is a popular spot, there tends to be a lot of trash at the base of the falls. I always bring a trash bag with me when I go to the falls to keep it clean and beautiful. 

Choke Creek Falls features a deep pool surrounded by rock ledges, rhododendrons, and pine trees. The falls themselves are about 20 feet high with two drops. The water depth varies greatly depending on the time of year and water flow - use caution when jumping in. 

PHOTOS FROM THE TRAIL

TRAIL NOTES

KNOWN FOR: 
Family Friendly | Birding/Wildlife | Waterfalls | River/Creek | Fall Colors | Photography | Hiking | Trail Running | Backpack Camping

DOGS: 
Dogs are permitted. Must be kept on a leash. 

TRAIL MAP: 
Pinchot State Forest - Thornhurst Tract (PDF)

GPS, HOURS & PARKING:

The Pinchot State Forest is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Parking is limited and can be found at an unmarked, 90-degree turn along Phelps Road. Use the following coordinates on Google Maps: 41.174697, -75.609054.
Do not block the gates when parking.
 

NEARBY ADVENTURES

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MORE OF MY TRAIL NOTES
Check out my other blog posts here.

Resources: PA DCNR

Note: Masks are required indoors and outdoors. When indoors, masks are required anytime you're with people outside of your household, even if you're socially distant. Face masks are required in all federal buildings and on federal lands. Always check local guidelines before traveling.