When it comes to inspiring destinations in the U.S., the Poconos has a way with wildlife and sensational scenery that’s difficult to top. Dotted with mountain peaks and lakes and complete with rolling green hills, forested terrain, and rivers that wind throughout, the Poconos wildlife is truly a small piece of paradise for the outdoor enthusiast longing to explore. From its unique origins to its present-day beauty, the Poconos is a destination that’s designed by nature to be as inviting as it is inspiring.
History and Formation of the Poconos
The dynamic landscapes that make up the Poconos as it’s known and loved today has an intriguing history dating back an impressive 400 million years. The Pocono Mountains are an integrated feature of the Allegheny Plateau and greater Appalachians sitting just south of the Catskills. Experts and historians believe that the Poconos are the result of an uplifted plain that was created as the plates of North American and Africa initially collided. The Pocono Plateau, which sits just northwest of the Appalachian Plateau, is the result of a massive sandstone wall known as the Pocono Escarpment acting as a natural dividing line through the region. This natural divide also causes the Pocono Plateau to enjoy a higher elevation than its counterpart, the Glaciated Low Plateau. Altogether, these shifts and divides have created a landscape that is beautiful to encounter and impressive in its versatility.
Marine Life That Calls the Poconos Home
Ponds, rivers, lakes, streams, and waterfalls are all defining features of the Poconos landscape and ultimately provide a variety of habitats for marine life in the area to thrive. From the Delaware River to the Mosaic Mountains, the Poconos provides a long list of ecosystems that are ideal for underwater creatures to prosper. When it comes to fish, the Poconos enjoys an abundance of species. Trout are particularly viable in the waters of the Poconos and can be identified in several subspecies including brown, rainbow, and brook. Trout are often found in combination with catfish and panfish, as well as both smallmouth and largemouth bass in many of the waterways that run through the Poconos region. Destinations within the Poconos such as Promised Land State Park are ideal for those that are excited to encounter species such as yellow perch, pickerel, and muskellunge.
Plant and Animal Life
The Poconos covers nearly 2,000 square miles of land in Pennsylvania, providing plenty of space for not only animals to thrive but an incredible variety of plants to grow as well. Those visitors to the Poconos with a passion for bird watching will find that this region is an oasis of potential as it’s estimated to be home to more than 260 species of birds. From great blue herons and turkey vultures to bald eagles, mallards, and loons, there’s no shortage of winged creatures worth keeping your eyes open to spot. Moving from sky to ground, the Poconos is home to many creatures that move between land and sea such as box turtles, wood turtles, and garter and ringneck snakes. It’s even possible to spot a mink or two moving stealthily along the shorelines of the Poconos. As it concerns larger mammals in the region, a hike through the Poconos on any given day may offer up the opportunity to spot a white-tailed deer, coyote, red fox, black bear, or bobcat.
For those that are in the Poconos to enjoy and admire the many trees, plants, and flowers that grow in the region, there’s much to take in and savor. From red mulberry and redbud trees that bloom in the spring to towering hickory trees looming overhead, the Poconos is lush with greenery that’s as enjoyable as it is inspiring. White pine and eastern hemlock also dot the region, adding a unique contrast and texture to the landscape. For the visitor that finds joy in identifying wildflowers, the Poconos offers up a collection that includes everything from Japanese painted ferns and lavender to coneflowers and bee balm in abundance. In addition, the presence of milkweed and black-eyed Susan in the area are a great draw when it comes to attracting butterfly populations.
Wildlife and Plant Spotting Destinations
There’s much to be enjoyed in the way of scenery and wildlife in the Poconos and a list of destinations where they can be spotted in combination is always a good idea. For those interested in making the most of wildflower blooms, head over to Hornbeck’s Creek when you have the chance. While the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area is loved by bird spotters, Big Pocono State Park is a great destination to keep in mind when you’re looking forward to encounters with larger mammals.