Pennsylvania’s diverse landscape of state parks, forests, and natural areas provides genuine opportunities to disconnect from the digital world. These verified locations offer authentic experiences to immerse yourself in nature, whether for a weekend getaway or an extended retreat.
Each destination provides unique ways to reconnect with the natural world, from historic lodges to modern eco-retreats. With over 2.2 million acres of state forest land, Pennsylvania offers some of the most pristine natural settings in the northeastern United States.
Gatehouse Lodge – Cook Forest State Park
Located in the heart of Cook Forest State Park’s old-growth forest, this historic lodge provides an authentic rustic experience. Built in the 1920s, the lodge maintains its original charm while offering modern amenities.
The surrounding Forest Cathedral Natural Area contains some of the tallest and oldest trees in the northeastern United States. Guests can access over 50 miles of hiking trails directly from the property.
Gateway Lodge – Cooksburg
Established in 1934, Gateway Lodge is Cook Forest’s premier eco-lodge destination. The lodge features rustic-luxury suites with fireplaces and private balconies overlooking the forest.
Their farm-to-forest restaurant serves locally sourced cuisine, while the property offers yoga classes and wellness programs. The location provides direct access to the Wild & Scenic Clarion River.
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Skytop Lodge – Pocono Mountains
This grand historic lodge, operating since 1928, sits on 5,500 acres of Pocono Mountain wilderness. The main lodge maintains its Dutch Colonial Revival architecture while offering modern amenities.
Extensive trail networks wind through the property’s old-growth forest and along cascading streams. The lodge’s commitment to outdoor education includes guided nature walks and wildlife observation programs.
The Lodge at Glendorn – Bradford
This Relais & Châteaux property is located in the Allegheny National Forest region and spans 1,500 acres of forest. It features historic cabins and lodge rooms, which provide luxury accommodations amid the pristine wilderness.
The property also features miles of private hiking trails, streams for fly fishing, and forest bathing experiences. Professional naturalists lead daily outdoor activities and wilderness skill workshops.
Nature Inn at Bald Eagle – Howard
This LEED Gold-certified inn within Bald Eagle State Park offers modern eco-friendly accommodations. Floor-to-ceiling windows in each room showcase views of the surrounding forest and lake.
The property’s location provides access to multiple hiking trails and prime bird-watching opportunities. Educational programs focus on local wildlife and sustainable living practices. The inn’s observation area and feeding stations attract over 100 species of birds throughout the year.
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Ledges Hotel – Hawley
Built into the natural ledges overlooking Paupack High Falls, this historic bluestone building connects guests with water and forest. The property’s design emphasizes its integration with the surrounding woodland environment.
Decks and gathering spaces provide views of the waterfall and gorge. The location offers access to multiple trail systems in the Delaware Highlands region. The historic Glass Factory Antiques Complex adjacent to the hotel provides insights into the area’s industrial heritage.
Mountain Springs Lake Resort – Reeders
Situated on a private 325-acre wooded property, this established resort emphasizes lake and forest activities. Individual cabins provide privacy while maintaining rustic charm.
The surrounding hemlock forest contains numerous hiking trails and wildlife observation areas. The spring-fed lake offers swimming and non-motorized boating opportunities.
Wyndham Gettysburg Woods Resort – Fairfield
This resort provides access to South Mountain’s extensive wilderness near Michaux State Forest. The property features both lodge rooms and cabin accommodations surrounded by forest.
Multiple hiking trails connect directly to the Appalachian Trail system. Educational programs focus on local history and forest ecology.
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Bear Run Campground & Lodge – Portersville
This established property is near Moraine State Park and offers camping and lodge accommodations. The surrounding mixed hardwood forest provides a habitat for diverse wildlife species.
Access to Lake Arthur allows for water-based activities alongside forest experiences. The property maintains established hiking trails through mature woodland.
Pocono Palace Resort – East Stroudsburg
This adults-only resort in the Delaware State Forest region focuses on nature-based relaxation. Private woodland trails provide opportunities for forest bathing and wildlife observation.
The property’s location offers access to multiple state park trail systems. Evening programs include guided stargazing and nocturnal wildlife watching.
Eagles Mere Inn – Eagles Mere
This historic inn is part of the unique Eagles Mere forest community, established in 1879. The property provides access to Eagles Mere Lake and its surrounding preserved woodland.
Local conservancy trails offer hiking through old-growth hemlock forests. The location’s elevation provides unique forest and lake perspectives.
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Omni Bedford Springs Resort – Bedford
This restored historic resort spans 2,200 acres of Cumberland Valley woodland. It features miles of private hiking trails through mature forests, and natural mineral springs have attracted visitors since the 1800s.
The resort’s location provides access to multiple state forest trail systems.
Fernwood Resort – Bushkill
Located near the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, this resort offers genuine forest experiences. The property maintains private nature trails through mature woodland.
Direct access to the McDade Recreational Trail provides extended hiking opportunities. Educational programs focus on local ecology and wildlife observation.
Lake Raystown Resort – Entriken
Situated on a forested peninsula within Lake Raystown, this resort balances water and woodland experiences. The surrounding forest provides opportunities for wildlife observation and hiking. The property maintains several miles of lakeside trails through mature forest. Evening programs include guided walks and astronomy sessions.
Woodloch Resort – Hawley
Established in 1958, this family-owned resort spans over 1,200 acres of Pocono forest. The property features extensive trail networks through preserved woodland, and natural springs and streams create numerous waterfalls. The resort’s nature program includes guided forest walks and wildlife education.
Embrace Pennsylvania’s Natural Heritage
Pennsylvania’s established forest retreats offer authentic opportunities to disconnect and reconnect with nature. Each verified location provides unique ways to experience the state’s diverse forest ecosystems. Whether seeking luxury accommodations or rustic charm, these destinations maintain the integrity of their natural settings while providing comfortable bases for forest exploration.
Remember to check current availability and seasonal offerings when planning your forest retreat. By choosing any of these destinations, you’re not just booking a stay—you’re becoming part of Pennsylvania’s long forest conservation and natural heritage preservation tradition.
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