Points of Interest
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
Minisink Battle Grounds, Minisink Ford, NY - Free entry, densely wooded site for rocky hikes. Very basic services include maps, rest room, historical markers. Bring your own refreshments. Park closes at sunset. Entrance near the Roebling Bridge (Delaware River / Minisink Ford / Lackawaxen, PA);
Roebling Bridge, Route 97, Minisink Ford, NY - Personally renamed the "half-way bridge" as you must take your turn crossing it. If you see a vehicle on the other end, you have to wait your turn. Speed limit is 15 mph. Open to car traffic not too long ago gives easy access to Lackawaxen, Hawley, Shahola and Milford, Pennsylvania. Yes, this is John Roebling's bridge of Brooklyn Bridge fame!
Eagle Institute- Lackawaxen, PA - Quick right turn after the Roebling Bridge. Institute is dedicated to the protection and awareness of the local eagle population. Stop in for program schedule. Operating all year round but best eagle-sighting opportunity is in the dead of winter.
Zane Grey Museum - Continue down the road (from the Institute) towards the Delaware River. Pass my friend, Joanne's (absolutely gorgeous) bed and breakfast called the Roebling Inn right on the Delaware River, and there it is. Interesting history and relicts of the famous western novelist. Call for summer/winter hours (570) 685-4871.
Angler's Roost and Hunter's Rest - Continue on down and under the train trestle to my friend Dimitri's place and ask to take a peak through his telescope to view the eagles nesting in a far off tree. This is such a fun place that's packed full of a wide array of merchandise from gifts to sporting equipment and raft rentals, his K-9 pal is waiting at the door to give you a tour. Public boat access and parking is near the Zane Grey museum.
Hawks Nest - This was a holy sight for the local Native American population and when you visit you will understand why. Elevation is over 1,000 feet. Bring your camera as this spot has mountain and river views. Actually my most popular photograph, no matter where I show it, is Hawks Nest. New York City or rural community, craft fair or book shop, Hawks Nest is number one! Parking pockets along this narrow and winding road, allows you to get out and take a long look and a few photographs of this magnificent area.
Stone Arch Bridge - Stop by on the way to Jeffersonville, NY, and take a stroll around this old stone bridge with an interesting history. Nice grounds, swings for the kiddies and parking. Go to Jeff for refreshments.
Waterfall, Honesdale, PA - There is quite an impressive waterfall right in the middle of this busy town between old Honesdale and the newer shopping district of Indian Orchard. Cover your ears and picture yourself in a tropical paradise. Lots of parking. Bring your camera.
Grey Towers, Milford, Pennsylvania, was originally the summer estate of the James Pinchot family and later the primary home of Gifford Pinchot, America's first forester and founder of the USDA Forest Service. Magnificent property. House and garden tours, special events and other activities including short hikes start on Memorial Day weekend. (570) 296-9630. Entrance fee ranges from $0 to $5.00.
Mill Run Book Sellers - 150 Water Street, Milford, Pennsylvania. Such a charmer and worth the stop. While you're there stop in and say hello to Barbara, owner and proprietor of this wonderful book store. Filled with quality, hand picked books, this planked floor shop has all the charm it did in the 19th century. As you approach you can hear the rush of the creek that powered one of 9 mills (of Mil-ford).
Dorflinger Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary, Rt. 6, White Mills, PA - Glass museum and Wildflower Theatre on beautiful property with music and other functions on the lawn throughout the summer season. Hike the trails, see the sites, take in the peace. (570) 253-1185.
In 1980, under the guidance of Roger M. Blough, the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary, Inc., was formed to further natural history, conservation, artistic and cultural education and to serve the people as an agency for popular enlightenment, cultural improvement and scientific progress, recognizing through its programs the essential relationship among the natural, artistic and historic elements of the area.
"Sanctuary - a special place, dedicated to the preservation of woodlands and open spaces, green leaves and blossoms abundant ... Above all, a sanctuary is a refuge where the human from every walk of life can seek and find relaxation, rest and solitude ... A sanctuary is something that is given, not taken for personal gain. It is the perpetuation of things that are beautiful and inspirational, whether they are made by human hands or heaven wrought. A sanctuary implies the belief that there are enduring values, and that they are part of a way of life, a worthwhile way of life, that should be preserved for and shared with future generations." - Roger M. Blough
