Dunmore Reservoir

What to bring

Day-hike essentials for this trail. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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You’d drive right past Dunmore Reservoir if you didn’t know it was there — tucked behind an industrial park in northeastern Pennsylvania, it feels like a secret locals don’t want to share. But this easy 1.4-mile loop packs more variety into its short distance than most trails twice as long.

What to Expect

The action starts immediately. Park at the main entrance and you’ll see the dam straight ahead — impressive for such a small reservoir. The trail heads right of the dam structure and begins on what feels more like a service road than a hiking path. Don’t worry, it gets better fast.

Around the 0.3-mile mark, follow the yellow blazes as the trail peels left off the access road and into proper woods. This is where things get interesting. The path winds along the water’s edge with the reservoir peeking through trees on your left. The most technical feature you’ll encounter is a stone water crossing — barely qualifies as scrambling, but it breaks up the monotony of flat walking.

At 0.9 miles, a side trail leads to a small picnic area with table, benches, and direct lake access. It’s a decent lunch spot if you’re making a morning of it. Past here, the trail gets confusing around mile 1.1 when you reach the far side of the dam. There’s a large fence that looks like it blocks your path — I went around it down a steep hill the first time, which works but isn’t the intended route. Instead, head right toward the industrial park where you’ll find additional parking and the proper trail connection back to your starting point.

Difficulty

This is legitimately easy hiking. The 151 feet of elevation gain is spread out so gradually you barely notice it. The stone water crossing might give pause to someone in smooth-soled sneakers, but it’s nothing that requires scrambling skills. My main complaint is the confusing navigation near the dam — the blazing could be clearer, and that fence situation trips up a lot of first-timers.

Best Time to Go

Early morning beats the dog walkers and joggers who discover this place later in the day. Spring through fall all work fine — the trees provide decent shade in summer, and there’s not much elevation to worry about ice in winter. Avoid weekends if you want solitude, though honestly the place never gets crowded enough to be annoying.

Before You Go

Park at the main entrance off Cedar Avenue in Dunmore — it’s free and has space for maybe a dozen cars. If that lot’s full, try the industrial park entrance on the opposite side for the alternate access point I mentioned. Cell service is fine throughout. No restrooms or water, but you’re never more than a mile from town. Scranton is the nearest real city with full services. The drive from DC takes about 2.5 hours via I-270 and I-76, making this more of a weekend trip unless you’re already in the area.

Gear for this hike

Our day-hike checklist — the picks that show up again and again from tested gear roundups. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacketdurable, trail + everydayCheck price on Amazon →Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweightlifetime warrantyCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Polescork grip, lightweightCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Squeeze Water Filterultralight, standard threadsCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent Spraytreat clothing; kills ticksCheck price on Amazon →Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve HoodyUPF 50, hood + thumb holesCheck price on Amazon →