Discover Pike
28 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Grey Towers National Historic Site
French chateau–style mansion (1886) set on sweeping lawns, formal gardens and forested trails — ideal for architectural detail, estate panoramas and seasonal color. Grounds open daily; house tours/gift shop on set days (ticketed). Best light: golden hour for facades, mid-fall for foliage. Ample parking; facilities on site. Expect quiet weekdays; check ranger hours for interior access and special events.
Cliff Park Trailhead Parking Lot
Small trailhead serving Cliff Trail in the Delaware Water Gap with waterfalls, a cliff overlook facing the river gap, and a pond—great for sweeping landscapes, layered ridgelines, and slow-water shots. Best light is early morning or late afternoon for warm side-light and long shadows; sunrise yields mist over the valley. No entry fee but parking is limited—arrive on weekday mornings or before sunrise; trail is well-marked but rugged in places and the main overlook has no barrier. Bring water, a
Raymondskill Falls
Multi-tiered Raymondskill Falls offers close-up cascades and a grand lower drop framed by lush forest — ideal for intimate waterfall and landscape shots. Short, well-marked trails lead to two observation platforms; upper parking provides the shortest walk, additional lot gives easier access to the lower platform. No entrance fee; expect slippery rocks and roots—use railings. Best light: overcast for even water exposure or golden hour for warm rim light. Weekday mornings have fewer visitors.
Promised Land State Park
Promised Land State Park offers lake vistas, mixed hardwood forests, wetlands and boardwalks—ideal for reflections, autumn color, misty mornings and intimate woodland scenes. Photograph Lower and Upper Lakes for mirror reflections and sunrises; explore trails and boardwalks for close-up flora and bog textures. Park access from Lower Lake Rd with parking at trailheads; seasonal crowds peak in fall weekends—weekday dawns offer the best light and solitude. Check park seasonal advisories for trail/
The Starling at Pond Eddy
A curated boutique stay on the Delaware River with stylish interiors, a nostalgic General Store, outdoor fire pits, hammocks and riverbank views. Interiors offer texture and detail; exteriors deliver river reflections, hiking paths and sunset skies. Best at golden hour and blue hour; peak foliage in fall. Property is private—book a stay for interior access; roadside viewpoints and short trails offer public river shots. On NY‑97 with on‑site parking; rural weather can change quickly.
Indian Falls Lookout
A short, rugged trail leading to a series of three small but photogenic waterfalls and forested overlooks. Best visited early morning or after rain for strong flow and fewer people. Emery Road (top) offers closest access but very limited parking—arrive at dawn; Federal Road (Route 209) has larger parking and a longer, muddier approach. Trail can be muddy and strewn with fallen trees—wear waterproof boots and expect some scrambling. No entry fees.
Promised Land State Park Conservation Island
Conservation Island in Promised Land State Park offers mirrored lake reflections, forested shorelines, wetlands and migratory waterfowl — strong in fall color and misty morning atmospherics. Best at sunrise or golden hour for soft light and reflections; autumn and spring for color and birds. Accessible by park road and short walks; parking at nearby lots. No special permits for casual photography; expect seasonal bugs and limited services. Small island viewpoints and lakeside peninsulas give the
Delaware State Forest - Stairway Wild Area
Small, quiet lakes, hemlock- and hardwood-forested slopes, rocky outcrops and stream channels make Stairway Wild Area a good spot for intimate landscape and waterscape shots. Best visited at sunrise or early fall for mist and peak color; late spring has lush greens and waterfalls after rain. Trails are moderate singletrack; parking available at nearby trailheads off forest roads (no fee). Expect ticks and mosquitoes; pack waterproof footwear and a map—cell service can be spotty.
McDade Recreational Trail
A mixed gravel trail along tree-lined sections, cornfields and the Delaware River with small bridges, boat launches and frequent wildlife. Photographers can capture river reflections, winding trail leading lines, pastoral farm scenes and occasional kayakers. Accessible with multiple parking areas, restrooms at some trailheads; near Delaware Water Gap. Best at golden hours on weekdays to avoid summer crowds; be bear-aware and carry repellent.
Hackers Falls
Small, photogenic waterfall tucked into a forested loop trail near the Delaware River. Shoot cascading water, the deep swimming pool, cliff trails and nearby overlooks. Best visited early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer swimmers; cloudy days give even exposure for long exposures. Moderate hike from parking (upper lot has restrooms); trails have many unmarked forks—bring water shoes for slippery rocks and expect seasonal crowds and picnic activity.
State Game Lands Number 209
4,391 acres of mixed hardwoods, a historic fire tower, bluestone quarry outcrops and streams draining to the Delaware — great for moody forest scenes, sweeping tower panoramas, quarry textures and wildlife. Best at golden hour in spring or fall for color and low light; weekdays for solitude. Trails are rugged; no entry fee but follow State Game Lands rules, watch for hunters (wear bright clothing) and bears. Trailhead parking available; some primitive campsites can be reserved.
Hornbecks Trail
Short, shaded woodland trail (roughly 1–2 miles roundtrip depending on route) leads to Lower Indian Ladder Falls — a photogenic cascade framed by large boulders and small footbridges. Best at golden hour or on overcast days for even light and saturated foliage; waterfalls photograph well after rain. Parking is limited (~10 cars) on a narrow gravel lane; no guaranteed restrooms. Trail is mostly flat and sneaker-friendly but can be slippery with leaves; area is bear country — be aware and keep dog
Promised Land Lake Dam and Spillway
Photograph the concrete dam and cascading spillway set against wooded shoreline and seasonal color — strong leading lines, reflections in the calm reservoir, and dramatic water flow after rain. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-light; autumn offers peak foliage; winter adds icy textures. Located inside Promised Land State Park with roadside parking and short walks to viewpoints. No admission fee but check park rules and drone restrictions; weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds.
Labyrinth Garden PA
A small, ornamental labyrinth garden of winding paths, trimmed hedges and seasonal plantings — ideal for intimate green-space compositions, abstract leading lines and close-up botanical shots. Best visited at golden hour (sunrise or late afternoon) for soft directional light and long shadows; spring–early summer for peak blooms and autumn for warm foliage. Weekday mornings are least crowded. Accessible from Sawmill Rd with roadside or small lot parking; confirm hours or special events before you
Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center
Shoreline, wetlands and wooded trails around Lake Wallenpaupack offer reflective water vistas, marsh wildlife and seasonal color—excellent for intimate landscapes, birding shots and long-exposure waterscapes. Visit at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-lighting; autumn brings vivid foliage. Trails and small parking area provide easy access; check the Environmental Learning Center hours and any guided-program schedules before visiting.
Lower Lake Channel
A tranquil channel linking Lower Lake with surrounding wetlands—great for mirror reflections, reed silhouettes, and seasonal color (autumn foliage, winter ice). Small roadside access; parking available on nearby pullouts. Best at sunrise or golden hour for soft light and mist; weekdays are quieter. No formal entry fee; dress for muddy trails and bring insect repellent in summer.
The Columns Museum of the Pike County Historical Society
Photograph the 1904 neoclassical mansion exterior (columns, pediment, ornate entry) and intimate interior displays of Pike County artifacts and artwork. Best on weekday mornings or late afternoon for soft side-light on the façade; interiors use available window light and expect low ceilings and tight rooms. Small museum — confirm hours/entry fee and permissions; street parking nearby. Respect exhibit rules and staff guidance for historical context shots.
Delaware State Forest - Buckhorn Natural Area
Hemlock-canopied ravines, mossy boulder fields, small cascades and quiet streams make Buckhorn Natural Area ideal for intimate woodland and waterscape photography. Best at golden hour or misty mornings in spring/early summer for flowing water and fresh greens, and in autumn for warm foliage. Trails are moderate and rocky—bring boots; parking is at nearby trailheads off Shohola Road. No entry fee; practice leave-no-trace. Low light under the canopy favors slower shutter speeds.
Cornelia & Florence Bridge Nature Preserve
Small, well-maintained preserve with shaded gravel and mowed trails, a pavilion, and mixed woodland edges—great for intimate nature, seasonal color (notably fall), birdsong, and close-up plant and fungus shots. Easy parking at Twin Lakes Rd, restroom and picnic area at the pavilion. Best light: golden hour and overcast for even forest light. Weekday mornings are quiet; watch for wildlife (including snakes) and keep dogs leashed.
Ethel Barckley Memorial Park
Small memorial garden perched above the Delaware River offering intimate compositions: raked gravel paths, benches, a picnic love seat and seasonal plantings framing river panoramas. No entry fee; roadside parking on E Ann St. Best at sunrise or golden hour for soft light and reflections; weekdays stay quiet. Easily walkable from Milford center; accessible paths but bring a tripod for low-light shots.
Pickerel Point Island
Small wooded island in Lake Wallenpaupack near Greentown offering intimate waterscape and landscape shots: shoreline reflections, misty mornings, and isolated-tree silhouettes at golden hour. Accessible only by boat or kayak—launches and parking available nearby on Whittaker Rd. Best at sunrise for calm water and low crowds; late afternoon can produce warm light and dramatic skies. Respect private property and local boating rules; expect mosquitoes in summer and patchy ice in late winter.
Lake Fred
Small, photogenic lake in the Poconos offering calm water reflections, tree-lined shorelines and seasonal color — strong for intimate waterscape and landscape shots. Best at sunrise and golden hour for soft light and mirror reflections; autumn delivers peak color, winter yields ice textures and muted palettes. Easily reached from PA-390 with limited roadside parking; no formal entry fee but expect minimal facilities and family/anglers on weekends. Accessible by foot from the road; respect local,
The Milford Knob
Short ridge hike (≈1.35 mi one-way, ~300 ft climb) to a rocky overlook with panoramic views of Milford, the Delaware River and rolling forest. Best at golden hour for warm light and long shadows; weekday mornings or off-season minimize crowds. Moderate difficulty, uneven trail with unguarded drop-offs — wear good hiking shoes. Park at Raymondskill parking area; no entry fee. A compact, accessible spot for wide panoramas and telephoto town/river shots.
Edward Cykosky Memorial Park
Small community park with wooded trails, open meadow vantage points and hilltop views—great for intimate landscape and nature shots, especially seasonal foliage. Easy roadside parking on Brink Hill Rd, no entry fee; mostly accessible trails but expect uneven surfaces. Best at golden hour for warm side-lighting and in fall for color; weekdays and early mornings minimize visitors and dog-walkers.
Airport Park
Small community park with open lawns, sports fields, an adaptive playground and seasonal splash pad—great for wide landscape shots, candid family/event photography (Easter egg hunts) and action sports. Best light: golden hour for low-angle field portraits and sunset colors; weekday mornings are quiet. Accessible ramps and inclusive play gear; small splash-pad fee in summer. Limited permanent restrooms reported; bring water and expect porta‑potties during events. Free parking on-site; request any
Akenac Park
Small recreational lake with a sandy beach, boat decks and modern playgrounds—ideal for family lifestyle, waterscape and small-landscape shots. Best at golden hour for soft light on the water and long reflections; weekdays or early morning reduce crowds. Note: seasonal lifeguards, fishing in season, limited shade. Parking on site; non‑residents pay an entry fee (residents can get permits). Summer afternoons are busiest.
Wallenpaupack Historical Society
Small local history museum near Lake Wallenpaupack showcasing period architecture, local artifacts, photographs and interpretive displays. Photograph the historic building exterior with seasonal foliage, interior exhibits and close-up details of tools, signage and archival photos. Best light: golden hour for the façade; diffuse midday light for interior artifact detail. Check seasonal hours or appointment requirements, modest admission/donation possible. On-site parking and easy pedestrian 접근; t
Albatross
Albatross is a small roadside spot in rural Newfoundland, PA — useful for photographing rustic architecture, signage and surrounding wooded hills. Shoot close-up details of weathered façades and vintage signage, plus wider frames that include rolling trees for seasonal color. Best light is golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm tones and long shadows. Accessible by car with roadside parking; expect quiet weekdays. No formal entry requirements; respect private property and nearby homes.