Tobyhanna Falls via Creek Trail

This is a short, mostly level out-and-back along Tobyhanna Creek to a compact but pretty “step” waterfall—ideal for a quick leg-stretcher, families, or anyone wanting moving water and forest without a climb. Expect roughly 1.0 km / 0.6 mi total if you simply walk to the falls and return the same way, with ~0 m / ~0 ft of elevation gain overall (the tread gently undulates but never really “climbs”).

Getting to the start (parking + public transport)

By car: The most common and convenient access is the Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area along PA Route 115 in Blakeslee, PA (Tobyhanna Township). A widely used reference point is the parking area by the bridge over Tobyhanna Creek on PA-115—this puts you closest to the creekside walking and the falls route. (uncoveringpa.com)
If you’re using HiiKER to navigate, confirm you’ve selected the Creek Trail / Tobyhanna Falls route in Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area (there are multiple short trails and two trailheads/parking areas in the preserve). (brodheadwatershed.org)

By public transport: This part of the Poconos is car-oriented. There isn’t typically a reliable “walk-off-the-bus” option right at the trailhead; if you’re coming without a car, plan on a rideshare/taxi from the nearest regional stops (often around Stroudsburg/Mt. Pocono areas) to PA-115 in Blakeslee and have HiiKER ready for the last-mile orientation.

What the walk is like (surface, landmarks, and pacing)

From the trailhead area, you’ll pick up a straightforward path that hugs Tobyhanna Creek. The corridor is wooded and shaded, and the creek stays close enough that you’ll hear it most of the way—especially after rain or during spring melt. The tread is generally easy, but it can be soft, muddy, or slick in places because you’re traveling in a riparian zone.

• 0.0–0.3 km (0.0–0.2 mi): Settle into the creekside rhythm. You’ll pass typical day-use features near the natural area (picnic/pavilion infrastructure may be near one of the trailheads), then the path narrows into a more “woods walk” feel. (brodheadwatershed.org)
  
• 0.3–0.5 km (0.2–0.3 mi): The creek becomes the main attraction—look for small cascades, mossy rocks, and calmer pools depending on water level.
  
• ~0.5 km (0.3 mi) one-way: You reach Tobyhanna Falls, a step-style waterfall rather than a tall plunge. It’s photogenic, especially when the water is up, and it’s the natural turnaround point for the 1 km / 0.6 mi outing. (tobyhannatownshippa.gov)
  

If you want to extend the day, the broader Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area has additional trail mileage beyond the quick falls out-and-back, but the falls walk is the simplest “go-to” line for an easy outing. (geocaching.com)

Nature, wildlife, and what to look out for

You’re walking through classic Pocono Plateau creekside forest—mixed woods with conifers and hardwoods, a cool understory, and plenty of moisture-loving plants near the water. Tobyhanna Creek itself is a significant local waterway, ultimately flowing to the Lehigh River. (en.wikipedia.org