Lake Ariel: Nature, Wildlife and Outdoor Experiences

Hiking trails through nature, wildlife encounters, and activities on the water shape experiences around Lake Ariel. Seasonal outdoor programs and a local farm market round out the offerings. For families, this variety opens up different ways to plan outings together, from spending longer stretches of time outdoors to choosing activities with a set program.

Explore Hiking Trails and Wildlife

Lacawac has more than 12 miles of hiking trails. The trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. If you enjoy exploring on foot, you can keep this in mind when planning your day and choose a time to visit within the opening hours. The trails make Lacawac a distinct option for anyone who wants to include nature experiences in their trip.

Claws ’N’ Paws Wild Animal Park offers another way to discover wildlife. Visitors can encounter more than 120 rare and exotic animal species in the Pocono Mountains. This outdoor attraction also has shaded forest trails. Both the wildlife and the walk through the wooded outdoor area are part of the experience. For families with children, the many animal species offer a specific reason to plan an outing focused on wildlife observation.

Water Activities and Guided Experiences

Wake in the Woods offers an inflatable water park for guests aged six and older. Admission also includes swimming and fishing in the lake without a fishing license after the water park session. The offering combines time at the water park with two other water activities. The minimum age and the order of activities are useful details when planning the day with children.

Safari Farm focuses on something different: private tours are available by appointment. School programs and field trips take place both at Safari Farm and at the respective locations. When planning, it makes a difference whether you’re considering a private tour or are interested in a school program or field trip. Tours require an appointment; the programs and field trips should be considered separate offerings.

Outdoor Programs and Local Products

Public programs are offered at Varden Conservation Area from April through October. They include guided outdoor recreation, hands-on activities, environmental education, and special events for all ages. This seasonal timeframe helps you fit the program into your travel dates. If you want to experience nature in ways beyond hiking, you’ll also find guided activities and environmental education here.

Kim & Andrew’s Farm Market in Lake Ariel offers fresh produce and homemade goods. It adds a local food and handcrafted-products angle to the area’s attractions. If you enjoy discovering local produce while traveling, you can consider the farm market as a separate stop.

Local History and Choosing a Vacation Rental

Lake Ariel Park is also part of the history of the Township of Lake: Along with boating and fishing, the park drew thousands of people there. This describes the park and water activities as a draw in the past, not a current events calendar. Alongside today’s attractions and recreational activities, this adds a historical connection that complements the area’s character.

When choosing a vacation rental in Lake Ariel, you can consider the kind of vacation you’re planning: hiking, wildlife observation, water activities, and guided or hands-on programs each offer a different focus. If family members have different interests, it helps to prioritize them in advance.

Discover More Places

Find more destinations in Lake Como, Gouldsboro, Hawley, Wayne, Starlight, Honesdale, Beach Lake, and Newfoundland.

Return to the broader travel guide: Wayne.