#crazy drive getting here but great hemlock forest

[aisling-saoirse]

Bear Meadows #1, Pennsylvania - April 7th 2024

[sweetdollfromhell]

Chilling Tales of Riverdale

Chapter 3 of a old fanfic but stil alive that is a mix of Riverdale, CAOS and Archie horror. Located in season 2 and will have differences with the canon for both shows. I hope you like it.

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Sabrina joyfully led Jughead and Betty through the forest with a familiarity that showed her knowledge of the area.  From time to time, Jughead's eye clung to one of his famous fetishes or an inscription carved in a tree but they did not seem to be placed in a sufficiently coherent way to serve as an indication. The cat trotted near them without the slightest fear.

-Your cat, did you find it here or did you already have it? Betty asked as she looked at the animal.

-Oh, Salem? I've had it since I was a little girl. He's... my best friend," said the girl.

-Is he that old? Asked surprise Betty. -It doesn't look like you're seeing it.

The cat slowed down to walk at the same speed as Betty and began to purr.

-He buried us all, believe me.

Suddenly, she stopped and turned towards the other two:

-Dear guests, mi casa! Proudly presenting Sabrina.  

In front of them stood a family tent. Close to it, a kind of clothesline, a space for a campfire and a cooler half buried in the ground. If we forget the terrifying grey grays, we would have thought that a family or a group of friends were doing a normal wilderness camping.  

-Come on, we'll be more comfortable inside. I mean, it smells a bit like it's closing because I have to let the tent close with the temperature going down but it's clean and pleasant otherwise! The girl continued as she unzipped the tent.

-You live in the woods and you just helped us. I think we can handle it," says Jughead.

He had lived in a drive-in for weeks before he found himself squatting in school, he wasn't going to be so picky for that little.

The tent was indeed clean if not a little cluttered. A sleeping bag and some blankets were lying in a corner. Several bags were resting, some leaving objects that had escaped from them. In another, a kind of tablecloth had been installed with several objects on top: books, a small cauldron, several small knives, jars and dried plants. This last element caught Betty's eye. What was it for him? If it was done in Jughead's eyes, he also had questions.

Meanwhile, in the meantime. Sabrina pulled out some clothes and put them together in a semblance of pillows and opened the sleeping bag to spread it along.

-You should be comfortable like this. So, you suspect that my reserves are limited but I can offer you water, tea and a few cans of soft drink.  For something more consistent, I have dry meat, preserves, some wild vegetables, apples, walnut bars, rice, soup, dehydrated stuff and good chip packages, chocolates and candies taken from vending machines.

-Uh... the tea sounds good, says Betty.

-For the food that suits you, Jughead continued despite Betty's look.

-Okay, I'll be back," Sabrina said enthusiastically before going outside.

Betty turned to Jughead.

-We can't leave her here! We have to take him to Riverdale!

-Betty, I think she's here by choice. I agree that it's not ideal, but she probably has her reasons. You're not going to convince her to follow you easily. And maybe it's for the best. She's hiding something...," said Jughead, continuing to observe the objects in the background. - Her story about her decorations is shady and she was too comfortable with her attack. It's not his first time.

-I know, but I think it may not be motivated by bad intentions. You and Polly were also homeless. And neither of you trusted anyone to ask for help for a reason. All I see is a girl our age living in the woods when the temperature keeps dropping, a killer is free and desperate enough to stay there anyway. In addition, she has helped us by putting her life on the line and she shares her resources, which are probably few in number.

Before Jughead could reply, the cat entered the tent closely followed by his mistress. She placed a metal plate between them before placing a teapot on it and holding cups out to them.

-Fortunately, there are only two of you, otherwise I would have run out of cups.

-You were quick," said surprised Jughead.

-Well, when you're stuck in the woods, you learn to make a fast and big fire without hurting yourself. I also have a great hot plate," Sabrina says proudly.

She deposited a plate filled with several apples, chips, bars, sweets and carrots.

-Thank you, that's very kind of you," Betty continued.

-Oh, it's nothing. I am very happy to have company other than Salem's.

The cat, as if to show his anger at his mistress' commentary, climbed onto Betty's lap and lay there.

-You're not allergic, are you?  

-No, I even had a cat when I was younger, Betty said as she stroked the animal, which immediately began to purr.

-Better yet, he's very social!

 -Are these wild carrots? Asked Jughead.

-Yes, not hemlock, I reassure you," said amused Sabrina. -These two plants are very similar, it's true, but a few key differences can save you from ending up like Socrates or the idiot from On the Road. One, there is a beautiful crown of leaves under the flowers like thorns in wild carrots. Two, its flowers are white or pink pale except in its center or grows a single red flower sometimes almost black. And finally, three, the smell is very different. The hemlock one can't even pass for a carrot from far away.

She laughs when she sees the surprised looks of the other two.

-I like the woods and it's not my first-time camping in the wild. I knew what I was doing when I moved here," she continued, taking one of the carrots to prove her point.

-Have you been a jeannette? Asked Betty.

-Oh, God, no. My family is just... very natural. I come from a long line of midwives, apothecaries, healers and snake oil sellers. This is no longer necessary nowadays, but old knowledge can sometimes be useful. We know how to feed, heal and protect ourselves. Nature is full of gifts for anyone who knows how to see them. Hence my material there, she continued, pointing to the tablecloth and its contents.

-My guides, knives and other instruments to prepare my food, remedies and traps. I have to be self-sufficient if you want to know.

- Oh, is that why? Asked Betty.

-Uh... yeah. What do you think it was?

-Just curious, cut them off, Jughead. -Where do the chocolate bars come from?

-Oh, that, promise me you won't be angry. There's some kind of camping grounds a few miles from here. It's empty and the lock leaves something to be desired. The electricity is out but the water is not. I do my laundry and take a shower there.

-But it must be freezing! Says Betty.

-It's not so bad and I told you, I'm pretty much cold resistant. I usually warm up afterwards with a fire in the appropriate locations. But I need to save my parts for the washer and dryer, but there was this vending machine who catch my eyes . I may or may not have hit it until it gives me its content. But the glass is intact!

-So, you too have discovered the weaknesses that made them drop their loot," said Jughead amused.

-Do I have to guess that you know them too? Sabrina asked, reassured.

-I may have some experience in this," said the young man.

Betty was surprised that Jughead seemed willing to let such information slip into a similar situation. Happy... she believed.

-Besides, if you ever want to use your phone, I'll take you to camp. I think he has a connection because it was written on one of the signs.

-Good idea, I look forward to seeing what you say to your mother, Bet.

-The truth. Just tell him I was in a car rather than a motorcycle, don't talk about the Ghoulies and just say we couldn't find a network," says Betty.

-Ghoulies? What is it? What is it? Sabrina asked.

-The gang members, Betty explained. -The boys who were chasing us were part of it.

-Are you serious? Ghoulies is their gang name? It sounds like the name of a brand a cheap of Halloween costumes for kids! mocked Sabrina. -I mean, I'm sure they're dangerous, but they could have forced themselves for the name! Why, are they after you?

-Why do you live in the woods? Jughead replied.

-Good repartee, conciliated Sabrina.

Betty decided to come back to the charge.  

-I don't know if you know, but there's a serial killer on the loose.

-Maybe I heard it between branches without any pun intended, Sabrina confirmed. -But the details are unclear: what is his type and what does his hunting table look like?

She could have asked them if they wanted more tea than her tone would not have seemed more disturbed by the question.

-He... he calls himself the Black Hood, Betty began.  -He wounded three people and killed one. He claims he's getting rid of sinners.

Betty kept the calls to herself.

-I sees. A maniac with a twisted and personal sense of morality, the oldest scourge in the world. But his average is not very high, unless the survivors were particularly gifted and lucky people. Or maybe only some are important, and the rest is a diversion, Sabrina continued to think aloud. -All in all, it's nice to know. I will be careful," she smiled.

-There's a serial killer on the loose and you're going to be careful? Betty asked, repeating her words as if to convince herself of what she was hearing.

-What are my other options?

-Coming to town, Betty replied. -You'll be safer.

Sabrina looks at her like she's crazy before answering:

-No. I'll be screwed if I go into town! You might as well draw a giant target on my back!  

-I...

-Your serial killer probably hangs out more in town than in the middle of the woods! All that's going to happen is that people are going to ask questions and it's going to come back to me!

-You don't have to...

-A what? I have some money, but there's no one who'll rent to a minor! I don't have a phone and if I have to find a job, who will want to hire me without references? I'm going to be noticed and then they're going to send me back...

She could not even finish her sentence; the terror being displayed on her features.

-I can't go back, I can't!

The cat had risen from Betty's knees to climb on Sabrina's knees and Sabrina squeezed the animal, which rather than trying to free itself, allowed itself to do so without resistance. Betty looked horrified at the girl. She didn't want to cause such a panic.

-I'm sorry, calm down! Look, I'm sure we can find something...

-Would your parents be comfortable letting a girl and her cat you've known for less than an hour sleep on their couch? Mockingly asked for this one. -I appreciate what you're trying to do, but I don't have any other options. And between having to go in there or taking the 0.01% chance that a serial killer will attack me, I take the killer without hesitation and with full knowledge of the facts.

-Is it that bad? Asked Betty.

Sabrina nodded, her face haunted.

Betty watched Sabrina disconcerted, not knowing what to say. Jughead, for his part, fights what his heart and head told him. And for a rare time, his mind was not the winner.

-I live alone," he said. -I'm supposed to live with a host family, but I managed to move back to my father's caravan. It's small but there's heating, hot water and even internet. You can sleep in the room and I'll take the couch.

-Are you serious? Asked the two girls in heart.

-Yes," said Jughead, already regretting. -I'll get you a padlock for the room, but I reserve the right to kick you out if you stick carrion to the walls.

Sabrina looked with an expression of shock that turned into joy.

-Thank you! Thank you so much. And don't worry, I intend to pay back this kindness. I can give you a small rent with whoever I have left and pay the rest in the kitchen, cleaning, laundry, home remedy for hangovers, make your choice!

-Just try to respect my privacy and keep the place clean! Says Jughead wondering how quickly he would regret his words.

-Promise! But I insist on participating in one way or another! Can Salem come?

-Can you have him do his business outside like a dog?

Sabrina nodded.

-He is welcome.

-And if it's ever too hard, I'm sure I can probably convince my mother to let me take a cat. Especially a nice one like that, Betty said as she stroked the animal.

-Oh don't let him fool you, he can be a little brat when he wants, Sabrina mocked. -I'll give you back your kindness too, Betty," she says so seriously this time.

-You don't need to do that, Betty assured me.

-But of course, it is. Goodness must be rewarded in a world like ours, so let us encourage it!

-Speaking of which, I may have another condition," says Jughead.

-Make me an offer," said Sabrina.

Betty suddenly had a thrill. Her expression had changed, the more a panicky kid in her place, she felt like she was seeing something else that was totally different. Cold and in control.

-You're running away from what? I don't want details, just to know if I should expect the police to knock on my door," says Jughead.

Sabrina observed him for a long time without speaking before finally speaking.

-I have serious family problems. And if you're afraid that I'll attract unwanted people, know that I'm waiting for a sign from another branch of my family tree. I'll go with her if everything goes well or I'll manage otherwise. If you want more, then you'll have to open up for me. An equivalent exchange.

The choice of words troubled Betty and she knew that her boyfriend would pull a tooth out alive before delivering personal information to a stranger. Well done.

-All right. I don't know if there's room for everything," said Jughead looking at the contents of the tent.

-I can bury some of it and come back for it later.

-Or we could ask Veronica or Archie if they could put them in their garages, Betty continued.

-I would like to thank them if that is the case. You too, Betty.

-So, I think the issue is settled. Do you think you can pack a bag right now and be ready to go tonight? If it works for you too, Jug, of course!

-It's all right," said Jughead.

-I don't know, I'd like to leave nothing to be abandoned. I have traps and other things that it would be a bad idea to leave it like that," Sabrina continued uncomfortably.

-Take us to the camp so we can call and see if you can do it, otherwise we'll come back tomorrow to get the rest, Betty suggested.

Sabrina nodded and pointed in one direction:

-Walk this way, the network should eventually appear. No need to go to the camp for that. I'm starting to tidy up my things. I can give you a compass or Salem if you're afraid of getting lost.

- I don't think the cat is an animal that can guide people, at best they eat the bodies of lost people," said Jughead.

-Oh, he's brilliant and he listens to me occasionally," Sabrina reassured Sabrina. -Show them Salem how great you are.

Salem advanced towards them and to Jughead's surprise began to walk in front of them but at a slow pace as if they were to follow him.

-He's really trained," Jughead continued surprised. -Did you know it was possible?

-No, I've always been told that cats understand but don't listen. Note, it may be a particular breed. I don't know of any cat that would be more than ten years old and still look like that either.

Betty looked at her phone and smiled:

-I have a signal! I'll be able to call Archie and my mother after!

-Perfect. Bet, would you mind if I went all the way to see this camp she's talking about? continued the young man.

-Uh... no, but why?

-I'd just like to know why she didn't move there. A summer camp seems a better alternative than in the middle of the forest.

-Okay, I'll follow you," Betty said, dialing the number and then taking her hand. 

The camp looked like it had just come out of a horror movie and Jughead could have considered this a credible reason to abandon it if Sabrina had not surrounded his own decoration camp that would have been in their place in American Horror Story. Another detail was the heavy padlock that blocked the main entrance. She said she had forced him but not that she had replaced him afterwards. It was a lot of work for a little bit. Unless she climbed the fence? As feasible but ironed with equipment? Especially since the content could be damaged if she simply throws it over the fence, assuming she has the strength to do so.

In the background, he could hear Betty's conversation. Archie was not difficult to convince to come and get them and their new acquaintance. The conversation with her mother was of a completely different nature. Jughead could hear the sound of the Coopers' tone rising to a hysterical level. It seems he would probably have to go up to Betty's window if he wanted to see her again this year.  

-Are you all right? He asked, although he suspected the answer.

-It's all right," said Betty, trying to calm down.  -Did you find anything?

-Only more questions.

-If you've changed your mind....

-No, it's okay. It's okay. I'm not going to pretend that I'm excited about having a roommate, but that's the best solution right now.

-I wonder what she's running from," says Betty. - I don't think she was exaggerating. She seems really scared.

-Neither do I. I doubt a little more about the part about a family member coming to pick her up. Maybe she just said that, so I could leave her alone.

(Or maybe she hopes he'll come and get her) thought Jughead, remembering his own mother. If that were true, he was going to wish her that it would work.

-Going back to see if she was finished, he decided, no longer wanting to think about Gladys Jones.

 When they returned, Sabrina had unpacked the tent and gathered her possessions into three bags. She had also changed, now wearing jeans, army boots, a pink sweater but had kept her hoodie.  

-I buried part of it in a camouflaged hatch. I'll bring the rest with me unless it's too big. In that case, maybe I can leave one here.

-Do you have a cage for the cat? Asked Betty.

-No need. It may be on my lap or I would put it in a bag with an opening for air, it is used to it, Sabrina proudly said.

-Is it a cat or a stuffed animal? Asked Jughead as he looked at the cat.

-Sometimes I wonder, recognized Sabrina as the cat was coming back to her.

-Do you want us to help? Asked Betty.

-I... yeah, if you don't mind.

Sabrina handed Betty her broom and one of her bags to Jughead, keeping the backpack and a large wheeled suitcase.

- Which road? Sabrina asked.

-669, Betty replied.

Without hesitation Sabrina walked in the direction of it as the two followed.

 Once out of the woods, Jughead took his bike and dragged it towards them, hoping he could take it back to town. Fortunately, their wait was not too long just fifteen minutes before Archie's old car appeared.  

-Hello Bet, Jug," Archie began.

- Hey Archie, thanks again for helping us out!  Says Betty happy to see a familiar face.

-Hey, Arch. You think I can tie it up after your car? Asked Jughead as he showed his bike.

-I suppose, said Archie hesitant.

He didn't like any sign of the Serpent with his friend, even as simple as his means of transport. He went out despite the help to load the bike.

-Hello, you must be Sabrina? Says Archie smiling at the newcomer.

Sabrina nodded and approached Archie cautiously.

-Hello, who are you?

-Archie Andrew, to serve you, replied the amused one, reaching out to him.

Sabrina took it and squeezed it.

-Nice to meet you, Archie.

-And you? Archie asked.

-Me what?

-Your last name?

- Betty and Jugheand didn't give me their last names, Sabrina replied

-It's Cooper for me and Jones for Jughead, says Betty.

She seemed hesitant before saying:

-Spellman. My name is Sabrina Spellman.

-Like the singer? Archie asked.

-I don't think we're related but we write it the same ways. And this is Salem," continued the white hair girl, holding the cat.

-Oh yes, your cat! You don't have a cage, Archie remarked.

-He will be quiet, I swear, Sabrina promised.

-His cat is obedient enough, Betty said to reassure him.

-And he will lie on the floor at the first sign of a siren, Sabrina promised. -He's used to it.

-In this case, Archie gave in.

Archie opened the trunk but rather than handing it over, Sabrina placed it herself, taking the sports bag from Jughead's hands and placing it too.  She went to take the broom from Betty's hands when she asked her the question:

-Are you sure it will fits?

-But of course, you just have to place it in the right angle, smiled Sabrina.

To Betty's surprise, she actually managed to get her in without any difficulty.

-I sits in which seat? She asked.

-The boys could sit in the front and we both in the back. Is that okay with you?

Sabrina nodded and sat down with the animal lying on her lap next to her bag, which she put between Betty and her.

 -So, how long were you in the woods? Asked Betty.

-Maybe a two weeks. I didn't really count, Sabrina admitted.  

-You know there's... Archie started.

-A serial killer? Yes. Betty and Jughead told me. He's not as scary as the werewolf on the highways yet, but still.

-From what? Asked Jughead.

-The werewolf on the highways, I know, the name sucks, but at least he has an excuse for not choosing him. There was a serial killer in the sixties in the area. He picks up women on the highway always in the same order near the highways of cities in the region, including Riverdale. Everything was good, from the kid to the old lady, from the pastor's wife to the prostitute. Raped, tortured and eventually killed. They never caught him, but the consensus is that he was probably a truck driver. And he must be dead because guys like him don't stop like that. With any luck, he suffered.

-I've never heard that story," says Jughead surprised.

-Oh, despite his violence, he didn't make too many waves at the time. People believed in isolated incidents and cities communicated with each other far too late. But if you google it, you should find something. People think he had at least 29 victims, although some think he has more than 47, but even then, it's hard to be sure. Strangely enough, the Riverdale reaper is more celebrated than him when he only killed one family.

-Only?" asked Jughead, raising an eyebrow.

Sabrina laughed nervously.

-I'm sorry to be so morbid. Let's talk about lighter stuff. Do you like pastries? I could do you a little something to thank you! What you want: cupcake, muffin, French toast, pie...

-My friend Veronica loves to cook," says Betty. -Personally, I only know the basics.

- I'm sure you have other equally useful talents," says Sabrina.

-Betty is an excellent mechanic," says Jughead.

-Wow, that's impressive! Sabrina continued. - I can't do it without help.

-Not as much as it looks! And I think that impressive question, you're pretty much yourself. Surviving alone in the woods must have been hard. Not to mention the Ghoulies.

-This is my natural environment. I was pretty good, I was just feeling a little lonely. And the Ghoulies didn't have a chance on my field.  I wouldn't be so confident in the city.

-But you're not alone in town, Betty continued.

-I suppose... Sabrina said hesitantly.

Betty tried to make her keep talking.

- Do you work out?

-Kind of like everyone else at school. My best friend was a cheerleader, so I tried to please her, but it wasn't for me. She ended up dropping out anyway for more social activities as well. I like the arts, for example! I have done singing, dancing, piano and theatre. I also started a social club with her.

-Archie is a musician and a singer too, says Betty.

-Oh, yeah? Says Sabrina suddenly interested. ¸

-He even wrote songs," said Jughead.

-I would like to have a career in music, recognized Archie.

-That's cool! Are you also musicians?

-No, I prefer to write and the same for Betty," Jughead continued.

-Veronica sings for example, Betty continued.  

-Is she your best friend? Sabrina asked with candor.

-Yes, but on a par with Kevin.

Betty's heart will then be remembering their fight. She understood his anger, but she never wanted him hurt. Kevin could have a boyfriend or twelve that he changed every week, she didn't care, all she wanted was for him to be safe.

-Veronica tried to calm him down, clumsily tried Archie

Betty forced herself to smile and nodded.

-He needs time, I understand.  Besides, I probably won't be able to see many people with my mother.  

-Is she angry? Sabrina asked for an anxious expression on her face.

-Yes, but it's all right, don't worry. In fact, we have arrived!

Jughead got out of the car with Archie taking Sabrina's luggage out of the trunk.

-Are you going to be all right to carry everything? Archie asked.

-Of course. You, go bring Betty back before her mother sends the Sheriff after us.

-Good point.

The two friends greeted each other, and Betty took her head out of the window to share a kiss with Jughead. The car then left the mobile home park. Jughead picked up the sports bag and swept it up while Sabrina put her backpack back and dragged her suitcase. The cat followed them as he trotted.

-Come on, I'll show you which one.

-Thank you again. I know you don't really want to get in my way, but you do it out of generosity. I'm not going to make you regret it.

-If you don't want to make me regret it, stop talking about it.

-Okidoki.

As they advanced towards the caravan, Jughead recognized several silhouettes waiting for him in front of the entrance. Sabrina, seeing her expression changing, asked a question:

-Are you going to introduce me to them or should I get my broom back?  

[wikitopx]

The beautiful forested slopes, clear lakes, and flower-filled valleys have attracted nature lovers, vacationing families, seekers of peace, and pointing to people in so many ways. system.

This picturesque Pennsylvania mountain in northeastern Pennsylvania overlooks the Delaware River and Delaware Water Gap and borders Wallenpaupack Lake and Wyoming Valley. Here are the best things to do in the Poconos, PA.

[toc]

1. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

The breathtaking natural beauty of the area surrounding the Delwar Water Gap has been touristy for more than a century, and it is considered one of the natural wonders of the world. To protect it, manage it and tell the world about it, this area was declared a National Recreation Area in 1978.

It is a large park that covers 40 miles of the Delaware River, 67,000 acres of mountains covered in dense sub-forests, valleys, submerged plains, exploding ravines with rhododendrons exploding in bloom in the beginning.

Spring, native Sam large forest, and abundant wildlife call it home, including bears, foxes, lynxes, chipmunks, deer, and more. Visitors can enjoy more than 100 miles of trails that take them to the most beautiful waterfalls, canyons, and ravines.

Those who like to drive can enjoy more than 100 miles of scenic beauty. About 27 miles of the Appalachian Trail passes through the area. The Poconos is a spectacularly beautiful region excellent for bird watching, zip-lining, hiking, fishing, canoeing, golfing, skiing, parasailing, and whitewater rafting.

The charming small towns that dot the region are all unique and make a visit to the Poconos a true delight. Keep reading for more things to do & where to stay in the Poconos.

2. Bushkill Falls

High up in the Pocono Mountains, the crystal clear water of a narrow stream tumbles down the cliffs and makes its way to the Delaware River far, far below.

The stream sped up as it ran toward the first of the eight, Pennell Falls, continuing through the narrow Glen Glen and upper canyon until it fell down a 100-foot-high cliff, creating Main-coated waterfall. rate. It forms a beautiful, deep, cool lake surrounded by ferns and flowers before dropping an additional 70 feet.

The whole area is intersected with narrow trails and observation areas that offer an unforgettable day of exploring and spectacular views. Get a map of the trails to find the one that appeals most to you.

If you're lucky, you might spot many birds living in this lush area. Wild animals like black bears, foxes, and bobcats are there too but are more elusive. After your hike, you might want to relax with a paddleboat ride, play a game of mini-golf, or sit on a bench and feed the ducks.

3. Hickory Run State Park, Pocono Mountains

Hickory Run State Park, located in Carbon County, stretches over 15,990 acres in the forested western foothills of the Pocono Mountains. The park is popular for Boulder Field, a flat area covered with large, round boulders that look like the surface of the Moon.

Sand Spring Lake has a lovely swimming beach and a golf course, and this is one of the three fixed points for orientation courses. The area includes hundreds of picnic tables, playground equipment, and restrooms.

Many streams and lakes in the park are great for brook and brown trout fishing, and hikers can enjoy more than 44 miles of trails. Some of the trails are permitted for cross-country skiing and others for snowmobiling in the winter.

The best time for hiking is June when the rhododendrons are in full bloom. The park is also popular for Geocaching, high tech treasure hunting with the use of GPS.

4. Poconos PA: No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum

Experience firsthand the dark world of coal mining by visiting No. 9 Coal Mine, the oldest continuously running anthracite coal mine in Lansford, Pennsylvania, 1600 feet into the mountainside.

The mine operated from 1855 to 2002, when it was closed and converted into a tourist attraction and museum. Trained and experienced guides will take you on a walking tour deep into the mountain and tell you the horror stories of the lives our ancestors who worked as miners had to endure.

You will see the original 900-foot deep elevator shaft that was used to haul coal cars to the surface, a miner’s hospital, and the underground mule-way. The museum is located in the former miners’ shanty and it contains original tools such as picks, drills, shovels, saws, axes, blasting tools, and even miners’ caps, lamps, and lunch cans.

5. Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark, The Poconos

To say that Great Wolf Lodge is kid and family-friendly is a gross understatement. Located in Scotrun, a small town between Mount Pocono and Tannersville, this resort is all about family fun.

It starts with the hotel suites that have ‘wolf dens’ and kiddy camps with kiddy bed bunks. And then there is a large, water park that operates year-round to entertain the whole family with thrilling rides, water slides, swimming pools, etc.

Enter Fort Mackenzie to get splashed and soaked until you escape through the Totem Tower slide. Dare to try Hydro Plunge, a roller coaster made of water. Let the kids go crazy and escape to the North Hot Spring soothing warm pool where no kids are allowed. Wherever you go, the temperature is a perfect 84 degrees even if it is snowing outside.

6. Poconos weekend getaway: Promised Land State Park

High on the Pocono Plateau, over 1,800 feet above sea level, Promised Land State Park is 3,000 acres of a natural wonderland. It is surrounded by over 12,464 acres of Delaware State Forest, densely covered with oak, beech, hemlock, and maple. It includes two lovely lakes, one with a well-equipped picnic area, a popular starting point for exploring the area.

The area is located in a picturesque forest next to the Promised Lake and has a playground, water, sand volleyball court, basketball court, and two sandy beaches. Concessions nearby provide boat rentals.

Both Promised Land Lake and Lower Lake are great for taking a slow canoe trip, and if you are a fisherman, try your hand at catching some bass, pickerel, yellow perch, or catfish.

Hikers have 50 miles of trails that intersect the Promised Land State Park and the Delaware State Forest for exploration, nature study, bird watching, or just reveling in the pure joy of magnificent nature. Don’t forget to stop at the Masker Museum with interesting natural history displays, including mounted animals.

7. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm

The Quiet Valley Life History Farm seeks to preserve Germany's unique heritage in Pennsylvania. Guides dressed in traditional clothing re-enact scenes from daily farm life for visitors and provide information about the founder of the farm, Johann Depper.

The expansive farm includes pastures, streams, and forested areas, and goats, cows, horses, sheep, chickens, pigs, and other animals roam the 114-acre area. Visitors can walk through a vintage farmhouse, a cabin, a smokehouse, and a handful of little barns.

The quiet valley is open to individual and group tours, and the farm can be rented for birthday parties, weddings, and other special events.

8. Poconos weekend getaway: Kalahari Waterpark, Poconos

Pocono Manor is home to Kalahari Water Park, 10,000 square meters of African themed water park. This indoor waterpark has fun and challenging attractions for the entire family, including indoor surfing, body boarding, and waterslides.

Visitors can wind down by floating on the lazy river or lounging in the hot tub. On warm days the roof of the water park can be retracted to let the sunshine in.

The Kalahari Waterpark is part of a resort that has nearly 460 luxurious suites. A vast convention center, spa, restaurants, and family entertainment center make the Kalahari Waterpark a one-of-a-kind spot for corporate events, parties, retreats, and other special gatherings.

9. Claws 'N' Paws, Pocono Mountains

Claws 'N' Paws is a zoo and animal park that hosts many fascinating programs throughout the summer and fall months. Visitors can have up-close encounters with more than 120 animal species, including parrots, reptiles, alligators, and pythons. Claws 'N' Paws also has a variety of baby animals at its facility.

At the petting zoo, visitors can interact with deer, lambs, and goats. Dinosaur Outpost, a recent addition, is an interactive space where adults and children can go to dig fossils. Finally, the Claws 'N' Paws allow visitors to feed parrots with the help of animal park staff.

10. Eckley Miners' Village, Poconos

Eckley Miner's Village was a bustling center of activity from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s. The central part of the village consists of a museum, two churches, a sports club building, a company store, and some outstanding houses. At the visitor's center, guests watch a video that explains the hardships of mining life as well as the history of the village.

The churches and social club give visitors a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of the miners who lived in Eckley Village, along with their families. At the store, visitors learn about how company stores operate and why miners avoid them. Before leaving, guests can receive souvenirs in the Eckley Village gift shop.

More ideals for you: Top 10 things to do in Vermont

From : https://wikitopx.com/travel/top-10-things-to-do-in-the-poconos-703344.html

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We’ve got another great, easy hike with kids to share!  Our favorite hikes take us places with sweeping views and unusual sights, but we also love huge trees.  The Hoh Rainforest is at the top of our list of hikes in the Pacific Northwest with kids, but let’s go ahead and add the Grove of the Patriarchs at Mt Rainier National Park to the top too.

If you are looking for a nice hike that includes forests, rivers and epic old growth forests, the Grove of the Patriarchs is the spot.  And be sure to check out our other recommendations for easy hikes at Mt Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park.  There are boundless opportunities to get into nature in the National Parks of the Pacific Northwest.

Locale of the Grove of the Patriarchs

From Seattle, you’ll head south and east around Mt Rainier through the Crystal Mountain ski area and then down into the Ohanapecosh area.  From Portland, you head north on I-5 and then cut across the mountain on Highway 12 through White Pass.  Or, the most beautiful route is coming from the Columbia River Gorge through Gifford Pinchot National Forest past Mt St Helens through some really remote areas.  It’s gorgeous beyond beautiful.

Once you get to the general area, the Grove of the Patriarchs is within Mt Rainier Nationl Park’s Steven’s Canyon entrance.  And the trail head is RIGHT INSIDE the entry plaza.  Parking is limited, but it turns over quickly.  There is no Visitors Center at this spot, but five minutes away at Ohanapecosh, you’ll see one.

Prep for safe hiking with kids

Safety on the trail is so important.  Water water water.  Even though the Grove of the Patriarchs trail isn’t crazy difficult or long, once you’re in the old growth forest it gets hot and the air can be a bit stagnate.  This will drain you so quickly, so be sure to stay hydrated.  And sunblocked.  Even though a lot of hiking, here or other trails, takes place within the forest, you’ll still want to keep kids blocked up.  Sunburns happen faster than you realize.

Tip:  check out our article about travel products we use for some good recommendations for sun protection.

Lastly, talk to your kids about paying attention and watching their footing while hiking.  Dusty trails usually mean there are roots and wash-out spots which make for easy falls.  On the Grove of the Patriarchs trail, you’ve also got some river access spots, so you should also give your kids some solid rules about getting too close to the river in certain spots.

Note:  the Ohanapecosh River is super cold and in certain spots moves really swiftly.  There are some good spots for splashing, but also some deep areas with surprising currents.

Hiking the Grove of the Patriarchs

First, a few notes:  The only challenge to this trail is the small slope at the very beginning.  There is a restroom at the start, so be sure to have kiddos take care of business.  

As you start, you’ll see some great info placards along the trail which can help explain a lot of the trees and forest phenomena you’ll see.This is a great learning opportunity for kids and adults alike, especially if you don’t get to spend a lot of time in the forest.  

Continuing on, you’ll see several spots to access the Ohanapecosh River, as we mentioned.  We’d recommend waiting to have time by the fiver until your return trip, as the trail is a loop.  You’ll actually have to cross the river via a suspension bridge and there’s another access spot on the other side.

Tip:  if the trail seems busy, definitely hold off on your play time on the river, as the suspension bridge tends to have a line for crossing it. Only one or two people can cross the bridge at a time, so when there are many hikers it can be a twenty minute wait.  Crazy.

Once across the Ohanapecosh River you’re in the Grove of the Patriarchs.  This loop trail has some incredible trees that rival some that you’d see in the Redwoods.  One of the kids’ favorites is the hollow fallen tree that the trail goes through (between its trunk and roots).  Each turn have another fascinating sight to see.

Tip:  if you’re into painting or high contrast photography, spending an afternoon in the Grove of the Patriarchs is going to give you some epic material for your creativity to soar.  Or go hiking and then return to the Ohanapecosh campground and paint away.

Moving right along, you’ll have ample chances to relax on the trail, as it really is hiking at its most chill. Take your time and if you want to have some time on the river, the area by the suspension bridge is perfect for it. Make your way back across, enjoy the reverse view of the trail, and then head either up to Paradise for more day hikes or just over to the Ohanapecosh Visitors Center for more nearby activities.

Tip:  you know we love picnics, so if you’re not planning one already, do so and take advantage of the picnic space at the Grove of the Patriarchs trail head.

More Ohanapecosh Activities with kids

To make the most of your time in Mt Rainier National Park, camping is one of our strongest recommendations.  Ohanapecosh has a very nice campground centered around the Ohanapecosh River and Visitors Center.  From Ranger talks to splashing in the river, it’s a great place to stay with kids.  And you can get your National Parks Passport stamped at the visitors center.  And do the Junior Ranger program too!

One of our favorite waterfall hikes in Washington State is Silver Falls, which also goes out of Ohanapecosh.  Winding through the most peaceful, quite forest and past a miniature Mammoth Hot Spring 😉 it’s a pretty easy hike to a mossy footbridge and one of the most rainbow-laden waterfalls we’ve ever seen.  It’s one of the prettiest spots in Washington.

Tip:  make your camping reservations at Ohanapecosh as soon as you know you’re going to visit.  National Park campgrounds fill up quickly.

Other awesome National Parks groves for epic trees

We’re really into big trees and the West Coast National Parks have some incredible, epic old growth forests.  Depending on which species you want to see, you could make a whole road trip to learn the science of forests and epic trees:

Sequoia National Park – sequoia trees, the Giant Forest and General Sherman tree (largest tree in the world)

Kings Canyon National Park – sequoia trees; Grant Grove and the Fallen Monarch

Yosemite National Park – sequoia trees; Mariposa Grove

Muir Woods National Monument – redwoods; shooting location of Return of the Jedi

Redwood National Park – redwoods; Lady Bird Johnson Grove, amazing trail systems

Redwood Coast – redwoods; more than 20 epic redwoods you can walk or drive through

Olympic National Park – cedars, spruce and maple; Quinault and Hoh Rainforest for maple and cedars, Kalaloch and Ruby Beach for spruce

Mt Rainier National Park – hemlock, spruce and cedars; the southestern side, including the Grove of the Patriarchs

We love checking out epic trees for lots of reasons, but a primary one is teaching the kids about the age of the earth and its timeline.  They learn a lot about the life cycle, habitats and some of the most delicate ecosystems on earth.  Epic tree groves are great for grown ups too, particularly for reminding us of how small we actually are.

A final thing to know about visiting the Grove of the Patriarchs or any Mt Rainier National Park site, fall comes early to the Mountain and while you’ll be having sunshine and cool breezes in the Seattle area, Mt Rainier is making its transition to winter.  Plan appropriately with jackets and be flexible with plans.  You’ll no doubt have a great visit and will love the old growth forests of the Pacific Northwest.

Want to pin this for later when you’re planning some fun hikes with kids?  Go for it!

The Grove of the Patriarchs: old growth forest hiking in Mt Rainier National Park We’ve got another great, easy hike with kids to share!  Our favorite hikes take us places with sweeping views and unusual sights, but we also love huge trees.  

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Unless you grew up in the Pacific Northwest you probably think right away of tropical destinations when you hear the term “rainforest.”  We actually have several protected, temperate rainforests here in Washington State.  Exploring the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park is our favorite with the kids and we bring a lot of out-of-town guests here too.  It’s just so cool!

Since we’re talking about hiking in the Hoh Rainforest and not the Amazon or something, know that everything you think of is going to be different. This isn’t a tropical rainforest filled with toucans and poison dart frogs.  This is a temperate rainforest, filled with hemlocks, firs and maples.  And Elk.  Everything is moist and covered in moss; mushrooms and other fungus are EVERYWHERE.  Pretty sure that gnomes live there.  No vampires or werewolves though; they stay in Forks.

Locale of the Hoh Rainforest

We’re not even going to pretend like the Hoh Rainforest is close to any major city.  From Seattle it’ll take at least four hours to drive to, but that’s not a bad thing.  It just means that you need to plan on spending a few days away from civilization in Olympic National Park.  You can make an awesome road trip out of a visit to the Hoh by adding stops in Olympia (the state capitol) and Kalaloch (National Park beaches) if you drive the southern route.

If you want to take the northern route, you can easily add a trip to Port Townsend or a stay at a BNB in Port Angeles to make the trip more relaxing.  You also will be traveling past Lake Crescent, Sol Duc and Forks, which are all fun, beautiful stops.  And if you’re a Twilight Saga fan, Forks is the setting and if you head towards La Push you have to cross the “treaty line”… if you’re into that. 😉

Exploring the Hoh Rainforest

First thing you must do when exploring the Hoh Rainforest is picnicking.  There is a picnic area just inside the Park entrance, but there’s also a great big lawn that just needs a blanket and you’re good to go.  Just like with anywhere else, clean up after yourself and adhere to the National Park Service guidelines around food storage.  Seriously.

So now, you’ve had lunch and you’re ready!  If you’re not up for a crazy 17 mile hike (the Hoh River Trail), you’ve got two great options and it’s easy to do both.

Hoh Rainforest Spruce Trail

With virtually no elevation gain, this path is easy-peasy.  Not quite ideal for a stroller, but you could bring one here if you were really determined.  The trail winds through the woods as giant old-growth trees tower above you and mushrooms peek out from all kinds of places.

Some of the nifty things about this trail are the various clearings and fascinating changes in light. When you break out of the dense woods you see light filtering through the trees and casting the most interesting shadows across the lower vegetation.  There are some great places to let the kids run free on the trail and snap some cool shots.

Tip:  check out our 5 simple steps to better travel photos, including capturing kids in wonderful environments like mossy forests in the afternoon.

And then there’s the river.  This part of the Spruce Trail is wonderful because you actually get to walk along the Hoh River and see how it’s shaped the land.  The river is COLD so it’s not good for swimming, but it sure is pretty.  You’ll notice how flat and expansive the area around the river is, which is the perfect causeway for elk herds.

As you finish the loop (the trail is a circle) you come across some small swampy streams surrounded by nursery logs and more towering giants.  It’s a perfect sight to finish this very diverse trail.   And since this trail is so mellow, you’ll still have energy to move onto the next path.

Hall of Mosses in the Hoh Rainforest

Not the Hall of Moses, but mosses.  Plural of moss.  Why is this trail called the Hall of Mosses?  Well, as you start exploring the Hoh Rainforest more, you’ll climb the hill above the Visitors Center and you enter an area that you can’t easily explore except on the path.  It’s very much  like a hall: a beautiful hall where the stumps and trees guide the way through the forest.

The best things about this trail are the unusual tree formations and the abundance of the plushest moss in the whole wide world.  There are enormous roots winding around stumps like ancient Cambodian temples.  There are trees bent across the trail like bridges made by gnomes. Everything is photo-worthy.

Tip:  something to think about if you’re going hiking with the intent of getting exceptional photos, be sure you understand the concepts of photography in the forest and in low-light situations.  The forest is dense in most places and light plays tricks on your eyes…and camera.

Suggested reading:  check out this blog post from Udemy regarding the basics of forest photography and helpful equipment recommendations.  There are some great tips that are sure to help you hone your low-light photography skills.

The Hall of Mosses trail is super easy but a little longer than the Spruce Trail.  It’s very rooty in comparison to the Spruce Trail, so it’s not going to be doable with a stroller, but it’s essential to hike it when you’re exploring the Hoh Rainforest.

The combined length of the two loop-trails (Spruce and Hall of Mosses) is only two miles.  That’s not two in and two out, but a total of two miles.  It’s the easiest set of trails in the entire National Parks System (maybe).  Actually, we can’t rightly say as we haven’t hiked every single one, but it’s easy, fun, beautiful and perfect for kids.

Visitor Centers in Olympic National Park

For us this is a very important part of stopping into a National Park.  The Visitor Center is there to provide all kids of information, from hiking suggestions to safety bulletins, history of the area to instructions on identifying animal poop (always a favorite kid-activity).  And we can’t forget that this is where to do Junior Ranger Programs and National Parks Passport stamps.

The Port Angeles Visitor Center has lots of great information and displays about the history of Olympic National Park.  This is also the trail head for the more lengthy back-country hikes.  The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center serves the same purpose and also houses the restrooms for the trail heads and a quick service cafe.  Down in the Hoh Rainforest, you’ll find the same but with displays specific to this section of the Park.

If you’re heading out exploring the Hoh Rainforest, be sure you stop into the Visitors Center first. Because of the diverse life found in the rainforest, the Hoh Visitors Center gives some extra information, including a wonderful display of the fungus you’ll encounter in the woods.  This is actually a highlight for our family, as nothing is quite so exciting on a hike as finding mushrooms (if you could only hear the sarcasm).

Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center

Wildlife at the Hoh Rainforest

As with any National Park, there will be wildlife even if you don’t see it right away.  If you’re a birder, you’re in heaven.  If you’ve got a thing for squirrels, you’re golden.  If you’re looking to learn about how an introduced species adapts and acts in a new place, well, study the mountain goats at Hurricane Ridge.  They were introduced for sport in the 1920s and are more aggressive than their cousins in other areas.  Cougars, aka Mountain Lions, are also prevalent in the Park with frequent sightings.  We’ve never seen one here, but the rangers keep logs of where they’ve been seen.

The most exciting wildlife in Olympic National Park, at least to us, is the Roosevelt Elk.  Elk are one of the largest members of the deer family and are quite majestic.  On our most recent visit, we were blessed with a bull elk accompanying us on our drive out of the Park.  We could actually hear him and other nearby elk bugling to each other.  It was incredible.

A lot of trees in the way, but a whole herd of Roosevelt Elk on the Hoh River

Do you see why we love exploring the Hoh Rainforest so much? It’s so beautiful and full of interesting sights.  The kids feel right at home in these woods and none of us will ever tire of the incredible mosses and crazy trees.  Exploring the Hoh Rainforest is great in the summer or fall.  We avoid visiting in the winter (so much snow) and spring (so much rain) but find ourselves going back a few times per year June through November.  You know, even in the rain it’s beautiful and heck, it’s the rainforest.

Want to pin this for later when you’re plotting out your summer or fall hiking?  Go for it!

Exploring the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park Unless you grew up in the Pacific Northwest you probably think right away of tropical destinations when you hear the term "rainforest."  We actually have several protected, temperate rainforests here in Washington State.