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a photo of the scenery from the mountain

Exploring the Knob Trail: A Scenic Hike in Milford, Pennsylvania

If you are visiting the Pocono Mountains, and searching for the best hikes, I highly recommend that you consider a popular trek in Milford Pennsylvania known as “The Knob”

The Knob

As an experienced hiker, I’ve had the privilege of exploring many beautiful trails across the country. However, my recent hike up “The Knob” in Milford, Pennsylvania was truly a unique and unforgettable experience. While it won’t in any way rival the mountains out west such as Zion National Park or Yosemite. The Knob does have a more charming appeal to the more casual hiker looking for a lite challenge that won’t take more than 2 hours of your day to summit and return to your hotel in time for dinner.

Located in the heart of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, The Knob trail is a rewarding hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail takes you through lush forests, rocky terrain, and steep inclines, which can be tough for beginners but definitely worth the effort.

The origin of the name “The Knob” for the hike in Milford, Pennsylvania is not entirely clear. However, it is believed that the name comes from the unique geological formation at the top of the trail. The Knob features a large rock outcropping that juts out from the mountain and resembles a knob or a rounded handle.

To start my trip, I chose to stay at a nearby boutique hotel. La Posada & Felix’s Cantina, formerly known as Laurel Villa. It was my top choice due to its proximity. Located less than 5 minutes to the base of the knob hike, it is positioned on the edge of the Delaware River. Simply a beautiful place to enjoy what the area has to offer. And if you’re lazy like me when it comes to returning from the hike, there literally is no better place to stay.

I enjoyed an early lunch at the Cantina, strapped up my boots, and made my way to the base of the trail. A quick stoll southbound and passing by some local favorites such as Log Tavern Brewing Company, i found my way to the first recognizable waypoint. The Blue Bridge. I don’t think i need to go into how this nickname came about. While the bridge itself was an interesting site to see, the sawcreek river gives a beautiful and tranquil welcome to the beginning of the Delaware National Recreation Area. This is where the state park lands cross over. 

Just a short distance past the Blue Bridge, and i found my first challenge. The wooden stairs. In terms of vertical, i would say they were at least 40 degrees of angle. Making me immediately wish i had stretched a little better before i started. I will admit, my thighs started to feel the burn towards the top. However, just after this you are met with a tranquil forest and flat grade to enjoy.

Over the next 20 minutes i was met with different terrain, a number of small climbs, and we spotted at least 5 deer enjoying a mid-day snack. The sounds of birds singing in the distance made this trip even more enjoyable. About 30 minutes in, i began to take on the more difficult part of the hill. I pulled out my phone, used the level app, and it showed a 28 degree slope. I did have to take a breather for about a minute before i trekked onward. 

At what seemed about a half-way point, i was met with a few new hikers who had entered from another location. The Milford Cemetery is another well known starting point. A nice couple from New Jersey said hello, and made their way to another trail called “The Ridge”. Another popular hike in the area, but a bit further than i was looking to go. So i kept on the trail until i was met with the most challenging portion. About a 1,000 foot incline that i measured at a 32 degree slope. Legend has it that nobody has ever made it up this portion of the trail on a bike without having to stop. It was challenging, it was fun, and it took me about 5 minutes to make my way up.

As I climbed higher up the trail, I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins. The panoramic views of the Delaware River and the nearby Pocono Mountains were simply breathtaking. It was an incredible feeling to stand atop the knob and take in the beauty of the world below. The payoff was well worth it as you could see miles of gorgeous pocono terrain, the Delaware River, and the quaint town of Milford Pennsylvania.

While my trip back down the hill took me about half the time to descend as it did to climb, i will say it was very enjoyable. And at the end of the trip, I paid myself back with a delicious margarita from Felix’s Cantina. Salud!

For anyone seeking a challenge and a unique hiking experience, I highly recommend the Knob trail in Milford, Pennsylvania. Just make sure to bring plenty of water, wear sturdy hiking boots, and be prepared for a steep climb. Trust me, it’s all worth it in the end.

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