Cranberry Swamp Natural Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cranberry Swamp Natural Area is a 183-acre protected wetland area in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and hikers due to its unique biodiversity and stunning scenery.

One of the main reasons to visit Cranberry Swamp Natural Area is the opportunity to see a wide variety of plant and animal species that are native to the wetland habitat. Visitors can explore the area via a network of hiking trails that wind through the swamp and surrounding forested areas. The trails are well-marked and range in difficulty from easy to moderate.

Some of the specific points of interest to see at Cranberry Swamp Natural Area include the boardwalk trail, which provides access to the heart of the swamp and offers breathtaking views of the wetland ecosystem. Other notable highlights include the observation tower, which provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area, and the Beaver Pond Trail, which winds through a series of beaver ponds and offers opportunities to see a variety of wildlife.

Interesting facts about Cranberry Swamp Natural Area include its designation as a National Natural Landmark, which recognizes its exceptional biological and geological features. The area is also home to several threatened or endangered species, including the bog turtle and the northern goshawk.

The best time of year to visit Cranberry Swamp Natural Area is during the spring and summer months, when the area is alive with blooming wildflowers and an abundance of migratory birds. However, the area is also beautiful during the fall, when the leaves change color and the landscape takes on a warm, golden hue.

Overall, Cranberry Swamp Natural Area is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the natural wonders of Pennsylvania and experiencing the unique beauty of a protected wetland ecosystem.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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