Last updated: November 5, 2024
Thing to Do
Hike the Damascus Forest Trail
NPS
Take a hike on this moderately easy, short loop trail through the Damascus Forest. This trail offers a variety of things to see including lush wetlands teeming with life, forested uplands shadowed by trees, bright mossy paths under powerlines, crumbling rock walls, mushrooms, and towering old growth forests. Keep an eye out to see if you can spot the forest poem—an ode to the hemlocks—inscribed on a mossy rock along the trail.
Please note this trail is not regularly maintained and some parts of the trail path may be difficult to discern. Follow the yellow painted trail markers on the trees.
This trail is located on land owned and managed by Damascus Township. Pit toilets are available at the end of the trail loop, just down the road of the parking lot.
Parking
At the trailhead there is an unpaved, gravel lot that can accommodate approximately 20 cars.
Safety
Please exercise caution and situational awareness with weather conditions while hiking.
During all seasons, there is always a risk of ticks. Please check for ticks on yourself and any pets after hiking.
Please note that there is limited cell connectivity in the area and cell phones may not receive signal.
Pack It In, Pack It Out
Please practice "Leave No Trace" principles and do not litter or leave any waste, including animal waste, behind. Take waste with you and dispose of it properly. There are no trash receptacles available on the trails, parking lot, or at the trailheads, so you must take any trash with you when you leave.
Details
Duration
30-60 Minutes
The trail is less than 2 miles (3.2km) with approximately 100 feet (33m) in elevation gain.
Activity
Backcountry Hiking
Moderately easy trail. Elevation change is approximately 100 feet (33m). Trail is uneven with rocks, tree roots, and inclines. Please stay on the trail and practice “Leave No Trace” principles.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are welcome to hike alongside people on the Damascus Forest Trail. However, there are restrictions for the safety of natural resources, wildlife, other visitors, and the pet. Please keep pets on a leash while on the trail and pet waste must be collected by pet owners and carried out. No pet waste bags or trash receptacles are available on the trail, at the trailhead, or at the parking lot.
Location
MacCubbins Road, Beach Lake, PA
From Hancock/Callicoon, drive south down New York State Route 97 until you reach Narrowsburg. At Narrowsburg, keep right to get onto Kirks Road and then turn right again onto Bridge Street and cross the Narrowsburg Bridge. Then follow instructions below from Narrowsburg:
From Narrowsburg, on Pennsylvania State Route 652 (Honesdale and Delaware Turnpike/Beach Lake Highway), turn onto River Road, located just north of the Narrowsburg Bridge. Drive approximately 2.8 miles (4.5km) and turn west (left) on MacCubbins Road. Drive approximately 0.7 miles (1.1km) and the parking lot and trailhead will be on your right.
Scroll to bottom of a page for a map.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
The Damascus Trail is open year-round. Please exercise caution and situational awareness with weather conditions while hiking. During all seasons, there is always a risk of ticks. Please check for ticks on yourself and any pets after hiking.
Time of Day
Day
All trails at Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River are day-use only. No backcountry camping is permitted.
Accessibility Information
This is a moderately easy trail that has some inclines. Trail surface is unpaved and varies between grass and dirt as it winds through the forest. Trail width varies from approximately 3 to 5 feet (1-1.5m). Please watch out for obstacles such as tree roots and rocks. At some points on the path, you will have to walk in between openings in crumbling, rock walls. Pit toilet-style bathrooms are available at the southwestern end of the loop. These are not accessible restrooms.
NPS