Overlooking a majestic bend in the Lehigh Gorge, Tank Hollow is arguably the most scenic view in the Poconos. The multiple vistas plus a hidden waterfall make this trail near Jim Thorpe a must-see destination.
Tank Hollow: The Most Scenic View in the Poconos?
Tank Hollow is a scenic overlook situated on a rock outcropping atop the Lehigh Gorge as the Lehigh River makes a sharp bend around Bald Mountain. It is arguably the most beautiful vista in the Poconos. Join us as we explore the Tank Hollow and Buzzard’s Point trails and judge for yourself.
The Tank Hollow and Buzzard’s Point trails are located in State Game Lands 141 on the east side of the Lehigh Gorge in Carbon County, PA, about seven miles northeast of Jim Thorpe. Most of the trail is State Game Lands gravel road making for easy hiking. Additionally, being situated on a plateau overlooking the Lehigh Gorge, the topography is relatively flat, unless you opt to explore one of the side trails (of which there are many) up Scrub Mountain or into the gorge.
The turn off from the gravel road to the Tank Hollow Trial proper is at 40.94566, -75.69186, about 1.1 miles from the parling lot.
The Tank Hollow Trail is a peaceful walk in the woods of a little less than half a mile. The day we visited, it was an idyllic setting with azure sky and a continual chorus of bird song among the oak, maple, gray birch, pitch pine, and hemlock. Just before the Tank Hollow overlook, you pass through a section of thick rhododendron that I call “the veil” that escalates anticipation before opening to reveal the majestic beauty of the Tank Hollow vista.
The most scenic view in the Poconos? Judge for yourself. Of course, the photos can’t do it justice. You have to check out the video at the bottom of the post. Better yet, get out there and experience it yourself!
There are multiple view points at the Tank Hollow overlook, so we encourage you to take your time and experience the various facets of this gorgeous gem. The scenic splendor and sound of the river make this a truly special place where you just want to linger a little longer.
Caution: as with many rock outcroppings in this region, expect to share the vista with the resident serpents. We didn’t see any on this trip, but there are often snakes, including timber rattlesnakes, among the rocks. But not to worry, we saw plenty of snakes later on. Continue reading below.
The Tank Hollow trail and overlook itself would have been worth the trip. If we had left then, we would have returned home satisfied with a “win”. But what we saw next promoted this adventure from “highly recommended” to “must do”.
A Hidden Waterfall Discovery at Tank Hollow!
From the time we approached “the veil”, we heard the sound of cascading water from a ravine to the south. We noticed a turn off from the Tank Hollow trail in the direction of the ravine, but the terrain appeared steep, thick, and the path through was sketchy. We intended to save the excursion for another trip, wanting to proceed back to the State Game Lands gravel road to explore Buzzard’s Point. But the possibility of discovering a hidden waterfall fanned the flame of our adventurer spirit and we yielded to the siren song of the hidden stream. This is what we found:
Sometimes side excursions turn out to be nothing more than a lot of expended sweat. Sometimes they are pleasant surprises. And sometimes, like this time, they are a hidden treasure of natural beauty. The multi-tiered waterfall splashing down the rock among the thick rhododendron was exquisite. However, it cost some sweat (and a little blood) to experience this gem.
The turn off from the Tank Hollow Trail to the waterfall is located at 40.94851, -75.69891. The waterfall is only a short distance away at 40.94794, -75.69935, but we quickly lost the trail. We navigated circuitously through the twilight-thick rhododendron canopy in the direction of the sound of the waterfall without too much trouble. However, exploring the lower tiers of the waterfall was difficult owing to the steep terrain and humus soil that easily gave way under foot. We had to traverse the slope by hanging on to the rhododendron trunks and by crawling on all fours in spots. We encountered a clearing due to a rock slide a little to the west of the stream, hoping that it would be easier traveling. Unfortunately, the rocks were just as treacherous as the steep humus slope where at we at least had the rhododendron trunks to hold on to.
The waterfall was an amazing and rewarding surprise. However, if you choose to attempt the waterfall, please do so with extreme caution. Don’t think about it unless you are in good physical condition and are wearing appropriate footwear. We didn’t know the exact location of the waterfall starting out, but to save you trouble, as noted above, the turn off to the waterfall path is at 40.94851, -75.69891 and the waterfall itself is at 40.94794, -75.69935. The locations are marked on the map below. Maybe you can find a better way than we took.
Be sure to check out the video at the end of the post.
Snake City and Buzzard’s Point
Invigorated by the majestic Tank Hollow overlook and the hidden waterfall discovery, we back tracked from the Tank Hollow Trail to the State Game Lands gravel road and proceeded west to Buzzard’s Point. There is a section of the trail lined with large, flat boulders that we dubbed “Snake City.” We saw six black racers dart under the boulders as we approached. How many more were there that we didn’t see?
Downtown Snake City:
The gravel road ends abruptly, but the trail continues to the south (left) via a gentle grade partially down the side of the Lehigh Gorge.
Buzzard’s Point is accessed from an unmarked side trail off the main trail. Turn west (right) onto the side trail at 40.93232, -75.73758. Carefully make your way down the steep descent to Buzzard’s point, located at 40.93265, -75.73808. Buzzard’s Point is a small rock outcropping that affords glorious views of the Lehigh Gorge. The surprises of this adventure weren’t finished yet: we saw a bald eagle proudly soaring through the gorge! See it in the video at the bottom of the post.
A short distance south on the main trail from Buzzard’s Point, we found this piney cliffside lookout.
From the lookout we followed the sound of water to our turnaround point at Butcher Hollow. There was a refreshing cool breeze through the hollow and some small cascades, making this a relaxing and picturesque stop. We were tempted by the trail that continues on the other stream, but chose to put that on the to-do list for another day.
On the return trip up the grade from Buzzard’s Point, we encountered a Dekay’s brownsnake that quicky darted from us.
Enjoy these fiddleheads and bell-shaped blueberry blossoms.
Check out the video of our must-see adventure.
Overall the adventure was 9.9 miles.
Parking is at: 40.94143, -75.67243.
Note in the map below there are several parking lots on the State Game Lands road that are accessible up to the noted gate (which also has a parking lot) during the spring and summer months. Being on a plateau, the trail is generally flat and easy unless you explore the side trails into Lehigh Gorge or its tributaries.
What do you think? Is Tank Hollow worthy of the title “Most Scenic View in the Poconos”? Regardless of whether it is the “best,” the beauty of Tank Hollow makes it a gem worthy of your bucket list. Not only that, but this adventure just kept on impressing with the hidden waterfall, another exquisite view of the Lehigh Gorge at Buzzard’s Point, the peaceful Butcher Hollow, a bald eagle, and Snake City. What’s more is that there is much yet to explore both on the plateau and down in the gorge. Lord willing, this will certainly be the subject of future adventures. I can confidently say without hyperbole that this is one of the most satisfying adventures I’ve done in recent months and recommend it as a must-do.
Thanks for Joining us exploring Tank Hollow and Buzzard’s Point. Be sure to check out our other adventures.
