Scamp 'n' Rascal
Cycling Adventures

The Up River Tour
The Up River Tour
6 days 5 nights   

We are certainly not the first to discover the play value of the Poconos. The hills that hug the Delaware River
have been a hot spot for adventurers for more than two centuries. However we’re pretty sure we’re the first to
bring cyclists here. These back roads are fantastic riding. They are largely empty of cars, with views and
destinations that are always fresh, changing completely every time we see them. Even better than that, in summer
the multitude of streams and creeks join forces with the river and the canopy to keep us cool. It’s often 10 - 12
degrees cooler here than it is at lower elevations. We like that!

The hills along side the Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers are full of history and
intrigue. If you know where to look, and we do, there are treasures and curiosities everywhere, begging you to get
off your bike and explore. Visit the haunted Indian Museum that was both a part of the Underground Railroad and
later a Prohibition Speakeasy. Take a tour through Grey Towers, the magnificent home of the father of the
modern environmental movement, or go see the blood stained American flag that cradled a dying Abraham
Lincoln.

Or you can opt to stay on your bike. These are truly wonderful, canopied roads, most of them satin smooth, all of
them with spectacular scenery. Even the hills themselves take on personality. Every day the waterfalls, the wildlife,
the vistas and in fall, the walls of flaming color, combine to put a new adventure in your pocket.

We’re quite familiar with the reputation the Pocono Mountains have: a reputation for clogged roads, aggressive
drivers and tacky tourist traps. While some of that may be true, what’s equally true is that those areas are very
few and easily avoided. We have over 330,000 acres of pristine wilderness here, most of it laced with well tended
roads that scarcely ever see cars.
We expect you’ll be very surprised when you get here. Nearly everyone is.
Day 1: Meeting day
Welcome to the fabulous Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort on the banks of the Delaware River.  More than 100 years
old, Shawnee is considered one of the Grande Dame resorts of our mountains. We’re certain you’ll be very
comfortable here.

If you arrive early you can follow the cue sheet you'll receive and do a ride on your own.   It will give you a small
taste of things to come.

Optional ride - 30 – 40 miles  
Dinner on your own.


Day 2:   Shawnee Inn to Milford, PA
After crossing to the Jersey side, we'll pedal beside the Delaware River through the Delaware Water Gap National
Recreation Area.  Go back in time when you visit Millbrook Village, a national park site recreating an 1800's town.  
The route today is as rural as it gets.  It's likely you won't see more than one or two cars an hour. Often we don’t
see any at all. We do see wildlife though. Keep your eyes open. Riding these roads we’ve seen turkeys, deer,
foxes, beavers, bald eagles and even bears (from a distance) but but we hardly ever encounter a car. For those
who thrive on challenge there is the option to climb one of “Bicycling Magazine's” 100 toughest climbs in the US,
ascending from the river valley to the ridge the Appalachian Trail traverses. Push the sound barrier on your way
back down. We're headed to the quaint village of
Milford, PA, once the site of numerous water powered mills near
a ford (crossing) of the Delaware River. Our home for the next two nights will be the scrumptious
Hotel Fauchere.

50 miles, Generally rolling terrain with a few climbs.  One
optional challenging climb.
Breakfast, Dinner


Day 3: Loop rides from Milford

Today is a layover day, so you have lots of options.  Assuming you're willing to leave your luxurious room, Milford
is a fascinating town. It's a short ride to
Grey Towers, home of the noted forester and former governor of
Pennsylvania,
Gifford Pinchot. On you way back, stop for lunch at the Upper Mill and see a working water
powered mill. You may also want to visit the Columns Museum or explore all the shops that pepper this town. One
thing's for sure - you won't be bored.

Of course we know you love to ride, and today's route is a great one. This route takes you past stunning
waterfalls and offers eye-popping views. First we'll cross the Delaware and pedal to the roof of New Jersey,
High
Point State Park where, if the weather gods are with us, you can see a spectacular panorama of rich farmland and
forest, soft hills and lush valleys in three states. It's a fast descent back to the river.  From there you have some
choices to make. You can return to Milford and relax, or embrace another 30 scenic miles,culminating in a visit to
the waterfalls at
Child's Park. You simply must get off your bike and go see them. They are utterly gorgeous.  

Optional riding
Breakfast, Dinner on your own
Zero to 55 miles

Day 4:  Milford to Lake Wallenpaupack

This morning we'll say goodbye to the Hotel Fauchere and continue our northward route. W’ll cross the border
and continue up the Delaware on the New York side. Today is the day to keep your eye open for bald eagles. The
last time Karen was at the
Hawk’s Nest rest stop she counted nine! You'll come back into Pennsylvania over the
historic and very unusual
Delaware Aqueduct built by John Roebling before he tackled the Brooklyn Bridge. After
that, our route follows what was once the tow path for the
Delaware and Hudson Canal, ascending alongside the
Lackawaxen River and eventually reaching Lake Wallenpaupack. We aren't going to tell you the name of our
resort for the night. We want to surprise you. All we'll say is that it's all inclusive with scads of activities and
entertainment, and it's Wow!

Breakfast and Dinner
Approximately 55 miles

Day 5: Lake Wallenpaupack to Mt Pocono.

Back around the top of Wallenpaupack and over the rollers we go. We're on top of the Pocono Plateau now, 1800
feet above sea level. The scenery is different from what we've ridden through on our way to get here; a
different kind of spectacular. We're working our way over to the
Pocono Manor Inn and Spa, another of the
exclusive grand dame resorts our eastern hills are famous for. You'll want to get there early to partake of all the
inn has to offer. Shoot some golf or shoot clay pigeons. They have two golf courses and a terrific shooting range.
You can rent whatever you need. Or go horse back riding, swim, hike, or take a fishing lesson from the guides at
the Orvis fishing school. Or make an appointment at the spa and come to dinner blissed and glowing. However
you spend your day, Pocono Manor is fantastic.

Breakfast and Dinner
Approximately 50 miles

Day 6: Mt Pocono to Shawnee Inn:
Downhill! Wheeee!! Mile after mile of downhill. That’s how today begins. Of course it doesn’t stay that way, but at
least that's how it starts out. You'll be happy for the little climbs along the way. They slow us down and keep us
from getting back too soon. The route back to the valley is so pretty, you’ll forget this is our last day together.

Breakfast
Approximately 55 miles