Roaring Brook

Tucked into the rugged folds of Moosic Mountain outside Scranton and Dunmore, Pennsylvania, Roaring Brook offers one of northeastern Pennsylvania's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path swimming experiences. This is not a manicured beach or a staffed recreation area — it's a genuine wild swimming hole, the kind you earn with muddy boots and a little determination. The creek's name tells you something about its character: water moves here with purpose, carving through ancient rock and forest floor to create cool, clear pools that feel like they belong to another century.

The Setting and Landscape

The hike down to the brook takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes on a downhill trail through dense northeastern forest. In summer, the canopy closes overhead and filters the light into something green and cathedral-like. In spring, the hillsides burst with ferns and wildflowers, and the brook runs fast and full. Come autumn, the slopes of Moosic Mountain ignite with color — reds, oranges, and golds reflected in the water below. Throughout the seasons, the surrounding landscape carries echoes of Pennsylvania's coal mining era; this region shaped by the anthracite industry that once defined the Wyoming Valley. You may spot wildlife along the way — songbirds, white-tailed deer, and the occasional great blue heron working the shallows. The return hike uphill runs about 30 minutes and requires a bit more effort, so pace yourself on the way down.

Swimming in Roaring Brook

When you reach the water, you'll find the brook running over smooth stone and bedrock, pooling in places deep enough to wade or swim. The creek water is cool and clear in the way only spring-fed mountain streams can be — the kind of cold that shocks your ankles first and earns your gratitude five minutes later on a hot July afternoon. The natural pools here are intimate and hemmed in by rock faces and forest vegetation, giving the experience a sense of genuine seclusion. There are no crowds, no concession stands, and no lifeguards on duty. Swimmers should exercise their own judgment about water depth and current conditions, which can change significantly after heavy rain. Be aware that swimming is not permitted at the dam at the lower reservoir — stay upstream and respect this boundary.

Practical

The surrounding area played a significant role in Pennsylvania’s coal mining industry. Roaring Brook is a symbol of nature reclaiming its place in a once heavily industrialized region.

Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the area’s natural beauty. Avoid littering, stick to established trails, and respect wildlife.