The Gravel Family Preserve offers a wide variety of habitat including high and low bush blueberry fields, grassy old farm field, hardwood forest, huge wetland, and steep slopes rising 2000 feet to the Mt. Wismer Preserve. This 170 acre property is located off Gravel Road. Take Route 447 north from the light in Canadensis, go approximately 3 miles and turn right onto Gravel Road. Continue for 0.2 miles to the entrance on your left. Pull in to the parking area. The trail begins at the metal gate, travel through a field and notice the swamp on the right, home to woodcock and a variety of wildlife. The trail meanders through additional fields, into an old hardwood forest and then back to a stream feeding the wetland. Here you can view an old stonework foundation.
Mount Wismer Preserve offers a panoramic view of Barrett Township from the escarpment of the Pocono Plateau. This Preserve is 90+ acres, and includes hardwood forest, open fields, and a variety of wildflowers. From the edge of the plateau, you can see the Delaware Water Gap, and ski areas for Shawnee and Camelback. Early morning mist often delineates the creeks that flow into the Brodhead. In the fall, the view of changing colors is spectacular.
Trails are completed and marked. A gravel road brings you into the Preserve, going downhill, then climbs steeply. At the end is a narrow trail going up to the plateau where you can enjoy the view.
