Pike County PA, nestled in the Pocono Mountains, is bordered on the N/NE by New York State (Orange and Sullivan counties), on the S/SE by New Jersey (Sussex County, for the most part), on the NW by Wayne County PA and on the SW by Monroe County PA.

The Delaware River flows along Pike County's entire eastern boundary, separating it from both New York State and New Jersey.

From the magnificient Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area at its southern portion, to Big Bear (skiing spot) on Masthope Mountain at its northern tip, and from Milford and Matamoras townships in the east to Greentown, Promised Land State Park and Lake Wallenpaupack in the west, Pike County, shaped like a diamond, is not a mere "diamond in the rough".

Pike County has the fastest growing residential population in PA and yet its pristine, natural beauty has been maintained.

Pike County and the Pocono Mountains are a major restort region in the Northeast. Pike County is considered to be the westernmost edge of Greater New York and it's the only PA county that's part of the greater New York metropolitan area. And it's no wonder since Milford Township (the County Seat) is less than 75 miles, or only 95 minutes by auto from Times Square in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. You might say, Pike County is a "bite off the Big Apple".

Although there is a mountain of historic facts surrounding Pike County, suffice to say it was separated from Wayne County (PA) in 1814 and was named (posthumously) in honor of General Zebulon Pike, who discovered Pikes Peak and for whom Pikes Peak is named.

The focus of this article (Part I), as well as the focus of other parts in this series, is not history but rather, it is more along the lines of locations of places, information about places and photos of places in Pike County PA for tourists, those who like to take day trips and those who like to see photos of places.

In this part (Part I) of the series "Pike County PA, nestled in the Pocono Mountains", the Lackawaxen-Westcolang area of the county is featured. Part II of the series features Milford, PA, the County Seat (also known as "antique alley"). Other parts will feature Lake Wallenpaupack and Hawley (half of which is in Wayne County PA); the Delaware Water Gap Recreation area near Bushkill in the south; Masthope and Big Bear skiing area in the north; and perhaps a town or two here and there will be thrown in as well. Parts III, IV, et cetera, will be coming to hubs near you.

The Lackawaxen-Westcolang area is located in the NE section of Pike County, or SE of the Masthope/Big Bear area at the northern tip, or at the peak of the county. Big Bear ski area and Westcolang are sections of Lackawaxen Township (For location comparision of the close-up map with Pike County, please see the prior map and note the bend in the Delware River at Lackawaxen.)

Lackawaxen Township is the largest and northernmost area in Pike County. Natives of Pike County affectionately call Lackawaxen "lack of action". However, what it lacks in "action" it more than makes up for in natural beauty and serentity. First we'll look at Lackawaxen Village, followed by the Westcolang section.

Lackawaxen Township is named for the Lackawaxen River. In the Lenape/Iroquois Native American language "lackawaxen" means "swift waters"; so, the affectionate name "lack of action" doesn't quite "translate". The river has been known to suddenly rise and flow very, very swiftly at times, and caution must be taken.

The source of the river is in western Wayne County. The river is a popular place for canoeing and fly fishing for trout.

In the Village of Lackawaxen, the Lackawaxen River meets the Delaware River, just east of the Erie Railroad iron truss bridge, which crosses the Lackawaxen River.

The railroad bridge is just before the confluence of the two rivers. The confluence is in the background of the "looking east" photo.

Yes, in the middle of "lack of action" is a great museum, the house of Zane Grey, writer of western novels and the inspiration of Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theater during the days of early television.

Zane Grey lived in the Village of Lackawaxen from 1905 to 1918. Before he wrote his westerns, he went out west for inspiration and then returned to his Lackawaxen home to write them. From his home, he also wrote about his Upper Delaware River fishing experiences. The township of Lackawaxen, for the most part, has remained a relatively peaceful and definitely inspiring place for writers.

Zane Grey's home is preserved by the National Park Service and the front of the museum faces a stunning view of the Delaware River.

The bridge in the photo is Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct built in 1848 by John A. Roebling, the famous engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge.

The aqueduct spans the Delaware River just south of the Zane Grey Museum. It can be seen from the (front) porch of the museum and, although it's a one-lane bridge and drivers may need to wait for brief, occasional oncoming traffic, it connects Lackawaxen Village to Minisink Ford, New York, thus cutting travel to Port Jervis, NY down to about 10 minutes.

Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct is also a foot bridge, just like the Brooklyn Bridge.

In the photo of the PA entrance to Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct, the left hand side of the foot path can be clearly seen. Although not so clearly seen, there is a right hand side too.

On the road between Lackawaxen Village and the Westcolang area of Lackawaxen Township (Route 590), locals can stock up on crystal clear spring water!

Wildlife frequently comes right up to residential doorsteps!

Along with deer, racoons have been known to show up (mostly at night) and black bears occasionally pay visits too! (Oh deer!) Caution must be taken around residences because of bears and while driving because deer jump right out in front of vehicles.

Unlike deer, wild turkeys are more aware of oncoming vehicles. Turkey herds scurry very quickly to the sides of the roads but they won't come near residential doorsteps and bat big, brown eyes like the "bambies" do!

There are many beautiful lakes in Pike County in general, and a few of them are in the Westcolang area. Swimming, water skiing and jet skiing, along with boating and fishing, are favorite lake activities. In the winter, some brave the cold in order to ice fish.

Many year-round, or four-season residential/recreational communities in Pike County maintain outdoor, heated swimming pools and indoor, heated swimming pools as well.

A kiddie playground is also located across from the author's Pocono place, near the heated, outdoor swimming pool and to one side of the lake.

Thus we conclude Part I of "Pike County PA, nestled in the Pocono Mountains".

Part II on the town of Milford PA can be accessed by the link Pike County PA, nestled in the Pocono Mountains: Part II.

For Part III on Lake Wallenpaupack and Hawley, PA, click Pike County PA, nestled in the Pocono Mountains: Part III

For Part IV on the the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Bushkill Falls (both in the south), click Pike County PA, nestled in the Pocono Mountains: Part IV

Part V on Masthope/Big Bear ski area (in the north) will be coming to a hub article near you, as soon as they can make snow.