Thunder Swamp Trail landscape

Photo: Photo by Jevgenij Voronov on Unsplash

Thunder Swamp Trail

~2 days · 18.4 mi · easy · Loop

Quick facts

Distance18.4 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain1,224 ft
Gain / mile67 ft
High point1,391 ft
Difficulty index9/100

What the Thunder Swamp Trail is known for

The 18-mile main loop of the Thunder Swamp Trail System in Delaware State Forest, a rocky Poconos ramble through swamps, wetlands and mixed forest (the Stillwater spur adds more miles if wanted).

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Thunder Swamp Trail on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 3,110 ft to 4,554 ft over 18.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 7.3 mi · 40%
  • Downhill 6.8 mi · 37%
  • Flat 4.2 mi · 23%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the Thunder Swamp Trail?

9 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Thunder Swamp Trail scores 9/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Thunder Swamp Trail take?

Most backpackers hike the Thunder Swamp Trail in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 18.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Thunder Swamp Trail?

The Thunder Swamp Trail climbs roughly 1,224 ft total — about 67 ft per mile, topping out near 1,391 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

Plan the Thunder Swamp Trail Plan Free →