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Appenzell

Municipality
Jackson Township

Appenzell, Pennsylvania is a quiet, unincorporated village located in Jackson Township, Monroe County, nestled in the wooded foothills of the Pocono Mountains. Though small and largely residential today, Appenzell carries a name with European echoes and sits near some of the region’s most ecologically and historically rich landscapes.

🗺️ Location & Geography

  • Coordinates: 40.99287°N, 75.35518°W
  • Elevation: ~928 feet (283 meters)
  • Setting: Surrounded by forested ridges, creeks, and rural neighborhoods like Wooded Acres, Reeders Run, and Neola
  • Nearby Features: Close to Trout Lake, a man-made reservoir fed by Appenzell Creek, part of the McMichael Creek subwatershed

🕰️ Historical & Cultural Notes

  • The name Appenzell likely draws inspiration from Appenzell District in Switzerland, reflecting the heritage of early European settlers.
  • Historically known as Jackson’s Corners, the village served as a local waypoint in Jackson Township’s network of hamlets and farms.
  • Appenzell Creek, also known locally as Pensyl Creek, flows through the area and was named after Henry Pensyl, an 18th-century hunter and trapper

🌿 Natural Surroundings

  • Trout Lake: An 89.7-acre reservoir popular for fishing, canoeing, and nature observation
  • Appenzell Creek: A scenic 11.8-mile tributary of McMichael Creek, winding through valleys and feeding into the Delaware River watershed
  • Nearby Conservation Areas: Within reach of the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, a protected corridor for migratory birds and native species

🏘️ Community Character

  • Status: Unincorporated locality—no formal government or town center
  • Land Use: Primarily residential, with wooded lots, rural roads, and small farms
  • Lifestyle: Peaceful and nature-oriented, with easy access to outdoor recreation and Pocono attractions