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Buck Hill Falls

Municipality
Barrett Township

Buck Hill Falls, located in Barrett Township, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, is a storied private resort community nestled in the northern Pocono Mountains. Founded in 1901 as a Quaker retreat, it has evolved into a year-round residential enclave known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational amenities.

🏞️ Natural Setting & Landscape

  • Elevation: ~1,800 ft (549 m), offering cool mountain air and sweeping views
  • Size: ~4,500 acres of forested land, streams, and trails
  • Namesake Falls: The actual Buck Hill Falls waterfall is a scenic highlight tucked into the woods, accessible via hiking paths

🏛️ Historical Legacy

  • Quaker Origins: Founded by Philadelphia Friends, including Charles F. Jenkins, who led the Buck Hill Falls Company until 1951
  • The Inn at Buck Hill Falls: Once a grand stone hotel with over 400 rooms, indoor pool, and harpsichord-accompanied dining; closed in 1990 due to financial decline and changing travel trends
  • New Deal Connection: Hosted a 1935 housing conference attended by Eleanor Roosevelt and Rexford Tugwell

🎾🏌️‍♂️ Recreation & Amenities

  • Golf: A 27-hole course designed by Donald Ross and Robert White
  • Tennis: Ten Har-Tru courts with professional instruction and tournaments
  • Lawn Bowling: Championship greens that have hosted national finals
  • Swimming: Olympic-size outdoor pool
  • Trails: Miles of hiking paths through preserved woodlands

🎨 Culture & Community

  • Foxhowe Association: Sponsors summer lectures and Quaker worship services
  • Buck Hill Art Association: Hosts an annual art show and supports local creatives
  • Architecture: Historic homes and cottages reflect early 20th-century design, many passed down through generations

🧭 Identity & Appeal

Buck Hill Falls is a place where heritage meets serenity. It’s beloved by families from New York and Philadelphia who return each summer—or settle year-round—for its peaceful setting, cultural depth, and strong community ties. Whether you're lawn bowling under mountain skies or attending a lecture in Foxhowe Hall, Buck Hill offers a timeless retreat from the everyday.