Poconos

Buck Hill Inn | The Heart of the Honeymoon Capital of the World /  by Tara Tayan

The Poconos are still thought of as a vacation destination, but the “Honeymoon Capital of the World” is not what it once was.  Many of the luxurious mountain hideaways have closed, but that doesn’t mean these spaces in nature should no longer be enjoyed. Buck Hill Inn will soon be demolished by Smart Recycling Inc. rather than renovated or preserved.  We are grateful to have been able to collect these images before it was too late.  It is sad to lose such a historic landmark, but we can only hope that in doing so, more people will be able to enjoy nature responsibly.  

Buck Hill Inn was considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the Poconos, PA.

Buck Hill Inn is a quintessential representation of the decay the resort industry has undergone in the Poconos.  Built in 1901 with a number of large additions over the span of its 89-year life and surrounded by natural attractions including waterfalls and swimming holes, its age and size is unmatched among the abandoned resorts.  

This is the entrance to the Buck Hill Inn resort in Poconos, PA.
The back side view of the historic Buck Hill Inn, closed in the early 90s.

The resort property is owned by Buck Hill Falls company and is not open to the public.  The grounds are patrolled by security guards, so this large swathe of developed land and a vast amount of the surrounding forest is not open to the public.  Those curious about the "Honeymoon capital of the world" will soon not have the chance to explore and enjoy the beautiful architecture, while imagining the potential for such a space.  

A view from the restaurant at the Buck Hill Inn at sunrise in Poconos, PA.

We decided to explore the series of waterfalls and swimming holes along Buck Hill Creek first.  Trails ran from the Inn down to the stream, so visitors could take a short stroll for a swim.  We hiked in from High Acres Park off of Creek Road, Barrett Township.  

The Poconos is a gorgeous destination for hiking, adventuring, and swimming during the summer months in Pennsylvania. 
One of the many Poconos forest streams we crossed. 
The Poconos is a perfect blend of outdoor activities, swimming and hiking.
A close up of the moss plants growing alongside a stream in the Poconos, PA.
One of the many waterfalls and swimming holes in the Buck Hill Inn property in Poconos, PA.
Taking a dip into one of the many swimming holes along the Buck Hill Inn resort.
A historic stone built bridge in the Buck Hill Inn estate in Poconos, PA.
More waterfalls in Poconos, PA while exploring the Buck Hill Inn estate.
Extreme climbing and hiking to find a good spot to get into the Buck Hill Inn estate.
Two salamanders hanging out beside a stream in Poconos, PA.

The following morning we explored the inn at sunrise.  Hiking from PA-390, Cresco.

Flooded structures across the road from the Inn.

Flooded structures across the road from the Inn.

The view from our approach.

The view from our approach.

A close up view of the main structure at Buck Hill Inn estate in Poconos, Pennsylvania.
Interior view of one of the resort rooms at the historic Buck Hill Inn hotel in Pennsylvania.
Looking down a hallway at the Buck Hill Inn resort in Poconos, PA.
A tabloid newspaper left from the 1990's, when the historic Buck Hill Inn closed down.
We found a floor plan from 1985, helping with navigation through the dimly lit estate.

We found a floor plan from 1985, helping with navigation through the dimly lit estate.

Overlooking the West Wing

Overlooking the West Wing

View from the abandoned observation deck of the Buck Hill Inn hotel, closed in the 1990's.
The Observation Roof

The Observation Roof

One of the many decayed room inside of the Buck Hill Inn resort in the Honeymoon capital of the world, the Poconos.
An old telephone book left at the abandoned and decaying Buck Hill Inn resort destination in the Poconos.
A decaying and dilapidated room inside of the Buck Hill Inn resort in Pennsylvania.
Indoor Pool

Indoor Pool

Walking up from the complete darkness of the below ground first floor.

Walking up from the complete darkness of the below ground first floor.

One of the main halls on the Lobby Floor.

One of the main halls on the Lobby Floor.

The Greenery Luncheon Restaurant 

The Greenery Luncheon Restaurant 

Decaying wood panelling in the historic, abandoned Buck Hill Inn resort in Poconos, PA.
Looking at the front of the Buck Hill Inn at sunrise in the Poconos.

Abandonment Series Sneak Peek /  by Tara Tayan

By the end of the Phoenixville project my focus shifted toward open spaces created by abandonment.  This fascination has continued and I have done a few other shoots centered on the decay of what man once built.  Here is a sneak peak…

These are a few of the photographs that inspired the abandonment series.  They came from my time in Phoenixville and the surrounding rural area while I was putting together a show for the Historical Society of Phoenixville.  You can also check out my three-part blog post, Barn and Vine: The Lost Path to Phoenixville.

 I spend most of my time in the Philadelphia area, which is filled with abandonment, so there are many opportunities for exploration.  The size and number of abandoned structures left behind as the cities industrial economy crumbled provide endless adventures.

You can also find abandonment in more remote areas.   As the resort businesses of the Poconos died, the large structures that housed the vacationers remained.  The occupancy of houses and farms in the Delaware Water Gap National Forest also came to an end as the Federal Government bought the land.

Above: Buck Hill InnBelow: Delaware Water Gap National Forest

Above: Buck Hill Inn

Below: Delaware Water Gap National Forest

Look for the complete collections from abandonment in Philadelphia and from my trips to Buck Hill Inn and the Delaware Water Gap National Forest coming soon!