If you live in or around East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, it's going to be easier to get to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area on Saturdays this fall.

That's because the National Park Service and the Monroe County Transit Authority are teaming up to provide free "Pocono Pony" shuttle buses to the park, buses that will include a park ranger on board who can help suggest places to go in the NRA or simply answer your questions.

“Enjoy the fall weather by taking a hike on one of our many trails, spend a day at the beach, pack a picnic or go fishing, visit Pocono Environmental Education Center and attend one of their many programs or bring your bike and take a ride on the McDade Trail,” suggests NRA Superintendent John Donahue.

Funding for the buses, which can tote bicycles, as well, comes from the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in the Parks Program.

The shuttles from East Stroudsburg will run to several locations within the park starting on September 25 and continuing each Saturday through October 30.

The Riverside Route bus will depart from the Martz Bus Terminal in the borough of Delaware Water Gap and will take River Road to Route 209 at Fernwood Resort and then continue north to Toms Creek Picnic Area in Lehman Township. The Milford Road Route will depart from Eagle Valley Mall in East Stroudsburg and will travel Route 209 north through Marshalls Creek to Pocono Environmental Education Center. Schedules and route information can be found at the Monroe County Transit Authority website at www.gomcta.com/schedules.htm.

You can learn more about the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and upcoming events and programs by visiting the park’s website at www.nps.gov/dewa or by calling park headquarters at 570-426-2452, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.