Poconos is one of the most beautiful and lively places to spend a vacation in Pennsylvania. The abundance of natural beauty and a rich diversity of flora and fauna make it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The opulence of waterfalls, clear flowing rivers and lakes, scenic byways, and seasonal retreats is what makes this place a true gem.
In the Pocono Mountains, things to do are endless! You will surely find fun stuff to do while you enjoy your time there. As it is a year-round destination, one can indulge in various activities, both indoor and outdoor, across all seasons. In this blog, I have mentioned the must-visit places and activities with some insider details and other relevant information that’ll surely elevate your experience in the Poconos
1. Bushkill Falls
The Bushkill Falls, also known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” is a stream of crystal-clear water falling off a 100-foot cliff. Surrounded by lush greenery and forest trails, it is a great destination for sightseeing. The cliff isn’t the only exciting part of the falls; the bottom is a deep pool covered with mosses, wildflowers, and fern. The hiking trails and bridges are well maintained; there are multiple viewing points and photogenic places where you can capture amazing clicks with the mighty waterfalls as your backdrop.
| Location | Lehman Township, PA 18324 |
| Activities | Hiking, picnicking, fishing, canoeing and paddle boating |
| Best time to Visit | The beginning of fall season and the end of Spring season are ideal times to visit, as the trails for hiking would be accessible |
2. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area spans across a massive 70,000 acres of natural area over the evergreen Delaware River. The natural beauty, lush landscapes and scenic views offer solace in silence. The place offers abundant opportunities for summer fun as well as winter activities, fall foliage viewing, and wildlife watching, making it a place for all seasons.
| Location | 1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA 18324 |
| Activities | Fishing, kayaking, hiking, canoeing, skiing and birdwatching |
| Best time to Visit | During spring for hiking fishing and winter for skiing and snowshoeing. |
3. Poconos Raceway
The Pocono Raceway, famously known as the “Tricky Triangle” because of its three sharp turns, is renowned for hosting NASCAR races through the summer, every year in the Poconos. If you are a fan of American motorsports and are looking to enjoy your weekend on the track, this is certainly the place to be! They also offer guided track tours and stock car sessions when races are not in schedule
| Location | 1234 Long Pond Rd, Long Pond, PA 18334 |
| Activities | Attend major NASCAR racing events and enjoy stock car racing and training |
| Best time to Visit | If you want to witness the race, please check their official website for an updated schedule. |
4. Winter Adventures and Sports
Your visit to Poconos is incomplete if you haven’t experienced the winter sports. During the holiday season, the whole region transforms into a winter wonderland and creates opportunities for experiences of a lifetime with skiing, snow tubing, sledging, ice fishing and snowboarding. Apart from the natural areas, there are a lot of exquisite resorts in the Poconos that will surely fulfill your adventure cravings. Down below, I have listed some of the best resorts to visit on your winter vacation to Poconos.
| Resort Name | Location |
| Paradise Stream Resort | 6208 Paradise Valley Rd, Cresco, PA 18326 |
| The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort | 100 Shawnee Inn Dr, Shawnee on Delaware, PA 18356 |
| Camelback Resort | 193 Camelback Rd, Tannersville, PA 18372 |
| Skytop Lodge | 1 Skytop Dr, Skytop, PA 18357 |
5. ATV Tours
The ATV, or all-terrain vehicle, offers a thrilling experience in itself. It will surely get your adrenaline pumping, so prepare yourself for a whole day of breathtaking adventure. You will find several ATV rental providers that’ll take you through the rugged terrains of the Pocono wilderness and leave you in awe. You get to explore the beautiful scenery through muddy paths, rough terrain, and forest trails, providing an unforgettable experience.
| Where to Enjoy | There are several providers in Poconos, go through this ATV tour guide to know more |
| Best time to Visit | The best time to visit would be during the summer season, as it provides ideal trail conditions |
6. Mount Airy Casino Resort
Mount Airy is Pennsylvania’s first Four Diamond Casino Resort, where you can enjoy an evening of pure luxury and pampering alongside your classic card games. Enjoy your time there at the poker room, table slots, or calm down your senses at the in-house spa. They also have various gourmet options for fine dining and the golf adjacent to the resort is immaculate.
| Location | 312 Woodland Rd, Mt Pocono, PA 18344 |
| Best time to Visit | It is open year-round, but we recommend visiting during weekdays, as the resort would be less crowded |
7. Horseback Riding
What better way to enjoy the scenic landscapes than horseback riding into the silence of the woods? The Poconos are equipped with some of the best horse stables that are renowned to offer a pleasant riding experience connecting the wilderness and nature. Whether you are a beginner, already a skilled rider or are willing to take up a new hobby, nothing sounds better than to explore the Poconos on horseback.
| Where to Enjoy | There’s quite a few options you get to choose from, you can visit these Horseback riding spots for a fun outing |
| Best time to Visit | Summer, fall and Spring seasons are all suitable for a peaceful retreat |
8. Pocono TreeVentures
Pocono TreeVentures is an adventure course equipped with a network of aerial ropes, ziplines and other tree-climbing adventures, above 40 feet from the ground and amidst the beauty of the forest. Open to all age groups (except ages 4–7 for whom there are separate courses designed). The Pocono TreeVentures offers various activities with different levels of difficulty, suitable for everybody.
| Location | 1575 Fairway Blvd, East Stroudsburg, PA 18302 |
| Reservation required | Yes, reservations are appreciated |
| Best time to Visit | Ideal time would be Spring and fall, do check their schedule before paying a visit |
9. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm has been operating since the 1800s and was opened up to the public to offer insights of early settler life and their lifestyle. This farm is a pillar of Poconos heritage and culture. You can take guided tours of barns and homes, understand their significance in the region and attend seasonal festivals. Do not miss the live demonstrations on hearth cooking, traditional crafts and farming techniques.
| Location | 347 Quiet Valley Rd, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 |
| Best time to Visit | Best time to visit would be during the winter season and other holidays, as there tends to be many ongoing events around the holidays |
10. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is a magnificent railroad experience that operates from Jim Thorpe. This stunning train ride spans 70 minutes and departs from Jim Thorpe and takes you through the beautiful Lehigh River, majestic Glen Onoko Falls, and into the Lehigh Gorge State Park. You can catch glimpses of the wildlife, towering cliffs, vintage bridges, and stunning fall foliage.
| Location | 1 Susquehanna St, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 |
| Schedule | Weekly on Saturday and Sunday |
| Best time to Visit | Ideal time would be during Fall, so as to witness the beautiful foliage |
11. Promised Land State Park
The Promised Land State Park is an evergreen paradise spread across a whopping 3000 acres. This park holds historical significance in the history books and is home to tons of recreational activities and experiences. It consists of many hiking trails, multiple lakes, and several picnic spots. The park also has a rich habitat of local wildlife, creating opportunities for wildlife watching and photography.
| Location | 100 Lower Lake Rd, Greentown, PA 18426 |
| Activities | Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, snowmobiling, and birdwatching |
| Best time to Visit | It totally depends on your likeliness. Summer and Fall are ideal for hiking and camping. Whereas winter is best for ice fishing and snowmobiling |
12. Lake Wallenpaupack
The third largest lake in Pennsylvania, Lake Wallenpaupack is one of the major recreational areas in Poconos. It sits on about 5,700 acres, with 52 miles of shoreline. You can walk through the dense forest, go on a hike, relax in campsites, or go on a boat tour to enjoy the serenity of the lake. There are also a huge variety of seasonal activities and wildlife sanctuaries to look forward to as well.
| Location | 2512 Route 6, Hawley |
| Activities | Hiking, fishing, rafting, camping, boating and wildlife viewing |
| Best time to Visit | The prime time to enjoy activities in Lake Wallenpaupack is during the summer season |
Wrap Up
The Poconos is known for adventure and outdoor activities all year long. Winter is a prominent season, especially when the adventures are at their peak, with multiple options for snow sports. All these places and activities we’ve mentioned are family-friendly and offer extraordinary experiences, so don’t wait any longer! Explore these fun-filled activities and plan a trip to the Poconos right away!
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To book your stay, you can Contact us. Happy Travelling!
FAQs
Q: What are the best activities to do in the Poconos in winter?
A: Poconos is known for various snow sports like skiing, snow boarding, snowtubing, etc.
Q: Are there family-friendly things to do in Poconos?
A: Poconos is a very welcoming place and it welcomes all kinds of travelers, Families can find many activities like hiking, camping, and zip-lining
Q: Are there activities to do in the poconos that are friendly for all ages?
A: Waterparks, museums, state parks, and plenty of adventure sports are available; there are tons of activities in these places that are open to all age groups.
This post is a great guide for everyone who is planning a trip to the Poconos. The variety of activities and towns mentioned. It is an excellent resource for a fun-filled and memorable vacation.