The Ultimate Guide to the Poconos
Escape to the Poconos: Lodging, Leisure, & Life in the Mountains
Tucked away in northeastern Pennsylvania, the Pocono Mountains offer a breathtaking getaway with fresh mountain air, lush forests, glistening lakes, and an abundance of outdoor adventures. This region attracts families, groups, and outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
Explore the Trails & Forests
One of the top draws of the Poconos is the area’s wealth of scenic hiking trails. Bushkill Falls, known as the “Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania,” is a must-see with eight cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush forest. Hike up to the overlooks or walk along the gorge trail to see the falls up close. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area also has more than 150 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Mt. Tammany trail rising 1,500 feet for panoramic views. The Pocono Mountains are also home to Big Pocono State Park, which offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails with spectacular vistas. While you’re there, drive up the winding mountain road to the summit and take in the sweeping views from the Big Pocono overlook at 2,100 feet above sea level.
Explore the lush scenery by horseback on a guided trail ride, or by bike on miles of rail trails and winding backroads. Bike rentals are available in many of the mountain towns and villages. From leisurely rides along rivers to mountain biking through backcountry trails, the Poconos offer the ideal terrain for cycling and horseback adventures.
Enjoy the Lakes & Rivers
The Poconos provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation on the water. Whitewater rafting along the Lehigh River provides Class II and III rapids for a thrilling ride, with companies like Whitewater Rafting Adventures or Pocono Whitewater. You can also book guided fishing trips in the area’s lakes and rivers, with numerous options close by, including Pocono Fishing Adventures or Captain Joe’s Fishing & Waterman Services. Would you rather spend a day paddling in a canoe or kayak along the tranquil Delaware River? In between these mountains, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure on the water.
Book a Tee Time
The Pocono Mountains are also a golfer’s paradise with more than 30 gorgeous golf courses in the region for all skill levels. Test your skills at the Pocono Manor Golf Course, renowned for its stunning mountain vistas and challenging slope. Play a round at Glen Brook Golf Club, known for its tumbling waterfalls and meticulously groomed greens. Or tee off at the Great Bear Golf Club, which offers an unforgettable alpine golf experience across mountain ridges and valleys. Other renowned courses include The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, Skytop Lodge, and Hideaway Hills Golf Club. Play a round surrounded by the vibrant fall foliage in autumn or soak up the scenic mountain views in the summer sun.
Keep the Fun Going All Winter Long
When the mountains become a winter wonderland, the Poconos transform into a playground for snow lovers. Excellent skiing and snowboarding can be found at resorts like Camelback Mountain, Shawnee Mountain, and Jack Frost Big Boulder. Camelback is one of the largest ski resorts in Pennsylvania spanning over 160 acres with options for all ability levels. Shawnee Mountain offers 23 slopes and trails plus a terrain park for snowboarders.
In addition to downhill skiing, the Poconos provide prime areas for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Dash through snow-covered pines or meander through the mountain landscape on miles of groomed trails. Popular areas include Promised Land State Park, Big Pocono State Park, and Tobyhanna State Park. Ice skating rinks can also be found throughout the region when a frozen lake isn’t available! With an abundance of wintry pursuits, the Pocono Mountains make for an unforgettable winter escape.
Photo by Scott Goodwill on Unsplash
Treat Yourself to Relaxation
With its wealth of outdoor recreation and stunning scenery, the Pocono Mountains are a premier vacation destination for all types of travelers. The area offers a variety of lodging options to suit different interests and budgets. Cozy, secluded cabins tucked away in the mountain woods provide a serene retreat surrounded by nature. Resort your own private escape with amenities like outdoor pools, restaurants, golf courses, and more. The Kalahari Resorts in the Poconos are popular for their indoor waterparks.
For a romantic getaway, book a suite with a scenic mountain view at resorts like the Lodge at Woodloch or Skytop Lodge. Families can opt for a spacious rental home with room to spread out. Campgrounds like KOA offer tent and RV sites for a back-to-nature experience. From luxurious resorts to private vacation rentals, the accommodations in the Poconos let you choose your ideal homebase for exploring the beauty of the mountains. Wake up to misty mountain views, then step outside your door into nature’s playground.
After an exhilarating day of adventure, unwind and rejuvenate with a spa experience at one of the Poconos’ many unique resorts. The Lodge at Woodloch offers a blissful spa with a wide selection of massage treatments, facials, body wraps, and salon services. Destress with a soothing hot stone massage or opt for a rejuvenating organic facial. Or indulge in a chocolate-themed treatment at the Mount Airy Casino Resort spa for the ultimate in relaxation. Many spas in the Poconos provide access to amenities like saunas, steam rooms, and whirlpools to fully decompress. With premium spa experiences integrated into many lodging options, the Poconos make it easy to strike the perfect balance between mountain adventure and tranquil relaxation.
Your Move to the Poconos
Katie Mest
About the Author: Katie Mest is a Content Marketing Specialist at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. She specializes in writing about the self storage industry, including storage tips and helpful resources. Outside of work, Katie enjoys camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors with her newly adopted Greyhound rescue, Titan.
