The Poconos, all year round
The Pocono Mountains stretch across northeastern Pennsylvania, covering about 2,400 square miles of lakes, ridges, and state forest. It's close enough for a long weekend but big enough that you won't run out of things to do. Here's what to know before you go.
Things to do
Activities for every season
Hiking
Over 130 miles of trails in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area alone. Dingmans Falls is an easy walk; the Appalachian Trail runs right through.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Camelback, Jack Frost, and Big Boulder are the main mountains. Camelback has the most vertical and a solid terrain park. Lessons available for all levels.
Kayaking & Canoeing
The Delaware River is the most popular paddle, with outfitters in Dingmans Ferry and Milford. Calm stretches suit beginners; faster sections keep it interesting.
Fishing
Lake Wallenpaupack is the go-to for bass and walleye. The Delaware River holds brown trout. Pick up a Pennsylvania fishing license before you arrive.
Fall Foliage
Peak color usually runs mid-October. Route 390 through Promised Land State Park is one of the better drives. The overlooks on the Appalachian Trail are worth the climb.
Waterparks
Camelbeach is the largest outdoor waterpark in Pennsylvania, open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Kalahari Resorts has an indoor option for off-season visits.
On foot
Hiking the Poconos
On the water
Lakes & Rivers
On the slopes
Ski Season
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Towns, food & getting around
The Poconos isn't one town but a loose collection of them. Here are the ones worth knowing.
Milford
The most walkable town in the region. Grey Towers, the Gifford Pinchot estate, is open for tours most of the year. The Dimmick Inn has been serving food since 1828. Pick up supplies at the Milford Farmers Market on Saturdays in summer.
Jim Thorpe
A Victorian railroad town built into a hillside, sometimes called the Switzerland of America. The Lehigh Gorge Trail runs right through it, and the white-water rafting on the Lehigh River is some of the best in the state. Moya restaurant on Broadway is the local favorite for dinner.
Hawley
Sits on the western shore of Lake Wallenpaupack. The Settlers Inn is a good spot for a meal. The Hawley Silk Mill has been converted into shops and a brewery. Worth an afternoon.
Getting there
No train service into the Poconos, so you'll need a car. From New York City, plan on 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on where you're headed. From Philadelphia, most of the region is under 2 hours. I-80 and I-84 are the main corridors; Route 209 runs north-south through the middle of it all.
