Tucked into the mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, the Poconos is where you go when you need a break from the everyday rush.
Just a two-hour drive from New York City and Philadelphia, this mountain region packs in waterfalls, ski slopes, historic towns, and outdoor trails that work for every type of trip.
If you’re planning a weekend escape, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway, the Poconos delivers activities for all seasons and all moods.
The natural beauty and easy-to-reach attractions make this region stand out as a top destination in Pennsylvania. Hike to eight waterfalls at Bushkill Falls or ski down 39 trails at Camelback Resort; the Poconos gives you options.
Places to Go in the Poconos
Ready to plan your Poconos adventure? This guide covers the best things to do across every season, every interest, and every type of traveler. Let’s explore what makes the Poconos worth the trip.
- Bushkill Falls – Best for waterfall hikes with eight cascading falls and scenic trails
- Camelback Resort – Best year-round resort with skiing, waterparks, and snow tubing
- Jim Thorpe – Best historic Victorian town with scenic train rides and museums
- Lehigh Gorge State Park – Best for biking, hiking, and whitewater rafting adventures
- Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm – Best for family-friendly farm history experience
- Great Wolf Lodge – Best indoor waterpark for families with young kids
- Lake Wallenpaupack – Best for boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation
- Pocono Raceway – Best for NASCAR racing and high-speed excitement
- TreeTop Adventure Park – Best zipline and ropes course at Camelback
- Kalahari Resorts – Best massive indoor waterpark with Flowrider wave simulator
- Shawnee Mountain – Best family-friendly skiing and snowboarding
- Delaware Water Gap – Best for scenic overlooks and river activities
- Mountain View Vineyard – Best wine and craft beer tastings for couples
- Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway – Best train ride through mountain landscapes
- Mount Airy Casino Resort – Best adults-only casino and entertainment venue
- Nomad Distilling – Best craft distillery tours and spirit tastings
- Pocono Manor – Best golf courses with mountain views
- Claws ‘N’ Paws Wild Animal Park – Best petting zoo and animal encounters for kids
- SkyPark at Santa’s Village – Best theme park for families year-round
- Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark – Best outdoor waterpark in Pennsylvania
- Old Jail Museum – Best for haunted history and Molly Maguires stories
- Mauch Chunk Museum – Best local coal mining and railroad history
- Escape Room Centers – Best puzzle-solving and indoor entertainment
- Delaware & Lehigh Trail – Best free biking and walking paths
- Lacawac Sanctuary – Best free birdwatching and nature trails
- Promised Land State Park – Best for camping and wildlife watching
- Hickory Run State Park – Best for Boulder Field and spring hiking
- Poconos Farmers Markets – Best local produce and handcrafted goods
- Creekside Gardens – Best for spring blooms and peaceful garden walks
- Beltzville State Park – Best sandy beach for summer swimming
- Blue Mountain Trails – Best mountain biking in summer
- Mauch Chunk Opera House – Best outdoor concerts and summer festivals
- Route 6 – Best scenic drives for fall foliage viewing
- Jim Thorpe Fall Festival – Best autumn celebration with Victorian charm
- Heckman Orchards – Best apple picking and farm activities
- Blue Mountain Resort – Best for the highest vertical skiing in Pennsylvania
- Camelback Snow Tubing – Best snow tubing park in the nation
- Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark – Best year-round indoor water activities
Planning a trip to Poconos soon but don’t know when to go? Check out our guide on the best time to visit Poconos.
Things To Do In The Poconos
Explore Bushkill Falls
Known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” Bushkill Falls features eight waterfalls across 300 acres with hiking trails that range from easy 15-minute walks to challenging two-hour treks. The Main Falls drops about 100 feet, making it the star attraction. You can explore via color-coded trails: green for beginners and red for experienced hikers who want to see all eight falls. The admission fee supports maintenance of the rustic log boardwalks, bridges, and lookout points that make the falls accessible year-round. Bring good hiking shoes and a camera.
Visit Camelback Resort
Camelback Resort is the largest ski resort in the Poconos with 39 slopes, 16 lifts, and over 40 snow tubing lanes. Winter brings skiing and snowboarding on 166 acres of terrain, all lit for night skiing. Summer opens up Camelbeach, Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor waterpark, with 37+ slides. Year-round, guests enjoy Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark at a cozy 84 degrees. The resort also features a mountain coaster, ziplines, and ropes courses through Mountain Adventures. Stay at the 453-room lodge or visit for the day.
Discover Jim Thorpe
Originally founded as Mauch Chunk in 1818, this Victorian town was renamed Jim Thorpe in 1954 after the famous Olympic athlete. Walk down Broadway Street to explore antique shops, art galleries, and historic buildings. Take a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for mountain views. Tour the Asa Packer Mansion to see how railroad tycoons lived. Visit the Old Jail Museum for stories about the Molly Maguires. The town hosts a Fall Foliage Festival every weekend in October with crafts, food, and seasonal events.
Hike Lehigh Gorge State Park
Lehigh Gorge State Park is a 6,107-acre park that stretches along the Lehigh River from Francis E. Walter Dam to Jim Thorpe. The 20-mile Lehigh Gorge Trail attracts bikers and hikers in warm months. In winter, the trail opens for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The park is also popular for whitewater rafting. Pocono Whitewater Adventures runs trips ranging from family-friendly floats to dam-release rapids. Scenic overlooks dot the gorge, giving you views of the river cutting through the mountains.
Tour Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
Tour guides in period clothing portray a 19th-century Pennsylvania German family, demonstrating farm tasks like hearth cooking and animal husbandry. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm features original buildings, including a farmhouse, cabin, bank barn, and smokehouse. Special events throughout the year include ice cream socials, craft fairs, Civil War reenactments, a Harvest Festival, and an Old Time Christmas celebration. Open for public visits during select seasons, this living history museum brings farm life from the 1800s back to life.
Things To Do In The Poconos This Weekend
Splash at Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor waterpark resort that keeps the temperature at 84 degrees all year. Kids love the character breakfasts, nightly pajama story time, and water slides built for different age groups. The lazy river offers a relaxing float, while wave pools and splash pads keep younger children entertained. The arcade and activities outside the waterpark give families options when they want a break from the water.
Boat on Lake Wallenpaupack
Pennsylvania’s third-largest lake, Lake Wallenpaupack, spans 5,700 acres and offers 52 miles of shoreline. Rent a boat from local marinas for fishing, water skiing, or just cruising. The lake area has restaurants, shops, and parks for picnicking. Several beaches provide swimming spots in summer. In winter, ice fishing becomes popular once the lake freezes over.
Race at Pocono Raceway
Located at 1234 Long Pond Road in Long Pond, Pocono Raceway is a superspeedway that hosts NASCAR races and other motorsports events. The 2.5-mile tri-oval track, nicknamed the “Tricky Triangle,” brings racing fans from across the region. You can buy tickets online or at the ticket office. Beyond race days, the raceway offers driving experiences where you can get behind the wheel of a real stock car. Remember to bring ear protection, as the engines get loud.
Fun Things To Do In The Poconos
Try the TreeTop Adventure
Navigate elevated ropes courses, ziplines, and obstacles high in the trees at Camelback Mountain: TreeTop Adventures. Multiple course levels let beginners and experienced climbers find their challenge. The zipline tours include views over the Pocono landscape. Safety equipment and trained guides are provided. The courses operate from spring through fall, with some winter availability depending on the weather.
Surf at Kalahari Resorts
Kalahari Resorts is a massive indoor waterpark that features a Flowrider wave simulator for surfing and boogie boarding. With multiple water slides, a lazy river, wave pools, and splash areas, Kalahari works for all ages. The resort includes an arcade, mini golf, laser tag, and escape rooms beyond the waterpark. Day passes let you enjoy the waterpark without booking a room.
Ski at Shawnee Mountain
A family-friendly ski resort with terrain for beginners and intermediates. The ski school offers lessons for all ages. In addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding, Shawnee Mountain has snow tubing lanes. Summer brings mountain biking, a bike park, and scenic lift rides. The resort sits close to the Delaware Water Gap, making it easy to explore the area.
Things To Do In The Poconos For Couples
Kayak the Delaware Water Gap
The Delaware River flows through the Pocono Mountains, giving the region its name from a Native American term meaning “stream between two mountains.” The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and river access. Couples enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or taking romantic walks along the riverside trails. The dramatic gap where the river cuts through Kittatinny Mountain creates stunning photo opportunities.
Taste Wines at Mountain View Vineyard
The Poconos region features several wineries and craft breweries. Sample local wines at vineyards scattered throughout the mountains. Beer lovers can tour breweries like Mountain View Vineyard and check out tasting rooms featuring local craft beers. Many venues offer live music on weekends, creating a relaxed atmosphere for couples to enjoy tastings together.
Ride Lehigh Gorge Scenic Train
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers 70-minute rides through Lehigh Gorge, following the river for approximately 35 minutes before returning. Choose from glass-domed luxury cars, standard coach seating, or open-air cars for the best photo views. The train runs different themed rides throughout the year, including fall foliage tours and holiday specials. Departures leave from downtown Jim Thorpe.
Things To Do In The Poconos For Adults
Gamble at Mount Airy Casino Resort
Pennsylvania’s first AAA Four Diamond Casino Resort is dedicated to guests 21 and over. The Mount Airy Casino Resort features slot machines and table games. Dining options include Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen and other restaurants. The resort includes a golf course, spa, concert venue, and outdoor pool. Entertainment acts perform regularly at the theater and nightclub venues.
Sample at Nomad Distilling
Tour local distilleries producing spirits in the mountains. Nomad Distilling has locations in the region offering tastings of their whiskeys, vodkas, and specialty spirits. Many distilleries provide tours showing the production process before tastings. Some venues mix cocktails showcasing their products.
Golf at Pocono Manor
The Poconos features numerous golf courses set against mountain backdrops. The Pocono Manor range from championship layouts to more relaxed nine-hole options. Many resorts include golf packages combining lodging with tee times. The rolling terrain and mountain views make Pocono golf courses scenic experiences beyond just the game.
Things To Do In The Poconos With Kids
Visit Claws ‘N’ Paws Wild Animal Park
Located in Lake Ariel, Claws ‘N’ Paws Wild Animal Park lets kids get close to wildlife at the petting zoo and dig for dinosaur fossils at the Dino Outpost. The park houses many species, including exotic animals you don’t typically see in Pennsylvania. Educational programs teach children about animal care and conservation. Games and play areas keep younger visitors entertained between animal encounters.
Play at SkyPark at Santa’s Village
SkyPark at Santa’s Village is a theme park that operates year-round with rides, attractions, and seasonal events. In summer, enjoy outdoor rides, a splash pad, and the Polar Express ride. Winter brings snow tubing, ice skating, and holiday celebrations. The park includes a petting zoo, playground, and dining options. It’s designed for families with younger children but has activities for all ages.
Slide at Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark
Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark is the largest outdoor waterpark in Pennsylvania, occupying approximately 37 acres with over 35 water slides. A 1,000-foot lazy river provides a relaxing float. The wave pool creates ocean-like waves for playing. Family-oriented attractions include splash areas for toddlers and tube slides for older kids. The waterpark operates seasonally from mid-June to early September.
Unique Things To Do In The Poconos
Tour the Old Jail Museum
Old Jail Museum, built in 1871, served as the Carbon County Jail until 1995 and is known as the site where seven Irish coal miners called the Molly Maguires were hanged. Guided tours run every half hour and last about 30 minutes. The museum includes stories about the haunted history of the building. Tours are available from May through October. Advance tickets are recommended on weekends.
Learn at Mauch Chunk Museum
Before it was Jim Thorpe, this town was known as Mauch Chunk, and this museum holds the largest collection of local history. Exhibits cover the coal mining industry that built the region’s economy. Learn how waterways and railroads transformed Pennsylvania’s landscape. The museum displays artifacts from the town’s industrial age and explains how Jim Thorpe evolved from a mining town to a tourist destination.
Solve at Escape Room Centers
Multiple escape room venues throughout the Poconos offer puzzle-solving challenges. Klues Escape Room, Big Screen Escapes, and Country Junction’s Tornado Escape provide themed adventures. Wonderland Madhouse offers an Alice in Wonderland immersive experience. These indoor attractions work well for rainy days or evening entertainment after outdoor adventures.
Free Things To Do In The Poconos
Bike the Delaware & Lehigh Trail
The D&L Trail stretches 165 miles from New Jersey through Pennsylvania, providing free access to biking and walking paths. The trail follows historic canal towpaths and railroad beds. Multiple access points throughout the Poconos let you explore sections that match your time and fitness level. Scenic river views and historic markers along the route add educational value to the outdoor exercise.
Birdwatch at Lacawac Sanctuary
Encompassing over 500 acres, Lacawac Sanctuary provides a home for numerous bird species with nine miles of free trails. Bring binoculars for birdwatching opportunities throughout the preserve. The trails wind through forests, wetlands, and around the lake. Wildlife viewing includes chances to spot deer, beaver, and various waterfowl. Nature programs and educational displays teach visitors about the local ecosystem.
Camp at Promised Land State Park
Spanning 3,000 acres on the Pocono Plateau at 1,800 feet, Promised Land State Park offers free day use for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Two lakes provide fishing and small boat access. The park’s trails range from easy lakeside walks to more challenging forest hikes. Picnic areas with tables and grills make it easy to spend a full day exploring. In winter, the trails become routes for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Things To Do In The Poconos In The Spring
Trek Hickory Run State Park
Spring brings wildflowers and mild temperatures perfect for hiking Hickory Run State Park. Trails at various difficulty levels wind through state parks and forests. The snow has melted, streams run full from winter runoff, and waterfalls reach peak flow. Wildlife becomes more active, increasing chances of spotting deer, birds, and other animals.
Shop at Poconos Farmers Markets
The Poconos farmers’ markets feature throughout the region, where you can explore local produce and crafts. Spring markets offer early-season vegetables, plants for home gardens, locally made honey, and handcrafted goods. Markets provide a chance to meet local farmers and artisans. Many markets include live music and food vendors. Check local schedules as markets typically run from spring through fall.
View Spring Blooms at Creekside Gardens
Spring at Creekside Gardens is a true seasonal showcase, where colorful blooms, budding trees, and peaceful walking paths create the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day outdoors. As spring unfolds, the gardens come alive with vibrant tulips, daffodils, and early wildflowers, all arranged along beautifully maintained garden beds and winding trails. The atmosphere is also calm and uncrowded, far quieter than the busy summer and fall seasons.
Things To Do In The Poconos In The Summer
Paddle Boats at Beltzville State Park
Summer means water activities across the Poconos. Rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, or boats. Beltzville State Park features a 525-foot sand beach on Beltzville Lake that never feels too crowded. The Delaware River attracts tubers and rafters floating downstream. Marinas offer jet ski rentals and water skiing equipment. Fishing continues strong in summer for bass, trout, and other species.
Bike at Blue Mountain Trails
Bike the Lehigh Gorge Trail or explore mountain bike parks at ski resorts. Blue Mountain and other resorts open their terrain for mountain biking when the snow melts. Trails range from beginner-friendly paths to technical downhill runs. Bike rentals and shuttle services make it easy to ride even without your own equipment. Scenic lift rides carry bikers and sightseers up the mountains for downhill routes or simply the views.
Attend Concerts and Festivals at Mauch Chunk Opera House
Summer brings outdoor music venues to life. Check schedules at Mauch Chunk Opera House, outdoor amphitheaters, and resort entertainment venues. Towns host summer festivals celebrating local culture, food, and arts. Craft fairs and weekend markets become regular events. Evening concerts and outdoor movies create family-friendly entertainment options after hot summer days.
Things To Do In The Poconos In The Fall
Drive through Route 6 for Fall Foliage
The Poconos has some of the most stunning scenic vistas to witness autumn foliage in Pennsylvania’s hills, lakes, rivers, and forests. Peak color typically arrives from early to mid-October. Scenic drives along Route 6 and through state parks showcase red, orange, and yellow leaves. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers special fall foliage train rides. Hiking trails provide immersive experiences walking through colorful forests.
Celebrate at Jim Thorpe Fall Festival
Held every weekend during October, the town transforms into a center of fall activities with train rides, crafts, food, ghost tours, and seasonal specials from local restaurants, shops, and galleries. The Victorian architecture, combined with peak foliage, creates a picturesque setting. Crowds fill the streets on Jim Thorpe Fall Festival weekends, so arrive early for parking and reservations. The festival celebrates over 40 years of autumn tradition.
Pick Apples at Heckman Orchards
Orchards throughout the Poconos open for pick-your-own apples in September and October. Farms like Heckman Orchards offer hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and cider mills. Many farms also include bakeries selling fresh apple cider donuts, pies, and other treats. These family-friendly activities connect visitors with agricultural traditions while enjoying the fall season. Farm stands sell produce, jams, and local products.
Things To Do In The Poconos In The Winter
Ski and Snowboard at Blue Mountain Resort
Blue Mountain Resort features the highest vertical in Pennsylvania at 1,082 feet with 40 trails of varied terrain. Camelback Mountain offers 39 trails with 100% night skiing capability. Shawnee Mountain caters to families with gentle slopes and ski school programs. Jack Frost and Big Boulder provide additional options. All resorts offer equipment rentals and lessons for beginners. Season passes and multi-day tickets provide value for frequent skiers.
Tube Down at Camelback
Camelback has over 40 snow tubing lanes, making it the largest snow tubing park in the nation. Conveyor lifts carry tubes and riders back uphill, so no trudging is required. Many resorts offer nighttime tubing with lights and music. Blue Mountain features Sonic Snow Tubing with laser lights, creating a party atmosphere. Tubing requires less skill than skiing, making it accessible for all ages and fitness levels.
Warm Up at Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark
Beat winter cold at indoor waterparks, maintaining 84-degree temperatures year-round. Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark at Camelback Lodge includes water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Great Wolf Lodge and Kalahari Resorts offer similar amenities. These waterparks let families enjoy water activities regardless of outdoor weather. Many waterpark resorts include lodging packages combining rooms with waterpark access.
What Is Special About the Poconos?
The Northeastern Pennsylvania mountains’ appeal comes largely from accessibility; they’re roughly a two-hour drive from both New York City and Philadelphia. And this convenient location makes weekend getaways easy for millions of people.
But proximity alone doesn’t explain why the Poconos remains a top destination decades after the first resorts opened. The wooded hills and valleys have long been a popular recreation area with resort hotels offering fishing, hunting, skiing, and sports facilities. The region also reinvents itself across seasons. Winter ski slopes become summer mountain biking trails, and snow tubing parks transform into waterpark attractions.
This four-season appeal means visitors find activities year-round rather than a destination limited to one season. With the mix of outdoor adventure, historic towns, family attractions, and romantic resorts, it creates options for every type of traveler, from adrenaline seekers to couples seeking quiet mountain escapes.
Stay at Poconos with AvantStay
The Poconos delivers activities for every season and every traveler. Whether you want adventure on the slopes, relaxation at a waterpark, history in Victorian towns, or peaceful hikes through mountain forests, this Pennsylvania region has you covered.
The accessibility from major cities makes it easy to visit for a weekend or a longer vacation. You don’t need to pick just one type of vacation; the region lets you ski in the morning, soak in a hot tub in the afternoon, and explore a historic downtown by evening.
Ready to experience the Poconos? Browse our collection of Poconos Airbnbs or find the perfect AvantStay home for your adventure.
