Poconos, PA Travel Guide: Top Activities & Restaurants

The Poconos is a quintessential example of a great vacation destination. Over the year, the region became the first choice of vacation for many. Consequently, the average yearly footfall in this region shot up to 28-30 million visitors.

So, if you are planning your next holiday to the Poconos, then this blog is tailor-made for you. Our “complete travel guide to the Poconos” will provide you with all the information required to plan a perfect vacation in the Poconos.

So let’s get started!

History in brief

The region was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribes and later by the 18th century, the area was dominated by European colonists. By the late 19th and early 20th century, this region becomes a popular holiday destination with many resorts, recreational areas, etc.

Best Time to Visit

Poconos is a place of all seasons. Be it spring, summer, fall, or winter, the Poconos offers something for everyone every season. The Poconos has a moderate climate with all-year-round precipitation.

The warmest month is July with an average high temperature of 78° F and a low of 60°F. The winter season lasts for 3.3 months from December to March with an average high temperature of 41° F below. The coldest month is January with an average low of  18°F and a high of 32°F.

How to Reach Poconos?

There are multiple modes of transportation to reach the Poconos. You can travel to the Poconos via road, rail, or air. However, the least expensive one is via bus which would cost you between $40-$80.

But if you really want to experience the beautiful landscape, then driving would be the best option. US Route 209-  is the most preferred US highway to the Poconos which is 211.74 miles.

Closest Airport

Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton International Airport is the closest airport to the Poconos.

Things to do in the Poconos

As stated at the start of this blog, the Poconos is a great vacation destination which automatically makes Poconos a great place with tons of recreational activities and things to do. Here are some of the best things to do on your visit to the Poconos.

Hiking/ Biking:

Being a nature's paradise, the region in and around Poconos offers some of the best trails for hiking and biking. Here are a few trails worth considering:-

• Lehigh Gorge Trail
• Wallenpaupack Trail
• McDade Recreational Trail
• Glen Park
• Hickory Run State Park

Fishing:

Fishing is considered one of the best recreational activities to enjoy with family and friends. And guess what! The Poconos has more the 150 natural and man-made lakes stocked with native fish species. Here are some of the best places for fishing:-

• Lake Wallenpaupack
• Promised Land State Park
• Mauch Chunk Lake
• Lake Naomi
• Bradys Lake

Golf:

There are 30 beautiful golf courses in the Poconos that are suitable for all age groups. Some of the best ones are:-

• Paupack Hills Golf and County Club
• Skytop Lodge Golf Course
• Jack Frost National Golf Club
• Shawnee Golf Club
• Mount Airy Casino Resort Golf Club

Horseback Riding:

Explore the beautiful Poconos in the most unique way. Horse riding is one of the top activities in the Poconos and the region has 20 unique places for the same. Here are some of the best ones.

• Mountain Laurel Riding Stables
• Mountain Creek Riding Stable
• Daisy Field Farm
• Deer Path Riding Stable
• Bushkill Horseback Riding Stables

Amusement Parks:

Another great way to enjoy a family’s day out in the Poconos is by visiting some of the fabulous amusement parks. Some of the top amusement parks are:-

• Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
• Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
• Camelback Mountain Adventure
• Costa’s Family Fun Park
• Split Rock Family Fun

Watersports:

With numerous rivers and lakes, the Poconos is home to some of the best watersport adventures. Some of the best watersports you can engage in are:-

• Kayak
• Whitewater Rafting
• Canoeing
• Water Skiing
• Boating

Winter Activities:

During winter time, Poconos is just magical so does the winter activities on offer. Some of the best ones you can enjoy on your winter trip to the Poconos:-

• Snow Tubing
• Cross- Country
• Sleigh Rides
• Ice Skating
• Snowshoeing

Waterfalls:

If you are a waterfall lover then this is the place you really do not want to miss. There are more than 27 stunning waterfalls in the Poconos. Some of the must-visit ones are:-

• Raymondskill Waterfall
• Dingmans Fall
• Bushkill Falls
• Lehigh Gorge State Park Waterfalls
• Hawk Falls

Bird Watching:

The Poconos is home to an array of bird species which makes Poconos a destination for birdwatching. Here are some of the best spots to catch the glimpse of majestic birds.

• Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area
• Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge
• Beltzville State Park
• Promised Land State Park
• Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center

Visit to State Park:

In total there are nine state parks within the Poconos border. So, if you are looking for some time in nature then you know where to drive. Here are a few state parks to consider.

• Big Pocono State Park
• Hickory Run State Park
• Tobbyhanna State Park
• Lehigh Gorge State Park
• Beltzville State Park

Museum:

Museums are a great way of understanding the ancient lifestyle and culture of the visiting region. So, here are some of the museums in the Poconos to explore.

• Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
• Old Jail Museum
• Asa Packer Mansion Museum
• Pocono Indian Museum
• Wallenpaupack Historical Society

Restaurant & Shopping:

Eating and shopping is an unavoidable part of any vacation, so here are some of the best places to eat and shop in the Poconos.

Places to Eat

• Smoke Bones
• Moyer’s Country Kitchen
• The Water’s Edge Restaurant
• Sherry’s Place
• Rustic Kitchen Bistro & Bar

Places to Shop

• Country Kettle
• Ye Old Village Trader
• The Apple Tree
• Antique on Broadway
• Pocono Bazaar Flea Market

Places to Stay

The Poconos is a vast region spread across 2400 sq. miles and it is obvious that in order to explore this beautiful area you need at least a couple of days of stay.

Luckily, the Poconos have a range of vacation homes that ensures a comfortable and relaxing vacation. Here are the types of stay you can find in the Poconos:

• Farmhouse
• Cottage
• Villa
• Mansion
• Resort
• Hotel
• Cabin
• Bed & Breakfast

Conclusion

In addition to the aforementioned things, the Poconos also offers scenic rail tours, bike tours, and many summer activities too.

So, plan your trip with family and friends to the Poconos for a relaxing and adventurous holiday.