So you're planning a trip to the Poconos? Smart move. Having explored these mountains for over a decade, I can tell you most visitors don't realize how diverse the activities really are. You're not just looking at winter skiing - though that's fantastic - but year-round adventures. Last summer, my family spent three days here and still missed half the cool spots. Let's fix that for you.
Outdoor Adventures You Can't Miss
If you don't breathe that mountain air, did you even visit? The Poconos deliver serious outdoor thrills.
Hiking Trails Worth Your Sweat
Bushkill Falls (Bushkill Falls Road, Bushkill) charges $18/adult. Open daily 9am-5pm. Yeah it's touristy, but those eight waterfalls? Worth every step. For solitude, try the less crowded Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve (Cherry Lane Road, Tannersville) - free entry, dawn to dusk. Pro tip: their boardwalk feels like walking on a giant sponge!
| Trail | Difficulty | Distance | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Minsi (Appalachian Trail) | Moderate | 5 miles round trip | Delaware Water Gap views |
| Glen Onoko Falls (Closed for safety but check for updates) | Strenuous | 3 miles | Multiple waterfalls (currently closed) |
| Promised Land State Park Loop | Easy | 2.5 miles | Lake views, great for families |
Water Activities Beyond Swimming
Pocono Whitewater (1519 State Route 903, Jim Thorpe) runs $59 for beginner rafting trips. Open April-October. Their guides actually explain the river ecology - not just splash you. For something calmer, rent a kayak at Mauch Chunk Lake Park (625 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe) for $15/hour. Last July, we spotted bald eagles there!
Family Fun That Doesn't Feel Forced
Kids complaining "I'm bored"? Won't happen here if you pick wisely.
Amusement & Animal Experiences
Camelback Resort (301 Resort Drive, Tannersville) is pricey but mega-convenient. Their Mountain Coaster ($15/ride) genuinely thrilled my speed-demon teen. For better value try Claws 'N' Paws (1470 Ledgedale Rd, Lake Ariel). $22/kids gets you up close with kangaroos and lemurs - their interactive lorikeet feeding is messy magic.
| Attraction | Best For Ages | Price Range | Food Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Wolf Lodge (1 Great Wolf Dr, Scotrun) | 3-12 | $$$$ (Lodging required) | Average buffet, better offsite |
| Pocono Snake & Animal Farm (Rt 390, East Stroudsburg) | 5+ | $12/adult | Picnic areas only |
| Shawnee Mountain (401 Hollow Rd, East Stroudsburg) | All (seasonal) | Varies by activity | Decent lodge food |
Indoor Play Zones
Rainy day? Pocono Rocks! (1435 N 5th St, Stroudsburg) has climbing walls starting at $22/hour. Their auto-belay systems mean even beginners feel safe. For younger kids, Billy's Family Restaurant (104 Rte 115, Blakeslee) has an insane indoor playground - just order fries so you don't feel guilty using it.
Winter Magic Beyond Skiing
When temperatures drop, things to do in the Poconos get wonderfully frosty.
Ski Resorts Compared
Jack Frost Big Boulder (1 Jack Frost Mountain Rd, Blakeslee) has better terrain parks if you're into tricks. But Blue Mountain Resort (1660 Blue Mountain Dr, Palmerton) wins for vertical drop. Honestly? Both get packed on weekends - go midweek if possible.
| Resort | Lift Ticket (Peak) | Night Skiing? | Terrain Mix | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Mountain | $89 | Yes | 40% beginner, 39% intermediate, 21% advanced | Best challenge, crowds can be insane |
| Jack Frost Big Boulder | $75 | Big Boulder only | 50% beginner, 30% intermediate, 20% advanced | Better for families, shorter runs |
| Camelback | $99 | Yes | 18% beginner, 59% intermediate, 23% advanced | Premium pricing, excellent snowmaking |
Unexpected Cold Weather Gems
Snow tubing at Shawnee Mountain ($42/2hrs) beats waiting in ski lift lines. Their conveyor belt gets you back up fast. For something unique, try ice fishing at Lake Wallenpaupack - no license needed February 19-20 annually during free fishing days. Rent gear from Lodi Marine for about $35.
Romantic & Relaxing Escapes
Couples - listen up. The Poconos invented heart-shaped tubs for a reason.
Classic Couples Activities
Mount Airy Casino (312 Woodland Rd, Mt Pocono) now has a surprisingly good spa. Couples massage runs $350+ but includes thermal pools. Skip their clubs though - cover charges aren't justified. Better evening? Stargazing at Big Pocono State Park (980 Camelback Road, Tannersville) - no light pollution, zero cost.
For dinner, The Frogtown Chophouse (Frogtown Rd, Canadensis) kills it with dry-aged steaks ($42-58). Reservations essential. Book at 5:30pm to catch sunset over the lake.
Hidden Intimate Spots
Most guides ignore French Manor Inn (HCR 73 Box 55, South Sterling). Their cliffside champagne breakfast feels straight from a romance novel. $95/couple but you get ocean-worthy views without the salt. Afternoon tea? Try The Settlers Inn (4 Main Ave, Hawley) - $35/person with scones better than my grandma's (sorry Nana).
Cultural & Historical Deep Dives
Beyond nature, things to do in the Poconos include surprising history.
Museums That Don't Bore
Pocono Indian Museum (Bushkill Falls Road, Bushkill) costs $10 but their Lenape exhibits are shockingly interactive - make your own wampum. Industrial history? Eckley Miners' Village (2 Eckley Main Street, Weatherly) reveals brutal coal mining life. $8 admission supports preservation.
Arts Scene Highlights
First Fridays in Stroudsburg are legit. Galleries like Artspace (18 N 7th St) serve wine while you browse. For performances, Shawnee Playhouse (552 River Road, Shawnee on Delaware) does terrific musicals - tickets around $35. Saw "Mamma Mia!" there last August - better acoustics than expected.
| Event | Location | Frequency | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pocono Garlic Fest | Shawnee Mountain | Labor Day Weekend | $12 admission |
| Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Weekends | Downtown Jim Thorpe | October weekends | Free (train rides extra) |
| Winter Lights at Nay Aug | Nay Aug Park, Scranton | Nov-Jan | $15/car |
Essential Trip Planning Intel
Practical stuff most guides skip:
- Parking: Jim Thorpe charges $15/day weekends - arrive before 10am to avoid shuttles
- Traffic: Route 80 backups start Friday at 3pm - leave NYC by noon or after 7pm
- Cell Service: Dead zones around Promised Land State Park - download offline maps
- Discounts:
- Poconos Mountains Visitors Bureau website has coupons
- Buy combo tickets for multiple Camelback activities
- Many wineries waive tasting fees with bottle purchase
Poconos FAQs Answered Straight
| Question | Real Answer |
|---|---|
| Can you visit the Poconos without a car? | Not really. Public transport is nearly nonexistent. Uber works in towns but not trailheads. |
| Which month has the best weather? | October for foliage, July for swimming, February for snow reliability. |
| Are there dangerous animals? | Black bears avoid people. Ticks are the real threat - use permethrin spray. |
| How many days do I need? | 3 full days minimum for varied things to do in the Poconos. Weeklong trips let you explore hidden gems. |
| Is it safe to swim in lakes? | Generally yes - beaches test water quality weekly. Avoid stagnant coves after heavy rain. |
Look - no guide can cover every single thing to do in the Poconos. Even after 10+ years exploring, I still find new spots. Like that tiny farm stand on Route 940 with perfect apple cider donuts. Or the unmarked waterfall near Buck Hill Inn ruins. But this gives you the framework. Pack layers, leave the fancy shoes, and prepare to actually relax. Unlike those jam-packed city trips, the Poconos reward slow exploration.
Final thought? Skip the themed hotels unless you're ironically into heart-shaped tubs. Rent a cabin near Lake Wallenpaupack instead. Make coffee on the deck watching mist rise off the water. That's the real magic. Now get out there - but maybe don't post ALL the secret spots on Instagram?
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