Things to do nearPocono Mountains

The Pocono Mountains span roughly 2,400 square miles of northeastern Pennsylvania, shaped over millennia by glacial activity that carved the lakes, wetlands, and dramatic ridges defining the region today. Indigenous Lenape people lived among these highlands long before European settlers arrived in the 18th century, and the area later became a retreat for city dwellers escaping the heat of Philadelphia and New York.

Outdoor pursuits anchor the Pocono Mountains experience across every season. Hikers and trail runners have hundreds of miles of marked paths to explore, while paddlers head to the nearby Lehigh River for rafting and kayaking. In winter, several established ski resorts draw snowboarders and downhill skiers, and cross-country trails lace the quieter state forest lands.

Lakes scattered throughout the region invite fishing, swimming, and boating. Lake Wallenpaupack is among the largest and most visited, offering boat rentals and waterfront dining along its shores.

The Pocono Mountains reward visitors who slow down and look closely, from the mist rising off a forest pond at dawn to the silence of a snowy hemlock grove in January, making this corner of Pennsylvania endlessly worth returning to.