The Top 10 Things to Do in the Poconos (2025)

The Pocono Mountains are a family-friendly destination that are about a two-hour drive from Philadelphia and three hours from New York City. As a popular getaway from these nearby cities, the area is usually associated with winter activities of all kinds—particularly skiing. However, there's an abundance of fun indoor and outdoor experiences to enjoy all year long.

Here are some great things to do in the Pocono Mountains.

01of 10

Ski at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area

The Top 10 Things to Do in the Poconos (1)

Address

401 Hollow Rd, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, USA

Phone+1 570-421-7231

With an elevation of 3,500 feet and winter snowfall averaging about 50 inches, Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is a well-known destination for downhill ski enthusiasts. There are more than 20 great trails here (the longest is over 5,000 feet), so both newbies and well-seasoned skiers will find plenty of options. The mountain also features two terrain parks for snowboarders, and a special area of the park dedicated to snow tubing. The ski area offers rental equipment, several dining options at the lodges, and several chairlifts.

02of 10

Visit Bushkill Falls

The Top 10 Things to Do in the Poconos (2)

Address

138 Bushkill Falls Trail, Bushkill, PA 18324, USA

Phone+1 570-588-6682

Often referred to as the “Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania,” Bushkill Falls is a stunningly beautiful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. The area features easy-to-moderate trails with a number of lovely lookout points along the way—as well as picturesque bridges to cross and eight waterfalls of various sizes. Be sure to check the recent rainfall in the area before going, as that will determine the strength of the waterfalls.

03of 10

Mountain Bike at Blue Mountain Bike Park

The Top 10 Things to Do in the Poconos (3)

Address

Unnamed Road, Kunkletown, PA 18058, USA

Phone+1 610-826-7700

Do you love riding your bike through nature and rugged terrain? The Blue Mountain Bike Park in Palmerton, Pennsylvania is the perfect destination for mountain bikers. It’s the largest downhill bike park in the state and attracts enthusiasts from across the region. This activity is fun for all ages and levels, so you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy mountain biking here. And you can do multiple runs, too, as there’s a quad lift to quickly bring you back up to the summit. Open May through October, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance.

04of 10

Hike the McDade Recreational Trail

The Top 10 Things to Do in the Poconos (4)

Address

McDade Recreational Trail, East Stroudsburg, PA 18302, USA

There are many hiking trails in the Pocono Mountains, but for a stress-free and fun day, choose the McDade Recreational Trail, located in Monroe County. It’s a 31-mile trail that’s considered easy-to-moderate, with clearly marked trails and a ton of beautiful scenery. With access points every few miles, it boasts stunning views of the Delaware River, farmlands, historic sites, and even a beach. It’s pet-friendly, so feel to bring your dog along for the hike.

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Paddle in the Poconos

The Top 10 Things to Do in the Poconos (5)

Home to plenty of rivers and lakes, the Poconos are hugely popular for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts. If you're new to paddling, consider joining a group tour and renting all of your equipment from the canoe or kayak tour company. (It's best to schedule in advance!) Otherwise, it's easy to find a location that best suited to your skillset.

06of 10

Go Birdwatching at Promised Land State Park

The Top 10 Things to Do in the Poconos (6)

Address

100 Lower Lake Rd, Greentown, PA 18426, USA

Phone+1 570-676-3428

Calling all birdwatchers! The Promised Land State Park in Greentown, Pennsylvania is considered one of the best destinations in the Poconos to gaze at the many avian species who live or migrate here. In fact, the National Audubon Society has designated it an “Important Bird Area.” With over 3,000 acres, this park is situated on the “Pocono plateau,” which is about 1,800 feet above sea level. You’ll see songbirds here—including American redstarts and Blackburnian warblers—and you can even view an eagle’s nest from the Wildlife Observation Center.

07of 10

Tour a Historical Mansion

Address

Packer Hill Ave, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, USA

Phone+1 570-325-3229

Located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, The Mansion is a Pocono landmark, built in the late 1800s by Asa Packer, philanthropist and founder of Lehigh University. Designed by architect Samuel Sloan, the home today features an abundance of awe-inspiring art and artifacts from the last century. Visitors are welcome to tour the mansion, as well as the surrounding picturesque grounds; for tickets and tour information, be sure to check out the official website as tour times may vary.

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Ride the Rails Into Lehigh George State Park

The Top 10 Things to Do in the Poconos (7)

Address

1 Susquehanna St, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, USA

Phone+1 570-325-8485

Taking a ride on the Pocono’s Lehigh George Scenic Railway train is a relaxing and delightful experience. Operated by Reading and Northern Railroad, the train travels 16 miles round trip from Downtown Jim Thorpe into Lehigh George State Park. Along the way, the narrated excursion will provide you with interesting information about local history, wildlife, and nature. As the train curves along the Lehigh Valley and the gorge, you’ll be mesmerized by the incredible views. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance.

09of 10

Explore the Lost River Caverns

Address

726 Durham St, Hellertown, PA 18055, USA

Phone+1 610-838-8767

The Lost River Caverns in Hellertown, Pennsylvania is a fascinating tourist attraction that’s been in existence since the 1930s. A former limestone quarry, the cavern is home to an array of stunning crystal and rock formations, mostly made of dolomite. Here, you can take an underground guided walking tour along 1,000 feet of paved walkways. (It’s best to schedule a tour in advance; you can purchase tickets on the website.) Afterwards, stick around to admire a reconstructed gem mill, walk along nature trails, visit the Gilman Museum, and purchase gems and jewelry from the gift shop.

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Tour the Old Jail Museum

The Top 10 Things to Do in the Poconos (8)

Address

128 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229-1933, USA

Phone+1 570-325-5259

Located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, this historic stone structure was built in the 1800s and has nearly 80 rooms, a warden’s quarters, and dungeons. Take a guided tour to hear some of the jail's most intriguing tales about notorious prisoners, and of course, creepy ghost stories. Visit the website for details about tour times and tickets.

The Top 10 Things to Do in the Poconos (2025)

FAQs

What's so special about the Poconos? ›

With nine state parks, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River , the Pocono Mountains offer a wide spectrum of outdoor recreation opportunities. The region continues to grow as a tourist and conference destination.

What part of the Poconos is the best? ›

A Year-Round Guide to the Best Towns in the Poconos
  • Honesdale, PA: Railroading Through History.
  • Jim Thorpe, PA: The Switzerland of America.
  • Lake Wallenpaupack, PA: The Jewel of the Poconos.
  • Weatherly, PA: Adventure Awaits.
  • Stroudsburg, PA: Arts, Culture, and Charm.
  • Tannersville, PA: Gateway to the Pocono Mountains.

How many days do you need in the Poconos? ›

A long vacation in the Poconos is just what you need if you want to enjoy the real mountain experience, and seven days give you a lot of time to explore all the attractions and hidden delights that this historic area has to offer. Sometimes going off the beaten path can yield some astonishing surprises.

Is it worth going to the Poconos? ›

Expect nothing but the best when you visit the beautiful Pocono Mountains. It is a family-friendly destination with a variety of activities for every age group. It is truly a winter wonderland if you plan to enjoy snow activities, and there are endless opportunities for outdoor fun year-round.

Can you drink Poconos water? ›

Pennsylvania American Water regularly tests for lead in drinking water and our water meets state and federal water quality regulations, including those set for lead.

What is the heart of the Poconos? ›

New Yorkers have sought open space in the Poconos for ages, but the Millers are among a recent influx of city dwellers settling in Stroudsburg, a community of about 5,900 residents that calls itself the “heart of the Poconos.” Stroudsburg is becoming hipper, if a bit more crowded.

What is the best time to visit the Poconos? ›

For the outdoorsy person, summer months are the best times to enjoy the Poconos. The weather is at its best between June and August, which explains why these are the peak months among visitors. Rain is sporadic, and it helps cool down the high temperatures.

What movie takes place in the Poconos? ›

  • The Virtuoso. 20211h 50mR. 5.0 (9.6K) Rate. ...
  • Entity. 20131h 47m. 3.1 (138) Rate. ...
  • Ashling's Fury. 2007. 5.6 (46) Rate. ...
  • Passenger with Letters (Mgzavri Tserilebit) 20242h 10m. ...
  • The Cabin 2020. 202033m. ...
  • Tenderfoot. 200422m. ...
  • Memories. 202315m. ...
  • Joe's Job. 200520m.

Are the Poconos expensive? ›

Most visitors spend between $533 and $2,328 for a one week trip to Pocono Mountains, with the average being $1,218.

How much does it cost to rent a house in the Poconos? ›

The median rent in Mount Pocono, PA is $1,200. Houses in Mount Pocono, PA rent between $1,200 - $1,200 with a median rent of $1,200. This is $1,300 less than September 2023.

How long is the bus ride from Poconos to NYC? ›

You can get from Mount Pocono to New York by bus in 1 hour 45 minutes. What is the distance between Mount Pocono and New York? The distance between Mount Pocono and New York by bus is 92 miles. FlixBus can make the trip in 1 hour 45 minutes.

What area is best for Poconos? ›

#1 Stroudsburg – Best Place to Stay in the Poconos for your First Time. Stroudsburg has some great hikes to explore. Stroudsburg (and neighboring East Stroudsburg) is the main gateway to the Pocono Mountains for visitors arriving from the East Coast.

What is so special about the Poconos? ›

The Poconos features more than 150 lakes that include both natural and man-made lakes. It is a popular destination for fishing, kayaking, paddle boating, and swimming. The area is also home to numerous state parks where you can explore the landscape over the long trails.

What is the hottest month in the Poconos? ›

The hottest month of the year in Mount Pocono is July, with an average high of 78°F and low of 60°F.

What movies take place in the Poconos? ›

6 Flicks to Get Your Poconos Fix
  • Wet Hot American Summer. Filmed over one month's time at Camp Towanda in Honesdale, the movie debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in 2001. ...
  • Blue Valentine. ...
  • The Informer.

What is the average income in the Poconos? ›

The average annual household income in Mount Pocono is $91,268, while the median household income sits at $81,127 per year.

Are the Poconos still popular? ›

27-30 million is the annual count of tourists who visit the Pocono Mountains for day and night trips. Annual Expense of Travel in the Pocono Mountains tops over $4.3 billion.

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