Things to Do in the Poconos, Pennsylvania

The spectacular natural beauty of the area around the Delaware Water Gap has been attracting tourists for more than a century, and it is considered one of the natural wonders of the world.

To protect it, manage it, and tell the world about it, the area was declared a National Recreational Area in 1978.

It is a big park that includes 40 miles of the Delaware River, 67,000 acres of mountains covered in dense primary forests, valleys, floodplains, ravines bursting with rhododendrons that explode in blooms in early spring, large forests of native hemlocks, and rich wildlife that call it home, including bears, foxes, lynxes, chipmunks, deer, and many more.

Visitors can enjoy over 100 miles of trails that will take them to the most beautiful waterfalls, gorges, and ravines. Those who prefer to drive can enjoy more than 100 miles of beautiful scenic roads. About 27 miles of the Appalachian Trail pass through the area.

The Poconos is a spectacularly beautiful region excellent for bird watching, zip lining, hiking, fishing, canoeing, golfing, skiing, parasailing and whitewater rafting.

The charming small towns that dot the region are all unique and make a visit to the Poconos a true delight. Keep reading for more things to do & where to stay in the Poconos.

High up in the Pocono Mountains, the crystal clear water of a narrow stream tumbles down the cliffs and makes its way to the Delaware River far, far below. The stream gains speed as it runs towards the first of the eight falls, Pennell Falls, continuing through narrow Laurel Glen and Upper Canyon until it drops dramatically over a 100 foot cliff, creating magnificent Main Falls.

It forms a beautiful, deep, cool pool surrounded by ferns and flowers before dropping another 70 feet.

The whole Bushkill Falls area is intersected with narrow trails and observation areas that offer an unforgettable day of exploring and spectacular views.

Get a map of the trails to find the one that appeals most to you. If you are lucky, you can spot many birds that live in this lush area. Wild animals like black bears, foxes, and bobcats are there too but are more elusive. After your hike, you might want to relax with a paddleboat ride, play a game of mini golf, or sit on a bench and feed the ducks.

Bushkill Falls Road, Bushkill, PA 18324, 570-588-6682

Hickory Run State Park , located in Carbon County, stretches across 15,990 acres in the less forested western foothills of the Pocono Mountains.

The park is famous for Boulder Field, a flat area covered with large, round boulders that look like the surface of the Moon. Sand Spring Lake has a lovely swimming beach and a disc golf field, and it is one of three permanent spots for orienteering courses.

The area has hundreds of picnic tables, playground equipment, and restrooms.

Many streams and lakes in the park are great for brook and brown trout fishing, and hikers can enjoy more than 44 miles of trails.

Some of the trails are permitted for cross-country skiing and others for snowmobiling in the winter. The best time for hiking is June when the rhododendrons are in full bloom. The park is also popular for Geocaching, high tech treasure hunting with the use of GPS.

Experience firsthand the dark world of coal mining by visiting No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum, the oldest continuously running anthracite coal mine in Lansford, Pennsylvania, 1600 feet into the mountainside.

The mine operated from 1855 to 2002, when it was closed and converted into a tourist attraction and museum. Trained and experienced guides will take you on a walking tour deep into the mountain and tell you the horror stories of the lives our ancestors who worked as miners had to endure.

You will see the original 900-foot deep elevator shaft that was used to haul coal cars to the surface, a miner’s hospital, and the underground mule-way.

The museum is located in the former miners’ shanty and it contains original tools such as picks, drills, shovels, saws, axes, blasting tools, and even miners’ caps, lamps and lunch cans.

9 Dock St, Lansford, PA 18232, 570-645-7074

To say that Great Wolf Lodge is kid and family-friendly is a gross understatement.

Located in Scotrun, a small town between Mount Pocono and Tannnersville, this resort is all about family fun. It starts with the hotel suites that have ‘wolf dens’ and kiddy camps with kiddy bed bunks. And then there is the waterpark, which is enormous and works year round to entertain the whole family with thrill rides, water slides, pools, and more.

Enter Fort Mackenzie to get splashed and soaked until you escape through Totem Tower slide.

Dare to try Hydro Plunge, a roller coaster made of water. Let the kids go crazy and escape to the North Hot Spring soothing warm pool where no kids are allowed. Wherever you go, the temperature is a perfect 84 degrees even if it is snowing outside.

100 Scotrun Ave, Scotrun, PA 18355, 570-688-9899

High on the Pocono Plateau, over 1,800 feet above sea level, Promised Land State Park is 3,000 acres of natural wonderland.

It is surrounded by over 12,464 acres of Delaware State Forest, densely covered with oak, beech, hemlock, and maple. There are two lovely lakes, one with a well-equipped picnic area, a popular starting point for exploring the area.

The area is located in a picturesque forested spot next to Promised Land Lake and has a playground, water, a sand volleyball court, a basketball hoop, and two sandy beaches. Nearby concessions offer boats for rent.

Both Promised Land Lake and Lower Lake are great for taking a slow canoe trip, and if you are a fisherman, try your hand at catching some bass, pickerel, yellow perch, or catfish. Hikers have 50 miles of trails that intersect the Promised Land State Park and the Delaware State Forest for exploration, nature study, bird watching, or just reveling in the pure joy of magnificent nature.

Don’t forget to stop at the Masker Museum with interesting natural history displays, including mounted animals.

100 Lower Lake Rd, Greentown, PA 18426, 570-676-3428

The Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm seeks to preserve Pennsylvania's unique German heritage. Guides dressed in traditional clothing re-enact scenes from daily farm life for visitors and provide information about the founder of the farm, Johann Depper.

The expansive farm includes pastures, streams, and forested areas, and goats, cows, horses, sheep, chickens, pigs, and other animals roam the 114-acre area. Visitors can walk through a vintage farmhouse, a cabin, a smokehouse, and a handful of little barns.

Quiet Valley is open for individual and group tours, and the farm can be rented out for birthday parties, weddings, and other special events.

347 Quiet Valley Rd., Stroudsburg, PA 18360, 570-992-6161

Pocono Manor is home to the Kalahari Waterpark, Poconos, a 10,000-square-foot African-themed waterpark.

This indoor waterpark has fun and challenging attractions for the entire family, including indoor surfing, body boarding, and waterslides. Visitors can wind down by floating on the lazy river or lounging in the hot tub. On warm days the roof of the water park can be retracted to let the sunshine in.

The Kalahari Waterpark is part of a resort that has nearly 460 luxurious suites. A vast convention center, spa, restaurants, and family entertainment center make the Kalahari Waterpark a one-of-a-kind spot for corporate events, parties, retreats, and other special gatherings.

250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA 18349, 877-525-2427

Claws 'N' Paws is a petting zoo and animal park that hosts a variety of exciting shows throughout the summer and fall months.

Visitors can have up-close encounters with more than 120 animal species, including parrots, reptiles, alligators, and pythons. Claws 'N' Paws also has a variety of baby animals at its facility.

At the petting zoo, visitors can interact with deer, lambs, and goats. The Dinosaur Outpost, a recent addition, is an interactive space where adults and children can come dig for fossils. Lastly, Claws 'N' Paws allows visitors to feed parrots with help from the animal park staff.

1475 Ledgedale Rd., Lake Ariel, PA 18436, 570-698-6154