The Pocono Mountains Area, also known as The Poconos, is a Pennsylvania outdoor paradise.
Northeastern Pennsylvania is home to the Pocono Mountains. The 2,400-square-mile area has long been a favorite outdoor leisure destination, with opportunities for hunting, fishing, skiing, and other activities. Multiple urban cities, including New York and Philadelphia, are within a two-hour drive of the Pocono Mountains.
Lush foliage, forested summits, lovely lakes, magnificent waterfalls, and much more may be found here.
Apart from spending time in nature, The Poconos offers a variety of enjoyable activities such as visiting a water park, seeing a historical site, watching a live show, tasting wine, and much more.
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Things to do in the Poconos
When people hear the phrase Poconos, they often think of the champagne tower whirlpools and heart-shaped spas that were aggressively touted as The Honeymoon Capital of the World in the 1970s. These experiences are still available, but the reality is that the Pocono Mountains have so much more to offer the mature tourist.
The Pocono Region is served by many interstates and highways, notably, PA Route 903, dubbed the “Highway to Adventure” because of the numerous resorts and venues along its length. Two airports serve the Poconos: the Lehigh Valley International Airport and Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport, which is just outside the region.
There is enough to do for the adult traveler in this family-friendly outdoor holiday destination. Here are some of the most popular things to do in the Poconos for visitors.
Take a Hike
There are 261 miles of hiking routes in the Pocono Mountains. With two national parks, nine state parks, the Appalachian Trail, and Bushkill Falls, there is a hiking trail for every skill level, and the landscape is beautiful.
You avoid injury, as with any hiking experience, make sure to use appropriate hiking shoes.
Explore Mountain Waterparks
The Pocono Mountains are home to many spectacular cascades. Bushkill Falls dubbed the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” is one of the most spectacular.
There’s one more. The award-winning Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark has at least 35 slides of varying lengths and heights.
Explore these Mountain Waterparks with your family and friends for a fun day out. These incredible water parks contain both outdoor and indoor activities and rides, so you can enjoy the water even if it’s pouring or cold outside.
Spend the day splashing in the water with your family or friends and have a blast. You can go down slides, swim in pools, ride a wave simulator, and participate in a variety of other activities.
Rail Journey to the Poconos Mountain
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is a railroad that offers round-trip rides on a 19th-century diesel train.
On the Lehigh Gorge Gorgeous Railway, take a scenic trip to The Poconos with your friends, loved ones, or significant other. You can photograph the lovely views you pass by while riding the ancient railway, such as rivers, deep forests, and towering cliffs.
Consider riding the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway on your visit to the Pocono Mountains. This train excursion is one of the best ways to observe the Poconos’ natural splendor, as you and your travel companions cruise through some of the most breathtaking scenery.
Visit State Parks
Camelback Mountain is home to Big Pocono State Park, which spans 1,306 acres. It has a variety of hiking routes, picnic sites, and other amenities.
Head to Big Pocono State Park to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Enjoy the fresh air and infinite sights of nature while taking a rest in nature.
At one of The Poconos’ top state parks, you can bond with your friends or tribe while doing a variety of activities in the great outdoors.
Aside from hiking, you may pack a picnic and have a nice dinner with your friends, go mountain biking, learn about the local fauna, such as deer, and much more.
You can also go through the Harrity Covered Bridge at Beltzville State Park. It’s one of Pennsylvania’s many covered bridges to see. Pedestrians can appreciate this bridge, which was completed in 1841. It’s a fast half-hour stop that’s flat. If you want to spend more time in the park, there are several lovely hiking and biking trails.
Explore the Museums
Frank Frazetta’s works are on display at the Frazetta Art Museum. The museum offers a warm and inviting environment, providing the ideal setting for you to relax and appreciate the exhibits.
It has the world’s biggest collection of artwork by American science fiction and fantasy artist Frank Frazetta.
The Frazetta Art Museum provides guided tours of its exhibitions so visitors can learn more about the artwork and Frank Frazetta. Paintings, several pen and ink works, personal objects of Frank Frazetta, such as his camera collection, and more can be found here.
T-shirts, mugs, novels, comics, wall displays, and other creative choices are available for purchase at the museum’s store.
You may also visit the Old Jail Museum, which is one of the best things to do in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains.
You can choose from a variety of tour packages at this jailhouse, based on what you want to see or learn.
The Old Jail Museum is a two-story jailhouse that was built in 1871. A dungeon, gallows, multiple cell blocks, and a gift store are all present.
You can either explore the Old Jail Museum on your own or take a guided tour. If you choose to tour the institution with an educational guide, you will learn about the facility’s history as well as the experiences of former inmates.
The Ghost Tour, which is presented at the Old Jail Museum, is one of the most exciting things to do in The Poconos tonight. This tour includes ghost-sighting stories and visits to haunted sites within the museum.
Take a tour of small towns
It’s a good idea to visit some of the little villages in the Pocono Mountains. Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, and Milford all have beautiful scenery, interesting histories, and charming restaurants.
On the Lehigh River, Jim Thorpe offers watersports such as whitewater rafting and kayaking. Take a train trip on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for a less difficult exercise.
The Stroud Mansion, Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, and the Pocono Arts Council are just a few of the museums and galleries in Stroudsburg. Throughout the year, they host exciting workshops and unique events.
Milford has the finest of small-town America to offer. They have a lot of cultural diversity, heritage attractions, and other things to offer.
Check out Casinos
You can take advantage of Mount Airy Casino Resort and Spa’s high-end casino by staying there. You don’t need to travel to Vegas because the incredible Mount Airy Casino has over 70 table games, a separate poker room, and at least 1,800 of the most up-to-date slot machines.
Mount Airy Casino is a world-class casino that includes a poker room, slot machines, table games, and more inside Mount Airy Casino Resort and Spa.
You can spend the day with your friends or special someone at the Mount Airy Casino, where you can try your luck at a variety of games and wagering.
You can choose from thousands of slot machines, but if you prefer a more participatory experience, you can always try a table game like poker.
Historical Places
Steamtown would be a half-day excursion. The museum and grounds are accessible to wheelchairs, but the train journey is not. There are two steps leading up to the train.
At Steamtown National Historic Site, you may learn about the people who built and rode steam trains, as well as the history of railroad transportation. Steamtown is dedicated to preserving a unique aspect of America’s industrial past. You can even go on a passenger steam train excursion!
Visit the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, which was built in 1765, to learn about life on the farm from the 1700s through the 1900s. It’s an immersive experience that will make you and your friends or family feel as if you’ve stepped into a time machine.
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm is a picturesque, historic working farm and open-air museum in Quiet Valley, California. It is located just a few minutes from downtown Stroudsburg and spans around 114 acres of gorgeous countryside.
Enjoy Animal Park with kids
Visit the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, which was built in 1765, to learn about life on the farm from the 1700s through the 1900s. It’s an immersive experience that will make you and your friends or family feel as if you’ve stepped into a time machine.
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm is a picturesque, historic working farm and open-air museum in Quiet Valley, California. It is located just a few minutes from downtown Stroudsburg and spans around 114 acres of gorgeous countryside.
Your children will like the Dinosaur Outpost, where they may sit on triceratops, dig for fossils, and participate in a variety of other interactive activities.
Skiing Adventure
Do you enjoy participating in winter sports? Is skiing a favorite pastime of yours? If that’s the case, bring your family or friends to the Shawnee Mountain Ski Area. In all of Pennsylvania, this ski resort is one of the best places to ski and enjoy numerous snow activities.
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is a well-known ski resort. It provides a variety of trip packages, equipment rentals, locker facilities, onsite restaurants, and other amenities.
You may have a great time in the snow by participating in sports such as skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, riding lifts, and much more.
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area offers lessons if you don’t know how to ski or if you have children who are new to skiing.
You can visit the base building if you need to rest and warm up with a hot drink. Relax and enjoy a tasty dinner while recharging your batteries.
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