The Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania have been a popular East Coast vacation spot for generations. The region is known for its astonishing natural beauty and an array of outdoor experiences — from lounging on a lakeside beach to schussing down a ski slope. Add in the area’s emphasis on family fun, history, and culture, and it’s a destination that has something to offer for just about everyone.
Booking a vacation rental is a great way to establish a home base for exploring the Poconos. Here are a few ideas for things to do while you’re there.
Outdoor Adventures in the Poconos Mountains
The mountains, lakes, and rivers of the Poconos offer all kinds of opportunities to experience the wonders of nature, whether you enjoy hunting, fishing, biking, watersports, or just walking through the woods and soaking up the silence.
On land, you can follow a vast network of hiking trails through pristine forests, past waterfalls, and to breathtaking vistas. Trails range from easy to definitely challenging, so everyone can find a hiking adventure to suit.
At Bushkill Falls,“The Niagara of Pennsylvania,” you only need to walk a short distance to see the main waterfall, which cascades over a 100-foot cliff to a deep pool. You can also opt to take other trails of varying difficulty that offer unique views of a series of eight waterfalls. If a cascade of color is more your style you’re in for a treat, since the Poconos is one of the ultimate fall foliage experiences.
Water enthusiasts will also find their choice of fun in the Poconos, from canoeing to jet skiing. Looking for a leisurely cruise in the sunshine? Take a boat tour on Lake Wallenpaupack, a 13-mile-long man made lake created in 1926. Those who like a little more excitement can test their mettle while whitewater rafting on the Delaware or Lehigh rivers.
Play in the Poconos Mountains Snow
During the cold months, the Poconos turn into a winter wonderland, and you can choose your way to play in the white stuff, from ice skating to snowmobiling. Skiers and snowboarders can find a variety of slopes for every level at six area resorts. Looking for a simpler way to get down the mountain and still get a thrill? Camelback Mountain ski resort is home to the biggest snow tubing park in the U.S., with up to 42 lightning-fast lanes.
Those searching for solitude can enjoy winter’s beauty from snowshoes, cross-country skis, or cozy up in a horse-drawn sleigh!
Poconos Mountain Fun for the Whole Family
The Poconos also offer plenty of entertainment options for all ages. Experience the thrill of all-season tubing — no snow required! Spend the day driving go-karts or bumper boats, shooting laser tag, bowling, and more. Several indoor and outdoor water parks offer the options of playing in the water all year round.
You can also ride the rails on the Stourbridge Line and experience a piece of history. The passenger train departs from Honesdale, where the very first steam engine in the United States set out on its first journey in 1829. Rail excursions are offered all year round and are especially popular in the autumn as a way to view the area’s stunning fall foliage.
Small-Town Charm of the Poconos area
While nature provides the beauty in the Poconos, local communities provide the charm. Learn more about the history and culture of the region at several museums, tour historic sites, taste regional specialties and fine dining, experience local art, and more. Explore towns such as Honesdale, the “Birthplace of the American Railroad,” where you can stroll the old-fashioned downtown district with its boutiques and antique shops, restaurants, and historic architecture.
Sip an Adult Beverage in the Poconos
Want to try a taste of the Poconos? Visit one of the region’s many wineries, distilleries, or microbreweries for top-quality libations crafted from local ingredients.
Blue Ridge Winery, for instance, was named the No. 1 East Coast winery by Travel and Leisure Magazine. Visit the tasting room to sip on a Cabernet Sauvignon while a live band plays, or head out to the wraparound deck to enjoy 360-degree views of the vineyards and mountains.
The Poconos also host several annual festivals featuring adult beverages, including the Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine & Food Festival, the Wally Wine Fest, and the Great Brews Beer Festival.
Explore More of The Poconos, PA
Whatever the season, The Poconos offer your choice of options for a memorable vacation. To learn more about visiting — including where to find a great vacation rental to serve as your home base — check out our vacation-made easy guide to The Poconos.
Rest Easy with Evolve
The moment you book your vacation, you should start looking forward to your trip — not worrying about the little details. When you choose Evolve for your Poconos vacation rental, you can feel confident that the home you book will live up to our standards.
Every Evolve vacation rental you book comes with a team of hospitality experts, and we’re here to help make your stay more comfortable 24/7. To help you feel even more confident, we created our Rest Easy Promise: if a stay doesn’t match our standards, we’ll make it right.