Scenic waterfall in Ricketts Glen State Park, Pocono Mountains

Things to do in  Pocono Mountains

Pennsylvania’s outdoor playground

One of Pennsylvania's most popular recreation areas, the Poconos comprise a section of low-lying mountains that sprawl across the state's Northeast. Bounded by the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers, this accessible area delights with its many lake retreats, charming small towns, and forested terrain (as well as its proximity to Philadelphia and New York City). There are things to do in the Pocono Mountains all year round—in the summer, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing reign, while in the winter, ski resorts like Camelback make it easy to hit the slopes.

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Top 3 attractions in Pocono Mountains

#1
Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark

Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark

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Set against the backdrop of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark is a scenic place to have fun and take a break from the summer sun. The outdoor park has a range of rides, waterslides, and pools where you can cool off, all with varying levels of adventure and speed. Plus, kiddie pools and splash zones offer fun for the little ones.More
#2
Camelback Mountain Resort

Camelback Mountain Resort

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Nested in the Poconos in northeastern Pennsylvania, Camelback Resort is one of the region’s most popular outdoor retreats. During the winter months, it draws skiers, snow tubers, and those looking to hit the slopes, while its two water parks, shopping and dining options, and outdoor summer activities round out the calendar.More
#3
Asa Packer Mansion Museum in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

Asa Packer Mansion Museum

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One of the grandest historic homes in Pennsylvania’s Poconos region, the Asa Packer Mansion Museum was built by the eponymous former railway magnate, philanthropist, and founder of Lehigh University. Constructed more than 160 years ago in the Victorian Italianate style, it boasts exceptional period interiors and splendid hilltop views overlooking the quaint town of Jim Thorpe and the Lehigh River.More

Explore Pocono Mountains by interest

Top activities in Pocono Mountains

3 Lap Stock Car Ride Along at Pocono Raceway

3 Lap Stock Car Ride Along at Pocono Raceway

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15
From
$169.00
6 Lap Stock Car Ride Along at Pocono Raceway

6 Lap Stock Car Ride Along at Pocono Raceway

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3
From
$298.00
20 Mile Stock Car Drive Experience at Pocono Raceway

20 Mile Stock Car Drive Experience at Pocono Raceway

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5
From
$599.00
40 Mile Stock Car Drive Experience at Pocono Raceway

40 Mile Stock Car Drive Experience at Pocono Raceway

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3
From
$1,149.00
80 Mile Stock Car Drive Experience at Pocono Raceway

80 Mile Stock Car Drive Experience at Pocono Raceway

From
$2,299.00
60 Mile Stock Car Drive Experience at Pocono Raceway

60 Mile Stock Car Drive Experience at Pocono Raceway

From
$1,699.00
10 Mile Stock Car Drive Experience at Pocono Raceway

10 Mile Stock Car Drive Experience at Pocono Raceway

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8
From
$399.00
Delaware Water Gap Air Tour

Delaware Water Gap Air Tour

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31
From
$141.00
Private Pop Up Picnic and Painting in Shawnee on Delaware

Private Pop Up Picnic and Painting in Shawnee on Delaware

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2
From
$145.00
Trolley Tour in Historic Jim Thorpe

Trolley Tour in Historic Jim Thorpe

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105
From
$23.65
Paintball in the Pocono Mountains Pennsylvania

Paintball in the Pocono Mountains Pennsylvania

From
$64.95
Private Mount Pocono Observation Air Tour

Private Mount Pocono Observation Air Tour

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40
From
$78.00
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All about Pocono Mountains

When to visit

The Pocono Mountains are truly a year-round destination. Summer is a popular time to rent a lakeside cabin, go whitewater rafting, or catch events at Poconos Raceway, while fall is the prime leaf-peeping season. In the winter, destinations like Camelback Ski Resort cater to snow sports enthusiasts searching for perfect powder, and spring welcomes hikers and bikers eager to explore the mountain trails.

Getting around

The Pocono Mountains are located in northeastern Pennsylvania. It's roughly a 100-mile (161-kilometer) journey from Philadelphia and from New York City, the mountains are some 107 miles (172 kilometers) away. If you're using public transportation, the best bet are bus lines like Greyhound, which stop at Poconos hubs like Stroudsburg and Mt. Pocono. Otherwise, traveling by car is often the easiest way to navigate the sprawling area.

Traveler tips

While the Poconos are renowned for their 150-odd lakes—many of which are open for swimming, boating, and fishing—the region is also in possession of one—or actually, eight—amazing waterfalls: Bushkill Falls, dubbed "the Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania." While it's undoubtedly smaller than its namesake, the falls are a beautiful retreat area with walking trails, fishing areas, and family activities.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EST (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
3
Tours
12
Reviews
212
EN
9a536a31-9ef8-49c5-93f1-a039a553db79
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People Also Ask

What is Poconos Pennsylvania known for?

The Poconos are known for being one of Pennsylvania's most popular recreation areas. A forested, low-lying mountain range that boasts 150 lakes and 170 miles of river, the Poconos are an all-year-round destination for outdoorsy types (skiing is a big business here, and the region is busy in the winter).

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What is the best time to visit Poconos?

While winter is one of the most popular times to visit the Poconos, thanks to the region’s ski resorts and winter sports opportunities, there’s no bad time of year to be here. Summer means opportunities to swim, kayak, and fish in the region’s lakes, while fall foliage is a big draw.

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What is the nicest part of the Poconos?

As an expansive region—the Poconos span more than 2,400 square miles (6,216 square kilometers)—it's hard to narrow down one nicest part. But some of the Pocono Mountains' highlights include Bushkill Falls, Big Pocono State Park, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and the Lehigh Gorge State Park.

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Do the Poconos go into New York?

No, the Pocono Mountains do not extend into New York. The region is based in northeastern Pennsylvania, and its eastern boundary is the Delaware River, which separates Pennsylvania from New Jersey and New York. The Poconos span four Pennsylvania counties—Monroe, Pike, Carbon, and southern Wayne County.

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Is Jim Thorpe considered the Poconos?

Yes, Jim Thorpe is part of the Poconos. Located in Carbon County, the town—named after the celebrated athlete—is considered one of the region's most popular hubs. Founded in 1818, Jim Thorpe boasts pretty Victorian buildings, B&Bs, cute cafes, and proximity to ski resorts and hiking trails.

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How to get to the Poconos from NYC by bus?

Getting to the Poconos from New York City is easy by bus. Several bus services, including those operated by Martz, Shortline, and Trailways, leave directly from Port Authority Station and deposit passengers at Mount Pocono. Other direct services also stop at Poconos towns like Stroudsburg and Jim Thorpe.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Pocono Mountains?
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What are the top activities in Pocono Mountains?
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