Pocono Mountains: 1st Time Visitor Guide
The Pocono mountains sit tucked away in northeastern pennsylvania. They give a scenic escape with forested peaks and waterfalls that cascade along with some small towns that are often charming and fun to explore.
This guide is going to give you a 1st time exploration of the area and help you plan an awesome visit here, whether it be one of the destinations below, or multiple ones within the Poconos.
Photos:
Similar Areas:
Best Times to Visit
- Spring (April–June): Wildflowers bloom and waterfalls surge. Ideal for hiking.
- Summer (July–August): Perfect for lake activities, ziplining, and river tubing.
- Fall (late September–October): Peak fall foliage makes for a magical experience.
- Winter (December–March): Great for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and indoor waterparks.
10 Best Things to Do
- Visit Bushkill Falls – Known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” with 8 stunning waterfalls.
- Kayak the Delaware River – Enjoy a scenic paddle with peaceful mountain views.
- Explore Jim Thorpe – A historic town with shops, museums, and train rides.
- Ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway – Ideal for fall foliage or a relaxing afternoon.
- Relax at a Spa Resort – Try the luxurious Skytop Lodge or The Lodge at Woodloch.
- Zipline through the trees – Adventure parks like Camelback and Pocono TreeVentures offer adrenaline fun.
- Go horseback riding – Many stables offer guided rides through wooded trails.
- Tour local wineries and breweries – Pocono Wine Trail is a favorite.
- Spend a day at Lake Wallenpaupack – Boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation await.
- Ski and snowboard – In winter, visit Camelback, Jack Frost, or Shawnee Mountain.
- Bonus: Top visitor recommendations
Best Hikes (Beginner–Advanced)
Beginner:
- Raymondskill Falls Trail – A short, easy walk to Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall.
- Bushkill Falls Trails – Varied difficulty, but plenty of beginner-friendly loops.
Intermediate:
- Lehigh Gorge Trail: Follows the Lehigh River; ideal for biking and hiking.
- Big Pocono State Park Trails: Wide-ranging views and moderate loops.
Advanced: Mount Tammany via Red Dot and Blue Dot Trail – A steep, rewarding hike with sweeping Delaware Water Gap views.
Hidden Gems
- Hawk Falls at Hickory Run State Park – A tucked-away waterfall hike that’s rarely crowded.
- Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area – Peaceful, quiet trails through rhododendron forests.
- Tobyhanna State Park – Less touristy, great for birdwatching and kayaking.
- Lacawac Sanctuary – A natural research station with a pristine glacial lake and ecological trails.
- The Glen Onoko Falls Trail (currently closed but worth checking for updates), a once-beloved rugged hike with breathtaking waterfalls.
1–5 Day Sample Itinerary
Day 1:
- Arrive in Jim Thorpe
- Explore downtown shops and museums
- Ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
- Overnight in a historic inn
Day 2:
- Hike Glen Onoko or Lehigh Gorge Trail
- Lunch at a local brewery
- Zipline at Camelback Mountain Adventures
- Relax at your resort or cabin
Day 3:
- Visit Bushkill Falls
- Afternoon kayaking on Delaware River
- Scenic drive along Route 209
- Stargazing at your cabin or lakeside
Day 4:
- Spend the day at Lake Wallenpaupack
- Enjoy fishing, paddleboarding, or a boat tour
- Dinner with lake views
Day 5:
- Morning walk at Promised Land State Park
- Grab coffee in Stroudsburg
- Begin return journey home
Packing List
- My Amazon gear list
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- Weather-appropriate layers (it gets cool in the evenings)
- Bug spray and sunscreen
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Backpack for day hikes
- Camera or smartphone for scenic views
- Swimsuit (for lakes or waterparks)
- Binoculars (for birdwatching and wildlife)
- Trail map or offline GPS
Where to Stay
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cell service is spotty in some mountain areas, download maps offline.
- Parking may require permits at popular parks and trailheads.
- Wildlife sightings are common, especially deer and black bears. Keep food secured.
- Many state parks are dog-friendly, but leashes are required.
- Fall weekends book quickly, so reserve lodging well in advance.
Final Thoughts
The Pocono Mountains are a playground for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those in need of a peaceful retreat. Whether you’re gazing at waterfalls, hiking scenic trails, or just unplugging by a lakeside fire pit, the Poconos offer a soul-refreshing experience just a short drive from major cities. A first visit here often leads to many more.
