The Pocono Mountains, often just called the Poconos, is a beautiful region in eastern Pennsylvania full of hills, valleys, rivers, and woodlands. It’s proximity to urban areas such as New York, Philadelphia, and Scranton which makes it a popular year-round recreational area. In the winter, people flock to its mountain resorts for skiing, snowboarding, and other activities. During the summer, activities include swimming, hiking, cycling, and fishing. Here are some of the best places to look for the perfect Pocono vacation rental.
1. Pocono Township/Tannersville
Pocono Township lies within the town of Tannersville just east of Camelback Mountain and Big Pocono State Park. In the park, you can go hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding along its scenic trails. You may spot deer, bear, foxes or raccoons in this rugged wilderness area. Camelback Mountain Resort offers winter skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. In summer, it has a water park called Camelbeach, which has over 37 waterslides, wave pools, and other water activities. It also hosts Camelback Mountain Adventures, which includes zip lines, rock wall climbing, mountain slides and a mountain roller coaster.
2. Honesdale
The town of Honesdale, known as the Birthplace of the American Railroad, is about 30 miles northeast of Scranton in a region full of opportunities for hiking, cycling, rafting, boating, and fishing. The town’s houses, churches, and other buildings provide many examples of stately nineteenth century Victorian-era architecture. It’s Wayne County Historical Society Museum offers a fascinating look into the history of the region, including a full-scale replica of Stourbridge Lion, the first steam locomotive to run on tracks in the United States. Every year the town hosts the Honesdale Roots and Rhythm Music and Arts Festival.
3. Hawley
The town of Hawley is on the northern shore of Lake Wallenpaupack, a popular location for swimming, sailing, and water sports such as wakeboarding, parasailing, and jet skiing. The area also has a number of great hiking and cycling trails. In town, the Costas Family Fun Park offers go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, miniature golf and other attractions. Hawley hosts an annual Winterfest celebration. The abundance of winter activities includes skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and ice fishing.
4. Lackawaxen
The historic town of Lackawaxen lies along the Delaware River. It’s a great place for activities such as rafting, tubing, and kayaking. Roebling’s Delaware Viaduct, which spans the river from Pennsylvania to New York, is the oldest wire suspension bridge in the United States. You can take an elevated path along the viaduct to view the river and read historical displays. The famous western writer Zane Grey lived in Lackawaxen, and the town hosts the fascinating Zane Grey Museum in his former mansion.
5. Milford
The picturesque town of Milford is on an escarpment overlooking the Delaware River. If you climb to the top of a 400-foot bluff known as the Knob, you have a panoramic view of the river, the lovely town with its Victorian buildings and the emerald-green landscape beyond. Milford is a great place to stroll and explore bookstores, antique shops, and art galleries. It’s also renowned as a cultural center and hosts annual events such as the Black Bear Film Festival and the Milford Music Festival. The Pike County Historical Museum at the Columns has many fascinating artifacts, including the Lincoln Flag, which is stained with the president’s blood from his assassination at Ford’s Theater.
6. Bushkill
Bushkill is a township that lies along the Delaware River southwest of Milford. Nearby is famous Bushkill Falls, a series of eight waterfalls collectively known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania. From the top of the first to the base of the last, the falls descent about 300 feet. Boardwalks and stairs allow visitors to view the falls up close. Nature trails in the area are great for hiking and bird watching. Kids will love finding their way through the Bushkill Falls Mining Company Maze.
7. Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg is the Poconos town closest to New York City, which is about 75 miles to the southeast. It’s long, old-fashioned Main Street is a wonderful place to admire Colonial-era and Victorian architecture, shop in the boutiques and galleries, and dine in the eclectic restaurants. The nearby Delaware Gap National Recreation Area provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation. Stroudsburg sparkles with festive decorations in the winter, when it offers activities such as sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.
8. East Stroudsburg
Vacation rentals in East Stroudsburg provide easy access to the Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, a family-friendly facility with multiple ski trails of varying difficulty levels and a snow tubing park for kids of all ages. Just across the river in New Jersey, Worthington State Forest is a beautiful natural area that is perfect for hiking, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The Pocono Indian Museum focuses on local Native American history and handicrafts.
9. Jim Thorpe
The town of Jim Thorpe is named after the legendary Native American Olympic champion. Known as the Switzerland of America due to its breathtakingly beautiful mountain setting. The wilderness surrounding the town offers great opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is a picturesque way for the family to access Lehigh Gorge, State Park. If you enjoy mysterious settings, you can check out the Harry Packer Mansion. It was the inspiration for Florida Disney World’s Haunted Mansion ride.