Pocono Mountains Travel Guide (Northeastern Pennsylvania/Pennsylvania/Mid-Atlantic/United States of America/North America)

Introduction to Pocono Mountains
List of Places to Visit in Pocono Mountains
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Pocono Mountains: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Pocono Mountains
Best Things to Do in Pocono Mountains: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Pocono Mountains
Food and Drink Scene of Pocono Mountains
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Pocono Mountains: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Pocono Mountains: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Pocono Mountains
Best Time to Visit Pocono Mountains
Do’s and Don’ts of Pocono Mountains
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Pocono Mountains
- Health in Pocono Mountains
Getting to Pocono Mountains: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Pocono Mountains
Where to Go Next from Pocono Mountains: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Pocono Mountains

The Pocono Mountains, located in northeastern Pennsylvania, is a popular travel destination for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. The region covers four counties, including Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne, and offers stunning scenic views, beautiful waterfalls, and an abundance of wildlife. The Pocono Mountains is a perfect escape for nature lovers, outdoor adventurers, and families looking for a fun and memorable vacation.

List of Places to Visit in Pocono Mountains

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Pocono Mountains has several museums and historical places that visitors can explore to learn about the region’s rich history. Some of the culturally important attractions you must visit include:

Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm: A living museum where you can experience the life of a Pennsylvania German farm family in the 18th century.
Steamtown National Historic Site: A railroad museum that showcases the history of steam locomotives and their role in the industrial revolution.
The Dorflinger Glass Museum: A museum showcasing the work of Christian Dorflinger, a famous glassmaker in the 19th century.

Natural Attractions of Pocono Mountains: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Pocono Mountains are home to many natural attractions, including waterfalls, scenic hikes, and beautiful lakes. Some of the best outdoor adventures and scenic views in the Pocono Mountains include:

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: A 70,000-acre park that offers hiking, paddling, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Bushkill Falls: Known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” Bushkill Falls is a stunning series of eight waterfalls that are sure to take your breath away.
Hickory Run State Park: A beautiful park featuring Boulder Field, a massive boulder-strewn area, and the Shades of Death Trail, a challenging hike named for its rocky terrain.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pocono Mountains

The Pocono Mountains have plenty of hiking and biking trails for visitors to explore and enjoy. Some of the popular hiking and biking trails in the region include:

Lehigh Gorge State Park: A beautiful state park featuring a 26-mile trail for hiking and biking enthusiasts.
The Appalachian Trail: Considered one of the most famous hiking trails in the world, the Appalachian Trail passes through the Pocono Mountains for about 50 miles.
Promised Land State Park: This park has several trails that range in length and difficulty, making it suitable for all hikers and bikers.

Best Things to Do in Pocono Mountains: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, the Pocono Mountains offer visitors a wide range of activities and tours that are worth exploring. Some of the best things to do in the Pocono Mountains include:

Camelback Mountain Adventures: A fun-filled adventure park featuring zip-lining, mountain coasters, and treetop courses.
Pocono Raceway: This raceway is perfect for car enthusiasts looking for a unique driving experience.
Pocono Whitewater Rafting and Skirmish Paintball: For those seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, the Pocono Whitewater Rafting and Skirmish Paintball offer thrilling activities.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pocono Mountains

If you are planning to spend a week in the Pocono Mountains, we recommend this itinerary that covers some of the best attractions and activities in the region:

Day 1: Visit the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm and explore the local area.
Day 2: Spend the day at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Day 3: Visit the Bushkill Falls and explore the nearby trails.
Day 4: Take a tour of the Steamtown National Historic Site and visit the Lackwanna County Coal Mine tour.
Day 5: Take a hike in the Appalachian Trail and enjoy the scenic views.
Day 6: Visit the Camelback Mountain Adventures and experience thrilling activities.
Day 7: Explore the local food and drink scene and buy some souvenirs to take home.

Food and Drink Scene of Pocono Mountains

The Pocono Mountains have a diverse food and drink scene, ranging from farm-to-table cuisine to local wineries. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages in the region:

Must-Try Dishes

Pierogies: A traditional Polish dish made of boiled dumplings filled with potato, sauerkraut, or meat.
Scrapple: A breakfast meat made of pork scraps and cornmeal.
Pork and Sauerkraut: A dish usually cooked on New Year’s Day for good luck, made with roast pork and sauerkraut.

Local Beverages

Shoo-Fly Punch: A non-alcoholic drink made with molasses, ginger, and lemon juice.
Local Craft Beers: The Pocono Mountains has several local breweries that offer a wide range of craft beers, including Pocono Brewery Company, Barley Creek Brewing Company, and ShawneeCraft Brewing Company.

Where to Stay in Pocono Mountains: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Pocono Mountains have several options for accommodations, ranging from high-end hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Here are a few of the best places to stay in the region:

Skytop Lodge: A luxurious resort nestled in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, offering golf courses, spa services, and outdoor adventures.
Pocono Palace Resorts: An adults-only resort featuring romantic accommodations with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs.
Camp Canadensis: A summer camp transformed into a year-round retreat center with cabins, lodges, and outdoor activities.

What to Buy in Pocono Mountains: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When in the Pocono Mountains, remember to buy some souvenirs to take back home. Here are some of the popular local products you can buy:

Pocono Mountains T-shirts and Hoodies: A perfect keepsake to remember your trip.
Local Honey: The Pocono Mountains have several local honey producers that offer pure and delicious honey.
Handmade Pottery and Glassware: Several local artisans offer handmade pottery and glassware that can make for great souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Pocono Mountains

The Pocono Mountains have a rich cultural heritage, influenced by the Pennsylvania German community. Some of the notable customs and traditions of the region include:

Old-Fashioned Christmas: The Pocono Mountains celebrate Christmas with a classic old-fashioned event, featuring live music, holiday lights, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Folk Festivals: The Pocono Mountains have many folk festivals featuring local music, dance, and crafts.

Best Time to Visit Pocono Mountains

The best time to visit the Pocono Mountains is from June to October when the weather is warm, and the outdoor activities are in full swing. However, the region is beautiful year-round, and each season offers a unique experience.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pocono Mountains

Do:

Do be prepared for various weather conditions if you are planning for outdoor activities.
Do explore the local food and drink scene and try different dishes and beverages.

Don’t:

Don’t litter, the Pocono Mountains are a natural wonder, and visitors must respect the environment.
Don’t overlook the local culture and customs, be respectful and learn from the locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pocono Mountains

The Pocono Mountains are generally safe for tourists, but visitors must take necessary precautions when traveling in the region. Some tips to ensure your safety include:

Stay on marked trails when hiking and biking.
Always wear a life jacket when boating or fishing in area waterways.

Health in Pocono Mountains

The Pocono Mountains have several healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, but visitors must take necessary precautions to avoid illnesses. Here are some tips to ensure good health:

Stay hydrated when spending time outdoors.
Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outside to avoid sunburn and other skin conditions.

Getting to Pocono Mountains: Transportation Options and Logistics

The Pocono Mountains are easily accessible from surrounding areas via road, air, and rail. Some of the transportation options you can consider include:

Airports Near Pocono Mountains

Lehigh Valley International Airport: Located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is the closest airport to the Pocono Mountains.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport: Located about 35 miles from the Pocono Mountains, this airport offers several flights to domestic and international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Pocono Mountains

Martz Trailways: A major bus service provider that offers regular bus service to the Pocono Mountains from New York City and Philadelphia.

Other Options

Car Rentals: Visitors can also rent a car to explore the Pocono Mountains at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Pocono Mountains

The Pocono Mountains are best explored by car, but visitors can also use public transportation or charter services to get around. Some of the options include:

Pocono Pony: The region’s public transportation system, offering regular bus service throughout the Pocono Mountains region.
Charter Services: Several companies offer charter and taxi services for visitors who prefer to have a private transportation option.

Where to Go Next from Pocono Mountains: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have explored everything the Pocono Mountains have to offer, you can consider visiting some nearby destinations and excursions. Some of the popular places to go next from the Pocono Mountains include:

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania: A quaint town known for its charming Victorian-style architecture, museums, and outdoor activities.
Hershey, Pennsylvania: A town famous for its chocolate factory and theme park, Hershey’s Chocolate World.

Conclusion

The Pocono Mountains offer visitors a perfect escape for nature lovers, outdoor adventurers, and families looking for a fun and memorable vacation. With plenty of natural attractions, outdoor activities, and cultural landmarks to explore, the Pocono Mountains should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Plan your trip today and experience the best of Pennsylvania’s beautiful natural scenery in the Pocono Mountains.