Pocono Mountains

A mountain getaway within easy reach of New York and Philadelphia, surrounded by the Delaware Water Gap, waterfalls and lakes, with rafting, fall foliage, skiing and indoor water parks through the seasons.

The Pocono Mountains are a mountain resort region in northeastern Pennsylvania spanning Monroe, Pike, Wayne and Carbon counties. The terrain is a plateau about 600 m above sea level, dense with forests, lakes and waterfalls, and just about a 2-hour drive from both New York and Philadelphia, making it a classic weekend getaway in the Northeast. Each season has its own draw: in summer, go rafting on the Delaware Water Gap, boating on Lake Wallenpaupack or cool off at the waterfalls; in early to mid-October the hills blaze with fall color, perfect for scenic drives; from December to March ski areas such as Camelback, Shawnee and Jack Frost are open; and indoor water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge and Kalahari are open year-round and hugely popular with families. The region divides into three areas: in the east, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (the Water Gap itself, Mount Tammany, and Bushkill and Dingmans Falls); in the center, the Mount Pocono–Tannersville area (ski resorts, water parks, outlets and a casino); and in the north, Lake Wallenpaupack and the towns of Milford and Hawley. The historic town of Jim Thorpe and Lehigh Gorge, about 40 km to the southwest, are covered as a separate destination. Driving is the main way to get around, with I-80 and I-380 running through the region; buses run from New York's Port Authority Bus Terminal to Stroudsburg, but attractions are spread out, so a rental car is all but essential. Plan on 2–4 days. Note that mountain weather is changeable in fall and winter, roads can ice over in ski season, and you should guard against ticks when hiking in summer.

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Itineraries