Explore. Escape. Enjoy.
Discover waterfalls, mountain adventures, water parks, scenic train rides, wildlife attractions, winter sports and memorable family getaways throughout Pennsylvania's beautiful Pocono Mountains.
The Pocono Mountains are an easy destination for a day trip, romantic weekend or complete family vacation from Northern and Central New Jersey. Every season brings a different reason to visit.
The Poconos may be famous for skiing and snow tubing, but the region offers year-round recreation. Visitors can hike to waterfalls, raft down the Lehigh River, ride a mountain coaster, enjoy an indoor water park, cruise on a lake or explore one of Pennsylvania's most charming historic towns.
Families will find water parks, wildlife attractions and scenic train rides. Couples can explore Jim Thorpe, enjoy lakeside dining or plan a relaxing resort weekend. Adventure seekers can try whitewater rafting, ziplining, skiing, off-road tours and high-speed driving experiences.
Start with the type of mountain getaway your family is looking for.
Bushkill Falls
Delaware Water Gap
Camelback Resort
Lehigh Gorge Railway
Jim Thorpe
Pocono Whitewater
Pocono Raceway
Claws 'N' Paws
From famous waterfalls and outdoor adventures to all-weather resorts and family attractions, these destinations offer some of the best experiences in the Pocono Mountains.
Bushkill, Pennsylvania
Known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania, Bushkill Falls is one of the most recognizable natural attractions in the Pocono Mountains. A network of wooded trails, stairways and bridges provides views of eight waterfalls.
Visitors can choose from several trail lengths, making it possible to enjoy a shorter scenic walk or a more involved hike through the forest.
Pennsylvania and New Jersey
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area brings together mountain views, river recreation, waterfalls, historic sites, picnic areas and miles of hiking trails along the Pennsylvania–New Jersey border.
Popular outings include hiking Mount Minsi, visiting Raymondskill Falls, paddling the Delaware River and driving through the recreation area's scenic sections.
Tannersville, Pennsylvania
Camelback is one of the Poconos' most complete year-round activity destinations. Winter brings skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing, while warmer months offer outdoor water attractions and mountain adventures.
Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark provides a weatherproof option with slides, splash areas, a wave pool and other family attractions throughout the year.
Carbon County, Pennsylvania
Jim Thorpe combines Victorian architecture, independent shops, restaurants, historic attractions and dramatic mountain scenery. Its compact downtown is ideal for browsing, dining and exploring on foot.
The town also makes an excellent base for scenic train rides, biking, rafting, hiking and visits to nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers an easy way to enjoy mountain, river and forest scenery without a strenuous hike. Trains depart from historic Jim Thorpe and travel through the Lehigh Gorge.
The experience is especially popular with families, couples, train enthusiasts and visitors exploring the region during the fall foliage season.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Pocono Whitewater offers guided rafting trips through the Lehigh Gorge, along with biking and adventure packages. Trip options range from calmer family outings to more active whitewater experiences.
It is a strong choice for families with older children, groups of friends and visitors who want to build an active day around the Jim Thorpe area.
Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania
Kalahari is a large resort destination centered around an expansive indoor water park. Families can combine slides, pools and children's play areas with arcade games, indoor attractions, restaurants and an overnight stay.
Because most activities are indoors, it is a useful choice for a winter trip, rainy weekend or family celebration when the weather is unpredictable.
Scotrun, Pennsylvania
Great Wolf Lodge combines an indoor water park with children's activities, themed entertainment, games, restaurants and family-oriented accommodations.
Its contained resort format makes planning simple for families that want several activities in one place, especially those traveling with younger children.
Long Pond, Pennsylvania
Known for its distinctive three-turn design, Pocono Raceway hosts major motorsports events and seasonal experiences. Race weekends bring a lively atmosphere with on-track action, fan activities and camping.
Driving and riding experiences may also be available on selected dates for visitors who want to experience the track from a different perspective.
Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania
Claws 'N' Paws is a woodland wildlife park where visitors can see a variety of animals while walking along outdoor pathways. The attraction has a relaxed, traditional animal-park atmosphere.
It works particularly well as a family outing for children who enjoy animals and for vacationers staying around Lake Wallenpaupack or the northeastern Poconos.
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Quiet Valley presents the history of Pennsylvania farm life through a preserved homestead, demonstrations, animals and seasonal programming.
It offers a slower-paced and educational alternative to the region's larger resorts and adventure attractions, making it a pleasant choice for families and history enthusiasts.
Palmerton, Pennsylvania
Blue Mountain is one of the most convenient mountain recreation destinations for visitors traveling from Northern and Central New Jersey. Winter activities include skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing.
During warmer months, the resort offers changing outdoor activities and events, making it useful for both seasonal day trips and active family weekends.
Lake Wallenpaupack is one of Pennsylvania's largest and best-known recreational lakes. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, paddling, scenic overlooks, lakeside dining and relaxing time near the water.
The surrounding communities provide vacation rentals, marinas, restaurants and access to other attractions in the northeastern Poconos. It is an excellent option for families and couples who want a quieter alternative to a busy resort.
Explore Lake Wallenpaupack →The best activity depends on when you visit. Each season offers a different version of the Pocono Mountains.
Visit waterfalls when streams are flowing strongly, hike before summer heat arrives, explore historic towns and enjoy quieter weekday getaways.
Plan a rafting trip, visit a water park, spend time at Lake Wallenpaupack, ride a scenic train or enjoy outdoor mountain attractions.
Explore Jim Thorpe, ride through the Lehigh Gorge, hike among changing leaves and attend seasonal festivals at mountain resorts.
Ski, snowboard or snow tube at a mountain resort, then warm up inside Aquatopia, Kalahari or Great Wolf Lodge.
A little advance planning can make your Poconos day trip or weekend much easier.
Many outdoor attractions, train rides and wildlife parks operate seasonally or use different hours throughout the year. Check the official website before driving.
Rafting trips, water park passes, ski sessions, special train excursions and major race weekends can sell out. Advance reservations are recommended.
Temperatures and conditions can change quickly. Bring layers, comfortable footwear, water and weather protection, especially when hiking or visiting waterfalls.
Routes through Tannersville, Stroudsburg, Jim Thorpe and major resort areas can become busy on holiday weekends, race weekends and peak fall foliage days.
Review age, height, health and ability requirements before booking rafting, ziplining, skiing, water slides or strenuous hiking trails.
Combine nearby attractions whenever possible. Pair Jim Thorpe with the scenic railway, Bushkill Falls with the Delaware Water Gap or Camelback with outlet shopping.
These destinations offer the strongest combination of scenery, activities, family appeal and overall Pocono Mountain fun.
