Nestled in northeastern Pennsylvania, the Pocono Mountains offer stunning natural scenery and outdoor recreation that brings visitors back year after year. From scenic overlooks to rushing rivers, quaint small towns to family fun attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Poconos. We’ve been to many of these, so follow the links for more detailed posts about those areas!
One of the most popular attractions is Jim Thorpe, an historic town set on the Lehigh River gorge. Named for the legendary Native American athlete, Jim Thorpe features picturesque Victorian architecture surrounded by mountain scenery. Spend the afternoon hiking, biking or train-watching from trails just outside downtown, or shopping and dining along the main street. Don’t miss the Old Jail Museum showcasing curiosities and artifacts from the town’s past. When visiting Jim Thorpe, we were lucky to be within driving distance, so we would rent a house with a game room and strap our bikes to the back of our SUV to simply explore the area for a week!
Just north of Jim Thorpe lies the PA Grand Canyon, a steep gorge carved by the Lehigh River measuring over 1,000 feet deep in spots. For breathtaking views, hike along the wooded trails to vistas of the river and layered rock formations. Go whitewater rafting during the summer months for an exhilarating ride through the canyon waters. We stayed in Dushore and made day trips to the Grand Canyon, hiked part of Loyalsock trail, and went to Ricketts Glen State Park for the 7.2 mile Falls Trail hike with 21 waterfalls!
The nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park offers camping, fishing and more opportunities to explore the PA Grand Canyon on foot or by bike on the former Lehigh Valley railroad bed.
In the western half of the Poconos, big attractions like the Camelback Resort, Kalahari Resort and Great Wolf Lodge provide year-round indoor water parks and activities for families. Meanwhile, areas like Lake Wallenpaupack and Promised Land State Park deliver mountain lakes, winding creeks and endless trails to please outdoor enthusiasts during warmer months. We’ve stayed in Tannersville and it is literally a hub to all of the great resorts, whether you are looking for ski slopes, waterparks, and more! Look for a house in a community which will also give you access to pools and game rooms like this one – we have chosen places like this to give the kids plenty of fun back at the rental after our adventures!
Whether you come for the idyllic small towns, adventure sports or plentiful resort amenities, the natural wonders of the Pocono Mountains will continue to amaze visitors for generations to come. The scenic Jim Thorpe area and magnificent PA Grand Canyon are just a sample of what makes this region such a beloved destination.
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