Road Tripping is all about taking in all of the scenic beauty of different areas of the country. And, ending with an incredible destination. If you or someone you know, wants to take a short, but insanely awesome road trip. I recommend taking one through The Poconos.
The Poconos is so gorgeous and has a ton of different things to do and see. The Poconos offers year-round activities to keep you busy. It is a short drive from other areas in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.
History Of The Poconos
One of the best things about The Poconos is all the history that it has to offer and learn about. Here are just some of the amazing things to do nearby. For those of you who love to soak up history:
You can visit the victorian town of Jim Thorpe. You can visit areas like the Old Jail Museum to learn about the history of Molly Maguires. They also have art museums/galleries for those of you who are interested.
You can make a pit stop at places like the Jim Thorpe Memorial. To see a beautiful memorial to an amazing athlete.
It doesn’t stop there, you can take a short ride to the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to see the Asa Packer Mansion. This was the founder of the very first railroad in the United States. You can even have a delicious dinner in an authentic train car.
Another great attraction to explore is Jim Thorpe’s coal heritage. This involves a tour through the No. 9 Mine and Museum.
If you are a reader or enjoy a book every now and then, you can visit the Dimmick Memorial Library. You can browse through all of the book collections they have to offer.
Amusement Parks & Resorts In The Poconos
Bruno’s Amusement Park
Out of all the fun and exciting things to do at or near The Poconos. The Amusement Parks and Resorts are the most popular. A great example of this is located 15 minutes south of Scranton, PA near Elysburg in Clinton County. Bruno’s Amusement Park consists of over 25 rides ranging from roller coasters to go-karts. They have seasonal attractions like Halloween Haunt, Snowland, and Christmas Village. When visiting, you will need your own car or rental.
Some requirements for the roller coasters at this amusement park are:
- Riders must be at least 48-inches tall
- Anyone with health conditions involving the heart, back, neck, leg, or pregnancy issues. You should see medical staff before going on any of the rides.
Camelback Resort & Camelbeach Waterpark
Camelback Resort & Camelbeach Waterpark is located in Tannersville in Monroe County on US 6 between Cherry Springs State Park and the Poconos.
Some cool features of this resort/waterpark are:
- Wave Pool
- Lazy River
- Speed Slide
- Rock Climbing
- Mini Golfing
- Tubing
- Scuba Lessons at Adventure Diving’s Scuba School
- Horseback Riding with Saddlebrook Riding School
- Cabins For Rent
Other attractions close to the water park:
- Pocono Raceway (amusement park)
- Lehigh Gorge State Park (rock climbing)
- Cascade Cliffs (cliff jumping)
Funtown Splashtown USA
This is an attraction that opened in 1962. It includes activities like tube rides down a 3-story tall slide! Also, wave pools, lazy rivers, body slides, speed slides, and more.
Some other awesome things to do are:
- Golfing
- Scuba Diving
- Horseback Riding
- Go-Karts
- Bumper Boats
- Lazor Track
Most of these attractions have smaller areas for kiddos that aren’t big enough to go on the large rides. You have access to playgrounds where your children can race down slides. Also, go sledding, go swinging, and climb on all sorts of things.
What To Do In The Pocono Mountains
The Poconos is all about the nature-filled activities you can do throughout the year. From winter to spring to summer, you can find tons of incredible things to keep you active and having fun.
Here are some outdoor activities for all you adrenaline seekers out there.
Thrilling Summer Activities
Whitewater Rafting or Kayaking
Some of the best Whitewater rafting and kayaking is on the Delaware River. If you aren’t one to soak up the history. You will love being soaked in water and the adrenaline that comes with it. You can also go on a boat ride on Lake Wallenpaupack. As well as other fun activities like canoeing, and paddle boating (rental).
You can also visit a deep-water lake park called Dutch Springs in Pennsylvania. This gives you access to scuba diving lessons at Adventure Diving’s Scuba School. You can also go wakeboarding, play underwater hockey, and more.
ATV Riding
Take a ride through the backcountry on an ATV that you control and visit a ton of different trails.
Ziplining
This is another excellent thrill-seeking adventure you can enjoy as an adult or with your children.
Thrilling Winter Activities:
You can enjoy some winter activities by visiting places like Blue Boulder Ski Area, Blue Mountain Resort, Camelback Mountain, or Jack Frost Mountain.
Skiing/Snowboarding
Get all bundled up and ride the slopes of the Pocono Mountains.
Tubing
This is a personal favorite of mine because you can tube during the day or at night. They light up the mountain with colorful disco lights.
Relaxing Spring & Summer Activities:
Looking forward to a calm and relaxing time? Here are some outdoor activities you can do that aren’t too crowded. And is all about the nature of The Poconos:
Horseback Riding
Ride through The Pocono Mountains on horseback to take in the scenic views of the forests and meadows.
Hiking
There are so many trails to explore! Go hiking on that range from easy to hard for more experienced hikers. You can also visit the many state parks around the area. Like Hickory Run State Park, Big Poconos State Park, or Nescopeak State Park. You can also visit some of the local parks to enjoy nature or have a picnic.
Biking
This is another great activity you can do on all the trails of the Pocono Mountains or at any state or local parks.
You can visit Bear Creek Mountain Bike Trail for those into mountain biking. This is an option for more experienced riders.
Fishing
Grab your fishing gear and go to the many streams and lakes to fish for trout.
You can fish at Fisherman’s Paradise along the Delaware River in Barryville, New York. You can launch your boat, or rent single or tandem kayaks. Take guided canoe trips while fishing, visit antique stores, and take in the views of the Catskills Mountains. And, the best part is that you don’t even need to have experience. You can even make a pit stop at a local ice cream parlor. To enjoy ice cream sandwiches and delicious homemade fudge.
Camping
Bring your tent or RV and visit one or more camping grounds to stay at.
One of my favorite areas to go camping is Camp Mokana. A family-friendly campground on the bank of the Delaware River located in Dingmans Ferry, PA. It has over 100 acres of land and full access to year-round activities. You can go canoeing, tubing, rafting, kayaking, fishing, and hiking. You can also camp during the winter and do activities like cross-country skiing trains, snowshoeing tracks, ice skating, and more.
Golfing
There are many championship courses in the area that can challenge your skills as a golfer. You can also enjoy things like miniature golfing on the Putt-Putt course or disc golfing.
A great location to do this is Apollo near Catasauqua in Berks County PA Route 412, north of Exit 285 off Interstate 78. It includes an 18-hole course available to the public along with a golf academy and driving range. The miniature course is just 9 holes which can also be reserved for events like parties or celebrations.
Mount Airy Casino is a casino resort that features top-of-the-line golfing.
Relaxing Winter Activities:
Pocono Playhouse:
If you want to sit inside and stay out of the cold. You can enjoy a show at the Fine Arts & Theatre.
Rosie
ohhh I would love to do this! I never realized how great it is until recently – I need to check into this!! thanks!