Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains
The Pocono Mountains Are a Destination for Outdoor Lovers and Others
Sep 5, 2008
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
The Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania have long been a vacation spot for rugged, outdoor-loving individuals. The area is sprinkled with once-secluded mountain and lakeside cabins and lodges. The Poconos encompass over 150 lakes, 18 waterfalls, several local and state recreation areas, and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
One of the largest lakes is Lake Wallenpaupack, which has long been a favorite vacation spot of northeasterners from nearby states. Surrounded by vacation homes and rentals, Lake Wallenpaupack offers fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and several small beaches.
The Delaware River runs into the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, creating the famed “gap” through the mountains. Located in the recreation area is the Pocono_Environmental_Education_Center, a unique interactive learning center and gathering place for those interested in learning more about the environment, the outdoors, and the Pocono area. Among other things, classes, special events, hiking, and camping cabins are available at the center.
Winter Activities
The Poconos also boast several ski areas, including Tannersville’s Camelback_Mountain_Resort, which transforms into Camelbeach in the summer. The ski area offers snow tubing, dining, rental condos, and more for serious norhteastern skiers and snowboarders who want to spend a few days on the slopes without traveling too far.
Several other ski areas are located throughout the Poconos. These include Big Boulder in Lake Harmony, Blue Mountain in Palmerton, and Shawnee Mountain in Shawnee-on-Delaware. Most of the ski areas and recreation areas also offer snowmobiling and cross country skiing.
In the Fall
Autumn brings a spectacular panorama to the Poconos, with the changing leaves displaying a riot of beautiful colors. The fall is celebrated by locals with an unending display of autumn-themed, Halloween, and Thanksgiving crafts: wreaths, corn-stalk decorations, pumpkins of every appearance, scarecrows, witches, and turkeys. These proudly adorn people’s yards, and are on sale everywhere you look.
Farm stands offer fall fruits and vegetables, apple cider, and baked goods. Locals and visitors can go apple picking and bring home bushels of the local fall fruit. Day visitors come to view the fall foliage and sample local goods. A drive through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area at this time of year is especially enjoyable.
Shopping and Casinos
For visitors who prefer indoor pursuits, the Poconos offer shopping ranging from outlet stores to tiny, family-owned antique shops. Tannersville has the Crossings Premium Outlets, located right down the road from the Camelback ski area. Further on down the road in Bartonsville is the American Candle factory. The candle factory offers much more than candles, with china, figurines, linens, kitchenware, outdoor decorations, fine coffee, barrels of candy, and a year-round Christmas decoration area that expands for the holiday season.
Then, of course, there are the casinos. Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mt. Pocono was recently remodeled and reopened as a full-service vacation resort offering 2,500 slot machines and electronic table games, such as roulette, poker, and blackjack.
Another popular casino is Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre. Mohegan Sun is owned by the Mohegan Indian tribe, and has also recently undergone an extensive renovation.
Come for the Day or Stay
For the millions of residents of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and New England, the Pocono Mountains are a few hours’ drive, making the area convenient for an enjoyable day trip or weekend getaway. Either way, come and have fun!
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