Top Things to do in Pocono Mountains Region
Top Hotels in Pocono Mountains Region
- 1. Best Western Plus Wilkes Barre-Scranton Airport Hotel
- 2. Mount Airy Casino Resort Spa
- 3. Pocono Palace Resort
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Stroudsburg Pocono Mountains
- 5. The Woodlands Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection
- 6. Hampton Inn Lehighton-Jim Thorpe
- 7. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Drums-Hazleton (I-80), an IHG Hotel
- 8. Cove Haven Resort
- 9. Camelback Lodge and Indoor Waterpark
- 10. Paradise Stream Resort
What to do and see in Pocono Mountains Region, Pocono Mountains Region: The Best State Parks
A green canvas of wooded hills and valleys, this region is a recreation haven in the summer for fishing, hunting, mountain hiking, horseback riding and whitewater rafting as well as a popular winter sports destination. When you add in casino gaming, a major racetrack and phenomenal golf courses, the Pocono Mountains region appeals to, well, just about everybody.
For the outdoors enthusiast, the Pocono Mountains have everything you need and desire. There are seven state parks in the region as well as one national park, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Automobile racing fans love to visit the Pocono Raceway, which hosts several major races every year. Skiers and snowboarders gravitate to major resort areas like Camelback Ski Area, Jack Frost Mountain and Big Boulder and the Shawnee Mountain Ski area. For golfers, the Pocono Mountains features courses designed by legendary icons like Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast and modern designers such as Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones. There are 35 courses in the region highlighted by two of the highest rated, Jack Frost National and Woodloch Springs.
Restaurants in Pocono Mountains Region
1. Hickory Run State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 409 reviews
Reviewed By Dallas1380 - Middletown, United States
I visited Hickory Run State Park with my dog to check out some trails, beautiful views and discover what nature had to offer here. It was a day well spent. A lot of walking and the trails weren't difficult at all, very manageable for dogs. Supportive shoes came in handy nonetheless. Access to Boulder Field, Sand Spring Lake, Hickory Run Chapel and Shades of Death Trail are easily accessible and within very reasonable distance of each other. There is a bathroom at the parking lot to Boulder Field but use it as last resort. I was pretty grossed out. Overall, absolutely gorgeous park. We saw many people fishing. There are plenty of spots to tuck away off of the paths to stop and catch your breath, take in the scenery or enjoy a picnic. Lake Harmony is only 13 minute drive away if interested.
2. Promised Land State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Reviewed By laluneestjolie - Philadelphia, United States
This is the cleanest, nicest campground I have ever stayed at. The cabin was clean and warm, and despite the at least 18 inches of snow, the walkway to the parking spot was shoveled when we got there. There are several electrical outlets and a heater. The bathrooms were warm, clean, and had automatic flushing toilets. The showers were hot, and even the floor was warm in there! I don’t usually stay in cabins, so I don’t have a lot of comparison, but I was impressed. It’s a good feeling to come inside when it’s 18 degrees outside and be warm and smell cedar. The only bad thing I could say is that the full-size mattress was saggy, but I know a cabin is not a hotel. If you don’t like spring mattresses bring a cot, a sleeping pad, or an inflatable mattress. To me, everything about staying in this cabin was luxury, because I am used to tent camping. It was really cool to come to Pickerell Point in February and see people ice fishing! We even waked across the lake to an island. I didn’t know you could do something like this in Pennsylvania. I want to come back in the summer with my tent.
3. Tobyhanna State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By 527ds
As a poor walker, Having a parking lot and easy access to bathrooms, picnic benches, boats, trail head, beach and a great view of the lake are all important for me. Walking a dog along the path is a favorite for friends too. Camping, fishing, watching trees go through the seasons, and taking photographs are all readily available.
4. Frances Slocum State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By T5852AG-Dennis - Allentown, United States
Wow, first time here and I love it!! Small boat rental, camping, picnic area and pavilions. We are here just as the leaves are turning. Plenty of easy path through the woods to follow, on the way we saw, deer tracks and deer droppings, but no deer. I guess at the right time of the year, you may even see an eagle soaring. We would definitely return to this park, and definitely recommend this park to everyone!! I hope this was helpful ????????
5. Big Pocono State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By 785cherylb - Washington DC, United States
Situated at the summit, this is a perfect place to watch the sunset and do some light hiking. it is easily reached by a short drive up and past Camelback Mountain ski resort.
6. Pymatuning State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By locallogic - Columbus, United States
What a terrific Labor Day weekend! Our group of 23 kids (ages 3-17) and 19 adults spread out in 9 cabins for three nights. We were pleasantly surprised with the quality and care of the cabins, as we stay in the state park "rustic cabins" in PA, OH, KY, and IN every summer. Having running water, separate bedrooms, and a refrigerator was amazing. One of our days/nights brought on terrific thunderstorms and the deep porches provided a lovely place to watch the storm. As for the park and amenities - we steered clear of the OH side, as previous reviews looked like that was what we should do. We went to Beach #1 and Beach #2, both are nice in their own ways. The trails around the cabins were in decent condition, but the kids were leery of the portion by Adams Rd that indicates open/active archery hunting (!!). Many members of our group enjoyed renting kayaks and SUPs through Carried Away Outfitters, whose prices are reasonable, times are flexible, and cancellation friendly and quick. Jamestown Modern Cabin overview: #11, #13 - very close to the water, these 2 cabins seem to be a little bigger than the ones '"on the hill". We liked the ability to drop our own kayaks in at the waters edge, and watching the sunset from the porch over the lake. These also had thin carpet throughout, ceramic tile in the bathrooms, and vinyl flooring at the kitchen and entry. #14 - also a little larger than the ones on the hill, set back from the lake and near a busy road. Grassy open fields with little shade around the cabin. #10 - a corner 3 bedroom with thin carpet in the living room and bedrooms; older cabinetry than in the first three listed above. Slight view of the water across the busy road (W Lake). Not much room to roam/run on the site. The 3rd bedroom is tiny - best for under 8s, as the bunk is low/squatty, and the room itself is probably 7' x 7'. #3, 5, 7 - these are between W Lake (busy!) and the loop road to the cabins, and have a little view of the lake and courtesy dock through the trees. They have vinyl flooring throughout with industrial throw mats/carpets in the kitchen and living room. Porches aren't as deep as those in the double-digits (maybe 4-5' instead of 6-8'). #5 has the 3rd bedroom like #10, but those are both about the same SF as all the others (just takes away the entry to the cabin spaciousness) #6 - this one has a lot of land around it, no lake view, and a wrap-around porch. older cabinetry and not much shade on the front side. like all the bunks, they are squatty - less than 3 feet from top of lower mattress to underside of bed above. For all: very good hot water, lots of water pressure, firm mattresses, all windows are operable with intact screens. if you come in a group, bring bikes for the kids to get around. LOTS of raccoons who are not shy. Put your food and trash away!
7. Prompton State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By stevens2112 - Halifax, United States
Took the grandkids to play disc golf. It was a nice course. A bit challenging, elevation wise, compared to other courses, but very well kept.
8. Beltzville State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By djess123 - Mount Sinai, United States
The trails were well marked. Waterfall was nice. Took us 1.5 hrs to do. Stopped by the waterfall for pictures
9. Nescopeck State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By ednurse1993
Best relaxing little lake. Many great fall pics. Quiet and peaceful. Go there several times a year. Recommend.
10. Gouldsboro State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Camper527233
Excellent fishing and mushroom forging. Very quiet State Park It is like a hidden treasure as not too many people know about this park
