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Pocono Mountains
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Explore Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains for forest trails, mountain lakes, historic towns, river scenery, skiing and four-season outdoor recreation.

The Pocono Mountains occupy a broad, forested upland in north-eastern Pennsylvania, stretching across Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties. Rather than forming a single compact resort town, the region is a patchwork of ridges, river valleys, lakes and rural communities. The Lehigh and Delaware rivers shape its eastern and southern edges, while wooded plateaus and winding roads create a landscape that changes noticeably between the historic towns, lake districts and higher mountain country.
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The region’s best-known natural setting is Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, where the Delaware River cuts through Kittatinny Mountain. Its Pennsylvania side offers walking trails, river access, wildlife habitats and viewpoints, while the park itself extends across the river into New Jersey. Elsewhere, protected landscapes include Hickory Run and Promised Land state parks, with sandy beaches, wetlands, boulder fields, lakes and extensive woodland. Lake Wallenpaupack, one of Pennsylvania’s largest inland lakes, is a centre for boating, fishing and waterside recreation.
Communities provide a strong contrast to the open countryside. Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg form the region’s principal urban centre, with restaurants, galleries and access to nearby outdoor sites. Jim Thorpe, in the southern Poconos, is known for its Victorian streetscape and mountain setting, while Milford preserves an elegant nineteenth-century character near the Delaware River. Honesdale and Hawley reflect the northern Pocono landscape, with canal, railway and lake histories that remain visible in museums, civic buildings and local cultural events.
Tourism developed in the nineteenth century as railways and later roads brought visitors from Philadelphia and New York to mountain hotels, lakes and fresh air. Contemporary travel combines those traditions with ski areas, water parks, zip lines, cycling, paddling, fishing and scenic walks. Winter brings skiing and snow-based activities; warmer months favour swimming, boating and hiking, while autumn is particularly associated with woodland colour. Weather can vary between valleys and higher ridges, so itineraries benefit from allowing time for changing conditions.
Food and drink are similarly varied. Countryside restaurants and inns sit alongside brewery taprooms, cafés, farmers’ markets and family-oriented resorts, with menus drawing on Pennsylvania’s wider traditions as well as contemporary American cooking. The Pocono Mountains are best understood as a landscape region: different bases reveal different sides of its forests, rivers, historic towns and recreational lakes, and distances between them can be greater than a map initially suggests.

When is the best time to visit Pocono Mountains?

Best: June–August · 24–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January171
February364
March886
April1491
May1997
June (best)24102
July (best)27117
August (best)26112
September21107
October1586
November986
December376

Getting to and around Pocono Mountains

How to get there

Most visitors arrive by road from New York City, northern New Jersey, Philadelphia or the Lehigh Valley. Interstate 80 crosses the central Poconos, while Interstate 84 serves the northern part of the region; other approaches use US 209, US 206 and Pennsylvania state highways. Lehigh Valley International Airport near Allentown and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport are the closest commercial airports commonly used for the region, both outside the Pocono Mountains. Newark Liberty, Philadelphia and New York-area airports offer wider international connections but require a longer onward journey.

Transportation

A car is generally the most practical way to connect the region’s dispersed parks, lakes, villages and resorts. Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, Jim Thorpe, Milford, Honesdale and Hawley can be explored locally on foot, but public transport is limited in rural districts and should not be assumed to serve every trailhead or attraction. Taxi and rideshare availability is strongest in population centres and resort areas. Cycling is suitable on selected roads and trails, while hiking routes range from accessible lakeside paths to rocky, steep and remote woodland terrain.

Top city travel guides in Pocono Mountains

The cities of Pocono Mountains, and the easiest places to base yourself.

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Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Pocono Mountains

The Pocono Mountains offer a broad mixture of protected nature, organised recreation and historic communities. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is the region’s defining public landscape, with river access, forest trails, waterfalls, fishing areas and viewpoints around the Delaware River and Kittatinny Mountain. Hickory Run and Promised Land state parks add beaches, lakes, camping, wetlands, hiking and the notable Boulder Field at Hickory Run. Lake Wallenpaupack supports boating, fishing and waterside leisure, while ski and resort complexes around the central and eastern mountains provide winter sports, water parks and family activities. Bushkill Falls is a privately operated walking attraction centred on a series of waterfalls. Jim Thorpe, Milford, Honesdale and Stroudsburg contribute historic streets, museums, galleries, rail and canal stories, and local events. Cycling, paddling, horseback riding, zip lines and wildlife watching broaden the outdoor offer, but access and opening arrangements vary by season, ownership and weather, so visitors should check current details before setting out.

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Best landmarks in Pocono Mountains

The Delaware Water Gap is the Pocono Mountains’ most recognisable natural landmark, where the Delaware River passes through Kittatinny Mountain and creates a powerful geographic gateway between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In the southern region, Jim Thorpe’s preserved Victorian buildings and steep valley setting form a distinctive historic townscape shaped by the coal and railway era. Milford’s civic and residential architecture reflects its nineteenth-century prominence near the Delaware River, while Honesdale retains landmarks connected with the Delaware and Hudson Canal and early railway history. Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park is an unusual landscape of weathered stones, produced by ancient environmental processes and now protected within a forested park. Lake Wallenpaupack is a major modern landscape landmark, its broad water surface and wooded shores defining the central Poconos. Mountain ridges, river bends, historic bridges and old canal or railway traces complete a landmark network that expresses both natural forces and industrial history.

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Explore Pocono Mountains on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Pocono Mountains

Dining in the Pocono Mountains ranges from independent cafés and traditional American diners to resort restaurants, rural inns, breweries and contemporary kitchens. Menus often draw on Pennsylvania’s wider food culture, including hearty meats, baked goods, seasonal produce and comfort food, while lake communities and resort areas add casual waterfront dining. Farmers’ markets and farm shops can provide fruit, vegetables, preserves, baked items and locally produced drinks, particularly in warmer months. Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg and Milford have some of the region’s most concentrated choices, with Honesdale and Hawley offering further cafés, pubs and small restaurants. Around ski areas and family resorts, dining is designed for visitors and groups, whereas country roads lead to a more scattered selection of taverns, inns and roadside establishments. Reservations are sensible for popular restaurants at weekends, and opening patterns can be seasonal in smaller communities.

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Best bars in Pocono Mountains

Evening life in the Pocono Mountains is generally centred on pubs, breweries, restaurants, live music and resort entertainment rather than a large nightclub circuit. Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg provide the broadest concentration of bars, casual venues and late-evening dining, with Jim Thorpe, Honesdale, Milford and Hawley offering smaller local scenes. Historic-looking taverns and inns reflect the region’s transport and resort past, while breweries and taprooms have become part of the contemporary leisure landscape. Resorts may provide lounges, entertainment or seasonal activities, but arrangements change and should be checked before travelling. In rural areas, distances between venues, limited late-night transport and winding roads make planning important; designate a driver or arrange a reliable taxi or rideshare where available rather than relying on spontaneous transfers.

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Best nightclubs in Pocono Mountains

Evening life in the Pocono Mountains is generally centred on pubs, breweries, restaurants, live music and resort entertainment rather than a large nightclub circuit. Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg provide the broadest concentration of bars, casual venues and late-evening dining, with Jim Thorpe, Honesdale, Milford and Hawley offering smaller local scenes. Historic-looking taverns and inns reflect the region’s transport and resort past, while breweries and taprooms have become part of the contemporary leisure landscape. Resorts may provide lounges, entertainment or seasonal activities, but arrangements change and should be checked before travelling. In rural areas, distances between venues, limited late-night transport and winding roads make planning important; designate a driver or arrange a reliable taxi or rideshare where available rather than relying on spontaneous transfers.

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Best shops in Pocono Mountains

Shopping in the Pocono Mountains is concentrated in the historic centres of Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, Honesdale and Hawley rather than in one dominant retail district. Independent shops and galleries sell art, books, antiques, clothing, jewellery, home goods and locally made crafts, with each town offering a different balance of heritage streets and contemporary small businesses. Farmers’ markets and farm shops are useful for seasonal produce, baked goods, preserves and regional food gifts, while breweries and specialist food producers provide further take-home options. Resort areas include practical outdoor clothing, equipment and souvenirs, but visitors seeking distinctive purchases should explore the older town centres and local galleries. Retail availability and market days vary by season, especially in smaller communities, so checking current arrangements locally is advisable.

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Pocono Mountains essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the United States dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards, including contactless payments, are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, fuel stations and major attractions. Carry some cash for small rural businesses, self-service facilities, car parks, trail donations and occasional market purchases, as mobile reception and payment equipment can be less dependable in remote valleys. Tipping is customary in American restaurants and for many personal services; the expected amount is normally calculated on the pre-tax bill.
Safety
Ordinary precautions are appropriate in towns, car parks and accommodation areas, particularly during busy holiday periods. Outdoor risks deserve more attention: trails may be uneven or slippery, mobile coverage can be weak, and weather can change quickly on exposed ridges. Follow posted advice near rivers, waterfalls, lakes and cliffs, and use life jackets for boating. In winter, allow for snow and ice on mountain roads, keep vehicles fuelled and check conditions before travelling. Do not approach bears or other wildlife, and secure food and rubbish at campsites.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 anywhere in Pennsylvania for police, fire or ambulance assistance, and give the dispatcher your exact location, trail name, road number or nearest landmark. The region’s parks and forests may have limited mobile reception, so share your route with someone before a remote walk and download maps in advance. For a mental-health crisis, call or text 988 in the United States. In a life-threatening outdoor emergency, call 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions regarding park rangers, search-and-rescue or other specialist help.
Do's and Don'ts
Obey posted rules on private land, state-park property and federal recreation areas, and stay on marked trails where requested. Do not trespass to reach waterfalls, lakeshores or viewpoints, and never leave rubbish behind. Keep dogs leashed where regulations require it and control them around wildlife and other walkers. At restaurants and bars, remember that service charges and tipping customs are American rather than specifically Pocono traditions. Drive patiently on narrow mountain roads, yield to pedestrians and cyclists, and avoid stopping in unsafe places for photographs.
Local Tips
Plan around geography rather than trying to cover the entire region from one daily base. The southern Poconos are convenient for Jim Thorpe and Hickory Run, the central area suits Stroudsburg, Delaware Water Gap and lake outings, while Milford and Honesdale provide access to the northern river and woodland landscapes. Start early for popular trailheads in summer and during peak foliage weekends. Scenic drives are rewarding, but map travel times conservatively because winding roads, seasonal traffic and slow-moving vehicles can lengthen journeys.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHey there[Hey thair]
GoodbyeSee ya later[See yah lay-ter]
YesYup[Yup]
NoNah[Nah]
Please/You're welcomeSure thing[Shoor thing]
Thank youThanks a lot[Thanks a lot]
Excuse me/SorryExcuse me[Ex-kyoos me]
How are you?How ya doin'?[How yah doin'?]
Fine. And you?I’m good, you?[I’m good, you?]
Do you speak English?Ya speak English?[Yah speek English?]
I don't understandI don’t get it[I don’t get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[Can I see the menu?]
I don't eat meatI’m a vegetarian[I’m a vege-tay-ree-an]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[Can I get the check?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Get lost![Get lost!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![Call the cops!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![Get a doctor!]
I'm lostI’m turned around[I’m turned around]
I'm illI’m not feeling well[I’m not feeling well]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I want to buy...[I want to buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[Just browsing]
How much is it?What’s the price?[What’s the price?]
That's too expensiveThat’s too pricey[That’s too pricey]
Can you lower the price?Can ya make it cheaper?[Can yah make it cheaper?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[What time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt's one o’clock[It's one o’clock]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMorning[Morning]
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvening[Evening]
YesterdayYesterday[Yesterday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where’s the...?[Where’s the...?]
What's the address?What’s the address?[What’s the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me on the map?[Can you show me on the map?]
When's the next (bus)?When’s the next bus?[When’s the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[A ticket to...]

History of Pocono Mountains

Indigenous Homelands and River Corridors

Long before European settlement, the valleys and ridges of the Pocono region were used by Indigenous peoples, including Lenape communities associated with the Delaware River watershed. Rivers provided travel routes, fishing grounds and access through the forested uplands, while seasonal movement connected valleys, hunting areas and settlements. European colonisation brought conflict, displacement and profound disruption to these communities. The Delaware River corridor and place names preserving Indigenous languages remain important reminders that the region’s history began long before the development of resorts, roads and towns.

Colonial Settlement and the Delaware frontier

During the eighteenth century, European farms, mills and small settlements expanded through the valleys of what is now north-eastern Pennsylvania. The Delaware River formed a significant frontier corridor, and the region’s heavily wooded terrain made movement difficult but encouraged timbering, agriculture and local trade. Milford, Stroudsburg and other communities developed around roads, river crossings and county administration. The colonial period also brought contested land claims and violence connected with the wider frontier conflict, leaving a complicated legacy of settlement and Indigenous dispossession.

Canals, Railways and the Coal Economy

The nineteenth century transformed the Poconos through transport and extraction. The Delaware and Hudson Canal connected coal country in north-eastern Pennsylvania with markets on the Hudson River, and Honesdale became an important northern terminus. Railways later opened mountain communities to freight and passengers, while nearby anthracite coal fields supported industrial growth in the wider region. Jim Thorpe, originally Mauch Chunk, prospered through its position on transport routes serving the coal trade. Canal remnants, railway buildings and historic town centres still reveal how infrastructure reshaped the mountains.

The rise of mountain tourism

Rail access and changing ideas about health and leisure helped establish the Pocono Mountains as a destination in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Hotels and boarding houses promoted cool air, lakeside recreation and woodland scenery to visitors from New York and Philadelphia. Resorts grew around springs, fishing waters and mountain landscapes, making hospitality a major regional industry. Some grand hotels have disappeared, but the resort tradition survives in the region’s lodges, lake communities and activity-focused accommodation.

Conservation and protected landscapes

As roads and holiday development expanded, public bodies and local communities increasingly protected representative mountain and river landscapes. Promised Land State Park and Hickory Run State Park preserve forests, wetlands, lakes and unusual geological features, while Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area protects a major stretch of the Delaware River and Kittatinny Mountain. These conservation efforts changed the visitor experience from one centred primarily on private resorts to one that also includes public trails, campgrounds, beaches, wildlife habitats and environmental education.

Modern recreation and a four-season economy

From the mid-twentieth century, improved highways and rising car ownership broadened access to the Poconos. Ski areas, golf courses, water parks, campgrounds and family resorts joined the established hotel industry, encouraging year-round tourism rather than a predominantly summer season. The region’s economy now combines recreation and hospitality with healthcare, retail, small manufacturing and ordinary rural services. Contemporary debates about development, traffic, water quality and habitat reflect the continuing challenge of balancing visitor demand with the character of mountain communities.

Pocono Mountains in Photos

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to the Pocono Mountains

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Welcome to Evendo, the indispensable travel guide app for your journey to the enchanting Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, the Pocono Mountains offer a rich tapestry of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you're hiking the trails of Bushkill Falls, exploring the historic Asa Packer Mansion, or indulging in the culinary delights at Bolete Restaurant, Evendo is your trusted companion.

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