The Poconos are a mountain region which spans 2,400 square miles across four Pennsylvania counties. With 170 miles of rivers, 261 miles of hiking and biking trails, 163 ski trails and 35 golf courses, the Poconos are an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The area's four distinct seasons means there are activities to do all year long.
Regions
The Poconos consist of five regions. The Upper Delaware River Region covers 73 miles of land and water in Pike and Wayne counties and offers Class I and II rapids. The Lake Region contains over 100 lakes, rivers and streams, and its Lake Wallenpaupack stretches for 52 miles of continuous shoreline. The Delaware River Region is home to the famous Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. For snowboarding or winter activities, visit the Mountain Region, while history buffs should explore the Lehigh River Gorge Region.
Whitewater Rafting
No matter what part of the Poconos you're in, you'll likely be near a whitewater rafting opportunity. Ten-plus companies are dotted throughout the mountains and offer you the chance to go rafting, kayaking, canoeing and tubing. Some places, like Pocono Whitewater Adventures, even provide lodging in case you're too tired to go home after an adventure-filled day, or if you like it so much you want to wake up and do it all over again tomorrow.
Bushkill Falls
Bushkill Falls is known as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania" due to its 100-foot main waterfall and scenic surroundings. Eight total waterfalls are spread throughout a series of hiking trails, footpaths and bridges in the Poconos. The Peters family owns Bushkill Falls and Creek and the immediate area, so you'll have to pay admission to get in, but once onsite you can rent a paddleboat, go fishing, play mini-golf or go hiking.
Skiing
Skiing in the Poconos has existed since 1946 and is easy to do, with a dozen companies and 163 ski trails scattered throughout the mountains. Many of the resorts and ski areas also have snowboarding and tubing if you're not into skiing or if you want to mix it up. Some are full-fledged resorts or lodges, so you can stay onsite and relax after a long day on the slopes.
Climate
The Poconos experience four definitive seasons with corresponding temperatures. January's average low is 13 degrees F, with over 14 inches of snow being the norm. By May, the air has warmed considerably, with highs near 70 F. Summer brings hot daytime highs near 90 F and cool nightly lows of around 57 F. The gap in daytime and nighttime temperatures means you'll still want to bring a light jacket if you visit in the summer, and a heavier jacket any other time of year.
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