Our Guide to the Perfect Poconos Getaway
For a memorable vacation the whole family will enjoy, find your way to the Pocono Mountains. A Poconos getaway can be as relaxing or packed full of activities as you want it to be. Any outdoor enthusiast will enjoy the abundance of outdoor recreation the region has to offer. The Poconos also offers small historic towns, cozy bed and breakfasts and plenty of areas to sightsee and explore. This is our guide to the perfect Poconos getaway.
With over 185 slopes and trails to choose from, the Pocono Mountains are a destination for all things skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing this winter. The Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in the easternmost part of the Poconos is a family oriented resort. Children will enjoy the special ski lessons and the snow tubing down the mountain. And don’t even worry about bringing your own equipment. Shawnee offers rentals for all your skiing needs including snowboards, helmets, and skis.
In the warmer months, you can’t come to the Poconos and not experience the many miles of hiking and biking at the state parks throughout the region. Promised Land State Park in Greentown, PA is home to over 50 miles of trails throughout. Hikers will find small waterfalls, a glacial lake and 4 species of trees lining the trails. The Pocono Mountains are also home to over 2,400 square miles of lakes and rivers. Spend the day sailing down the river on a boat or rafting along one of the Class I and II rapids. Rafting down the Lehigh River is a great spot for families and beginners to raft because of the slow and easy ride with beautiful scenery along the way.
When it comes to fishing, the Pocono Mountains offers thousands of miles of lakes and streams stocked with fish and perfect for fishing. Lake Wallenpaupack boasts 52 miles of shoreline and is stocked with smallmouth bass, striped bass, and yellow perch to name a few. Anglers also flock to the Lackawaxen River in the Poconos for bass fishing each season.
If your family is up for an adventure, what better way to experience a rush of adrenaline than with a zipline through the Pocono Mountains. Challenge a family member on a race down the mountain at the dual racing ziplines at Kittatinny Canoes on the Delaware River. Kittatinny offers one of the largest zips in the United States with dropping you 36 stories from the top and zipping at over 150 feet in the air. Zip lining is open to participants 8 and older and at least 60lbs.
Milford, Honesdale, and Hawley are just a few of the small towns in the Poconos offering buildings listed on The National Register of Historic Places. Spend the afternoon strolling through the streets and taking in the sights of these truly special small towns. You will also find great museums in these towns including the Pike County Historical Society and the Wayne County Historical Society. While visiting Honesdale, be sure to hop on The Stourbridge Line for a relaxing train ride through the Pocono Mountains. This 25-mile long ride gives passengers stunning views of the mountains and the Lackawaxen River Valley. The train schedule is seasonal but also offers specialty rides for viewing the fall foliage.
Your visit to the Pocono Mountains just wouldn’t be complete without a charming place to stay. Here at The Settlers Inn in Hawley, PA, the beauty of our Inn speaks for itself. The Settlers Inn sits on 6-acres of land and opens up to gardens and beautiful wooded areas. There are 23 spacious guest rooms to choose from each with private bathroom and most rooms featuring a fireplace and Jacuzzi tub. When booking your reservation, be sure to ask about our current specials. We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to Hawley.
Photo courtesy of Nicholas A. Tonelli