50 Best Things to Do in the Poconos, Pennsylvania – 2024
Things to do in the Poconos. For years, nature enthusiasts, families, couples, peace-seekers, and pretty much everyone else have been drawn to the stunning Pocono’s wooded mountain slopes, parks, wineries, and flower-covered valleys.
Related – 40+ FUN THINGS TO DO IN ASHEVILLE NC FOR COUPLES
This charming Pennsylvania mountain is located in northeastern Pennsylvania and borders the Wyoming Valley and Lake Wallenpaupack. It offers views of the Delaware River and Delaware Water Gap. These are the top activities in the Pennsylvania Poconos.
Things to Do in the Poconos
1. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
One of the world’s natural wonders, the region surrounding the Delaware Water Gap has drawn travelers for over a century due to its breathtaking natural beauty.
The region was designated as a National Recreational region in 1978 to preserve it, administer it, and raise awareness of it worldwide.
This expansive park spans 40 miles along the Delaware River and encompasses 67,000 acres of mountains covered in dense primary forests, valleys, floodplains, ravines teeming with early spring blooming rhododendrons, large stands of native hemlocks, and a variety of wildlife, such as deer, foxes, lynxes, bears, and many more.
There are more than 100 miles of trails that lead to the most breathtaking gorges, ravines, and waterfalls for visitors to explore. For those who would rather drive, there are almost 100 kilometers of breathtakingly magnificent routes. The Appalachian Trail passes through the region for around 27 kilometers.
A breathtakingly scenic area, the Poconos are great for hiking, bird viewing, zip lining, fishing, canoeing, golfing, skiing, parasailing, and whitewater rafting.
A visit to the Poconos is truly delightful because of the charming little towns that dot the region. Each one is distinctive. For further activities and lodging options in the Poconos, continue reading.
2. Bushkill Falls
A small stream’s pure water cascades from the rocks high above the Pocono Mountains and flows far, far below to the Delaware River.
The water quickens as it approaches Pennell Falls, the first of the eight falls. It then passes through Upper Canyon and Laurel Glen, small gorges, before plunging spectacularly over a 100-foot cliff to create the beautiful Main Falls.
It falls another seventy feet to make a lovely, cold, deep lake surrounded by flowers and ferns.
Narrow paths and viewing spots dot the entire region, providing breathtaking vistas and a day of exploration that will never be forgotten.
Obtain a map of the trails and choose the one that most interests you. You may be fortunate enough to see a variety of birds that inhabit this verdant area. Although they are more elusive, wild species including bobcats, foxes, and black bears are also present. You may play mini golf, take a paddleboat ride, or just rest on a bench and feed the ducks after your stroll to unwind. Continue reading
Bushkill, Pennsylvania 18324; 570-588-6682; Bushkill Falls Road
3. Hickory Run State Park, Poconos
In the less wooded western foothills of the Pocono Mountains, Hickory Run State Park occupies 15,990 acres in Carbon County.
Boulder Field, a level field covered with big, spherical rocks that resemble the moon’s surface, is the park’s most well-known feature. One of three locations where orienteering courses are always available, Sand Spring Lake features a great swimming beach and a disc golf field.
There are hundreds of picnic tables, bathrooms, and playground equipment throughout the area.
There are over 44 miles of hiking trails in the park, and brook and brown trout fishing is excellent in several of the lakes and streams.
In the winter, snowmobiling is allowed on certain tracks, while cross-country skiing is allowed on others. June is the ideal month for hiking because it’s when the rhododendrons blossom at their peak. Geocaching, a GPS-based form of high-tech treasure hunting, is another popular activity in the area.
4. No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum, Poconos
Visit No. 9 Coal Mine, the oldest continuously operating anthracite coal mine in Lansford, Pennsylvania, situated 1600 feet down the mountainside, to gain firsthand knowledge of the murky world of coal mining. The mine was in operation from 1855 until 2002, when it was shut down and turned into a museum and tourist destination. You will go on a walking tour deep into the mountain with knowledgeable and experienced guides who will share the horrific stories of the lives our forefathers who worked as miners had to live.
You will witness an underground mule way, a miner’s hospital, and the original 900-foot-deep elevator shaft that was used to transport coal cars to the surface. Inside the former miners’ shanties, the museum showcases actual equipment like picks, drills, shovels, saws, axes, blasting tools, and even caps, lamps, and lunch cans used by the miners.
570-645-7074, 9 Dock St., Lansford, PA 18232
“What is There to Do in the Poconos, Pennsylvania” & “Fun Trips Close to me” are what you are reading.
5. Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark, Poconos
It would be a grave understatement to claim that Great Wolf Lodge is kid- and family-friendly. Situated in Scotrun, a little village situated between Tannnersville and Mount Pocono, this resort is all about having fun with the family. The “wolf dens” in hotel suites and the kid-friendly camps with bunk beds for the kids are the first examples. Then there is the massive waterpark, which is open all year round and offers thrilling rides, water slides, pools, and other amenities to keep the whole family entertained.
Get wet and sprayed as you enter Fort Mackenzie and exit via the Totem Tower slide.
Try the water roller coaster, Hydro Plunge, if you dare. Allow the children to run wild and retreat to the tranquil, warm pool at North Hot Springs, which is off-limits to children. It may be snowing outside, but everywhere you go the temperature is a beautiful eighty-four degrees. More details
570-688-9899, 100 Scotrun Ave., Scotrun, PA 18355
6. Promised Land State Park
Promised Land State Park is a 3,000-acre natural beauty perched above sea level on the Pocono Plateau at an elevation of over 1,800 feet. Encircled by more than 12,464 acres of thickly forested oak, beech, hemlock, and maple forest is the Delaware State Forest. There are two beautiful lakes, one featuring a fully furnished picnic spot that’s a great place to start a journey throughout the area.
The location features two sandy beaches, a basketball hoop, a sand volleyball court, water, and a playground. It is situated near Promised Land Lake in a lovely forested environment. There are concessions nearby that hire out boats.
Promised Land Lake and Lower Lake are excellent locations for leisurely canoe trips. If you’re a fisherman, consider attempting to capture some catfish, bass, pickerel, or yellow perch. There are fifty miles of trails connecting the Delaware State Forest and Promised Land State Park for hikers to enjoy, whether for exploring, studying the natural world, observing birds, or simply basking in the glory of the natural world. Remember to make a stop at the Masker Museum, which has fascinating natural history exhibits, including animal mounts. Read next: Pennsylvania’s water parks
570-676-3428; 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown, PA 18426
7. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
Pennsylvania’s distinctive German heritage is being preserved via the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm. Visitors can see guides costumed in traditional attire reenact events from everyday life on the farm while learning about Johann Depper, the property’s founder.
Goats, cows, horses, sheep, chickens, pigs, and other animals roam the 114-acre farm, which has pastures, streams, and wooded areas. A few small barns, a smokehouse, a cottage, and an antique farmhouse are open for exploration by guests. Individual and group tours of Quiet Valley are available, and the farm can be hired out for weddings, birthday celebrations, and other noteworthy occasions.
570-992-6161, 347 Quiet Valley Rd., Stroudsburg, PA 18360
8. Kalahari Waterpark, Poconos
The 10,000-square-foot Kalahari Waterpark, with an African theme, is located in Pocono Manor. The whole family will enjoy the difficult and entertaining features of this indoor waterpark, which include waterslides, body boarding, and indoor surfing. Floating on the lazy river or relaxing in the hot tub are two ways visitors can unwind. The water park’s roof may be raised to let in more light on hot days.
There are around 460 opulent suites at the resort where the Kalahari Waterpark is located. The Kalahari Waterpark is a unique location for business events, parties, retreats, and other special occasions thanks to its sizable conference center, spa, restaurants, and family entertainment area. More details
Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania 18349, 250 Kalahari Blvd., 877-525-2427
9. Claws ‘N’ Paws
During the summer and fall, Claws ‘N’ Paws, an animal park and petting zoo, puts on a number of thrilling shows. More than 120 animal species are available for close-up interactions with visitors, including pythons, alligators, parrots, and reptiles. Additionally, Claws ‘N’ Paws has a range of newborn animals at its location.
Visitors can engage with goats, lambs, and deer at the petting zoo. A more recent addition is the interactive Dinosaur Outpost, where kids and adults may go fossil hunting. Last but not least, Claws ‘N’ Paws lets guests feed parrots with assistance from the animal park personnel.
570-698-6154, 1475 Ledgedale Rd., Lake Ariel, PA 18436
10. Eckley Miners’ Village, Poconos
Eckley Miner’s Village was a hive of activity from the middle of the 1800s to the middle of the 1900s. A sports club building, a corporate store, two churches, a museum, and a few notable homes make up the village’s center. Visitors view a film at the tourist center that details the history of the community and the struggles of mining life.
Visitors can get an idea of the daily routines of the miners and their families who resided in Eckley Village by visiting the churches and social clubs. Visitors can discover at the store how company stores functioned and the reasons why miners shied away from them. Visitors can purchase mementos from the Eckley Village gift shop before departing.
570-636-2070, 2 Eckley Main Street, Weatherly, PA 18255
11. F. M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
Poconos Mountains locals and those in the nearby communities can enjoy entertainment at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in Wilkes-Barre. The theater’s striking architectural features include five spacious lobbies, lofty columns, and elaborate doors and windows. The center is renowned for its engaging architecture.
More than 2,000 seats provide ample space for both locals and tourists to take in the entertaining productions of plays, musicals, and comedic sketches at the Kirby Center.
570-826-1100, 71 Public Square, Wilkes Barre, PA 18701.
12. Pocono Environmental Education Center
One of the most well-known educational facilities in the Northeastern United States is the Pocono Environmental Education Center, or PEEC. The purpose of the PEEC is to encourage sustainable living and offer environmental education to individuals of all ages.
Conveniently located between New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, the 77,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is home to the education facility. PEEC often organizes public events, school groups, scouting troop outings, and outreach meetings. PEEC occasionally hosts workshops to inform the public about the preservation of land and animals.
570-828-2319, 538 Emery Rd., Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328
13. Poconos weekend getaway: Split Rock Resort Indoor Waterpark
H2Oooohh, the indoor waterpark at Split Rock Resort!is 60,000 square feet of waterpark featuring hot tubs, a snack bar, a wave pool, and slides. The four-story-tall Amazon Blast Slides and the kid-only play areas Jungle Falls and Leapin’ Lizards are among the park’s most well-liked attractions.
H2Ooooh! provides cheap passes for groups, kids, and seniors, as well as year-round special activities for families. Discounts on entrance are also available to Split Rock Resort visitors. The waterpark has spaces that may be rented out for birthday celebrations and other gatherings.
800-255-7625, 100 Moseywood Rd., Lake Harmony, PA 18624
14. Susquehanna Brewing Company
The Susquehanna Brewing Company is a family-run brewery that has been in operation for six generations. Free guided brewery tours are available on specific days for both individuals and groups to enjoy.
Every Thursday through Sunday, Susquehanna’s speciality brews are available for tasting in the tasting room. Additionally, there is a store on the premises where customers may buy branded goods including glasses, baseball caps, t-shirts, and sweatshirts.
570-654-3557, 635 South Main Street, Pittston, PA 18460
“Unique Things to Do in the Poconos, Pennsylvania” & Weekend Getaways is what you are currently reading.
15. Jack Frost Mountain Resort
Since 1976, Jack Frost Mountain Resort, or JFBB, has been a mainstay in the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. The Big Boulder ski slope, which is next to the Pokonos Jack Frost Mountain Resort, is whence the resort derives its name. Lift tickets can be purchased online or in person throughout the ski season, and the resort provides a wide range of rental gear options.
It’s also possible to buy season passes. The resort keeps busy during the summer by organizing family-friendly activities, musical performances, and other get-togethers.
White Haven, Pennsylvania 18661, 434 Jack Frost Mountain Road, 570-443-8425
16. Pocono TreeVentures
Pocono TreeVentures is home to a series of thrilling obstacle courses perched high among the Pocono Mountains’ trees. On its 14-acre property, TreeVentures offers five different courses, each with varying levels of difficulty. Before guests climb into the trees, they receive comprehensive instruction and all the necessary equipment.
TreeVentures has transformed two trees into climbing “walls” in addition to the five obstacle courses. The tallest tree is 24 feet high, while the other towers 40 feet above the ground. For thirty minutes, visitors are free to climb each tree as many times as they’d like. In addition, TreeVentures features two 1,000-foot zip lines that may be raced side by side.
800-446-0231; 1575 Fairway Villas Blvd., East Stroudsburg, PA 18302
17. Mohegan Sun Pocono
The Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut owns the casino and hotel Mohegan Sun Pocono, which is situated on a hillside near Plains, Pocanose, Pennsylvania.
The hotel features a contemporary convention center spanning 20,000 square feet, a spa, and 238 rooms. With over 2,300 slot machines featuring games like Wheel of Fortune, Triple Red Hot 7s, Deal or No Deal, Monopoly, and Hot Shot Progressives, the casino occupies 82,000 square feet of gaming space. There are more than ninety table games, including as craps, Let It Ride* Three Card Poker*, roulette, blackjack, and mini-bac. In addition, there is a bar, 18 tables, and flat-screen TVs in the non-smoking poker room.
570-831-2100, 1280 Pennsylvania 315, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
18. The Pocono Indian Museum
Hundreds of relics from the Delaware Indians, who formerly lived in northeastern Pennsylvania, are on display at the Pocono Indian Museum. Since its opening in 1976, thousands of people have visited the museum annually.
A thirty-minute tour that covers the tools, weapons, attire, culture, and customs of the Delaware Indians is available for visitors. In addition, t-shirts, caps, incense burners, moccasins, and other souvenirs with Native American themes are available for purchase in the gift shop.
570-588-9338; 5905 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18302.
19. Things to Do in the Poconos: Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
In the Poconos Mountains, there is a full-service ski resort called Shawnee Mountain Ski Area. At Shawnee Mountain, visitors can go tubing, snowboarding, and skiing in the late fall, winter, and early spring. There is a ski lift at Shawnee Mountain, and visitors can purchase season passes or lift tickets for each visit.
The on-site rental center makes it simple to rent winter apparel and equipment. Individual lessons for skiers and snowboarders can also be arranged through the office. Throughout the summer, Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is active with several festivals and activities.
570-421-7231, 401 Hollow Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
20. What to Do Near Me: Camelback Mountain Resort
All year long, the Camelback Mountain Resort offers exciting events for visitors of all ages. Situated atop Pocono Mountain in Pennsylvania, the resort has an abundance of snowfall throughout the winter season. That being said, the resort’s primary winter sports offerings are tubing, snowboarding, and skiing. At the resort’s main office, visitors can purchase lift tickets and hire equipment.
During the summer, guests of the resort can zoom down the 4500-foot Mountain Coaster, which is surrounded by breathtaking vistas of the mountains, or fly over the treetops on the Camelback zipline. Travelers often choose to stay at the Camelback Lodge, which has an indoor waterpark called Aquatopia that is accessible all year round.
Tannersville, Pennsylvania 18372, 301 Resort Drive; 570-629-1661
21. Mount Airy Casino
The contemporary mountain lodge decor of Mount Airy Casino and Resort pays homage to the majestic Poconos Mountains that envelop the area. The resort, which has 188 hotel rooms, 1,800 table games and slot machines, four restaurants, a 16,000-square-foot salon and beauty center, Gypsies nightclub and bar, and an excellent 18-hole lakeside golf course, is situated in the town of Mount Poconos and is a well-liked destination for entertainment.
Get Wet is an opulent swimming pool and entertainment facility with state-of-the-art conference facilities. The most popular restaurant is the well-known Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen, and the Gypsies Bar features a stellar lineup of performers that includes Sinbad and Belinda Carlisle.
570-243-4800, 312 S R 45100, Mt Pocono, PA 18344
22. Things to Do: Blue Mountain Resort, Poconos
New York and Philadelphia are 90 miles from the Blue Mountain Resort. Due to its reputation for having the longest ski trails in Pennsylvania, Blue Mountain is a well-liked destination for skiers and snowboarders.
There are sixteen lifts and 39 ski runs at Blue Mountain Resort. In addition, the resort’s mountain bike, disc golf, and special events are available throughout the summer. The resort’s climbing walls and difficult ropes course appeal to visitors of all ages. The resort itself has a plenty of room for lodging, dining areas, and social and business activities.
610-826-7700, 1660 Blue Mountain Dr., Palmerton, PA 18071
23. Things to Do in the Poconos: Frances Slocum State Park
The 1,035-acre Frances Slocum State Park is a multipurpose area. Among the various things to do at the park are hiking, mountain biking, boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. Francs Slocum State Park also features a 700-acre hunting and trapping area, year-round picnic spots, and a swimming pool that is open in the summer.
There are 13 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and walking paths in the park. There is a 100-site campground on the property, some of which have hookups for trailers. Last but not least, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy ice fishing, sledding, cross-country skiing, and ice skating in the park. Additional day excursions departing from Pittsburgh
570-696-3525, 565 Mt. Olivet Rd., Wyoming, PA 18644
24. Asa Packer Mansion
The Asa Packer Mansion, a National Historic Landmark, was formerly the residence of Asa Packer, a railroad mogul and philanthropist who founded Lehigh University. Built in1861, the historic house has a red-ribbed tin roof with a central cupola. The Asa Packer Mansion is a three-story, about 11,000 square-foot structure with eighteen rooms that is built on a cast iron frame. Since 1956, the house has been accessible to the public, and now, Thursday through Sunday, guests can enjoy a “guided walk-through” tour of the estate.
570-325-3229, Packer Hill Rd., Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
25. Things to Do Near Me: Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
For visitors of all ages, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway provides a picturesque and enjoyable train trip down the Lehigh Gorge. While a few steam trains are occasionally employed, diesel-powered trains make up the majority of the trains in service. The railroad is the main user of passenger carriages that date back to 1917. In addition to special excursions, regular trains run from the historic Jim Thorpe Station from May through December. The 16-mile round-trip Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway ride takes about an hour, crossing over bridges through Glen Onoko before entering Lehigh Gorge State Park.
570-325-8485, One Susquehanna St., Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
The best places to go in Pennsylvania’s Poconos and exciting things to do nearby right now, including hotels, resorts, and quaint inns:
1. The National Recreation Area of Delaware Water Gap
2. Bushkill Falls
3. Poconos’ Hickory Run State Park
4. Poconos’ No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum
5. Poconos’ Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark
6. Promised Land State Park
7. The Living Historical Farm in Quiet Valley
8. Poconos’ Kalahari Waterpark
9. Paws ‘N’ Claws
10. Poconos: Eckley Miners’ Village
11. F. The M. Kirby Center for the Arts
12. Pocono Environmental Education Center
13. Weekend escape in the Poconos: Split Rock Resort Indoor Waterpark
14. Brewery Susquehanna Company
15. Jack Frost Mountain Resort
16. TreeVentures in Pocono
17. Mohegan Sun Pocono
18. The Museum of Pocono Indians
19. Activities in the Poconos: Ski Area at Shawnee Mountain
20. Activities Nearby: Resort at Camelback Mountain
21. Mount Airy Casino
22. Activities: Blue Mountain Resort in the Poconos
23. Activities in the Poconos: State Park of Frances Slocum
24. Mansion of Asa Packer
25. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is one of the nearby attractions.
Highlighted Attraction: Jack Frost Big Boulder
Located in Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania, Jack Frost Big Boulder (JFBB) is a ski and snowboard resort that includes both Jack Frost Mountain and Big Boulder Mountain. Both mountains can be accessed with a single lift ticket. Twelve chair lifts at Jack Frost Mountain allow access to 18 routes and two terrain parks with a range of terrains. From a summit elevation of 2,000 feet, the trails traverse a 600-foot vertical plunge.
Six restaurants are available at Jack Frost on the mountain, including The Frosty Toboggan Bar & Grill, which serves breakfast, lunch, and supper with table service. Après-ski, live music, and dancing are available at The Fiddler’s Fridge In E-2000 Bar & Lounge.
With the most advanced and inventive terrain park system in the Poconos, Big Boulder Mountain offers a very unique experience. Ten trails and five terrain parks may be found on the mountain. Trails descend 475 feet vertically from 2,175 feet of summit elevation. In 2016, Transworld Magazine and Newschoolers.com named the terrain parks at Big Boulder as one of the top five in the Eastern United States. Numerous elements, including as tree bonks, different rails and boxes, wallrides, tubes, and A-frames, are available in the terrain parks. Snowboarders of all skill levels can enjoy terrain parks. This mountain is home to The Basement and the Boulder Park Lodge Shop, two of the resort’s three retail establishments. Five different food options are available at Big Boulder Mountain, ranging from the Lodge Cafeteria’s family-night pizza specials to the Cantina’s Burrito Bar, where visitors can build their own burritos.
Jack Frost Big Boulder is the first park in the area to open and closes last every season thanks to its vast snowmaking capabilities. At the foot of every mountain are rental shops that not only loan out equipment but also provide tune-ups and repairs. Both mountains offer daily access to lockers and bag checks, or visitors can buy annual passes to store personal goods all season long. Up to four sets of skis or snowboards can fit in a locker. There is snowtubing on both mountains. It is advised that guests check the website for the schedule in advance as the three-hour sessions start at predetermined times.
History: Using snowmaking on a commercial slope for the first time, Jack Frost Big Boulder was Pennsylvania’s first commercial ski resort. Employees of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company constructed the Split Rock Club, a company getaway on the beaches of Lake Harmony that featured the Hazzard Ski Slope, during the height of the coal mining boom in the 1940s. After the lodge was sold in 1947, Hazzard started to be referred to as the Big Boulder Ski Area. Originally intended to be a sister resort to the Big Boulder Ski Area, Jack Frost opened in 1972 and is now known as Jack Frost Big Boulder. Using a single lift ticket, visitors are permitted to access both resorts. With pride, JFBB asserts that it was the first snow-making mountain. John Guresh, a worker at Big Boulder Ski Area, created the snowmaking machine in 1956. Guresh’s device produced ice crystals that had the appearance and texture of snow and looked like sprinklers. Peak Resorts, which owns and operates twelve ski resorts, mostly in the Northeastern United States, is the parent company of the JFBB resort, which opened today.
Ongoing Programs and Education: JFBB’s Ski School provides a range of adult and child programming. Children 3 to 10 years old can enroll in Children’s Day Programs. Adult Group Programs provide one or three hours of instruction for novice or experienced skiers. Weekend access to an Adaptive Program is offered to disabled skiers. Throughout the season, junior development and ski teams meet every weekend, and parents can participate in a racing program. Every season, a range of weekend workshops and seminars are planned and posted on the JFBB website, in addition to private and group lessons.
Previous and Upcoming Exhibits: A Women’s Weekend Workshop was one of the JFBB’s previous seminars. Women-led, this two-day intensive ski and snowboard school for women (18 years and up) featured breakfast in the morning and a cocktail hour at the end of the skiing day. In addition to Thursday Men’s Clinics and Tuesday Ladies Clinics, the 2016–2017 season featured Senior Wednesday Clinics for skiers over 60. Clinics were free with the purchase of a lift ticket and took place once a week.
570-443-8425, 357 Big Boulder Drive, Lake Harmony, PA 18624
Highlighted at Pocono Environmental Education Center is an attraction.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center, which is situated in Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, offers a range of educational and recreational programs with the goal of raising environmental awareness, encouraging sustainable living, and fostering a respect for nature.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center, situated in the Pocono Plateau within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, was founded in 1972 after to the cancellation of the contentious Tocks Island Dam project. The Pocono Environmental Education Center was established by the National Park Service and Keystone Junior College to provide as an educational hub for visitors to the Delaware Water Gap.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center faced challenges during its initial year of operation, but it persisted and soon launched new projects and started remodeling. The site of the former honeymoon resort was soon transformed into the Pocono Environmental Education Center’s ideal location. Approximately 1,800 people took part in at least one of the Center’s programs in the year after it opened.
While the Pocono Environmental Education Center was initially a cooperation with Keystone Junior College, it was established as a separate, private non-profit corporation in 1986. The Center’s Board of Trustees increased in size from seven to over twenty members as a result of this modification. Employee counts also went up. The Center employed four people in 1972, but by the middle of the 1980s, that number had increased to about twenty-four. The number of annual visitors and participants skyrocketed with new projects, exclusive control, a larger staff and Board of Trustees, and more.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center has been growing both its facilities and its program offerings in recent years. In the early 2000s, the Center opened the YURT village and Visitor Activity Center in addition to renovating their Dining Hall.
Everyone will be captivated by the Pocono Environmental Education Center’s array of attractions and want to learn more about the environment.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center’s Main Education Building is the ideal venue for the majority of its events, lectures, meetings, and gatherings. There are offices, classrooms, instructional exhibits, and even a bookstore in the Main Education Building.
For smaller parties and events (lessons and meetings), the Nature Lodge is the ideal venue. Nature Lodge hosts a lot of private events.
A collection of pavilions and gazeboes serve as the ideal setting for outdoor events, meetings, and classes. These spaces are known as outdoor teaching and meeting venues.
Visit the Pocono Environmental Education Center’s website for additional details on its offerings. The majority of visitors spend their time exploring the Center’s natural outdoor components before heading to one of the attractions to take part in a quick class or presentation, since the Center is largely used as a public park for exploration, leisure activities, and outdoor sports.
There are several hiking routes available at the Pocono Environmental Education Center that are open all year round. Remember that every path has different levels of difficulty and potential risks, so before committing to exploring a trail, take these things into account along with the weather.
The Fossil Trail – Blue Blazed is a 1.03-mile hiking trail with a moderate difficulty level. Near the route, visitors can investigate the hardwood ravine and a variety of fossils.
Ridgeline Trail – Yellow Blazed is a roughly 3.63-mile hiking trail with a moderate difficulty rating. This trail circles marshes, hilly terrain, oak-hickory forests, and the shaded hemlock ravines.
The 1.5-mile Red Blazed hiking track on the Scenic Gorge track is an excellent choice for those who wish to explore Spackman’s Creek and the hardwood forest. It is rated as moderately easy.
Tumbling Waters Trail: Orange Blazed is a 3.01-mile hiking trail with stunning views of New Jersey’s mountains, waterfalls, and forests. It is rated as moderately challenging.
The Two Ponds walk, also known as White Blazed, is a 1.4-mile easy hiking walk. This walk leads along picturesque ponds and through forests of pine trees. Additionally, a variety of fauna, including birds, will be visible to visitors.
Trail For Everyone: The 0.3-mile Purple Blazed hiking trail is a beginner’s path. While strolling along this trail, guests are welcome to stop at one of the benches or rest areas to observe the surrounding scenery and wildlife.
The short, looping Sensory Awareness Trail has a rope to help visitors navigate. This trail has been thoughtfully designed to captivate all visitors with a variety of sensory-engaging posts.
In addition to summer camps and team-building exercises, the Pocono Environmental Education Center provides a range of educational options, including family, school, and scout programs. Go to the Center’s official website to learn more about the educational possibilities it offers.
Phone: 570-282-2319; Address: 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania 18328