Pocono Mountains
The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania are only a 90-minute drive from New York City.
Also, these well-known mountains are only 90 minutes north of Philadelphia and four hours from Washington, D.C. For people from big towns who want to get away to nature, peace, and adventure, the Pocono Mountains are a great place to visit.
So Many Things to Do Outside
People who like being outside will love the Pocono Mountains. The cozy cabins in these mountains have made them a popular place for couples and families to visit for a long time. In the winter, they are also popular with skiers and snowboarders.
Going zip-lining at Camelback Mountain is the first exciting thing I do every morning. You will fly high above the trees as long as you stay on the lines that are set up in the middle of the forest. The Zip-Flyer is better for people who like things to be a little more cozy. In something that looks like a chair, you can glide from the top of the mountain to the valley in comfort. The Appalachian Express Mountain Coaster is a fast roller coaster ride right through the middle of the woods that kids and adults alike will love.
After that, we go to one of the world’s biggest paintball parks. In the nearby woods and over rivers, castles, tanks, and bridges have been built. People can test their skills and fight with each other. For paintball fans, there are more than 50 areas with everything they could want.
I’m not going on the paintball trip, but I’m excited about our next adventure, which is whitewater rafting on the waves of the Lehigh River. We splash through the waves with the help of an experienced guide and life vests. There is also plenty of time on calmer water to catch our breath and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The Historic Town of Jim Thorpe
As we’re ready for a break from all the fun things to do outside, we drive to historic Jim Thorpe, one of the Pocono Mountains’ many lovely small towns. It’s easy to remember the good old days when tons of people in Jim Thorpe made a lot of money digging coal. It is still possible to see many beautiful villas, charming homes, and even the old train. You can also find great cafés, restaurants, and shops where you can buy gifts to take home.
The people here are also very proud of the beer they make. People who know how to enjoy a good beer come to the many breweries to try everything from a good lager to a bitter IPA.
What hits me about this place is how open and friendly the people are. That makes sense, since it’s so beautiful. People say that life is better in the Poconos. I agree with them now that I’ve been to Pennsylvania.