Adventure Awaits: Top Must-Do Activities and Hidden Gems in the Scenic Pocono Mountains

The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania stand out as one of the East Coast’s most iconic destinations, with Pike County offering a rich mix of attractions for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers. This article guides travelers through the best experiences across the region — from thunderous waterfalls and pristine lakes to luxury resorts, historic sites, and adrenaline-fueled tracks — with each location offering its own unique draw for visitors looking to escape or explore.

Bushkill Falls

Bushkill Falls, famously dubbed the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” is one of Pike County’s most breathtaking natural landmarks. This privately-owned park features eight waterfalls spread out across a network of well-maintained trails. The main falls drop an impressive 100 feet. The area includes four color-coded hiking trails, varying in difficulty, to accommodate different fitness levels and ages. Admission is $20 for adults on weekends, $17 on weekdays; $19 for seniors on weekends and $16 on weekdays; and $10 for children aged 4 to 10. The park also features a mini-golf course, paddle boats, and a mining maze, making it a complete family adventure destination.

Lake Wallenpaupack

Spanning over 5,700 acres with 52 miles of shoreline, Lake Wallenpaupack is the second-largest lake entirely in Pennsylvania. The 13-mile-long reservoir is a favorite among boaters, anglers, and swimmers. It is regularly stocked with smallmouth bass, striped bass, and walleye. The lake has multiple public boat launches, swimming beaches, picnic areas, and marinas. Every summer, thousands attend events like Wally Lake Fest, while winter brings ice fishing and skating. Its accessibility from Route 6 and abundance of lakefront cabins make it a top year-round retreat.

Camelback Resort

Camelback Resort is a premier attraction in the Pocono Mountains, offering a wide variety of activities throughout the year. In winter, the slopes come alive with 39 ski trails and 40 snow tubing lanes. In summer, Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark — the largest outdoor waterpark in Pennsylvania — takes the spotlight. The indoor Aquatopia Waterpark includes 13 slides under a massive transparent Texlon roof. Overnight stays begin at $199 and range up to luxury suites.

Thunder Swamp Trail

The Thunder Swamp Trail system, located in the Delaware State Forest, offers 31.7 miles of rustic hiking terrain perfect for adventurers seeking immersion in Pocono wilderness. Its 18.3-mile loop and 13.4-mile spur to Stillwater Natural Area wind through swamps, dense forest, and peaceful streams. Open year-round, the trail is especially appealing in the fall when foliage colors burst with deep reds and golds. Trail markers and maps are maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, ensuring safety even in remote sections.

Camp Minsi

Located in Pocono Summit, Camp Minsi covers more than 1,200 acres and centers around the 314-acre Stillwater Lake. As a key Boy Scouts of America property under the Minsi Trails Council, it offers activities like canoeing, kayaking, sailing, hiking, and whitewater rafting. Camp Minsi hosts specialty camps during the summer and supports over 3,000 scouts annually. The Pocono Summit Adventure Camp introduces participants to mountain biking, zip lining, and high-adventure programs. Recognized in the Pocono Record’s “Reader’s Choice” awards multiple years running, Camp Minsi is a landmark for outdoor youth leadership.

Ricketts Glen State Park

Ricketts Glen State Park may lie just outside Pike County but draws a substantial number of day-trippers from the area. Famous for its 22 named waterfalls, the most dramatic being Ganoga Falls at 94 feet, the park’s Falls Trail loop stretches 7.2 miles through the Glens Natural Area — a National Natural Landmark. The park also features Lake Jean, where guests can fish, swim, and rent paddleboats. Campsites and cabins are available throughout the year, and in winter, the falls often freeze into crystal-like sculptures that attract photographers from all over the region.

Mount Airy Casino Resort

Mount Airy Casino Resort brings a lively adult entertainment option to the Pocono tourism scene. Opened in 2007, the resort boasts more than 1,800 slot machines, 70 table games, and a poker room. The hotel includes 188 rooms and a luxury spa. Multiple dining venues — from Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen to fine dining at Bistecca by Il Mulino — elevate the experience. The resort is a popular nightlife hub with frequent DJ sets, comedy shows, and themed events. Visitors can also enjoy a round of golf on the resort’s award-winning 18-hole course inspired by legendary holes from around the world.

Skytop Lodge

Since 1928, Skytop Lodge has welcomed travelers to its expansive 5,500-acre estate in Monroe County. It offers accommodation in The Lodge, The Cottages, or The Inn, each bringing its own design flair. Guests can go clay shooting, play archery tag, or try treetop zip-lining. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available. The lodge also includes a 75-acre lake, nature center, and a historic golf course. Its tranquil setting and classic design make it one of the most enduring landmarks in the Poconos.

The Lodge at Woodloch

The Lodge at Woodloch is an elite wellness resort located on over 500 forested acres near Hawley. It offers 58 luxury guest rooms, all with private verandas overlooking the lake or wooded landscapes. A key highlight is its award-winning spa featuring over 50 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy pools, saunas, and steam rooms. Guests can participate in over 35 daily classes including yoga, cooking demonstrations, and painting workshops. Dining is centered around farm-to-table cuisine with ingredients sourced from the on-site Blackmore Farm. Recognized as one of the top destination spas in the country, The Lodge is a true escape for the mind and body.

Pocono Raceway

Known affectionately as “The Tricky Triangle,” Pocono Raceway hosts one of the most unique NASCAR Cup Series weekends. Located in Long Pond, it features a 2.5-mile tri-oval track with three distinct turns, each modeled after other famous tracks. The Pocono 400 in July draws over 100,000 fans, many of whom also engage with betting promotions tied to the race weekend. The track also hosts events like the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series. Beyond racing weekends, the raceway operates experiences like Stock Car Racing Experiences and exotic car track days. With proximity to I-80 and several large metro areas, it remains one of the most accessible major motorsport venues in the Northeast.

A Place to Visit

Whether you are into outdoor adventure, luxurious spa retreats, heart-racing motorsports, or serene lakeside escapes, Pike County in the Pocono Mountains delivers an unforgettable lineup of attractions that cater to every interest. From hiking through waterfall trails and casting lines into stocked lakes to cozying up in historic lodges and testing your luck at upscale resorts, each destination brings something fresh and memorable. This mix of natural beauty, rich history, and well-rounded entertainment options makes Pike County a standout vacation spot with year-round appeal — offering visitors both excitement and tranquility just a few hours from major metropolitan cities.