The Poconos: More Than a Ski Destination
Most people associate the Pocono Mountains with ski resorts and honeymoon retreats. But Pennsylvania's northeastern corner holds a remarkable depth of natural beauty and small-town character that rewards curious travelers willing to venture off the main roads. Whether you visit in the fiery colors of October or the lush green of July, the Poconos deliver.
Waterfalls You Need to See
The Pocono region is home to an exceptional concentration of waterfalls within a relatively compact area. Here are some worth putting on your itinerary:
- Bushkill Falls – Known as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," this privately-owned preserve features eight waterfalls accessible via well-maintained hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging.
- Dingmans Falls – Located in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, this 130-foot plunge waterfall is one of the tallest in the state and only a short walk from the parking area.
- Raymondskill Falls – Often overlooked, this three-tiered waterfall drops a combined 178 feet, technically making it Pennsylvania's tallest. The trail is moderately rugged but well worth the effort.
- Shohola Falls – A quieter, less-visited cascade tucked along a rocky gorge — ideal for those seeking solitude.
Small Towns Worth a Detour
The villages scattered throughout the Pocono plateau each carry their own personality and history.
Jim Thorpe
Nicknamed "the Switzerland of America" by 19th-century visitors, Jim Thorpe is a beautifully preserved Victorian town perched along the Lehigh River gorge. The town is packed with independent shops, historic inns, cycling trails along the Lehigh Gorge, and stunning architecture. Even a few hours here feels like stepping into another era.
Milford
This charming borough near the Delaware River offers art galleries, excellent restaurants, and the Grey Towers National Historic Site — the former estate of Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service and twice-governor of Pennsylvania.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Straddling the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border, this 70,000-acre recreation area is one of the most accessible natural escapes from the New York/Philadelphia metro areas. The park offers:
- Over 100 miles of hiking trails, including a long stretch of the Appalachian Trail
- Canoe and kayak access on the Delaware River
- Swimming beaches at Milford Beach and Smithfield Beach
- Wildlife viewing including bald eagles, black bears, and white-tailed deer
- Historic villages and cultural sites along the riverway
Practical Tips for Visiting the Poconos
- Best time to visit: Fall foliage (mid-October) is spectacular. Summer weekends can be crowded near popular lakes.
- Getting there: The region is roughly 2 hours from Philadelphia and 1.5 hours from New York City.
- Where to stay: Jim Thorpe and Milford offer boutique inn options; larger resort hotels cluster near Mount Pocono and Stroudsburg.
- Pack layers: Mountain weather changes quickly, especially at higher elevations.
The Poconos reward the traveler who goes looking. Slow down, take the back roads, and you'll find a version of Pennsylvania that feels genuinely undiscovered.