6 Things to Do in the Poconos for Adventure Seekers
Are you ready for an adventure? There are few better places in the US for a thrill seeker or nature lover to vacation than the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. You're spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do, and you're sure to get that adrenaline pumping more than once! Here are some of our favorite activities to include in your Pocono Mountains adventure.
Go Whitewater Rafting
1519 State Route 903, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Whitewater rafting is an exhilarating way to start off your visit to the Poconos! Beyond spiking your adrenaline, this activity is the perfect way to see the beauty of Lehigh Gorge State Park. Pocono Whitewater offers several different rafting adventures, and there are options for private tours, families with kids, and even pet-friendly trips.
If you're really looking for an unforgettable experience, book one of their moonlight rafting adventures, where you will navigate eight miles of moonlit rapids with glow sticks lighting your way.
Zipline Through the Trees
193 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA 18372
Let's get that blood pumping with a different activity--ziplining! Camelback Resort offers this experience and is open daily to thrill seekers in the Poconos. Choose from 1000 or 4000-foot ziplines that suspend you about 180 feet in the air. But don't worry--you'll be safely strapped in with a harness and helmet.
While the initial push might be scary, we promise the breathtaking views and exhilarating feeling are well worth it. Just make sure to leave your sandals at home for this one, as closed-toe shoes are required to participate.
Find a Picture-Perfect Waterfall
You'll find picturesque waterfalls throughout the Poconos; you just need to know where to look. As you're planning your Pocono Mountains adventure, don't overlook the quieter moments you'll experience looking for local waterfalls.
Be sure to visit at least one of these:
Bushkill Falls
138 Bushkill Falls Road, Bushkill, PA 18324
It's not called the Niagara of Pennsylvania for nothing! This series of eight waterfalls is absolutely stunning, especially when the leaves start to change at the beginning of autumn. If you have time for them, the hiking trails in the area don't disappoint either!
Shohola Falls
Route 6 and Brooks Cabin Rd, Shohola, PA 18458
Follow the trail just off the Grand Army of the Republic Highway and Brooks Cabin Road, and you'll eventually come across Shohola Falls. It's certainly more quaint than Bushkill Falls, but the scenic views are worth the short trek.
Raymondskill Falls
983 Raymondskill Rd, Milford, PA 18337
Don't miss Pennsylvania's tallest waterfall! This three-tiered marvel has upper and lower viewing areas, both of which make excellent photo ops in their own right. The falls are only a quarter mile off the main trail, so they make a quick addition to any itinerary.
Take a Scenic Hike at Lehigh Gorge State Park
3 Family Camp Rd, White Haven, PA (Visitor Center)
If you loved the serenity of hiking to waterfalls, you'll also enjoy hikes in the incredible Lehigh Gorge State Park. With 33 miles of trails at varying skill levels, you can find a trek that matches your preferences. The Bald Mountain Loop Trail is a great choice for hiking pros, and the Lehigh Gorge Trail works well for beginners.
No matter which trail you choose, one thing is for certain--you'll see amazing views of the mountains and lush plant life that grows here.
Canoe or Kayak with Adventure Sports
398 Seven Bridge Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
So many outdoor activities in the Pocono Mountains involve water, so if you're excited about whitewater rafting, try your hand at canoeing or kayaking, too. Adventure Sports offers both these popular activities (including their own rafting adventures). Canoeing is a fantastic choice for couples or families who want to take a slower pace down the waterway, and kayaking makes the most sense for folks who want to put in the work to sail down the river.
Spend one day taking in the beauty of the Delaware River, or spring for a multi-day kayaking trip to satisfy your adventurous spirit.
Ride ATVs in the Delaware State Forest
155-167 Tower Rd, Albrightsville, PA 18210
At Delaware State Forest, you can try your hand at all kinds of outdoor activities in the Pocono Mountains. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and mountain biking, but why not take an all-terrain vehicle on the trail?
This state forest has over 28 miles of ATV trails, the longest being the Dixon Miller Trail. This 13-mile trail in Monroe County is open to riders in both the summer and winter.
Choosing things to do in the Poconos is tough, but only because you have so many options. This beautiful region caters to nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those who just want to snap some photos of waterfalls. But however you spend your time, count on Pocono Mountain Rentals for luxury accommodations. After all, you need a cozy place to come back to after a long day on the trails!
