The Pocono Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania have been drawing vacationers from New York, Philadelphia, and New Jersey for over a century — and summer is when the region is at its best. The landscape is a mix of forested ridges, waterfalls, lakes, and river valleys, with enough variety to fill a long weekend or a full week. The Poconos are roughly 90 minutes from New York City and two hours from Philadelphia, making them one of the most accessible mountain getaways in the Northeast. Here are nine things worth doing when you visit in summer.
1. Hike to Bushkill Falls
Bushkill Falls, nicknamed the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” is one of the most popular natural attractions in the Poconos. The privately owned park encompasses roughly 300 acres and features a series of eight waterfalls, the tallest of which — the Main Falls — drops approximately 100 feet into a deep pool surrounded by ferns and mosses. From the top of the Main Falls to the bottom of the Lower Gorge, the total drop is about 300 feet.
Four color-coded trails of varying length and difficulty wind through the gorge on boardwalks, bridges, and stone stairs. The Green Trail is the shortest — a 15-minute walk to the Main Falls viewpoint. The Red Trail is a roughly two-hour, two-mile loop that passes all eight waterfalls and provides the most complete experience. The boardwalks are well maintained but involve significant stairwork, so wear sturdy shoes. The park also offers paddleboat rides, mini golf, fishing, and gem mining for families looking to extend their visit. Bushkill Falls is open April through November; admission is $22 for adults as of recent pricing. Pets are welcome on leash.
2. Explore Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area stretches along 40 miles of the Delaware River on the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border, protecting 67,000 acres of forested mountains, floodplains, and river valley. It’s the largest recreational area in the eastern United States and offers some of the best free outdoor access in the Poconos.
More than 100 miles of hiking trails include a 27-mile section of the Appalachian Trail. Waterfalls, swimming holes, and scenic overlooks are scattered throughout. The river itself is a major draw in summer — outfitters run guided and self-guided canoe, kayak, and tubing trips along the Delaware, which is suitable for beginners in most sections. Swimming beaches along the river provide free public access on hot days. Wildlife in the park includes black bears, deer, bald eagles, and a healthy population of foxes and wild turkeys. The recreation area has no admission fee, though some parking areas charge a seasonal fee.
3. Cool Off at Kalahari Resorts Waterpark
Kalahari Resorts in Pocono Manor operates one of the largest indoor waterparks in the United States at 220,000 square feet — that’s not a typo. The African-themed complex includes everything from toddler splash areas and lazy rivers to body-surfing wave pools, high-speed waterslides, and a FlowRider surf simulator. A retractable roof section opens up on warm days, blending indoor and outdoor waterpark experiences.
The resort also has an outdoor waterpark (open Memorial Day through Labor Day), a 30,000-square-foot arcade, mini golf, laser tag, a spa, and multiple restaurants. Day passes are available for non-guests, though they’re limited and sell out on peak summer days — book online in advance. Kalahari is located in Pocono Manor, roughly two hours from New York City.
4. Swim and Hike at Hickory Run State Park
Hickory Run State Park covers nearly 16,000 acres on the western slopes of the Pocono Plateau in Carbon County. The park’s most famous feature is Boulder Field — a flat, treeless expanse covered with large, rounded boulders that looks like something from another planet. The field is a National Natural Landmark, formed by the freeze-thaw action of glaciers roughly 20,000 years ago.
For summer visitors, Sand Spring Lake has a sandy swimming beach, and the park’s 44 miles of hiking trails range from easy lakeside walks to moderate ridge routes. Many of the streams are stocked with brook and brown trout, making the park popular with fly anglers. June is an especially good month for hiking, when the native rhododendrons bloom throughout the forest. Disc golf, geocaching, and picnicking are also available. Camping is offered at the park’s campground, with both tent and RV sites.
5. Go Whitewater Rafting on the Lehigh River
The Lehigh River Gorge in the southern Poconos offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the Northeast. Several outfitters — including Jim Thorpe River Adventures, Pocono Whitewater, and White Water Challengers — run guided trips through the gorge, which features Class II and III rapids depending on water release schedules from the upstream dam. On dam-release days (typically weekends and some weekdays in summer), the rapids intensify and the ride is more thrilling; on non-release days, conditions are calmer and better suited for families with younger children.
Most trips launch near the town of Jim Thorpe and run 8 to 12 miles through the gorge. The surrounding forest is dense and largely undeveloped, making the ride feel surprisingly wild for a destination so close to major cities. No prior rafting experience is required for guided trips. Book in advance during peak summer weekends.
6. Visit Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm near Stroudsburg preserves the German farming heritage of colonial Pennsylvania. The 114-acre working farm includes original and reconstructed buildings — a farmhouse, cottage, smokehouse, and barns — along with livestock including sheep, goats, cows, horses, chickens, and pigs. Costumed interpreters demonstrate everyday farm tasks from the colonial era, from cooking and weaving to animal husbandry.
The farm is particularly engaging for families with children, who can interact with the animals and see historical skills in action. Summer is the primary operating season, with guided tours available for individuals and groups. Special events include seasonal festivals and hands-on workshops. The farm is also available for private events. Check their website for current hours and admission.
7. Spend a Day at Promised Land State Park
Promised Land State Park sits on the Pocono Plateau at over 1,800 feet above sea level, surrounded by more than 12,000 acres of Delaware State Forest. The park centers on two lakes — Promised Land Lake and Lower Lake — both of which have sandy swimming beaches with lifeguards during summer. Boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, paddleboats) are available at a lakeside concession.
Fifty miles of hiking trails connect the park to the surrounding state forest, passing through oak, beech, hemlock, and maple forests. Fishing for bass, pickerel, yellow perch, and catfish is popular on both lakes. The park’s Masker Museum houses natural history exhibits including mounted wildlife specimens. For overnight stays, the campground offers tent sites, RV sites, and rustic cabins — reserve well in advance for summer weekends.
8. Tour the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum
The No. 9 Coal Mine in Lansford offers a look at the anthracite coal mining industry that shaped northeastern Pennsylvania. The mine operated from 1855 until 2002, when it was converted into a museum and tour attraction. Guided walking tours take visitors underground into the mine, where you’ll see original equipment, an underground mule-way, the remains of a miner’s hospital, and the deep elevator shaft once used to raise coal wagons to the surface.
The guides share stories about the brutal conditions miners endured — it’s educational and sobering in equal measure. The museum, housed in the original miners’ shanty, displays authentic tools, blasting equipment, hats, and lunch pails. On a hot summer day, the constant cool temperature underground (around 50°F) provides natural air conditioning. The mine is located about 30 minutes south of the main Pocono resort area.
9. Visit Claws ‘N’ Paws Wild Animal Park
Claws ‘N’ Paws in Hamlin is a family-oriented animal park with more than 120 species, including parrots, reptiles, bears, and big cats. The park runs live animal shows during summer and fall, and the petting zoo lets kids interact with deer, goats, and lambs. A fossil-digging area called the Dinosaur Outpost adds an educational element, and parrot feeding sessions (with staff assistance) are a hands-on highlight for younger visitors.
The park is small enough to cover in a half-day, making it a good complement to a beach or hiking day rather than a standalone destination. It’s open seasonally, typically May through October. Check their website for current hours and show schedules.
Planning Your Visit
The Poconos are roughly 80–100 miles from both New York City and Philadelphia, making them one of the most accessible mountain destinations in the Northeast. Peak summer season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and weekends can be crowded at popular spots like Bushkill Falls and the waterparks. Midweek visits offer significantly less traffic and easier access to everything. Accommodation ranges from large resorts (Kalahari, Great Wolf Lodge, Camelback) to cabin rentals, campgrounds, B&Bs, and hotels in towns like Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, and Milford.
For more outdoor planning in the region, see our guide to Pennsylvania’s biggest lakes. If you’re visiting in winter instead, the Poconos transform into a ski destination — New England water parks offer a summer alternative if you’re exploring the broader Northeast.
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