Pocono Mountains
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Pocono Mountains

A four-season mountain escape featuring lush forests, cascading falls, and scenic river valleys.

Arrival airport
AVP
Airport drive
49 min · estimate
Suggested stay
2–4 days
Reservation demand
Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes
A vehicle with high clearance or AWD is beneficial for winter travel and accessing remote state park trailheads.
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Top tour

Most popular experience near Pocono Mountains

Know before you go

Trailhead Congestion

Mount Tammany lots often fill by 7:30 AM on autumn weekends. Consider the McDade Trail as a secondary option if the main Gap lots are at capacity.

Mixed Connectivity

Signal is generally strong in towns but drops significantly within the Lehigh Gorge and deep forest areas. Download trail maps before leaving Stroudsburg.

Regional Hubs

Fuel is plentiful along the I-80 and I-476 corridors but scarce on secondary mountain roads. Top off in Jim Thorpe or Stroudsburg before exploring the state parks.

Peak Foliage Window

Autumn colors typically peak in the second week of October, bringing heavy traffic to Route 209. Plan for extra travel time during these weekends.

River Safety

Lehigh River rafting is dependent on scheduled dam releases from the Francis E. Walter Dam. Check the Army Corps of Engineers schedule for release dates.

Check current conditions:PA DCNR State Parks

2RVs, campervans & cars near AVP

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Air Transat (3647835069) (2).jpg — illustrative photo, not partner inventory

Flights to AVP

Check on Aviasales
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2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at AVP
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at AVP

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at AVP
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2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at AVP
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at AVP

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at AVP
©

A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Pocono Mountains

  1. 01

    Delaware Water Gap Vistas

    Suggested: 8 AM from Stroudsburg

    • Mount Tammany

      Climb the red-dot trail for the most famous view of the Delaware River carving through the mountains.

    • Dingmans Falls

      Walk the accessible boardwalk to see Pennsylvania's second-highest waterfall in a lush hemlock ravine.

    Allow 30 minutes for transit between the Gap and Dingmans Ferry.

    The Dingmans Falls visitor center is seasonal; the boardwalk remains accessible during daylight hours.

    Pick up your vehicle at AVP →
  2. 02

    Historic Valleys and Gorge Trails

    Suggested: 9 AM from Jim Thorpe

    • Lehigh Gorge State Park

      Cycle or walk the rail-trail along the river to see abandoned locks and mountain scenery.

    • Old Jail Museum

      Explore the local history of the Molly Maguires in the heart of the Victorian mountain town.

    Allow for walking or local shuttle transfers within the historic district.

    Parking in Jim Thorpe is severely limited on weekends; use the designated municipal lots early.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Glacial Lakes and High Plateaus

    Suggested: 8:30 AM from Scranton

    • Hickory Run Boulder Field

      Visit this National Natural Landmark to see a massive field of stones left by receding glaciers.

    • Lake Wallenpaupack

      Enjoy the expansive shoreline of Pennsylvania's third-largest lake for boating and scenic overlooks.

    Allow 50 minutes between Hickory Run and the Lake Wallenpaupack region.

    Boat rentals at Wallenpaupack are seasonal and require advance check for availability.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Low

Securing Seasonal Permits for Pennsylvania Highlands

Most state parks are free to enter, but specific activities like whitewater releases on the Lehigh River or camping at Promised Land require advance bookings. National Recreation Area sites like Dingmans Falls have parking-limited access; check the NPS site for temporary closures.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

AVPPocono Mountains

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport · 49 min drive

Find flights to AVP

Plan your road trip

From Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport

49 min

about 36 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Pocono Mountains on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping en Busa.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Pocono Mountains on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Pocono Mountains

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Pocono Mountains

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Pocono Mountains

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Viator

Tours & experiences near Pocono Mountains

Explore guided activities around Pocono Mountains. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.

Open tour listings separately

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Pocono Mountains

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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