
Photo by Nicholas A. Tonelli, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
DestinationsMonroe CountyTobyhanna Lake
170 Acres · Monroe County
About Tobyhanna Lake
A 170-acre lake within Tobyhanna State Park, this destination is known for calm water and a family-friendly atmosphere, with a designated swimming beach and gentle trails circling the shoreline. It's an easy add-on for groups staying at nearby mountain residences who want a lake day without a long drive. The lake's calm, no-wake water makes it one of the most reliably relaxed swimming destinations in the region, well suited to families with younger kids, and its central location puts it within easy striking distance of Camelback, the Crossings Premium Outlets, and Mount Airy Casino Resort for groups who want a mix of lake time and bigger attractions. Its position roughly in the middle of the region's other lake destinations also makes it a practical home base for a group that wants to day-trip in several directions without committing to one corner of the Poconos.
- Best Season
- Summer
- Setting
- Tobyhanna State Park
- Popular For
- Family Swimming & Picnicking
- Water
- Calm, No-Wake
- Lake Origin
- Man-Made Dam (Pre-1871)
How It Came to Be
Long before it was a lake, this land was a swamp — one the Lenni Lenape called Klampeechen Chuppecat, 'deep, dark swamp,' and home to the Minsi people. Settlers arriving in the early 1800s cleared the surrounding timber, and at some point before 1871 — the exact date wasn't recorded — a dam went in, creating what was then known as Tunkhannock Lake.
That original lake had a working purpose: floating cut timber downstream to Pocono Lake rather than hauling it overland. The dam was enlarged in 1871 to expand the lake's capacity, and the structure holding it back today dates to a mid-20th-century rebuild. What began as industrial infrastructure for the logging trade is now one of the more family-friendly swimming lakes in the region.
Where to Eat
Murph's Hideaway
$$American / Gastropub · Pocono Lake, PA
A lively gastropub in Pocono Lake with a sprawling menu, closest full-service restaurant to Arrowhead Lake.
Get DirectionsPromised Land Inn
$$American · Greentown, PA
Casual family-style American spot in Greentown near the park, known for elk meatloaf and the Beef-alo burger.
Elk Meatloaf
Get DirectionsThe French Manor
$$$$French · South Sterling, PA
Formal French restaurant in a historic South Sterling stone chalet, prized for special-occasion fine dining.
Get DirectionsThe Vintage Tavern
$$American · Pocono Pines, PA
A well-loved Pocono Pines tavern serving classic American fare like burgers and hearty entrées in a warm, rustic setting.
Get DirectionsThe Water's Edge at Grange Valley
$$$American · Mount Pocono, PA
A well-reviewed Mount Pocono restaurant offering lakeside, fireside, or patio seating with scratch-made American cooking.
Get DirectionsAJ's Pizza and Parm House
$Pizza / Italian · Gouldsboro, PA
Unassuming Gouldsboro strip-mall spot locals rate as the Poconos' best pizza, with wood-fired, thin charred crusts.
Wood-Fired Pizza
Get DirectionsJubilee Restaurant
$$American · Pocono Pines, PA
Family-friendly Pocono Pines spot serving all-day breakfast and casual American-Italian-seafood dinners for groups with mixed tastes.
Get DirectionsMoyers Country Kitchen
$American / Diner · Pocono Pines, PA
A homestyle Pocono Pines diner serving big, affordable breakfast and comfort food, popular before hikes or ski days.
Get DirectionsSofia's Pizzeria and Trattoria
$$Italian / Pizza · Tobyhanna, PA
A casual, kid-friendly Tobyhanna trattoria serving reliably good thin-crust pizza and stromboli.
Get DirectionsWoody's Country House
$$American · Blakeslee, PA
Family-run Blakeslee restaurant and bar near Pocono Raceway known for hand-baked bread and award-winning chili.
Get DirectionsChat-n-Chew Café
$Breakfast / American · Blakeslee, PA
Family-owned Blakeslee diner serving budget-friendly breakfast and lunch, famous for the Messy Mike sandwich and daily-baked pastries.
Get DirectionsMountainhome Diner
$American / Diner · Mountainhome, PA
A casual, budget-friendly diner in Mountainhome serving all-day breakfast and comfort food, rated 4.5 stars on Google.
Get DirectionsMountainhouse Tavern
$$American · Greentown, PA
A cozy, family-friendly Greentown tavern serving hearty American comfort food and drinks in a casual, wood-toned setting.
Get DirectionsMurphy's Loft
$$American · Pocono Pines, PA
A casual, family-friendly American restaurant in Pocono Pines near Lake Naomi, good for a low-key, no-fuss meal.
Get DirectionsThree Pierogi
$$Polish / American · Tobyhanna, PA
Casual Tobyhanna spot known for standout pierogi and kielbasa, a comforting change from typical pub and pizza fare.
Pierogi & Kielbasa
Get DirectionsFirst Place Cafe
$Cafe · Gouldsboro, PA
A casual, budget-friendly Gouldsboro cafe loved locally for quick breakfast sandwiches and coffee.
Get DirectionsLombardi's Brookside Inn
$$American / Pizza · Tobyhanna, PA
A casual, family-friendly Tobyhanna Lake spot for pizza, burgers, dinner specials, and live entertainment.
Get DirectionsMamma Marias
$$Italian · Pocono Pines, PA
Family-run Italian restaurant in Pocono Pines serving generous red-sauce classics in a casual, unpretentious setting.
Get DirectionsPapa Santo's Pizza
$$Pizza / Italian · Blakeslee, PA
A family-run pizzeria near Blakeslee serving hand-tossed pies, hoagies, wings, and pasta for quick, casual takeout.
Get DirectionsThe Fairway Grille at Buck Hill Falls
$$$American · Buck Hill Falls, PA
Upscale clubhouse grille at historic Buck Hill Falls Golf Club, serving elevated American classics with sweeping course views.
Get DirectionsBackroads Cafe & Dairy Bar
$Cafe / American · Greentown, PA
A casual, family-friendly roadside cafe and dairy bar in Greentown, PA, near Promised Land State Park.
Get DirectionsSmittys Fish Shack
$$Seafood · Tobyhanna, PA
Casual shack-style seafood spot near the lake in Tobyhanna, highly rated and perfect for a low-key meal after a day outdoors.
Get DirectionsThai Chang Cuisine
$$Thai · Mount Pocono, PA
A local favorite serving authentic, adjustable-spice Thai staples like pad thai and curries at moderate prices.
Get DirectionsThe Dutchman Tavern
$$American / Pub · Gouldsboro, PA
A casual Gouldsboro neighborhood tavern known for hearty burgers, sandwiches, and pub plates at moderate prices.
Get DirectionsB-Lux Grill & Bar at Kalahari Resorts
· Pocono Manor, PA
Casual pub-style grill and bar at Kalahari Resorts, ideal for a no-fuss family meal after the water park.
Get DirectionsLakeview at Skytop Lodge
$$$American · Skytop, PA
Lakeview dining room at Skytop Lodge serving upscale American fare with scenic water views, ideal for special occasions.
Get DirectionsBerrelli's Italian ChopHouse
$$$Italian / Steakhouse · Tannersville, PA
A $$$ Tannersville spot near Route 611 blending Italian dishes and steakhouse fare, best for reservation-worthy occasions.
Get DirectionsThe Windsor Dining Room at Skytop Lodge
$$$$American · Skytop, PA
The formal, upscale American dining room at Skytop Lodge, best suited for special-occasion evenings.
Get DirectionsBistecca by IL MULINO at Mount Airy Casino Resort
$$$$Italian Steakhouse · Mount Pocono, PA
An upscale $$$$ Italian steakhouse inside Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, PA.
Get DirectionsThe Taproom at Skytop Lodge
$$Pub · Skytop, PA
Casual pub at Skytop Lodge serving burgers, salads, and sandwiches with a full bar for lunch and dinner daily.
Get DirectionsBluefoot Cuisine
· East Stroudsburg, PA
An East Stroudsburg restaurant with near-perfect ratings — 5/5 on Yelp (62 reviews) and 4.9/5 on Google (400+).
Get DirectionsBosco Pizza
$Pizza · Shawnee on Delaware, PA
A budget-friendly, no-fuss pizzeria in Shawnee on Delaware, PA, great for an easy meal after river, golf, or ski days.
Get DirectionsBuck Hill Falls Fairway Grille
$$American · Buck Hill Falls, PA
Casual, scenic American dining in Buck Hill Falls—an easy sit-down meal after golf, tennis, or trails.
Get DirectionsThe Buffet at Mount Airy Casino Resort
$$Buffet · Mount Pocono, PA
A casual American buffet at Mount Airy Casino Resort, ideal for groups or families with varied tastes.
Get DirectionsCinco Ninos
$$Mexican · Pocono Manor, PA
A casual, kid-friendly Mexican restaurant at Kalahari Resorts in Pocono Manor, PA — no need to leave the pool clothes behind.
Get DirectionsThe Cure Café
$Café · Stroudsburg, PA
A casual, low-priced café on Main Street in Stroudsburg with a devoted local following and outstanding reviews.
Get DirectionsDeer Head Inn
$$American / Jazz Club · Delaware Water Gap, PA
A historic Delaware Water Gap restaurant and jazz club pairing American cooking with live music in a rustic, moderately priced setting.
Get DirectionsDesaki Restaurant
$$$Japanese · Swiftwater, PA
A casual, mid-to-upper priced Japanese restaurant in Swiftwater known for its adjoining garden dining area.
Get DirectionsSound Bites Restaurant at The Jam Room
· Greentown, PA
A casual Greentown pub serving American fare alongside house-brewed beer from the on-site Jam Room Brewing Company.
Get DirectionsThe Dining Room at Paradise Stream Resort
· Mount Pocono, PA
On-site dining room at Paradise Stream Resort in Mount Pocono offering convenient, no-drive meals, rated 3.9/5 on Google.
Get DirectionsDouble Cut Charcoal Grill/Liquor at Kalahari Resort
$$$Steakhouse · Pocono Manor, PA
A sit-down charcoal grill steakhouse at Kalahari Resort in Pocono Manor, priced in the upper-middle ($$$) tier.
Get DirectionsFarmhouse Poconos
· Stroudsburg, PA
A well-reviewed Main Street restaurant in downtown Stroudsburg, rated 4.6/5 on Google and 4.3/5 on Yelp.
Get DirectionsThe Frogtown Chophouse
$$$Steakhouse · Cresco, PA
A well-reviewed $$$ steakhouse in Cresco, best suited to a leisurely evening out rather than a quick bite.
Get DirectionsThe Gem and Keystone Tavern
$$American · Shawnee on Delaware, PA
A casual scratch-kitchen wood-fire grill tavern in Shawnee on Delaware with three dining levels, including outdoor seating.
Get DirectionsGraffiti Pizza at Camelback Lodge
$$Pizza · Tannersville, PA
A convenient, casual on-site pizzeria at Camelback Lodge, though online reviews are notably poor.
Get DirectionsGreat Wolf Lodge Dining
· Scotrun, PA
Casual buffet and quick-service dining at Great Wolf Lodge in Scotrun, PA, built for convenient, no-fuss family meals.
Get DirectionsGuy Fieri's Mount Pocono Kitchen at Mount Airy
$$$American · Mount Pocono, PA
Guy Fieri's American restaurant inside Mount Airy Casino Resort, offering casual dining just steps from your room.
Get DirectionsHappy Hour Bar & Grill
· Stroudsburg, PA
A casual, no-reservation bar & grill in Stroudsburg with a strong local following, best for laid-back drinks and bites.
Get DirectionsHemispheres at Camelback Lodge
· Tannersville, PA
Camelback Lodge's in-house restaurant in Tannersville, PA — a convenient on-site option rather than a dinner destination worth a special drive.
Get DirectionsLonghorn Steakhouse
$$Steakhouse · Bartonsville, PA
A casual, mid-priced Bartonsville steakhouse offering a dependable steak dinner without the need to dress up.
Get DirectionsThe LOUNGE at Baymont by Wyndham
· Bartonsville, PA
A casual pub-style bar and lounge inside Baymont by Wyndham in Bartonsville, rated 4.4/5, good for a quick drink or bite.
Get DirectionsLucky 8 Noodle + Sushi Bar at Mount Airy Casino Resort
$$$Asian / Sushi · Mount Pocono, PA
Casual noodle and sushi bar inside Mount Airy Casino Resort, ideal for a quick, no-fuss meal on property.
Get DirectionsMountain View Bar & Grill at Chateau Resort
· Tannersville, PA
Casual bar and grill at Chateau Resort in Tannersville, PA, serving American pub fare with no dress code or reservation stress.
Get DirectionsNeptunes at Camelback Lodge
· Tannersville, PA
On-site restaurant at Camelback Lodge in Tannersville, PA, rated 4.3/5 from over 11,800 Google reviews.
Get DirectionsNYC Indian Grill
$$Indian · Stroudsburg, PA
A well-reviewed, mid-range Indian restaurant on Main Street in downtown Stroudsburg.
Get DirectionsThe Olivet
· Swiftwater, PA
A local, non-chain restaurant in Swiftwater, PA, convenient to the Route 611 corridor and nearby Pocono resort areas.
Get DirectionsRare & Rye Steakhouse
$$$Steakhouse · East Stroudsburg, PA
Well-reviewed upper-middle-priced steakhouse in East Stroudsburg, PA, great for a proper celebratory dinner.
Get DirectionsThe River Room Restaurant
$$$Italian-Inspired · Shawnee on Delaware, PA
Resort-casual Italian-inspired dining with a curated wine list at the Shawnee Inn in Shawnee on Delaware.
Get DirectionsSarah Street Grill
· Stroudsburg, PA
A popular American grill in Stroudsburg, PA, with a strong local following and a 4.4/5 Google rating across 2,600+ reviews.
Get DirectionsShah's Halal Food
$Halal · Stroudsburg, PA
A casual, budget-friendly halal restaurant in Stroudsburg serving American-leaning halal food.
Get DirectionsThe ShawneeCraft Taproom
· Shawnee on Delaware, PA
A casual pub-style taproom at Shawnee Inn, perfect for a relaxed meal after hiking or paddling.
Get DirectionsShinjiru Ramen
$$Ramen · Tannersville, PA
Highly rated, moderately priced ramen spot in Tannersville, great for a fuss-free warm-up meal without reservations.
Get DirectionsSmuggler's Cove Restaurant
$$$Seafood · Tannersville, PA
A longtime Tannersville seafood-and-steak landmark near Camelback, serving Pocono diners for over 45 years.
Get DirectionsSortino's Italian Kitchen at Kalahari Resorts
$$$Italian · Pocono Manor, PA
Sit-down Italian dinner inside Kalahari Resorts in Pocono Manor, ideal for families who don't want to leave the property.
Get DirectionsSpice Route
$$Indian · Bartonsville, PA
A well-rated Bartonsville Indian restaurant with moderate prices and a menu spanning vegetarian, meat, and spice levels for all tastes.
Get DirectionsSycamore Grille Restaurant & Pub
· Delaware Water Gap, PA
Casual pub and bar fare in Delaware Water Gap, PA, right at the edge of the National Recreation Area — great post-hike stop.
Get DirectionsTandoor Palace
$$Indian · Tannersville, PA
A mid-range Indian restaurant in Tannersville near Camelback/Mount Pocono, popular for its varied menu and dependable meals.
Get DirectionsTimbers Pub & Grill
· Reeders, PA
A casual, well-reviewed neighborhood bar and grill in Reeders, perfect for a low-key, no-reservation Pocono meal.
Get DirectionsTrackside Station Grill & Bar
· East Stroudsburg, PA
A casual, no-reservation American pub-and-bar near the historic railroad crossing in East Stroudsburg, great after hiking.
Get DirectionsTrails End Pub & Grill at Camelback Lodge
· Tannersville, PA
Casual pub at Camelback Lodge in Tannersville with mountain views and outdoor firepits, best for a relaxed après-ski bite.
Get DirectionsVault 636
· Stroudsburg, PA
Vault 636 is a well-reviewed restaurant on Stroudsburg's walkable Main Street, a solid choice for an easy night out.
Get DirectionsThe Warehouse Tavern & Grill
· East Stroudsburg, PA
A casual pub-and-bar style tavern in East Stroudsburg serving American food, best for a relaxed drink and bite rather than a special occasion.
Get DirectionsWillie Mae's Place
· Gilbert, PA
A low-key, well-reviewed local restaurant in Gilbert, PA, in the western Poconos.
Get DirectionsStarbucks at Mount Airy Casino Resort
$Coffee · Mount Pocono, PA
A convenient, budget-friendly Starbucks inside Mount Airy Casino Resort, ideal for a quick coffee between gaming or before hiking.
Get DirectionsStroudsmoor Bakery & Café
$Bakery & Café · Stroudsburg, PA
A casual, budget-friendly Stroudsburg bakery-café, great for a quick morning bite before hiking or shopping.
Get DirectionsVillage Farmer & Bakery
$Bakery · Delaware Water Gap, PA
Rustic bakery since 1976 known for watching pies get made, plus local produce and PA-made jams, relishes, and chocolates.
Get DirectionsVocelli Pizza
$Pizza · Tannersville, PA
Casual, budget-friendly Tannersville pizza spot serving gourmet pizza, subs, wings and fresh salads.
Get DirectionsA Taste of Brooklyn
· Tannersville, PA
A casually well-liked eatery at The Crossings Premium Outlets in Tannersville, great for a break during shopping.
Get DirectionsBake Believe Cakes
$Bakery · Pocono Manor, PA
A budget-friendly Pocono Manor cake bakery beloved by locals, with a perfect 5/5 Google rating.
Get DirectionsBella Artisan Bakery & Deli
$Bakery & Deli · East Stroudsburg, PA
A casual, budget-friendly artisan bakery & deli in East Stroudsburg, great for a quick bite before or after your Pocono adventures.
Get DirectionsThe Buckwood Café
$Café · Shawnee on Delaware, PA
A casual, affordable grab-and-go café at the Shawnee Inn, rated 4/5 across 1,400+ Google reviews.
Get DirectionsCafé Bar, Coffee by La Colombe at Camelback Lodge
$Coffee · Tannersville, PA
A grab-and-go La Colombe coffee bar inside Camelback Lodge, prized for convenience over quality.
Get DirectionsThe Hangry Fork
$$American Breakfast · Tannersville, PA
A casual Tannersville spot for classic American breakfast and lunch daily, plus relaxed weekend dinners Friday through Sunday.
Get DirectionsJiva Java Café
$Café · Bartonsville, PA
A budget-friendly Bartonsville café beloved locally, boasting a 4.8-star Google rating across roughly 490 reviews.
Get DirectionsJust Like Magic Bakery
$Bakery · Stroudsburg, PA
A budget-friendly Main Street bakery in Stroudsburg, great for a quick coffee-and-pastry stop.
Get DirectionsThe Little Rock Cafe
$Café · Mount Pocono, PA
A casual, budget-friendly café in Mount Pocono with a loyal local following and consistently high ratings.
Get DirectionsLos Tres Amigos
$$Mexican · East Stroudsburg, PA
A mid-range, well-reviewed Mexican restaurant in East Stroudsburg, PA, good for a casual sit-down meal.
Get DirectionsPerla Coffee Co. and Eatery
$Coffee · Brodheadsville, PA
A casual, budget-friendly coffee shop and eatery in Brodheadsville, highly rated by locals on Google and Yelp.
Get DirectionsQuench Café & Juice Bar
$Café & Juice Bar · Stroudsburg, PA
A casual, budget-friendly café and juice bar in Stroudsburg, well-rated by locals for coffee, juice, or a quick bite.
Get DirectionsThe ShawneeCraft Wood-Fired Traditional Neapolitan Pizzeria
$$Pizza · Shawnee on Delaware, PA
Casual wood-fired Neapolitan pizzeria at the Shawnee Inn, rated 4.6/5 across 365 Google reviews.
Get DirectionsSonia's Sweet Inspirations
$Bakery · Stroudsburg, PA
A budget-friendly Stroudsburg bakery, ideal for a quick coffee, pastry, or treats to-go rather than a destination meal.
Get DirectionsThe Garden at desaki
$$$Japanese · Swiftwater, PA
A scenic outdoor garden dining area at Desaki Restaurant in Swiftwater, PA, offering Japanese cuisine for date nights and celebrations.
Get DirectionsAlta Vida
$$$Modern Mexican · Tannersville, PA
Modern Mexican dining and margaritas on an open-air deck at Camelback Resort.
Get DirectionsB-LUX Grill & Bar
$$American / Gourmet Burgers · Pocono Manor, PA
Gourmet burgers and handcrafted shakes inside Kalahari Resort.
Get DirectionsCinco Niños
$$Mexican · Pocono Manor, PA
Made-from-scratch Mexican fare and one of the region's largest tequila selections at Kalahari.
Get DirectionsDuck Donuts of Bartonsville
$Donuts & Coffee · Bartonsville, PA
Made-to-order warm donuts, decorated fresh in front of you.
Get DirectionsFrench Manor Inn and Spa
$$$$French / American Fine Dining · Newfoundland, PA
AAA Four Diamond farm-to-table French cuisine in a secluded mountaintop inn.
Get DirectionsFriendly's
$American / Ice Cream · Tannersville, PA
The classic American family restaurant and ice cream parlor, serving Tannersville since 1935.
Get DirectionsMACS Mac & Cheese Shop
$Mac & Cheese · Pocono Manor, PA
Wisconsin cheese meets Southern comfort in fast-casual mac and cheese bowls.
Get DirectionsSortino's Italian Kitchen
$$$Italian · Pocono Manor, PA
A 60-year Sortino family Italian tradition, now inside Kalahari Resort.
Get DirectionsTanLines Outdoor Bar & Grille - Paradise Stream
$$Poolside Bar & Grill · Mount Pocono, PA
Poolside cocktails and grilled fare at Paradise Stream Resort on private Lake Eden.
Get DirectionsThe Last Bite
$Desserts & Sweets · Pocono Manor, PA
Hand-dipped chocolates, caramel apples, and ice cream in the Kalahari Resort lobby.
Get DirectionsThe Taproom by Barley Creek
$$Brewery Taproom · Tannersville, PA
16 taps of Barley Creek's own award-winning beer at the Crossings Premium Outlets.
Get DirectionsThe Vintage Inn & Tavern
$$Gastropub · Tobyhanna, PA
A family-run gastropub inside a 200-year-old building, with a kitchen by Witchcraft Sandwich Co.
Get DirectionsWhere to Hike
Lakeside Loop Trail
ModerateTobyhanna State Park's highest-rated trail: a 5.1-mile lakeside loop with water views nearly the whole way.
View on AllTrailsLittle Falls Trail
EasyAn easy 1.4-mile loop past small waterfalls, and the most popular hike in Promised Land State Park.
View on AllTrailsOld Entrance, Frank Gantz & Old 611 Loop
ModerateA 5.7-mile Gouldsboro State Park loop past wetlands and Black Bear Swamp, easy on climbing but long on distance.
View on AllTrailsEgypt Meadow Lake Loop
EasyAn easy, flat 3.7-mile loop around Egypt Meadow Lake, the park's most popular hike, with steady lake views and wildlife sightings.
View on AllTrailsProspect Rock Trail
DifficultA demanding 5.8-mile blue-blazed loop in Gouldsboro leading to the rewarding open-air overlook at Prospect Rock.
View on AllTrailsRange Trail
EasyAn easy 2.75-mile out-and-back near Tobyhanna Lake through wetlands and a boulder field, great for birds and wildlife.
View on AllTrailsMount Wismer Loop
ModerateA moderate-rated loop in Mount Wismer Nature Preserve, running 2 miles with about 423 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsMount Wismer Nature Preserve Trail Loop
EasyA easy-rated loop in Mount Wismer Nature Preserve, running 1.9 miles with about 259 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsMount Wismer Trail
EasyA easy-rated out-and-back route in Mount Wismer Nature Preserve, running 1.8 miles with about 321 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsLake Wallenpaupack Blue Trail
EasyA easy-rated loop in Greentown, running 1.3 miles with about 144 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsHighland Trail Loop
EasyA easy-rated loop in Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area, running 2.2 miles with about 150 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsHighland Trail
ModerateA moderate-rated out-and-back route in Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area, running 2.3 miles with about 118 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsPine Trail
EasyA easy-rated loop in Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area, running 0.8 miles with about 68 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsBrady's Dam Loop
ModerateA moderate-rated loop in State Game Lands Number 127, running 3.8 miles with about 127 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsBrady's Lake Big Loop
EasyA easy-rated loop in State Game Lands Number 127, running 5.4 miles with about 216 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsWarnertown Dam Trail
EasyA easy-rated loop in State Game Lands Number 127, running 4.7 miles with about 252 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsKurmes Paradise Creek Nature Preserve from Devils Hole Road
EasyA easy-rated loop in Kurmes Paradise Creek Nature Preserve, running 1.7 miles with about 134 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsFieldstone Farm Trail Loop
EasyA easy-rated loop in Fieldstone Farm Tank Creek Preserve, running 1 mile with about 173 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsGouldsboro Lake via Tobyhanna State Park Campground
ModerateA moderate-rated out-and-back route in Tobyhanna State Park, running 8.7 miles with about 534 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsFrank Gantz Trail
EasyA easy-rated out-and-back route in Tobyhanna State Park, running 6.3 miles with about 360 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsWoodland Trail
EasyA easy-rated loop in Mount Pocono, running 1.1 miles with about 114 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsLost Lakes Trail
EasyA easy-rated out-and-back route in Pocono Lake, running 2.4 miles with about 203 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsBruce Lake Trail (long)
ModerateA moderate-rated out-and-back route in Bruce Lake Natural Area, running 14.6 miles with about 954 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsBruce Lake Trail (short)
ModerateA moderate-rated out-and-back route in Bruce Lake Natural Area, running 5.7 miles with about 341 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsRock Oak Ridge Trail, Boundary Trail, and 1800 Trail Loop
EasyA easy-rated loop in Promised Land State Park, running 1.2 miles with about 85 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsWhittaker Trail
EasyA easy-rated out-and-back route in Promised Land State Park, running 3.3 miles with about 360 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsHemlock Hill, Song Dog, Bear Wallow, and Lower Lake Trail
EasyA easy-rated loop in Promised Land State Park, running 5.4 miles with about 311 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsTree Tower, Bear Wallow, Big Dam Ridge, Song Dog, and Overlook Trail
EasyA easy-rated out-and-back route in Promised Land State Park, running 6 miles with about 377 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsDevil's Hole Trail
ModerateA moderate-rated out-and-back route in State Game Lands Number 221, running 3.1 miles with about 364 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsDevil's Hole Trail (Loop)
ModerateA moderate-rated out-and-back route in State Game Lands Number 221, running 6 miles with about 948 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsChoke Creek Trail
ModerateA moderate-rated loop in Pinchot State Forest, running 8.6 miles with about 469 ft of elevation gain. Part of the Pinchot Trail system near Thornhurst/Gouldsboro. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsChoke Creek Extended Loop
ModerateA moderate-rated loop in Pinchot State Forest, running 8.8 miles with about 492 ft of elevation gain. Part of the Pinchot Trail system near Thornhurst/Gouldsboro. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsPinchot Trail: South Loop
ModerateA moderate-rated loop in Pinchot State Forest, running 13.4 miles with about 830 ft of elevation gain. Part of the Pinchot Trail system near Thornhurst/Gouldsboro.
View on AllTrailsPinchot Trail
DifficultA difficult-rated loop in Pinchot State Forest, running 22.2 miles with about 1624 ft of elevation gain. Part of the Pinchot Trail system near Thornhurst/Gouldsboro.
View on AllTrailsPinchot Trail - North
ModerateA moderate-rated loop in Pinchot State Forest, running 9.6 miles with about 849 ft of elevation gain. Part of the Pinchot Trail system near Thornhurst/Gouldsboro.
View on AllTrailsRattlesnake Creek Road
ModerateA moderate-rated out-and-back route in State Game Lands Number 221, running 2.3 miles with about 344 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers.
View on AllTrailsCathy's Trail Loop
EasyA easy-rated loop in Hauser Nature Center, running 1.9 miles with about 32 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsPimple Hill via Creek, Dyson, and Knorr Trail Loop
EasyA easy-rated loop in Dixon Miller Recreation Area, running 2.5 miles with about 393 ft of elevation gain.
View on AllTrailsThings to Do
Camelback Mountain Adventures
Adventure Park Seasonal (Spring–Fall)
A mountainside adventure park at Camelback Resort featuring aerial ropes courses, zip lines, and the Downhill Mountain Coaster, with rides suited to both thrill-seekers and first-timers. The Downhill Mountain Coaster, a self-controlled sled-style ride down the mountainside, is the single most popular attraction and works for a wide age range, while the aerial courses scale up from beginner platforms to genuinely challenging high-ropes routes. It's an easy half-day stop for a group with mixed appetites for adrenaline, since guests can pick and choose which attractions to try.
Get DirectionsKalahari Resorts Indoor Waterpark
Waterpark Year-Round (Indoor)
America's largest indoor waterpark resort, with an Africa-themed water park, family entertainment center, and convention space, open regardless of season or weather. The indoor setting makes it a genuine year-round option — a rainy or snowy day doesn't cancel a water park visit here the way it would elsewhere — and the attached entertainment center offers arcade games, mini golf, and other activities beyond the water park itself for a full day indoors. It's a particularly useful backup plan for a winter trip that wants one guaranteed indoor activity day.
Get DirectionsCamelbeach Mountain Waterpark
Waterpark Seasonal (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
Pennsylvania's largest outdoor water park, with more than 30 slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river spread across 26 acres at the base of Camelback Mountain. The scale here is the draw — enough slides and attractions that a family or group could spend a full day without repeating a ride — and the wave pool and lazy river offer a lower-key option for guests who'd rather relax than chase thrills. It gets genuinely busy on peak summer weekends, so an early arrival helps secure a good spot to set up for the day.
Get DirectionsMount Airy Casino Resort
Casino & Entertainment Year-Round
A full-scale casino resort with table games, slots, a spa, and a concert venue that regularly hosts national touring acts — a change of pace from the region's outdoor-focused attractions. Beyond the gaming floor, the resort's spa and dining options make it a reasonable half-day stop even for guests who don't gamble, and the concert calendar is worth checking ahead of a trip in case a touring act lines up with the visit. It's one of the few genuinely indoor, adults-oriented options in the region.
Get DirectionsPocono Raceway
Motorsports Seasonal (Race Weekends, May–July)
A 2.5-mile tri-oval known as "The Tricky Triangle," hosting NASCAR Cup Series race weekends each summer alongside track tours and driving experiences on off-weekends. The track's unusual asymmetric layout, with three distinct turns of different radii and banking, is part of what makes it a favorite among drivers and fans alike, and race weekends bring a full festival atmosphere with camping, vendors, and concerts alongside the racing itself. Off-season track tours and ride-along experiences let non-race-weekend visitors get a taste of the track at speed.
Get DirectionsPocono ATVs at Memorytown
Outdoor Recreation Seasonal (Spring–Fall)
A 200-acre guided ATV and UTV off-roading park through wooded Pocono trails, with a full safety briefing and fitted helmet before every tour — open to first-timers as well as experienced riders. Guided tours mean no prior off-roading experience is required, and the mix of trail terrain keeps things interesting without requiring expert-level handling. Multi-passenger UTV options make it accessible to guests who'd rather ride along than drive, which helps when a group has a range of comfort levels with off-road vehicles.
Get DirectionsBalloon Chase Adventures
Aerial Tour Year-Round (Weather Permitting)
Sunrise and sunset hot air balloon flights over the Pocono hills from a Moscow, PA launch site, with two- and four-passenger balloon options for a quieter kind of adrenaline than the ground-level activities nearby. Flights typically last about an hour in the air, drifting over the rolling ridgelines and lakes of the region with views unavailable from any trail or overlook, followed by a traditional champagne toast on landing. Weather dependency means flights sometimes need to be rescheduled, so it's worth booking with a flexible day or two around a planned flight.
Get DirectionsThe Adventure Center at Skytop Lodge
Adventure Park Year-Round
A treetop adventure course, paintball, archery tag, rock climbing, and skiing with lessons, open year round at Skytop Lodge.
Get DirectionsClaws 'N' Paws Wild Animal Park
Natural Attraction Seasonal
An outdoor animal park with over 100 species, including hand-feeding giraffes, lory parrots, and petting zoo animals, plus Turtle Town and Dino Dig.
Get DirectionsLacawac Sanctuary
Natural Attraction Year-Round
Eight miles of hiking trails, educational programs, summer camps, and a historic lodge and venue, perfect for families and nature lovers.
Get DirectionsPocono Outdoor Adventure Tours
Outdoor Recreation
Guided outdoor adventure tours based in Long Pond.
Get DirectionsArctic Paws Dog Sled Tours
Outdoor Recreation Seasonal (Winter)
Winter dog sled tours based at the Shawnee Inn.
Get DirectionsThe Electrifying Jack O'Lantern Experience
Casino & Entertainment Seasonal (October)
A walk-through Halloween experience featuring more than 4,000 hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns.
Get DirectionsFLY Axcess Group
Aerial Tour Year-Round
Private charter flights, air taxi, flight training, and air tours out of Pocono Mountain Regional Airport, available year-round.
Get DirectionsParadise Lavender Farm and Ross & Ross Nursery
Natural Attraction Seasonal
An interactive walk through an Enchanted Fairy Forest with cut-your-own lavender, a gift shop, and gazebo/tent rental for events.
Get DirectionsGorilla Grove Treetop Adventures at Kalahari Resort
Adventure Park
A treetop adventure course at Kalahari Resort.
Get DirectionsOutfitters at Skytop Lodge
Outdoor Recreation
A variety of outfitters at Skytop Lodge, including a shooting center.
Get DirectionsPeaceful Woodlands Campground
Outdoor Recreation
Family-friendly wooded camping close to Pocono attractions. RV and tent sites, cabin rentals, heated pool.
Get DirectionsHowlers Peak Ropes Course at Great Wolf Lodge
Adventure Park
A ropes course at Great Wolf Lodge in Scotrun.
Get DirectionsPocono Outdoor Adventure Paintball
Outdoor Recreation
A paintball facility in Long Pond.
Get DirectionsPromised Land Lake Beach
Outdoor Recreation Seasonal (Late May–Mid-September)
Two sand beaches within Promised Land State Park, open late May to mid-September, 8am to sunset. The main beach is in the picnic area; Pickerel Point Beach is on the end of Pickerel Point.
Get DirectionsClayton Park Recreational Area
Outdoor Recreation
A recreational area with camping in Lake Ariel.
Get DirectionsSwitchback UTV Tours
Outdoor Recreation
Guided UTV tours through scenic trails in Tannersville.
Get DirectionsEdge of the Woods Outfitters
Water Sports
A canoe, kayak and river outfitter in Delaware Water Gap.
Get DirectionsOtter Lake Camp-Resort
Outdoor Recreation
A lakeside campground with 300 campsites surrounding a private lake.
Get DirectionsPine Crest Marina
Water Sports
Daily & multi-day pontoon boat, runabout, deck boat or jet ski rentals. Seasonal, weekly and daily boat slips.
Get DirectionsAdventure Sports
Water Sports
Canoeing, kayaking and rafting on the Delaware River through the Pocono Mountains. Swim, fish and picnic on river trips from 2 hours to 3 days.
Get DirectionsChamberlain Canoes
Water Sports
A canoe and kayak outfitter in Shawnee on the Delaware.
Get DirectionsPocono Action Sports at Lighthouse Harbor Marina
Water Sports
Half and full day motorized boat rentals, kayaks and paddleboards. Pontoon, slide boat and tiki boat charters available.
Get DirectionsDeerfield Campground at Promised Land State Park
Outdoor Recreation Seasonal (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
A rustic campground south of Promised Land Lake with flush toilets and pay showers; ADA accessible.
Get DirectionsBrodhead Watershed Association
Natural Attraction
A watershed conservation organization in East Stroudsburg.
Get DirectionsFerncrest Campground
Outdoor Recreation
Unique dome tents, cozy and stylish, immersed in nature.
Get DirectionsBushkill Riding Stables
Horseback Riding
A horseback riding stable in East Stroudsburg.
Get DirectionsIronwood Point Recreation Area
Outdoor Recreation
A scenic campground on Lake Wallenpaupack offering family camping in a wooded setting overlooking the lake, plus a boat launch, marina, camp store and bait shop.
Get DirectionsNational Park Service – Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Natural Attraction Year-Round
A National Park Service recreation area spanning the Delaware River corridor.
Get DirectionsLedgedale Campground at Ledgedale Recreation Area
Outdoor Recreation
Seventy campsites and over 150 boat slips on Lake Wallenpaupack. Ship's store, boat launch, gas dock, kayak rental, and 70-acre natural area.
Get DirectionsThe Shawnee Inn Recreation Center
Outdoor Recreation
A recreation center at the Shawnee Inn.
Get DirectionsPaintball Asylum
Outdoor Recreation
Woodsball, speedball, and airsoft a mile from Camelback Resort, with gel blasters and a fully stocked pro-shop.
Get DirectionsPocono Heritage Land Trust
Natural Attraction
A land conservation trust based at the Brodhead Creek Heritage Center in East Stroudsburg.
Get DirectionsKettle Creek Environmental Education Center
Natural Attraction
An environmental education center run by the Monroe County Conservation District.
Get DirectionsNearby History
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
Living History Farm Farmstead Dates to the 1760s
A 19th-century Pennsylvania German farmstead brought to life by costumed interpreters demonstrating period chores, crafts, and seasonal traditions, including the popular Harvest Festival each autumn. The original farm buildings house live demonstrations of period skills — spinning, blacksmithing, open-hearth cooking — rather than static exhibits, giving visitors a genuine sense of 19th-century rural Pennsylvania life. The Harvest Festival draws the biggest crowds of the year, but the regular seasonal programming makes it worth a visit any time the farm is open.
Get DirectionsAntoine Dutot Museum & Gallery
Museum
A local history museum and gallery in Delaware Water Gap.
Get DirectionsCresco Station Museum
Museum
A former railroad station preserved as a museum in Cresco.
Get DirectionsMonroe County Historical Association
Museum
The county historical association's headquarters and archives in Stroudsburg.
Get DirectionsPocono Historic Trolley Tour
Museum
A narrated historic trolley tour departing from Delaware Water Gap.
Get DirectionsSchisler Museum & McMunn Planetarium
Museum
A museum and planetarium at East Stroudsburg University's Hoeffner Science & Technology Building.
Get DirectionsStroudsburg Little Bethel Historical Association
Museum
A historical association preserving local African American history in Stroudsburg.
Get DirectionsWomen Veterans Museum
Museum
A museum dedicated to the history and service of women veterans, in Mount Pocono.
Get DirectionsOn the Course
Jack Frost National Golf Club
18 HolesChampionship
An 18-hole championship course carved into the mountainside at Jack Frost Mountain, known for dramatic elevation changes and holes routed through native rock outcroppings. The mountain terrain gives the course a genuinely distinctive character compared to typical Pocono golf — expect significant elevation shifts hole to hole and tee shots framed by exposed rock formations rather than flat fairways. It's considered one of the more challenging, memorable rounds in the region and tends to draw serious golfers willing to make the trip specifically for it.
Get DirectionsMount Airy Golf Club
18 HolesResort
An 18-hole course at Mount Airy Casino Resort, with modern conditioning and views over the surrounding Pocono ridgeline. As part of a full casino resort, it benefits from newer course maintenance and infrastructure compared to some of the region's older layouts, and pairing a round with the resort's other amenities — dining, the casino floor, the spa — makes it an easy fit for a group with mixed interests for the day.
Get DirectionsPocono Manor Golf Course
Historic Resort
Golf at the historic Pocono Manor Inn dates back over a century, set on rolling grounds beside the resort's landmark stone lodge, with a classic parkland-style layout. The course's age shows in its layout — mature trees, a traditional routing, and a pace that rewards course management over raw distance — in keeping with the historic character of the surrounding resort grounds. It's a good fit for golfers who appreciate a classic, walkable design over a modern, engineered one.
Get DirectionsBuck Hill Golf Club
Historic Resort
A golf club at the historic Buck Hill Falls community.
Get DirectionsSkytop Lodge Golf Course
18 HolesHistoric Resort
An 18-hole course with 6,656 yards, enjoyable for the casual player and serious golfer alike. Advance tee times are encouraged.
Get DirectionsHideaway Hills Golf Club
18 HolesResort
A public, par 72 course known for scenic views, elevation changes, and an island green. Snack bar, practice area, and pro-shop facilities.
Get DirectionsPocono Farms Country Club Association
Municipal
A country club and golf course in Tobyhanna.
Get DirectionsWhere to Shop
The Crossings Premium Outlets
Outlet Mall
Over 100 designer and name-brand outlet stores set along a landscaped, walkable promenade just off I-80 — the region's largest shopping destination by far. The open-air layout makes for a genuinely pleasant few hours of browsing rather than a mall-fluorescent slog, with a mix of high-end designer outlets and everyday brands that suits almost any budget or shopping list. Its location right off the interstate also makes it an easy stop on the way in or out of the region rather than a dedicated day trip.
Get DirectionsOlde Engine Works Marketplace
Antique Mall
A multi-vendor antique marketplace inside a former 19th-century engine works building, with dozens of dealers spread across several floors of vintage furniture, collectibles, and curiosities. The scale here — dozens of independent dealers under one industrial-era roof — makes it one of the more substantial antiquing stops in the region, well suited to a group willing to spend an hour or more working through multiple floors. The building's original industrial character is part of the charm, alongside whatever finds turn up.
Get Directionsdot + jo Boutique
Artisan Marketplace
A go-to destination for affordable contemporary trends and timeless elegance, from chic formal wear and comfy sweaters to jewelry and accessories.
Get DirectionsDunkelberger's Sports Outfitter
Artisan Marketplace
An outdoor and sporting goods outfitter on Main Street in Stroudsburg.
Get DirectionsFireworks Outlet - Marshalls Creek
Artisan Marketplace
Pennsylvania's fireworks headquarters — everything you need all year-round at the same low prices.
Get DirectionsFireworks Outlet - Mount Pocono
Artisan Marketplace
A fireworks outlet location in Pocono Summit.
Get DirectionsFireworks Outlet/Pocono Fireworks
Artisan Marketplace
A fireworks outlet location in Tannersville.
Get DirectionsGrapevine Antiques & Crafts Mall
Antique Mall
An antiques and crafts mall in Brodheadsville.
Get DirectionsMonroe Farmers Market
Farmers Market
The county farmers market at Courthouse Square in Stroudsburg.
Get DirectionsGould's Produce & Farm Market
Farmers Market
A produce and farm market in Brodheadsville.
Get DirectionsHomegrown CBD
Artisan Marketplace
Organic cannabis and CBD products in Stroudsburg; no medical card required, must be 21+ for adult use products.
Get DirectionsOdd-Lot Outlet
Outlet Mall
Closeouts, souvenirs, seasonal items, gifts & gadgets at everyday low prices — the largest selection of fireworks in PA, open year-round.
Get DirectionsPocono Mountain Harley-Davidson
Artisan Marketplace
A Harley-Davidson dealership in Tannersville.
Get DirectionsSimply Sage
Artisan Marketplace
A small general store designed for those who prefer a more natural lifestyle, committed to offering products that are truly nontoxic with no known harmful ingredients.
Get DirectionsParadise Lavender Farm
Get DirectionsPieces of the Past
Get DirectionsPocono Mountain Maple
Get DirectionsSpa & Wellness
Massage Academy of the Poconos
Massage & Bodywork
A massage school and clinic in Stroudsburg.
Get DirectionsThe Spa at Mount Airy
Resort Spa
A full-service resort spa at Mount Airy Casino Resort.
Get DirectionsSpa Shawnee & Salon
Salon & Spa
Offering a range of treatments to purify the mind and body, along with a variety of amenities and a full-service salon perfect for pampering.
Get DirectionsWinter
Camelback Mountain Resort
39 Trails800 ft Vertical 16 Lifts
The Poconos' largest and most complete ski resort, with 39 trails across 166 skiable acres and an 800-foot vertical drop. A high-speed six-pack and detachable quad keep lift lines short even on the busiest weekends, and the trail mix leans heavily beginner and intermediate. Being the region's biggest and most fully built-out resort, it also comes with the most amenities — an adjacent adventure park, waterpark, and full resort village — making it a natural choice for a group that wants skiing plus other activities in one place.
Get DirectionsJack Frost Mountain
21 Trails475 ft Vertical 10 Lifts
Paired with Big Boulder under the same Vail-owned operation, Jack Frost skews toward intermediate and advanced terrain across 21 trails, with a summit elevation of 2,175 feet and a quieter, more spread-out feel than Camelback. The combination ticket with Big Boulder gives skiers access to two distinct trail systems and difficulty profiles on the same pass, and Jack Frost's generally smaller crowds make for a more relaxed day on the mountain than the region's busier resorts.
Get DirectionsDrink Local
Mountain View Vineyard, Winery, Brewery & Distillery
Winery & Brewery
A rare all-in-one operation producing wine, craft beer, and spirits on the same Stroudsburg farm property, with a full restaurant, live music, and sweeping mountain views from the outdoor patio. Few venues in the region combine all three — wine, beer, and spirits — under one roof, which makes it a strong choice for a group with varied drink preferences who don't want to visit multiple stops. The full restaurant and regular live music turn it into a legitimate evening-out destination rather than just a tasting room.
Apple Pie Moonshine
Get DirectionsRitter's Winery & Cidery
Winery & Cidery
A working farm winery and cidery near Lake Ariel producing fruit wines and hard ciders from apples grown on-site, with a tasting room that keeps a genuine farm-stand feel. The focus on fruit wines and hard ciders, rather than traditional grape wines alone, gives the tasting menu a distinctive regional character built around what actually grows on the property. It's a lower-key, more rustic stop than some of the area's larger wine-trail destinations, which is part of its appeal.
Get DirectionsBarley Creek Brewing Company
Brewery
One of the Poconos' longest-running craft breweries, pairing house-brewed ales and lagers with a full restaurant menu in a rustic, family-friendly setting near Camelback. The brewery's tenure in the region gives it a well-established, reliably good lineup of house beers, and the full restaurant menu means it works as a complete meal stop rather than just a tasting. Its proximity to Camelback makes it a natural apres-ski or post-adventure-park stop for a group already in the area.
Get DirectionsPocono Brewing Company
Brewery
A Swiftwater taproom and restaurant brewing small-batch craft beer on-site, with a full kitchen menu and a patio that stays busy through the warmer months. The combination of on-site brewing and a genuine kitchen menu makes it a reasonable dinner stop as much as a beer destination, and the patio is a popular spot to linger on a warm evening. It's a solid, lower-key alternative to the region's bigger-name breweries.
Get DirectionsJam Room Brewing Company
Brewery
A craft brewery in Greentown serving house-made bites alongside live music.
Get DirectionsTolino Vineyards Stroudsburg
Winery
A Tolino Vineyards tasting room in downtown Stroudsburg.
Get DirectionsOn the Calendar
Mount Pocono Harvestfest
FestivalFall Downtown Mount Pocono
A family-friendly craft festival filling downtown Mount Pocono with local vendors, seasonal food, and community entertainment each fall. It's a smaller, more community-scaled event than some of the region's bigger festivals, with a genuine small-town feel and a manageable size that makes it easy to see the whole thing in an afternoon. The local craft vendor focus makes it a good stop for picking up handmade gifts or seasonal decor.
Get DirectionsState Land
Gouldsboro State Park
2,800 acMonroe/Wayne County Est. 1958
A 2,800-acre park centered on the 250-acre Gouldsboro Lake, formed by glacial activity and later used for ice harvesting before becoming a state park in 1958. The rolling, wetland-dotted terrain supports deer, black bears, and a wide range of bird species alongside the lake's year-round bass and panfish. The no-motorized-boats rule on the lake keeps the park notably quiet compared to more developed destinations, and the wetland habitat throughout makes it one of the better parks in the region for serious birdwatching alongside its fishing and paddling. A boat launch accommodates canoes and kayaks, and the surrounding trail network connects several distinct habitat types in a relatively compact area, which is part of why the wildlife variety here tends to surprise first-time visitors expecting just another lake park.
Fishing · Boating · Hiking · Birdwatching
Get DirectionsPromised Land State Park
2,971 acPike County Est. 1905
Pennsylvania's fourth state park, established in 1905 on former Lenape hunting grounds. Two glacial lakes and roughly 50 miles of trails sit within a much larger 12,000-plus-acre buffer of Delaware State Forest, making it one of the most undeveloped, genuinely quiet parks in the region. Being surrounded by a much larger state forest buffer gives it a scale of undeveloped wilderness that's rare this close to the region's more built-up lake towns, and the two-lake layout — Promised Land Lake and the smaller Egypt Meadow Lake — offers two distinct settings within the same park. As one of the Commonwealth's oldest state parks, it also has more than a century of established infrastructure — cabins, campgrounds, and a well-developed trail system — layered quietly into what still feels like genuine backcountry in many stretches.
Hiking · Camping · Fishing · Boating · Swimming
Get DirectionsTobyhanna State Park
5,440 acMonroe County Est. 1949
A 5,440-acre park built around the 170-acre Tobyhanna Lake, on land that served as a military training reservation through both World Wars before the Commonwealth took title in 1949. The lake's calm, no-wake water and sandy beach make it one of the most family-friendly swimming spots in the region. The park's military history is still visible in parts of its infrastructure and layout, a reminder of its use before becoming public recreation land, and the calm, no-wake water makes it one of the more relaxed lakes in the region for families with younger kids. Boat rentals, a swimming beach with lifeguards in season, and an extensive campground make it easy to spend a full day or a full weekend without leaving the park, and its central Monroe County location keeps it within easy reach of several nearby residences.
Hiking · Camping · Boating · Fishing · Swimming
Get DirectionsBig Pocono State Park
1,305.6 acMonroe County Est. 1954
A 1,305-acre park occupying the summit of Camelback Mountain, jointly maintained by PA DCNR and Camelback Ski Corporation. A 1.4-mile paved summit drive and 8.5 miles of hiking trails open sweeping views into New Jersey and New York alongside Pennsylvania — the park closes seasonally from early December through the first week of April. The paved summit drive makes the mountaintop views accessible even to guests who don't want to hike up, while the trail network rewards those who do with a genuinely different, quieter perspective on the same summit that hosts the busy ski resort below in winter. The shared arrangement with the ski corporation is unusual for a state park and means summer and fall visitors get the mountain almost to themselves, a striking contrast to the crowds the same slopes see once snow falls.
Hiking · Mountain Biking · Scenic Driving · Picnicking
Get Directions