By Jill Leviticus
Activities in Pocono Mountains
Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains cover 2,400 square miles of land and feature dramatic waterfalls, abundant forests and 170 miles of rivers perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Whether you enjoy whitewater rafting and water sports or would rather spend your vacation enjoying the views and visiting museums, you'll find plenty to do during a trip to the Poconos.
Bushkill Falls
Bushkill Falls, known as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," features a series of eight waterfalls surrounded by bridges and hiking trails. The Main Falls are easily visible from a viewing platform and the other falls can be reached via hiking trails. In addition to the waterfalls, Bushkill Falls offers an 18-hole miniature golf course, gift shops, duck feeding and paddle boat rides.
Bushkill Falls
Bushkill Falls Road
Bushkill, PA 18324
Tel: (570) 588-6682
Visitbushkillfalls.com
Asa Packer Mansion Museum
Once the home of railroad magnate and philanthropist Asa Packer, the mansion now serves as museum and memorial. The mansion's 18 rooms contain the original furniture used in the home, giving visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of a wealthy family in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The mansion is open daily from Memorial Day to early November. Hours vary during the remainder of the year. Guided tours are conducted every half-hour beginning at 11:15.
Asa Packer Mansion Museum
30 Elk St.
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Tel: (570) 325-3229
Asapackermansion.com
Camelback/Camelbeach Mountain Resort
During the winter, Camelback Mountain resort offers 33 ski trails, 17 lifts, snowboarding and snow tubing, plus round-the-clock snowmaking. When summer arrives, the resort doesn't close, but transforms into the Camelbeach Mountain WaterPark. Camelbeach, at the base of the slopes, features a variety of water slides, a lazy river, a family raft ride, the FlowRider surfing attraction, a wave pool and a special water play area just for younger children.
Camelback/Camelbeach Mountain Resort
One Camelback Road
Tannersville, PA 18372
Tel: (570) 629-1661
Skicamelback.com
Jim Thorpe River Adventures
Jim Thorpe River Adventures offers rafting trips tailored to your skill level and desire for excitement. The company offers trips featuring Class II and III rapids for rafters who enjoy the excitement of maneuvering a raft through rapids and a family rafting trip for those looking for a calmer experience. Rafting trips are conducted on the Lehigh River. The tour price includes paddles, the raft, waterproof lunch containers and a personal flotation device. Changing rooms and showers are offered, as is a picnic area.
Jim Thorpe River Adventures
One Adventure Lane
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Tel: (570) 325-2570
Jtraft.com
Triple W Riding Stables
Triple W Riding Stables offers horseback riding tours through the forests and meadows of the Pocono Mountains. Tours are suitable for both experienced and inexperienced riders. Riders are matched with horses based on their abilities. Children must be at least 9 years old to participate. Horse-drawn sleigh rides are offered during the winter months and horseback camping tours are offered during the summer months.
Triple W Riding Stables
291 Beechnut Drive
Honesdale, PA 18431
Tel: (570) 226-2620
Triplewstable.com
Resources
About the Author:
Jill Leviticus has been a writer for 20 years. She writes business, health and travel articles for several online publications and worked as a writer for a hospital and a nonprofit research foundation. Leviticus has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Lock Haven University and works as a public relations writer.
Photo Credits:
abejo/sxc.hu
