Winter blues got you down? With the spring season blossoming next week, the Pocono Mountains has an abundance of outdoor adventure to warm you up. From relaxing to exhilarating, choose your own adventure. Below are a few spring activities you’ll want to try at least once while visiting the Pocono Mountains.
With the recent precipitation, the Pocono Mountains rivers are flowing just in time to start off the whitewater rafting season. Whitewater Challengers starts off the season April 1. Also opening April 1, Whitewater Rafting Adventures offers multi-day trips in addition to special discounts and rafting rates.
Check out Pocono Whitewater Adventures for upcoming special event weekends. Many whitewater rafting outfitters also offer biking and hiking activities. Interested in something a little slower? Enjoy guided trips down the river, or rafting/tubing at your leisure.
2. Biking
With bike rentals and shuttle services available throughout the Pocono Mountains, biking is easily accessible. Take a flat ride through Gouldsboro State Park, or challenge yourself through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Trails offer a variety of distances, scenic views, and terrains.
Two national parks and nine state parks, totaling over 100,000 acres, provide outdoor biking experiences in the spring months. Bike along the Lehigh River in the Lehigh Gorge State Park, or take a ride beside one of our lakes at Promised Land State Park.
Another benefit to state and national parks is the option to bird watch. The Pocono Environmental Education Center welcomes migrating bird species through tours and events.
Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary offers nature trails for observing wildlife while the Lacawac Sanctuary preserves these natural habitats. The Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center offers hands-on experiences through public programs and hikes.
4. Hiking
Hiking trails can be found at environmental education centers and sanctuaries. Hiking trails are also located throughout state parks, like Mauch Chunk State Park, in addition to biking trails. 126 hiking trails cover 261 miles of Pocono Mountains beauty.
With trails ranging in difficulty, Edge of the Woods Outfitters provides trail maps of the parks and locations. Don’t have your head stuck in a map for too long; you might miss a waterfall. There are 19 waterfalls scattered throughout the Pocono Mountains hiking trails, including Bushkill Falls, "The Niagara of Pennsylvania".
5. Fishing
With 122 miles of stocked river and 11,285 acres of stocked lakes, you’ll wonder why you haven’t fished the Pocono Mountains sooner. Fishing requirements vary by location. Big Brown Fish and Pay Lakes do not require a fishing license, while state parks, like Mauch Chunk Lake Park, require a license by PA Fish and Boat Commission laws.
Enjoy free fishing without a license May 28, 2017 and July 4, 2017. Guided fishing trips are also available from outfitters like Ray's Charter Guide Service. Whether you are an avid fisherman or a beginner, trips can be customized to fit your experience, time, and budget.
6. Golfing
It wouldn’t be spring without golf. With the season beginning at Buck Hill Golf Club in early April, golfers can play on a multitude of courses fit to suit any preference. Golfers can also play with spring specials from area courses like Split Rock Golf Club.
Many golf courses, like the East course at Pocono Manor Resort and Spa, have been established since 1927. The Pocono Mountains is also home to nationally recognized courses like The Country Club at Woodloch Springs. Although different in their rights, each course shares the scenic beauty and breathtaking views of the region.
Of course, we couldn’t forget our animal lovers. Enjoy guided trail rides through Malibu Dude Ranch's 800 acres of scenic forest trails. Fernwood Fun Center accommodates both families and anyone looking to reconnect with nature.
Whether looking to ride in a small group or alone with your horse, there is no experience required; Deer Path Riding Stable loves beginners! If you are not up for a ride, Daisy Field Farm offers hay wagon, carriage and pony rides too.
8. Touring
Interested in something faster paced? Rent an all-terrain vehicle, or bring your own to Alvin's Offroad Playground. Although Pocono Outdoor Motorized Tours is open year-round, the vehicles are tuned up and ready for some spring action.
Want a guided, laid-back experience? Enjoy a scenic tour from a sidecar with Jim Thorpe Sidecar Tourz. You can also take a self-guided tour with Pocono Slingshot Rentals starting in late April.
Be sure to keep up with events and special offers for more spring activities.
Interested in planning a spring getaway? Check out all outdoor adventure and family fun in the Pocono Mountains; find a place to stay while you’re at it!
