Winter Beyond the Slopes

1. Hiking

Go on a winter hike! With over 126 trails all over the region, there are plenty of options, whether you prefer to climb to the heights or venture into the forests. With or without snow, the bare winter landscape has a unique beauty of its own. Get out of the house and bundle up for a rejuvenating walk.

Trails are open year-round at the Pocono Environmental Education Center. Encompassing 70,000 acres, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has lots of paths to explore, including a portion of the famed Appalachian Trail crossing Mount Minsi. The Poconos is home to hikes ranging from easy to extreme, and you can even catch an icy winter waterfall or two.

2. Cross-Country Skiing

We said off the slopes, and we meant it! Experience a classic variation on the popular downhill winter sport with cross-country skiing.

Snow conditions permitting, bring your skis and glide over the snow-covered landscape on trails in Pocono Mountains parks like Lehigh Gorge State Park, Hickory Run State Park and Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center.

3. Eagle Watching

Another popular wintertime activity in the Poconos is eagle watching. Bald eagles migrate to the region during this season to enjoy the eco-friendly habitat of our pristine lakes and rivers.

The Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers offer abundant clean water and undisturbed land, making them popular spots for eagles to nest and roost. You only have a few months to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures: bald eagle watching takes flight now through March.

4. Horseback Riding

Saddle up for a memorable winter horseback ride throughout the scenic Poconos Mountains. If you've never been on a mount before, no worries! Local stables welcome beginners, offering guided rides through beautiful fields and forests.

Enjoy a peaceful canter through the wintry landscape at Happy Trails Stables or Daisy Field Farm. When snow covers the ground, some stables also offer sleigh rides!

5. Entertainment

There's no shortage of good times in the Pocono Mountains with a fantastic lineup of live performances and great entertainment. Whether you want a taste of casino nightlife, or you'd prefer to relax to good music and drinks during a local happy hour, you'll find your niche any night of the week.

Experience some of the best shows from your favorite bands at Sherman Theater or Penn's Peak. These venues are known for bringing big names to the region and putting on great performances year-round.

6. Escape Rooms

Spend a day indoors and put your critical thinking skills to the test in an escape room. In just 60 minutes, follow a series of themed clues to try and solve a puzzling mystery.

Grab your gang to unravel the clues at Klues Escape Room. Choose one of four escape rooms, each offering a unique, themed, interactive challenge! You can also put your teamwork and communication skills to the test at Big Screen Escapes with three rooms retro rooms full of riddles.

7. Pocono Beverage Trail

Quench your thirst this winter at area wineries, breweries and distilleries. Whatever your libation preference, the Poconos has vintages, brews and spirits to satisfy along the Pocono Beverage Trail.

Wineries like Wild Elder Wine and Cider Co. and Sorrenti Family Estate Winery offer specialty tastings and atmospheric cellar tours. Microbreweries are located across the region, each bringing delicious flavors to the area. Both Barley Creek Brewing Company and Wallenpaupack Brewing Company offer growlers, so you can take your favorite beers home! If spirits are more your thing, grab a signature cocktail at Silverback Distillery. As always, drink responsibly.

8. Shopping

Take a stroll down Main Street in our area's historic small towns to find one-of-a-kind shopping! Discover hand-made treasures are local craft shops or hunt for bargains at an outlet store. Here in Pennsylvania, there is no sales tax on clothing, so you can shop until you drop!

American Candle sells not only the obvious tapers, but also designer jewelry, handbags, clothes and over 150 varieties of candy. If antiquing is more your style, discover vintage finds at Asparagus Sunshine in charming Delaware Water Gap.

Hop in the car and get ready for an amazing day trip to the Poconos this season, or add more fun to your itinerary and plan a longer winter escape! Find winter places to stay and save on accommodations with special offers. Discover exciting events happening during your stay as well.

Check out all the snow activities and adventures waiting for you in the Pocono Mountains, and keep and eye on area snow conditions with our live cameras for immediate weather updates. See you in the Poconos!