Check back on January 4, 2024 when this blog will be updated! The Pocono Mountains has been a top ski destination for decades, but there's so much more to winter in the Poconos than just action on the slopes. Come experience all the region has to offer this snowy season!
Take in the crisp, cold air with a variety of exciting outdoor winter activities, or stay warm while enjoying the indoor family attractions in the area. There are so many things to do during a winter day trip, you may want to find a place to stay and give yourself a longer getaway. Check out eight winter experiences to discover in the Pocono Mountains this year.
Hiking
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. While Bushkill Falls is closed December through March, you can catch an icy winter waterfall along hiking trails at Raymondskill Falls and Dingmans Falls.
Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area - Hiking
Explore the Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area! Located just off Route 115 near Blakeslee, the Austin…
Beltzville State Park - Hiking
Get out and explore the hiking trails at Beltzville State Park. Beltzville State Park features 15…
Browning Beaver Meadow
Browning Beaver Meadow is the best-kept secret only 25 minutes north of Honesdale, PA. This…
Browns Hill Preserve - Hiking
Browns Hill Preserve is an easy trail on old woods road. The preserve sits high on the ridge that…
Bushkill Falls - Hiking
Discover your next adventure! As you hike the trails or walk the grounds of Bushkill Falls, you'll…
Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Hiking
Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established in December 2008 for the conservation of…
Cliff Trail
The Cliff Trail offers some of the most spectacular overlook views in the recreation area. See the…
Cresco Heights - Hiking
Take a hike toward a new point of view! The trail is out and back, about three miles. It is…
D&L Trail - Hiking
Stop and stroll along the scenic D&L Trail as it traverses through the Delaware & Lehigh National…
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area - Hiking
Hike to scenic overlooks, waterfalls and river views in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation…
Edge of the Woods Outfitters - Hiking
Providing guests of all ability levels with outdoor adventures they will remember forever…
ForEvergreen Nature Preserve - Hiking
ForEvergreen Nature Preserves one-mile loop trail is smooth gravel with very slight inclines. Mowed…
Hickory Run State Park - Hiking
Hickory Run Sate Park encompasses 44 miles of scenic hiking trails. Trails range in distance and…
Ice Lake - Hiking
Ice Lake is a little jewel of a preserve in Barrett Township. The trail is centered around Ice Lake…
Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center - Hiking
A hike at the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center which provides hands-on and interpretive…
Kidder Hike & Bike Trail - Hiking
The Kidder Hike & Bike Trail is open for exploration! Opened in the fall of 2019, the Kidder Hike &…
Kurmes Paradise Creek Nature Preserve - Hiking
The Kurmes Preserve is a 400-acre property in Cresco, PA that is divided into two sections, each…
Lacawac Sanctuary - Hiking
Hike and reconnect to nature! Lacawac Sanctuary is a 550-acre nature and environmental education…
Lehigh Gap Nature Center
The Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge consists of over 750 acres of varied habitat. The trail system…
Lehigh Gorge State Park - Hiking
Take a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike through the Lehigh Gorge State Park! The park features…
Cross-Country Skiing
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.
Beltzville State Park - Cross Country Skiing
Beltzville State Park is home to many open fields and nine miles of trails that are suitable for…
Delaware State Forest - Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing can be done on any trail, road or forest land when weather and conditions…
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area - Cross Country Skiing
Enjoy cross-country skiing in nature's own playground. Cross-country skiing is permitted on the…
Gouldsboro State Park - Cross Country Skiing
See the wintry sights on skis. Hiking trails can be cross-country skied with adequate snow. The Old…
Hickory Run State Park - Cross Country Skiing
Get out and get your heart pumping this winter! The 15,990-acre Hickory Run State Park offers 14…
Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center - Cross Country Skiing
Grab a pair of skis and enjoy cross-country skiing at Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center!…
Lehigh Gorge State Park - Cross Country Skiing
Visitors enjoy cross-country skiing at Lehigh Gorge State Park. As conditions permit, the Lehigh…
Mauch Chunk Lake Park - Cross Country Skiing
Break out your skis at this beautiful park in the Pocono Mountains! Weather permitting…
Promised Land State Park - Cross Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is permitted on all trails in Promised Land State Park. Bruce Lake Natural Area…
Tobyhanna State Park - Cross Country Skiing
Set out on skis and explore Tobyhanna State Park! The Lakeside Trail is 5.1 miles. This improved…
Eagle Watching
3. Eagle Watching
Another popular wintertime activity in the Poconos is eagle watching. Bald eagles migrate to the region during the winter months 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. Take advantage of special offers with The Settlers Inn or Ledges Hotel to join an eagle watching excursion with Delaware Highlands Conservancy. You only have a few months to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures: bald eagle watching takes flight now through March.
Eagle Watching
Bald eagle watching is a very popular winter activity in the Pocono Mountains.
Horseback Riding
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 Mountain Creek Riding Stable. When snow covers the ground, some stables also offer sleigh rides!
Bushkill Riding Stables
Bushkill Riding Stables offers winter trail rides. Set off into the snow-covered woods around…
Daisy Field Farm
Enjoy a snow-covered trail ride at Daisy Field Farm. Families, small groups and beginners can take…
Happy Trails Stables
Take a one or two hour trail ride by horseback over snow covered trails or sit back and relax and…
Mountain Creek Riding Stable
Beginner-friendly Mountain Creek Riding Stable is open year-round. Bundle up and explore their…
Entertainment
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.
Craig Thatcher & Friends Rockin' Christmas
- 12/09/2023
Experience the holiday show that has become a popular and much-anticipated Christmas-season favorite…
Jessica Lynn Christmas Spectacular
- 12/09/2023
Jessica Lynn’s – A Very Merry Country Christmas, has become a genuine holiday tradition…
Live Music at Double Cut
- 12/09/2023 - 08/30/2024
It’s double the fun at Double Cut Steakhouse inside Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. Now…
Live Music at Last Run Lounge
- 12/09/2023 - 03/09/2024
Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday in the Last Run Lounge featuring a rotating line-up of…
Rhythm and Brews Live Music
- 12/09/2023 - 12/31/2023
Enjoy live music in the Beer Garden or Tap Room every Friday and Saturday night and Saturday and…
Social Parasite
- 12/09/2023
Social Parasite is an Alice in Chains tribute band made up of three brothers and their friend…
The McGeehan Duo Rocking the December Blues Away
- 12/09/2023
Does she sound like Janis Joplin? YES! Come see why. This popular and talented act creates great…
Little Elf, Big City
- 12/10/2023
Fusia Center for the Arts proudly presents their Annual Winter Ballet, Little Elf, Big City…
Music in the Tavern at the Gem & Keystone
- 12/11/2023 - 12/27/2023
Stop by the Gem and Keystone Tavern every Monday and Wednesday night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and enjoy…
Community Concert Series
- 12/12/2023 - 12/26/2023
Join The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort for their Community Concert Series. Concerts feature different…
Escape Rooms
6. Escape Rooms
Spend a day indoors and put your critical thinking skills to the test in an escape room. Follow a series of themed clues to try and solve a puzzling mystery in just 60 minutes.
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.
Big Screen Escapes: Mount Pocono
Lights, Camera...Escape! Big Screen Escapes: Mount Pocono offers a movie set feeling with fun…
Big Screen Escapes: Tannersville
Oops, they did it again! Looking for a fun night day/night out! Big Screen Escapes: Tannersville…
Escape Rooms at Kalahari
Can you escape the Wrath of Anubis or Planet Obscura? Check out both escape rooms at Kalahari…
Jokers Are Wild Game Cafe
Jokers Are Wild Game Cafe is a place you can go to enjoy various board games, collectible card games…
Klues Escape Room
A truly unique experience for family, friends, or co-workers! Klues Escape Room is an amazing…
Trap Door Escape Room
Update: Currently closed and reopening in early 2024. Trap Door Escape Room is the pinnacle of…
Wonderland Madhouse
Updating: Coming soon to The Pocono Premium Outlets. Journey down the rabbit hole this holiday…
Wonderland on Broadway
Welcome to an immersive Alice in Wonderland experience located in historic Jim Thorpe, PA…
Pocono Beverage Trail
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. With the free Pocono Beverage Trail Digital Passport, you can check in at locations to earn points and access discounts!
Wineries like Wild Elder Wine and Cider Co. offer specialty tastings and wine flights. 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 or Nomad Distilling Co.. As always, drink responsibly.
Pocono Beverage Trail
The Pocono Beverage Trail is a craft beverage lover's dream. It's a beer trail, a wine…
Shopping
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. Lovers of the Victorian era won't want to miss the Poe and Raven Gallery, stocked with unique mementos, art, stained glass and jewelry.
Alpine Ski & Gift Shop
Alpine Ski & Gift Shop is a family-owned business that has been in the Pocono Mountains for over…
American Candle
American Candle is more than just great candles, it is a destination! Shop candles made on site, let…
American Ribbon Craft and Fabric
American Ribbon Manufacturers has been manufacturing quality ribbon since 1913. Still family owned…
The Apple Tree
A Pocono Destination Boutique specializing in personal service and styling. The Apple Tree team of…
The Artisan Exchange
The Artisan Exchange is a family-run gift gallery that represents more than 275 American artists. If…
Asparagus Sunshine
Asparagus Sunshine is a unique antique store located in the Historic Appalachian town of Delaware…
BC Goods & Grain
BC Goods & Grain is a creative studio specializing in custom signage for your event or business…
BetterWorld Store & Cafe
Better for you. Better for the earth. And better for humanity. BetterWorld Store & Cafe has…
Blue Ridge Flea Market
Located at the site of the old Blue Ridge Drive-In Theater, the Blue Ridge Flea Market has been in…
Bronson EBikes & Trikes
The mission of Bronson Ebikes and Etirkes is to provide electric bicycles and tricycles that offer…
Bulldog Liquidators - Mount Pocono
Bulldog Liquidators is a general merchandise store that sells everything. Woman owned and family…
Callie's Candy Kitchen
The Callie Family extends an invitation to you to visit Callie's Candy Kitchen in the Pocono…
The Candle Shoppe of the Poconos
The Candle Shoppe of the Poconos is your one stop shop for candles and gifts. Offering the…
The Shoppes at Castle Inn
The Shoppes and businesses at the Historic Castle Inn are a unique collection of businesses for you…
Country Junction World's Largest General Store
Country Junction is a place for family fun! Stroll the yellow brick road and embark on an…
Country Kettle
Established in 1986 our unique retail store features candy, candles, collectibles and crafts…
Crystal Garden
Crystal Garden Metaphysical Shop and Salt Cave is a sanctuary for the mind, body and soul. Offering…
Der Jaeger Unique Arts
Shop a wide selection of antiques, artwork, fine porcelain, collectibles and militaria at this…
Dunkelberger's Sports Outfitter
Serving the Pocono Mountains for over 40 years! Located in beautiful downtown Stroudsburg and on…
Earthly Treasures
Located at the Historic Upper Mill in lovely Milford, Pennsylvania, Earthly Treasures is a…
Faded Lace Boutique
Faded Lace Boutique is a free spirited shop that celebrates the adventurous nature of modern women…
Fireworks Outlet - Tannersville Location
Select from a complete line of fireworks. Offering the lowest prices and biggest selections. No…
Fireworks Outlet - Marshalls Creek Location
Select from a complete line of fireworks. Offering the lowest prices and biggest selections. No…
Fireworks Outlet/Pocono Fireworks - Tannersville
Pennsylvania’s Firework Headquarters. Offering the lowest prices and biggest selections! No…
Fireworks Outlet - Marshalls Creek Location
Pennsylvania’s Firework Headquarters. Offering the lowest prices and biggest selections! No…
Gather
Head down to Gather in Honesdale to find fun gifts for everyone on your list. Located in Downtown…
Gorgeous Floral
Gorgeous Floral is thrilled to help you with all your floral needs; whether it is ‘just because’ or…
Grapevine Antiques & Crafts Mall
Grapevine Antiques & Crafts Mall features over 100 vendors in a 6,000-square-foot location. There's…
Grapevine Antiques & Crafts Mall
Find local crafts, decor, antiques and more at the Grapevine Antiques & Crafts Mall. Browse crafts…
Hanna's Farm Market
Hanna's Farm Market is a family owned and operated, full-service farm market. Stop by to browse a…
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!
Winter Magic in the Poconos
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