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.

  1. Hiking
  2. Cross-Country Skiing
  3. Eagle Watching
  4. Horseback Riding
  5. Entertainment
  6. Escape Rooms
  7. Pocono Beverage Trail
  8. Shopping

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.

Browning Beaver Meadow

Browning Beaver Meadow

Browning Beaver Meadow is the best-kept secret only 25 minutes north of Honesdale, PA. This…

Bushkill Falls - Hiking

Bushkill Falls - Hiking

Discover your next adventure! As you hike the trails or walk the grounds of Bushkill Falls, you'll…

Cliff Trail

Cliff Trail

The Cliff Trail offers some of the most spectacular overlook views in the recreation area. See the…

Cresco Heights - Hiking

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

D&L Trail - Hiking

Stop and stroll along the scenic D&L Trail as it traverses through the Delaware & Lehigh National…

Ice Lake - Hiking

Ice Lake - Hiking

Ice Lake is a little jewel of a preserve in Barrett Township. The trail is centered around Ice Lake…

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.

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, Ledges Hotel, or Silver Birches Resort 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 in the Pocono Mountains

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 Bushkill Riding Stables, Daisy Field Farm, 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

Bushkill Riding Stables offers winter trail rides. Set off into the snow-covered woods around…

Daisy Field Farm

Daisy Field Farm

Enjoy a snow-covered trail ride at Daisy Field Farm. Families, small groups and beginners can take…

Happy Trails Stables

Happy Trails Stables

Take a one or two hour trail ride by horseback over snow covered trails or sit back and relax and…

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. Catch weekly Thursday night jazz at Here & Now Brewing Company or attend a comedy night at Cinder Inn Bar & Grill.

Community Concert Series

Community Concert Series

  • 10/15/2024 - 12/24/2024

Join The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort for their Community Concert Series. Concerts feature different…

Dueling Pianos

Dueling Pianos

  • 10/17/2024

Dueling Pianos are coming to Blue Mountain Resort! Felix and Fingers Company, the highest-reviewed…

Live Music at Happy Hour Bar

Live Music at Happy Hour Bar

  • 10/17/2024 - 12/25/2025

Thursday nights come alive at Happy Hour Bar & Grill with live music! Whether you're looking to…

Open Mic

Open Mic

  • 10/17/2024 - 12/26/2024

Join ShawneeCraft in the Tap Room or Beer Garden (weather permitting) for open mic! This…

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! Put your teamwork and communication skills to the test at Jokers Are Wild Game Cafe, where you can also enjoy classic board games and card games.

Jokers Are Wild Game Cafe

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

Klues Escape Room

Klues Escape Room is a truly unique experience for family, friends, or co-workers! Work together to…

Tornado Alley

Tornado Alley

Tornado Alley is opening this fall at Country Junction in Lehighton PA, with the F5 Tornado Escape…

Trap Door Escape Room

Trap Door Escape Room

Welcome to the most wonderful place on earth. Wonderland Madhouse is a family entertainment center…

Wonderland Madhouse

Wonderland Madhouse

Embark on an enchanting adventure to the most WONDERFUL place on earth. Wonderland Madhouse is a…

Wonderland on Broadway

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!

Sample sangrias and wine slushies at the Radical Wine Company or find the perfect charcuterie and vintage pairing at Milford Wine & Cheese. Microbreweries are located across the region, each bringing delicious flavors to the area. Discover 16 craft beers on tap at Bovino's Brewery or take in the ambience at the Runaway Train Brewery. If spirits are more your thing, grab a signature cocktail at Mountain View Distillery or Nomad Distilling Co. As always, drink responsibly.

Group of people wine tasking, smiling and having fun

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! Choose a new outfit at The Apple Tree in Stroudsburg or Wallflower in Honesdale, browse collectibles at Country Kettle, stock up on specialty snacks and souvenirs at Pocono Mountain Provisions, or stroll through the eclectic boutiques at the Hawley Silk Mill.

The Apple Tree

The Apple Tree

A Pocono Destination Boutique specializing in personal service and styling. The Apple Tree team of…

Wallflower

Wallflower

Wallflower is a destination shopping experience with 4000 square feet of unique merchandise…

Country Kettle

Country Kettle

Established in 1986 our unique retail store features candy, candles, collectibles and crafts…

Hawley Silk Mill

Hawley Silk Mill

Explore the shops at the Hawley Silk Mill. The ground floor of the landmark Hawley Silk Mill houses…

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

Tag #PoconoMtns or @PoconoTourism on Instagram to have your adventures featured on our page.

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