Winter Day Trips

Interested in taking a day trip this winter to the Pocono Mountains? Here are some great day trip ideas!

Less than two hours driving distance from New York City and Philadelphia, the Pocono Mountains of Northeast Pennyslvania encompasses 2,400 square miles of snowy terrain with more than 185 mountain slopes and trails. Offering outdoor adventure, natural beauty and small town charm, there's plenty of fun to pack into a day trip. Find itinerary ideas and things to do during a day in the winter wonderland of the Poconos.

Discover Carbon County & Jim Thorpe

Morning: Take to the slopes! Pocono skiing and snowboarding are must-try activities in the winter. Get first dibs on the freshly-groomed trails bright and early! Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton opens as early as 8 a.m. on the weekends in late December, and Jack Frost Mountain in White Haven is open at 9 a.m. seven days a week throughout the season. Hit the terrain parks first thing at 9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at Lake Harmony's Big Boulder Ski Area. Be sure to check for special ski area hours during the holidays.

Afternoon: Gear up for some paintball. Team up with your family and friends, and head out on the battlefields at Skirmish Paintball in Albrightsville. Bundle up for some winter excitement.

Worked up an appetite? Refuel with a waterfront view and eclectic food at Lake View Tavern, or head towards Jim Thorpe for a stop at Roadies Restaurant and Bar, offering a spectacular overlook and delicious fare.

Evening: Discover the Victorian charm of Jim Thorpe. Browse quaint shops, unique restaurants and picturesque sights. Attend Jim Thorpe’s Olde Time Christmas, and see the town light up with holiday decorations and festivities. During the first three weekends in December, enjoy caroling and live music, train rides with Santa on the Lehigh Gorge Railway and so much more. Come back during Presidents' Day Weekend, and experience Jim Thorpe Winterfest!

There's so much to see and do in Jim Thorpe and Carbon County, you might want to find yourself some cozy, turn-of-the-century accommodations, complete with modern comforts, and stay the night!

Offering the charm of a European village, Jim Thorpe is one of the great gems of the Poconos.


Treat Yourself in the Heart of the Poconos

Morning: Kick back and relax during a pampering day at the spa. From body wraps to water therapies, indulge in total relaxation at the spa at The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort or The Spa at Mount Airy.

Afternoon: How does 84 degrees during the winter sound? Look no further than an indoor waterpark! Grab day pass admission, and warm up at America’s largest indoor waterpark, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. Water slides, wave pools and swim-up bars are just the beginning.

Ready to eat? Grab some grub at a Pocono Mountains brew pub. Stop in Barley Creek Brewing Company or Pocono Brewery Company for craft beer and appetizing food.

Evening: Bundle up for nighttime snow tubing! Slide down the slopes in the crisp winter air. White Lightning Tubing in East Stroudsburg offers late night tubing sessions from 6 to 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Nearby Shawnee Mountain Ski Area offers snow tubing seven days a week. For an out-of-this world snow tubing experience with music and an LED light show, head to Camelback Mountain in Tannersville for incredible galactic snow tubing.

Leaving so soon? Why not give yourself more of a break with an overnight trip! Find things to do and places to stay near Stroudsburg in Monroe County in the heart of the Poconos.

Stroudsburg shines with a striking mix of small-town glamour, modern appeal and a beautiful, walkable downtown.


Small Town Charm along the Delaware River

Morning: Have you ever seen a waterfall encased in ice? It's a magical sight! Pennsylvania's two tallest waterfalls, Raymondskill Falls and Dingmans Falls, are both located in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Take a refreshing morning hike through the peaceful wintry woods!

Afternoon: Dive into the past, and learn about local history during a museum visit. Open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4. p.m., the Columns Museum in Milford is not only home to the Pike County Historical Society but also houses significant national artifacts like the Lincoln Flag.

When it's time to refuel, there are lots of restaurants to try in downtown Milford. Dig into a hearty meal in a great atmosphere at The Dimmick Inn or the Jive Bar & Lounge.

Evening: Get in some evening runs skiing or snowboarding at Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain, open until 9 p.m. holidays and Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. If you've never tried downhill snow sports before, Ski Big Bear is a great place to book a lesson and get started!

Put off the drive home, and give yourself more time to explore Milford and Pike County! Browse local accommodations and attractions for a longer winter getaway.

When it comes to Pocono Mountains towns, Milford is a must-see. The town is touched with historical sites, museums and…


Explore the Original Winter Wonderland

Morning: Over 100 bald eagles migrate to the Pocono Mountains during the winter months each year, and bald eagle watching takes flight December through March. Catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures with the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, with heated bus tours departing from the Van Scott Nature Reserve.

Afternoon: Savor the seasonal scenery along the Lackawaxen River during a classic ride on the rails. With heated historic coaches, The Stourbridge Line offers Santa trains and winter excursions perfect for making memories with family and friends.

There's nothing like enjoying a hot beverage on a cold winter day! Let local baristas make you a specialty coffee or chocolate concoction at cafes in Hawley and Honesdale like Cocoon Coffeehouse & Bakery and Moka Origins.

Evening: Pay a visit to the original "Winter Wonderland" this season! Lyricist Dick Smith wrote the words to the classic tune while dreaming of the pristine landscape around his hometown of Honesdale. There's now a historical marker in front of his boyhood home on Church Street celebrating his legacy. Take a stroll down the glistening snowy lanes to explore local shops and restaurants! Wind up your day with fresh flavors from Native or Here & Now Brewing Company.

Why rush away? An overnight stay at quaint and welcoming lodgings around Honesdale and Wayne County will give you extra time to take in all the area sights.

History and culture collide in the scenic town of Honesdale. A rich sense of community can be found in this downtown.

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Looking for even more day trip planning inspiration? Find delicious local dining, browse winter activities and check our snow conditions before you go! Keep an eye on our blog for seasonal tips and trip ideas.