Pocono Mountains
Explore a land of NASCAR competition, beautiful parks and indulgent spas
Gaze out at steep mountains with peaks covered in cotton candy-like clouds. Or join the throngs who gather each year to see America’s fastest vehicles on wheels. This outdoor playground takes advantage of all four seasons, offering visitors luxurious spas, family-friendly activities and countless other reasons to mark it on the calendar as an annual vacation retreat.
The Pocono Mountains, more commonly referred to as “The Poconos,” are perhaps most famous for romantic, honeymoon resorts, earning the region its title as “The Honeymoon Capital of the World.” The Pocono Mountains also offer acres upon acres of beautiful, scenic landscapes, providing a unique juxtaposition of blissfully peaceful surroundings against the backdrop of boldly exhilarating options.
History
Long before the Pocono Mountains became a resort destination, its early inhabitants were the Native American Delaware, Iroquois, Shawnee, Minisink, Lenape and Paupack nations. The first European settlers were Dutch and English, who began arriving in the Pocono Mountains by 1742.
The region’s first hotel—a boarding house—was established in 1829, a humble beginning to what would become a world-renowned resort industry. By the early 1900s, thousands of visitors from neighboring Philadelphia and New York flocked to the Pocono Mountains for summer vacations.
Over the years, more attractions were added. Notable among these is Lake Wallenpaupack, which, at 5,200 acres, is the third largest man-made lake in Pennsylvania. It was created in 1926 by the Pennsylvania Power and Light Company, which dammed a creek and built a hydro-electric power plant. Today, “The Big Lake,” located in the Northern Pocono Mountains, is a top destination spot for water sports and other recreational activities along its 52 miles of scenic and environmentally-protected shoreline.
It wasn’t until World War II, when GI’s returning from the war started bringing their wives and families to the area, that the Pocono Mountains began earning the reputation as a honeymoon haven. In 1945, The Farm on the Hill became the first Poconos honeymoon resort, albeit rustic by today’s standards. More elaborate resorts were built in the ‘50s and ‘60s, including the first with heart-shaped bathtubs worthy of a Life Magazine photo spread.
Things to Do
For folks seeking outdoors adventure, there is no down time in the Pocono Mountains. Breaking out of its stereotype as a haven for honeymooners, the Poconos serve up a diverse menu of diversions. NASCAR racing, for one, has established a major presence at the Pocono Raceway, where top drivers navigate an angular course known as the Tricky Triangle. Up to 100,000 race fans make the trip to the track to marvel at competitors as they navigate a series of harrowing turns in their stock cars.
Lovers of outdoor sports can indulge in thrill-a-minute whitewater rafting, championship golf courses, rustic dude ranches and expansive amusement and theme parks. CBK Mountain Adventures offers ziplining, rides and more. Slow things down a big by booking an appointment at one of the area’s spas.
CBK Mountain Adventures
Nine state parks, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River all broaden the appeal of the Pocono Mountains. Hikers have plenty of space to roam through some of the most beautiful nature areas in the country—if not the world. Water aficionados can try out one or more of the surrounding 150 lakes. Watersports of almost every kind are available, including boating, parasailing, fishing and canoeing. Bring your camera to capture some of the many waterfalls that can be found along the trails.
If you prefer inland pursuits, the towns of the Pocono Mountains are tourist meccas all their own, featuring art, history and culture and, of course, shopping. The town of Milford is the spot for musical events, an annual fall film festival, quaint shops and galleries. The Victorian town of Jim Thorpe, named after the Native American Olympic gold medalist, is not only at the heart of the East Coast’s bicycling scene but also showcases historic mansions preserving the architecture of the region.
Themed tours in the town of Honesdale, the “Birthplace of the American Railroad,” show off this community’s ties to railway transportation, which ultimately linked America’s East and West. The town of Stroudsburg greets visitors with one-of-a-kind shopping experiences, including a local arts scene and a host of festivals. A visit to the Columns Museum in Pike County will take you on a time-travel journey into the local past.
For More Information
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
800-762-6667
www.800poconos.com
Pennsylvania Tourism
800-847-4872
www.visitpa.com
