Making a trip to the Poconos is one of the best ways to spend a family getaway, a romantic weekend or a week of rejuvenation. There are many things to do – plenty of options to fit just about everyone’s needs. The only thing you have to do is create a list of the best Poconos attractions for your needs. At Skytop Lodge, we want you to get the full experience out of this type of trip.
#1: Whitewater Rafting
When it comes to things to do during the summer months in the Poconos, you have to embrace nature. For those with a bit of experience and skill, whitewater rafting is one of the best ways to do this. There are various locations around the region allowing you to climb on board and travel down the current. That includes both the Delaware River and the Lehigh River. Go alone, with a friend or the entire group. It’s often best to allow one of the tour groups to take you on this type of adventure if you’ve never whitewater rafted before. It’s an exciting time no matter what.
#2: Explore Skytop Lodge
Spanning 5,500 acres, Skytop Lodge is an impressive place to visit while in the Poconos. It’s home to some of the best golf in the area, beautiful natural scenery around every turn and outstanding food, wine and hospitality. Whether you dine with us at any of our numerous onsite restaurants, or you spend time exploring all of the activities (The Nest, Adventure Center, and Outfitters are waiting for you), we know you’ll have an invigorating time on our property. Don’t forget to stay with us at The Inn as well, one of the best places to stay when you want to be in the heart of all the Poconos has to offer.
#3: Explore Asa Packer Mansion Museum
Getting in a little culture while you visit is always a good way to spend some time. This luxurious mansion is nothing short of astonishing. It spans some 11,000 square feet of space, all converted into a museum. Dating back to 1861, this 18 room home took a full two years to build. The home cost about $14,000 to build, which was a large amount of money then. Today, you’ll see authentic 1800s items including a history of the Packer family. For those who love architecture, it is a treasure to explore.
#4: Take In Lehigh Gorge State Park
As noted, it’s critical to take in nature on this trip, and Lehigh Gorge State Park is one of the best ways to do so. It is the ideal free way to spend time. If you are willing to take a bit of a hike, head over to the Glen Onoko Falls area. Though a challenging excursion, it is one of the most impressive experiences you may have in this area. You can bike into the area, too, on dry days. There are many trails in the area to explore by walking or by bike. You can spend a full day taking it all in while you come.
#5: Camelback Mountain Adventures
When you are looking for Poconos attractions that are perfect for the kids, look no further than Camelback Mountain Adventures. This is located in nearby Tannersville. It is a family-friendly amusement park with everything to do from roller coasters to ziplines. You will also find this area to be one of the best locations for those who want to relax and unwind with good fair food and lots of outdoor fun.
#6: Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Another way to explore the history here is at Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. The rail was built in 1917 and moves through the wooded forest. There’s a 16-mile one-hour trip you can take along the railway (there are both diesel and steam engines here). It takes you around the Lehigh Gorge State Park, creating an exciting way to see the wildlife and much more. This is also one of the best experiences during the fall because the fall foliage along the route is amazing.
#7: The Nightlife
For those who are looking for fun things to do at night in the Poconos, there are plenty of things to do and see here. There is a wide range of nightclubs to visit for those who want to dance and have a few fun drinks. For those who are looking for a concert or a lounge, you’ll find that here, too. There seems to always be a live band or event taking place during the summer months. As the heat from the day falls, this is one of the best ways to unwind. You’ll also find some great food and locally brewed beer to enjoy as well.
#8: Challenge Yourself with a Hike
Another fantastic place to hike is at Hickory Run State Park. While there, you can check out Boulder Field – which really is what you’ll experience when you arrive. First, there are 40 miles of hiking at Hickory Run State Park. Boulder Field itself offers a six-mile hike along the trail. Along the way, you’ll see 18 acres of a rock collection – which are small to massive in size. What’s most interesting about these is that scientists don’t know how they got there. You can also stop along this route to do some fishing or go swimming. There’s also a disk golf area to tap into for some added fun.
#9: You Have to Do Some Golfing
While Skytop Lodge offers some fantastic experiences for golfers, there are many others in the area worth exploring as well. If you are planning a golf excursion for a week or more, take in some of the historic courses in the area, such as the A.W. Tillinghast or Donald Ross courses. There are more modern options nearby, including those designed by Jack Nicklaus. Any of these are sure to give you the challenge you want.
Still Looking for Other Poconos Attractions?
There’s much to love about the area. Check out the local farmer’s market, go for a swim in a lake in one of the parks, or visit Claws N’ Paws Wild Animal Park. There’s paintball, the Mount Air Casino and lots of restaurants to keep you busy during your time here.
We encourage you to book with us at Skytop Lodge to get the experience started. You’ll find a lot of the attractions you want to explore are nearby to our location or just a short drive. You’ll also find that we’re here to help you create the ideal experience for your needs.