A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Adirondack Mountains vs. Pocono Mountains for Skiing, Resorts, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a serene, pristine, and scenic region. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a scenic, beautiful, and magnificent region. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Adirondack Mountains and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains?

Both Pocono Mountains and Adirondack Mountains have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Adirondack Mountains is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and impressive beauty, while Pocono Mountains is more popular for its skiing. Adirondack Mountains is well known for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. Pocono Mountains is well known for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns.

How is Adirondack Mountains different from Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pocono Mountains and Adirondack Mountains. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Adirondack Mountains
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is notable for snow skiing. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for skiing and snowboarding.

People head to Pocono Mountains specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Head to Adirondack Mountains for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains?

Adirondack Mountains
Pocono Mountains

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Adirondack Mountains and Pocono Mountains.

Adirondack Mountains offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pocono Mountains. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

Is the Food Better in Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Adirondack Mountains
Pocono Mountains

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Adirondack Mountains and Pocono Mountains can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adirondack Mountains. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Pocono Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Adirondack Mountains
Pocono Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a region with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

Adirondack Mountains
Pocono Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is notable for its resorts. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its luxury resorts.

In Adirondack Mountains, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Pocono Mountains has a few great resort options. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Adirondack Mountains
Pocono Mountains

If you're looking to go hiking, Adirondack Mountains and Pocono Mountains both have excellent trails.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Pocono Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains?

Adirondack Mountains
Pocono Mountains

Both Adirondack Mountains and Pocono Mountains are notable shopping destinations.

Adirondack Mountains offers some nice shopping areas. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Pocono Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Adirondack Mountains
Pocono Mountains

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains.

Adirondack Mountains is a very kid-friendly region. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pocono Mountains. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

Adirondack Mountains
Pocono Mountains

With fun activities for couples, both Adirondack Mountains and Pocono Mountains make for a excellent place to visit.

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

Pocono Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adirondack Mountains
Pocono Mountains

Both Adirondack Mountains and Pocono Mountains are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Adirondack Mountains is a great region to visit for backpackers. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adirondack Mountains
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a moderate region for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Public transit is quite limited in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Adirondack Mountains
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a moderate region for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

Pocono Mountains is generally not very walkable. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable region. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Adirondack Mountains?

How long in Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains?

Both Adirondack Mountains and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Pocono Mountains has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Pocono Mountains than Adirondack Mountains. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Adirondack Mountains. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Pocono Mountains, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Adirondack Mountains. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Pocono Mountains that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Adirondack Mountains if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Pocono Mountains.


  • How many days in Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7 
    Pocono Mountains 3-7

One day in Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Adirondack Mountains. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Pocono Mountains. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.


A weekend in Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find shopping and museums around the pristine region of Adirondack Mountains. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Pocono Mountains is a fun place to experience. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains?

Adirondack Mountains is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many people visit Pocono Mountains for five days. Many travelers enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the region of Pocono Mountains. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer.

A week in Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains?

Adirondack Mountains is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the magnificent destination of Pocono Mountains. Many people spend one week here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pocono Mountains, one week is sufficent for most.


Which place is cheaper, Pocono Mountains or Adirondack Mountains?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Adirondack Mountains is $166, while the average daily cost in Pocono Mountains is $174. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Adirondack Mountains and Pocono Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adirondack Mountains $97
    Pocono Mountains $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adirondack Mountains $194
    Pocono Mountains $178
Compare Hotels in Adirondack Mountains and Pocono Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Adirondack Mountains


Hotels in Pocono Mountains


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adirondack Mountains $33
    Pocono Mountains $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Pocono Mountains and Adirondack Mountains change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Adirondack Mountains $49
    Pocono Mountains $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Adirondack Mountains $17
    Pocono Mountains $30

Tours and Activities in Pocono Mountains

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pocono Mountains are as follows:

  • Private Mount Pocono Observation Air Tour: $64
  • Delaware Water Gap Air Tour: $141

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adirondack Mountains $19
    Pocono Mountains $13


When comparing the travel costs between Adirondack Mountains and Pocono Mountains, we can see that Pocono Mountains is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Adirondack Mountains Expensive? and Is Pocono Mountains Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

Both Pocono Mountains and Adirondack Mountains are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Adirondack Mountains in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Adirondack Mountains is cooler than Pocono Mountains in the summer. The daily temperature in Adirondack Mountains averages around 71°F (22°C) in July, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Pocono Mountains. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adirondack Mountains. Adirondack Mountains usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains during summer. Adirondack Mountains gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. In July, Adirondack Mountains usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Adirondack Mountains gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Adirondack Mountains 71°F (22°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Pocono Mountains and Adirondack Mountains during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Adirondack Mountains is cooler than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Adirondack Mountains in October average around 49°F (9°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Adirondack Mountains often gets less sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Adirondack Mountains gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun.

Adirondack Mountains usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Pocono Mountains. Adirondack Mountains gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Adirondack Mountains 49°F (9°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Adirondack Mountains and Pocono Mountains. The winter months attract visitors to Adirondack Mountains because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

It's quite cold in Pocono Mountains in the winter. The weather in Adirondack Mountains can be very cold. In January, Adirondack Mountains is generally much colder than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Adirondack Mountains average around 18°F (-8°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Adirondack Mountains usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains during winter. Adirondack Mountains gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Adirondack Mountains usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Adirondack Mountains gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Adirondack Mountains 18°F (-8°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Adirondack Mountains as well as Pocono Mountains. The natural beauty are the main draw to Adirondack Mountains this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the natural beauty.

Adirondack Mountains is cooler than Pocono Mountains in the spring. The daily temperature in Adirondack Mountains averages around 46°F (8°C) in April, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adirondack Mountains this time of the year. In the spring, Adirondack Mountains often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pocono Mountains. Adirondack Mountains gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun.

Adirondack Mountains usually gets less rain in April than Pocono Mountains. Adirondack Mountains gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Adirondack Mountains 46°F (8°C) 
    Pocono Mountains 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains Pocono Mountains
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 21°F (-6°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 33°F (1°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 46°F (8°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
May 57°F (14°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jun 66°F (19°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Jul 71°F (22°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Aug 69°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Sep 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 49°F (9°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Nov 38°F (4°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Dec 25°F (-4°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)