A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chimney Rock and Lake Lure vs. Pocono Mountains for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Pocono Mountains can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a peaceful, active, and beautiful recreation area. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a magnificent, relaxing, and scenic region. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include skiing, food, and hiking.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Pocono Mountains are both popular with visitors, Pocono Mountains has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is popular for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. Pocono Mountains is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also home to Bushkill Falls.

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a region with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There's a museum in Chimney Rock State Park, but most visitors spend their time taking advantage of the outdoor activities.

Is the Food Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a region with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Pocono Mountains area. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Within Chimney Rock Park there's a deli and a cafe. Nearby you'll also find casual eateries with pizza or classic American dishes.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Pocono Mountains

It's hard to distinguish whether Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains has a better nightlife scene.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Pocono Mountains doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a region with good options for its resorts. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Pocono Mountains

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Pocono Mountains are destinations which offer great hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. One of the most popular trails in Chimney Rock State Park is The Exclamation Point Trail , which leads to many viewpoints. During the summer and fall seasons the trail can get very crowded. The obvious highlight in the park is Chimney Rock, which is a rock outcropping that offers spectacular views.

Many visitors go to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a region with good options for its shopping areas. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Pocono Mountains to go shopping. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a good destination for shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers in the area, but for the best shopping, head over to Asheville.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Pocono Mountains

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Pocono Mountains are great to visit with kids.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area. Head to sliding rock for a fun afternoon. There's also tubing, kayaking, and river rafting nearby. Horseback riding is a fun way to explore a trail, or simply hiking on one of the many paths in the area. You'll also find ziplining and plenty of water activities at the lake.

Pocono Mountains is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Pocono Mountains

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Pocono Mountains are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic hotels as well as bed and breakfasts that make for a romantic retreat. Couples who enjoy beautiful outdoor settings and fun adventures will enjoy a weekend trip to the area. There are also local restaurants and a few wineries to explore.

Pocono Mountains is a great recreation area if you're traveling as 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Pocono Mountains

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Pocono Mountains are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very popular recreation area for backpackers and budget travelers. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

Pocono Mountains is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a region with a few options for its public transit. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a region with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its walkability.

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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a very walkable recreation area. The trails and parks in the region are spread out and require a car to access.

For even more information, also check out Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting? and Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains?

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pocono Mountains.

Families should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 1-3 
    Pocono Mountains 3-7

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find around the beautiful destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This recreation area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the museums and skiing that this beautiful destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find around the peaceful recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. If you have a weekend, this recreation area makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this destination offers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this scenic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This region offers something for everyone.

A week in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this region offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this region makes for a great vacation. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Pocono Mountains or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is $196, 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Pocono Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    Pocono Mountains $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Pocono Mountains $178
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Pocono Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure


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.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
    Pocono Mountains $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Pocono Mountains and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $52
    Pocono Mountains $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
    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
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    Pocono Mountains $13


When comparing the travel costs between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Pocono Mountains, we can see that Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive? and Is Pocono Mountains Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Pocono Mountains?

Pocono Mountains has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Pocono Mountains, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.