Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Pocono Mountains?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Pocono Mountains?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania? Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Pocono Mountains during their visit. After all, the scenic region will let you hit the ski slopes, take a hike, tour the famous sights and museums, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant.
The Pocono Mountains, often referred to as the Poconos, are a beautiful mountain region in the state of Pennsylvania. The area is filled with recreational activities, parks, and natural areas. There are also towns with charming downtown areas as well as hiking trails, ski resorts, and lakes. Visitors come to enjoy the natural beauty and adventure sports. The towns are perfect for antiquing or grabbing a bite to eat at a local restaurant.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Pocono Mountains? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Pocono Mountains?
One week provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of the region at your own pace to hit the ski slopes, take a hike, tour the famous sights and museums, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
How to spend a week in Pocono Mountains
Don't miss Bushkill Falls during your trip to Pocono Mountains, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. 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.
Snow skiing takes the spotlight during the winter season, so set aside at least a day to hit the slopes. 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.
Pocono Mountains is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The mountains, valleys, lakes, and streams offer impressive beauty and a peaceful setting.
Known for it's hiking, Pocono Mountains sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. 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.
You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. 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.
Shopping in Pocono Mountains is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. 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.
After you've explored most of Pocono Mountains, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
With added time, spend another day on the ski slopes. After all, that's one of the main attractions here. You'll probably improve your skills every day, so check out some of the runs you haven't spent much time on yet.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Pocono Mountains?
With two weeks at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that this region has to offer, giving you the flexibility spend extra time checking out the snow skiing, the hiking, the museums and landmarks, and the cuisine. You can move at your own pace and take time to relax, too. We have some suggestions of things to do below.
The Poconos, Pennsylvania
How to spend 2 weeks in Pocono Mountains
With 2 weeks in Pocono Mountains, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the region has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time skiing on the slopes and hiking. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this region looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Pocono Mountains, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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