An article describing the many vacation attractions of the Pocono Mountains, from fishing in the Summer to skiing in the Winter.
The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania, located halfway between Philadelphia and New York City, are an ideal choice when planning a vacation, no matter what the season. The Poconos have long been known as a "honeymoon haven," and while this is still their specialty, it's an excellent spot for a family vacation.
If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing vacation, a place to get away from it all, then the Poconos are for you. Over 500 lakes are nestled in the valleys surrounding the mountains. Lake Wallenpaupack, the Poconos' largest lake, covers over 5,600 acres and offers numerous water activities, including fishing, sailing, boating and swimming. Lake Wallenpaupack, as well as the many other lakes in the Poconos, are well stocked with trout, salmon and various types of fish.
While there are an assortment of hotels and resorts, the Poconos offer privately owned chalets and cottages for rental during all seasons of the year. These rental properties offer you the privacy and comfort of home with all the amenities of the private community, such as use of the lake, clubhouse, etc. There are also a variety of campgrounds to choose from - whether you prefer to camp in a tent or hook-up your RV, you'll find your preference.
For nature lovers and outdoorsmen, the Pocono Mountains is home to over 10 state or national parks. You can enjoy the plentiful hiking trails, from beginner to mountain-climbing expert trails or see nature at its finest on horseback. Don't forget to bring your binoculars as it isn't rare to spot an American Bald Eagle gliding through the mountains.
Enjoy an outing to Camelback Water Park, where the entire family can enjoy water adventure rides, slides, and rafting. Camelback Resort is one of the premier Pocono Mountain resorts, offering fun and attraction in both summer and winter. Camelback Mountain is one of the best skiing spots in the Poconos.
If you are a winter enthusiast, you will also enjoy the Poconos. The Pocono Mountains boast close to 150 ski slopes. Many of the resorts and ski lodges offer "winter packages" that include family lessons, ski rentals, lift tickets, etc., and the amenities inside these resorts are second to none. Because of the number of lakes, there are ample sites for ice skating. Snow boarding and snow mobiling are also very prevalent, and what could be more romantic that a horse-drawn sleigh ride? Again, whether you choose to stay at a resort or rent a private ski chalet, all winter activities will be at your doorstep.
As stated above, the Pocono Mountains gained their notoriety as a honeymoon resort and that tradition continues today. There are many specialty honeymoon resorts offering amenities such as heart-shaped beds, in-room swimming pools and Jacuzzis and the privacy that most couples are looking for on their honeymoon. The resorts also offer the best in nightclub dancing and entertainment.
While outdoor activities abound in the summer and winter, autumn in the Poconos offers some of the most phenomenal foliage, seen in three different phases as the season progresses. Depending on the week during fall, you will be treated to the lush reds, vivid oranges and rich golds as the trees of the forest ready for winter. You can enjoy this panorama of color from your car, on horseback, or, for a real treat, take an aerial view from a ski lift. Stop at a pumpkin patch to pick your jack-o-lantern and have a cup of hot apple cider.
Once Spring arrives, so do racing fans. Pocono Raceway is the home of the annual NASCAR event that bears its name. After the race, pick some wildflowers, do some fishing or enjoy the gush of the waterfalls, replenished from the winter's melting snow.
No matter the season, whatever your age, visit the Pocono Mountains for a relaxing, memorable vacation.
