Pocono Mountains

Understand

Climate

The climate of the Pocono Mountains is not unlike many other areas of the Northeast. Each season has its own weather characteristics that make the Poconos unique. People love the Northeast because they can experience the beauty each season offers throughout the year.

Spring

After the cold winter, the blossoming flowers and fresh warm air make it perfect for any outdoor activity. The temperatures are moderate and there is always the chance of rainfall. The spring offers numerous outdoor activities like canoeing, golf, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding or anything you can think of! The tree-lined mountains are full of Mountain Laurel blossoms and the surroundings are green and thriving.

Summer

The heat comes in during the summer months of June, July, and August. The temperatures can often reach into the 90s (F) and rarely exceed 100°F. The humidity can be very high which makes it more compelling to engage in cool water activities like visiting the crystal clear lakes. Lake Wallenpaupack, one of Pennsylvania's largest lakes, or any of Pocono mountain's 150 lakes is the perfect place to relax and take a dip, fish, water ski, or sail. The Pocono Raceway has a NASCAR race weekend in June.

Fall

Autumn is a popular time to visit the Poconos, to see the fall foliage as the leaves begin to turn. There are three different zones of color you can see during the change. To help catch the perfect areas to witness these different beautiful changes you can call the Pocono Mountain fall foliage hot line at +1 570 421-5565. The daytime temperatures are cool as nighttime can get colder. There are many delightful scenic driving routes through the Pocono Mountains and activities include horseback riding, bird watching, hiking, or a chairlift ride at the many ski resorts.

Winter

Winter gets cold! The region tends to have several large snowstorms per winter, with the greatest chance for snow being from late December to mid March. Winter in the Poconos is best known for its skiing. The mountains and terrain offer the perfect opportunity to cross country or downhill ski, snowboard, ice skating, snowmobiling, snow tubing, and tobogganing. There are over 146 slopes and trails.

Regions

• Monroe County
• Pike County
• Wayne County

Cities

The region is dominated by many small towns.

Several towns within the Pocono region include:

• Stroudsburg — The seat of Monroe County and the gateway to the Poconos for many arriving from the New Jersey and New York areas.
• East Stroudsburg - Twin city of Stroudsburg.
• Hawley — A small town located north of I-84. Nearby manmade Lake Wallenpaupack offers camping, boating and fishing. Woodloch Pines Resorts is a few miles from town.
• Mount Pocono — A large town in the central Poconos at the junction of PA 940 and PA 611.
• Shawnee-On-Delaware — North and east of Stroudsburg.
• Sterling
• Tannersville — A town west of Stroudsburg on I-80 that is home to the Crossings premium outlets and the Great Wolf Lodge, a resort with a large indoor waterpark.

Other destinations

• Bushkill Falls is also known as The "Niagara of Pennsylvania".

Get in

By plane

The closest airport to fly into is the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport in Avoca, Pennsylvania. The airport is served by American, Delta, and United. There is direct service to Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Chicago, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. A bit farther away, Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), is larger and offers a wider range of destinations. The nearest major hubs are in Philadelphia and New York, each a couple hours away by car.

By car

The best way to get into the Poconos is by car. From the east or west, I-80 is best, but PA 940 and PA 611 provides parallel access to local attractions From the north, I-81 is best. From the south, I-476, I-81 or Route 33 is best.

Many tourists come from nearby major cities, particularly New York City and Philadelphia.

By bus

Martz Trailways (+1-800-233-8604) has a few stations in the Poconos, mainly in Mount Pocono and the Pocono exit (95) off the turnpike.

By van

Uptown Vans offers routes in various parts of the Poconos, including Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, and Mount Pocono.

By train

As of 2022, there is no passenger rail service to Northeastern Pennsylvania. However, New Jersey Transit has begun rehabilitation of the Lackawanna Cut-Off, with service to Andover, New Jersey expected to be restored by 2026. NJT and Amtrak are studying the possibility of extending the rehabilitation project into Northeast Pennsylvania, which would provide service to Scranton and Stroudsburg from New York City.

Get around

The Poconos are a large area, with little public transportation. There are buses and taxis that one can take, but it would be a better idea to travel by car. Routes 115 & 940 are excellent ways to see "real" side of the Poconos. Interstates 80 & 380 are easy ways to get from point A to B as well. Be warned, a lot of wildlife like to get in the way (notably including deer), so keep a watchful eye when you venture out!

By car

Since public transportation is lacking, privately driving becomes the main source of an individual's mode of transportation.

Stay safe

If you choose to go hunting always wear a bright color to stand out from the surroundings as hunting accidents can occur. Pennsylvania State law mandates at least a total of 250 square inches of fluorescent orange on the front and back of the body, or alternatively a hat that is completely fluorescent orange when hunting deer or bear. Always remember to use common sense when hunting!

Many attractions that draw people to the Pocono region can be dangerous. When participating in whitewater rafting, water skiing, or boating, a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is a good idea. Helmets are recommended for skiing and snowboarding. Also, use care when hiking as some areas have steep drop offs.

When camping, never leave food outside for extended periods of time, as this can attract raccoons, opossum, and especially bears. Although black bears are much more docile than most other bear species, they can be dangerous. Never get between a bear and its young. Bears can often be scared off by loud noises.