Discover the top 10 things to do in the Poconos of Pennsylvania during the fall!

The Pocono Mountains, or otherwise known as the Poconos in Northeastern Pennsylvania is one of the top destinations to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City or Philadelphia during autumn.

It features colorfully forested peaks (especially during autumn), breathtaking lakes and valleys, stunning hiking trails, fun outdoor adventures, great ski resorts, thrilling water parks and beautiful hotels and resorts.

As someone who grew up in the Greater New York City area, I have made my way to the Poconos various times for skiing, hiking and even for enjoying a lovely weekend getaway.

During September 2019, my family and I made our way to Pocono Manor in Pennsylvania to treat my grandfather (who turned 80) to a wonderful weekend in the mountains and countryside.

(Please note that in November 2019, Pocono Manor Resort and Spa, where we stayed, unfortunately burnt down. It is in the process of being renovated and rebuilt. The opening date for the resort is TBD. Another hotel option near Pocono Manor is Carriage House Country Club.)

If you are visiting the New York City or Philadelphia areas or are even doing a road trip along the east coast of the United States, I recommend not missing out on visiting the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.

In this article, I am discover the top 10 things to do in the Poconos of Pennsylvania.

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.

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Traveling to the Poconos, Pennsylvania in the Fall:

Traveling to the Poconos in Pennsylvania takes around 1.5 to over 2 hours to get to and from both New York City and Philadelphia.

Transportation to and from the Poconos are pretty limited, so I highly recommend taking your own car or renting one to get there. There are a few bus services that go to and from each city, but you’re going to want to get around and see different sites and attractions, so that is why driving on your own is the best way.

You could also fly to the Poconos. The closest international airports are Lehigh Valley International Airport and Newark International Airport. There are numerous smaller national airports in the Poconos to fly into as well. (I always book my flights through Skyscanner.)

Click here to schedule your ride to the Poconos from the airport you are flying into.

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Where to Stay in the Poconos, Pennsylvania:

Like I mention above, there are plenty of hotels and resorts to stay at in the Poconos and you could choose them based on your budget and preference. There are also a variety of Airbnb or Vrbo options to choose from.

During my family weekend in the Poconos, we stayed at Pocono Manor Resort & Spa and it was absolutely perfect because it offers everything for everyone. (I could definitely add that staying at Pocono Manor Resort & Spa is definitely one of the top 10 things to do in the Poconos of PA, but like I mention above, it did burn down less than two months after our stay and it is in the process of being rebuilt!)

There were families like ours (even families with young children); couples; friend groups (the Poconos is the perfect weekend getaway for a bachelor/bachelorette party) and there were even solo travelers.

(If you are traveling with a group, it is easiest to book your accommodation through HotelPlanner.com.)

What is great about Pocono Manor Resort & Spa is that you could book a package to save money on the extras. There is a golf course, spa, ranch, breakfast and dinner package. You could also get discounts off of Pocono Manor Resort & Spa activities and adventures.

Locals know Pocono Manor Resort & Spa as “The Grand Lady of the Mountains” and it has been welcoming guests since 1902, providing visitors with a beautiful, warm and welcoming experience during their stay.

Throughout the hotel were historical photos of the manor dating back to the early 20^th Century. This Poconos resort also encompassed timeless architectural features, had a few dining rooms that include a lounge area and bar, both indoor and outdoor pools, an arcade, mailroom, yoga studio, fitness center and so much more just within the hotel itself.

There are also numerous event spaces for corporate parties and weddings.

Pocono Manor Resort & Spa offers 3,000 acres of land for golf, horseback riding and other fun outdoor activities. Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, you could still enjoy a lot of the epic adventures I mention below.

10 Things to do in the Poconos – Best Activities and Adventures:

Take on a Scenic Fall Hike in the Pocono Mountains:

The Pocono Mountains offer some of the most picturesque nature in the country.

If you are a hiker, you will definitely be in your glory for sure! Even if you aren’t an avid hiker, there are many stunning walking trails you could do in the Pocono Mountains.

One of the most famous hiking trails the Pocono Mountains are known for is the Appalachian Trail that runs 2,180 miles, stretching from Maine to Georgia. This wonderful trail runs through many East Coast states and it is similar to the Camino de Santiago in Spain where you could start and end at various points. (I got to hike part of the Appalachian Trail during my time in the Smoky Mountains in spring 2021.)

Another great natural site to hike to is Bushkill Falls. Similar to the hike I did to Kaaterskill Falls during my weekend in the Catskills of New York, Bushkill Falls is a unique series of waterfalls on easy-to-follow trails. It is perfect for those who aren’t looking to hike anything too difficult and want to see a lot of natural beauty.

One of my favorite hikes on the east coast is Mount Tammany, located on the Delaware Water Gap, on the state border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Mount Tammany is on the New Jersey side, but it isn’t too far from the heart of the Poconos. At Mount Tammany, you could climb up rock scramble, explore breathtaking water falls (and even swim in them), walk over a beautiful bridge that goes over Dunnfield Creek, take in views from the overlooks, balance rocks and more.

In addition, there are so many amazing walking trails throughout the Poconos. During our weekend at Pocono Manor Resort & Spa, we walked around the neighborhood that boasted beautiful mountain homes and since we visited during the first week of fall, we also got to see some really colorful trees!

There is also a walking trail that leads to a beautiful lake nearby.

Enjoy the Beauty on Horseback at Pocono Manor:

Prior to going to the Poconos, I knew that I definitely wanted to go horseback riding. It is definitely one of the top 10 things to do in the Poconos!

What is nice about staying at Pocono Manor Resort & Spa is that they have their own stables and trail at The Ranch at Pocono Manor.

During our weekend, my mom, cousin and myself went horseback riding since my grandfather, dad, uncle and brothers went golfing.

The terrain at The Ranch varies from flat to rugged. We went through stunning woodland paths that featured breathtaking nature and beautiful autumn colors.

What is cool about The Ranch is that they offer horseback riding for beginners as well as experienced riders. We were on the beginner trail where our horses were led by staff and we also got to trot for a little bit.

What was also nice about The Ranch is that they have a petting zoo to enjoy while you wait for your horseback riding adventure to start. There are donkeys, goats, a pig, rooster and chickens.

Test Your Archery Skills in the Poconos:

Another one of the best adventures in the Poconos and one of the top 10 things to do is archery. I first tried archery during the New York Renaissance Faire back during summer 2014 and had such a blast, so I couldn’t wait to do it again!

Located at Manor Sports, there are so many fun outdoor adventures and activities you could do!

Besides archery, there are also BB Guns; mountain biking; yard games such as croquet, can jam, cornhole, horseshoes, volleyball and more; pond fishing; trap shooting and UTV riding at Pocono Manor.

During the winter, you could do cross country skiing; dog sledding; ice skating; sleigh riding; snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

Savor Delicious Food in the Poconos:

Throughout the Poconos are great restaurants ranging from all-American country food to Japanese/sushi and Italian cuisine to Mexican dining. One of the top 10 things to do in the Poconos is enjoy all of the great eateries!

Below is a list of restaurants I’ve eaten at during my time in the Poconos:

Mountainview Dining Room at Pocono Manor Resort & Spa (Breakfast), Pocono Manor, PA: During our stay at Pocono Manor Restaurant & Spa, we had breakfast both Saturday and Sunday morning at the Mountainview Dining Room.

I enjoy having a nice buffet breakfast when I am on a trip and Pocono Manor’s breakfast includes everything from fresh fruits and Danishes to eggs and hash browns as well as breakfast sausage and bacon to pancakes and waffles.

Unless you purchase a package, breakfast is usually not included with the room, but I think it is totally worth it to grab breakfast here regardless.

Desaki Restaurant (Japanese Hibachi and Sushi), Swiftwater, PA: One of the most popular restaurants in the Poconos is Desaki Restaurant. Here, you could enjoy Japanese hibachi along with sushi dishes and refreshing cocktails.

During the first night in the Poconos with my family, we savored a great hibachi dinner at Desaki. To top if off, the staff ensures you have a great time and there is also a shuttle that goes to and from Pocono Manor Resort in case you want to enjoy a few drinks.

Jubilee Restaurant (American), Pocono Pines, PA: During our family weekend in the Poconos, we grabbed a light lunch at Jubilee Restaurant.

It is here where you could enjoy classic American food such as burgers, wings, salads, sandwiches, etc. I savored a delicious Bang Bang shrimp dish and it was delicious!

Basso (Italian), Cresco, PA: Since my family is Italian American, we always crave Italian food, so the staff at the resort recommended that we eat at Basso during one of the evenings we were there.

If you are looking for quality Italian food, I couldn’t recommend this Italian restaurant more. I had a chicken parm dinner and it did not disappoint.

Sycamore Grille (American), Delaware Water Gap, PA: After hiking Mount Tammany during a day trip, my friends and I made our way to Syacamore Grille, located right over the border at the start of the Poconos.

This great pub has delicious food and drinks and it is the best during a nice day where you could sit outside.

Relax at a Spa in the Poconos:

During my family weekend in the Poconos in 2019, there was a spa at the hotel, so I obviously had to take advantage of it.

While the men were golfing, my mom and I enjoyed a spa day where I received a well-needed facial and my mom got her nails done.

Although there are quite a few spas in the Poconos due to the amount of resorts, I recommend going to Laurel Spa at the Pocono Manor.

Laurel Spa offers a variety of therapeutic massages: there is a Himalayan salt cave; you could receive a manicure and/or pedicure; facial services (like what I got); aromatherapy; a body wrap and waxing.

Click here to discover more spas in the area.

Go Golfing at Pocono Manor:

Throughout the Poconos are numerous golf courses that are scenic and they welcome players of all skill levels.

The men in my family enjoyed playing golf at Pocono Manor and they also went golfing at the nearby Mount Airy Lodge.

If you like spending time at a casino, Mount Airy Lodge also has a great one if that is something you’re interested in as well. Personally, I’m not into gambling, but my brother is so he went one night during our time in the Poconos.

Sip on Delicious Beer at a Local Brewery:

If you are a beer lover like myself, you will definitely enjoy the plethora of different beer options in the Poconos and visiting a brewery should definitely be on your bucket list of top 10 things to do on your trip during the fall.

Below is a list of great breweries near Pocono Manor:

Pocono Brewery Company (Swiftwater, PA)
Barley Creek Brewing Company (Tannersville, PA)
Mountain View Vineyard, Winery & Brewery (Stroudsburg, PA)

Have Fun at a Poconos Waterpark in Late Summer/Early Fall:

The Poconos is a great destination to travel to if you have young children or even kids in their teens because there are so many waterparks (both indoor and outdoor).

Even though I outgrew waterparks after I graduated high school, I will always remember how much fun they were and reminisce on all of the memories I made on the water slides.

Below is a list of the best waterparks and attractions in the Poconos that should be on your list of top 10 things to do:

Kalahari Resort (Includes Indoor Waterpark), Pocono Manor, PA
Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark, Tannersville, PA
Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark, Tannersville, PA
Great Wolf Lodge (Includes Indoor Waterpark), Scotrun, PA
Split Rock Resort, Lake Harmony, PA
Montage Mountain, Scranton, PA

Adventure Along the Delaware Water Gap:

The Delaware Water Gap is the perfect place to enjoy fun adventures and stunning fall foliage on The Delaware River.

During your time on the Delaware Water Gap, you could go canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting, fishing, swimming, boating and so much more. Click here to discover more adventures on the Delaware Water Gap.

Hit the Slopes in the Pocono Mountains in Late Fall/Early Winter:

During late fall and wintertime in the Poconos, there are a lot of fun snow activities you could do.

If you ski and snowboard, visiting Camelback Mountain Resort should definitely be on your top 10 list of things to do in the Poconos.

With 166 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain, Camelback has a total of 35 slopes, which includes a slope that is one mile long and another slope that has a vertical drop of 800 feet.

There are also 15 ski lifts that include two high-speed detachable chair lifts. In addition to skiing, you could also enjoy après-ski at Camelback’s restaurants and bars.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Camelback also offers snow tubing, a terrain park and more!

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I hope you all enjoyed discovering what to do in the Poconos of Pennsylvania. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com

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Basic Facts of the United States:

Currency: United States Dollar, Country Capital: Washington D.C., PA State Capital: Harrisburg, Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time

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