Enjoy an Active Vacation at Poconos Resorts
You'll have a great time no matter what season you choose to visit.
Basic Pocono Facts
Located in the northeastern portion of the state, the Pocono Mountains encompass several small towns like Jim Thorpe and Stroudsburg, as well as 7 state parks, 150 lakes, 72,000 acres of state forest, and the 72,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
From swimming, boating, and hiking to skiing and snowboarding, active guests of all ages love the Poconos in both the sun and snow. It's also an ideal place to relax and do nothing but take in the lush scenery and enjoy the company of friends and family.
The Resorts
Several decades ago, the Poconos gained a reputation as a romantic destination for honeymooners or those celebrating a special anniversary. Many of the resorts offer enticing packages for newlyweds, with such amenities as heart-shaped bathtubs and beds, ornately mirrored rooms, and secluded cabins with their own pools for extra privacy.
While the honeymoon destination tag still remains and a few resorts remain "couples only," Poconos resorts now boast so much more than just a private place for lovers.
Most resorts here offer a wide variety of activities for all ages, from families with children, to retirees, to couples looking for a fun weekend trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Choices range from historic mountain lodges on more than 5,000 acres with three meals a day served in a gorgeous dining room to something a bit more intimate on a few hundred acres, but equally as lovely. There's something for every budget.
Amenities are plentiful. Many Poconos resorts offer rooms with hot tubs as well as pools, fitness centers, saunas, and tennis courts. Some resorts are situated on golf courses, offering avid golfers close proximity to the links.
Winter Activities
In the winter, skiing is number one in the Poconos. About a dozen ski areas are spread throughout the area, most offering their own resort accommodations. All together, there are nearly 200 downhill trails and plenty of room for cross-country as well.
Those who don't ski will enjoy snow tubing, tobogganing, sleigh rides, ice skating, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and just having fun in the powdery white stuff.
Summer and All-Season Activities
In the warmer months, Poconos resorts offer bike riding (including mountain biking), canoeing, sailing, hiking, tennis, archery, horseback riding, Alpine slides, and golf.
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers all the above activities and more in a pristine setting along the Delaware River's New Jersey and Pennsylvania shores.
Guests will also enjoy swimming beaches with lifeguards in this park as well as fishing, kayaking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. There are also lots of places to enjoy a picnic.
Planning a Pocono Trip
The Pocono Mountains are especially popular with visitors from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the metropolitan New York area. The drive is pleasant and picturesque and you should definitely keep your camera ready.
Pocono resorts offer a number of special packages all year round which may include lift passes and ski instruction in the winter and golf or tennis in the warmer months of spring, summer, and fall.
Posted by Pat on Saturday, September 24, 2005