Poconos, Pennsylvania
From white-water rafting to hiking and waterskiing, the Poconos offer endless outdoor activities. You can get close to the swirling action at Bushkill Falls, known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania, by traversing a series of wooden trails to view its eight cascades. For an easy stroll, follow the Green Trail that leads to an observation deck overlooking the Main Falls. Or for a more challenging hike, meander along the nearly-2-mile-long (3.2 kilometers) Red Trail and see all eight waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls and the Lower Gorge Falls. There is also a snack shop on-site and a fudge kitchen serving ice cream, where you can refuel with post-hike sweet treats.
About 30 minutes away by car is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a 70,000-acre (28,000 hectares) paradise perfect for hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing. Take a dip in the cool waters and enjoy a wild swim at one of three designated swimming beaches: Milford Beach, Smithfield Beach, or Turtle Beach. Or glide along the water — in a kayak, canoe, raft, or tube — and view the tranquil landscapes from afar. There are numerous outfitters operating within the area that provide paddle rentals.
Head west 40 minutes to pristine Lake Harmony, where you can sample water activities such as wakeboarding, waterskiing, and kayaking on the 2.5-mile-long (4 kilometers) natural glacial lake. And once the weather cools down, the area’s outdoor playgrounds transform to host all the requisite winter pursuits, including skiing and snowboarding, ice-skating, and snow tubing. There are guided dog-sledding tours, too, during which you can meet lovable huskies and learn to mush under the guidance of trained experts. For outdoor adventures that are suitable year-round, discover the Kidder Hike & Bike Trail, which connects downtown Lake Harmony and Big Boulder Lake, or explore the hiking trails at the Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area — a stunning 130-acre (50 hectares) nature preserve.
