Vacation rentals in Pocono Lake

You could spend a good chunk of your life checking off things to see and do in the Pocono Mountains — from whitewater rafting to museum hopping to world-class golf — and still not scratch the surface. When it comes to raw natural beauty, look no further than Pocono Lake, a truly tranquil destination located in eastern Pennsylvania’s renowned Pocono Mountains. Here you’ll find ample opportunities for kayaking, boating, and fishing, but don’t miss out on the wealth of rustic nature preserves along the water’s edge. From Pocono Lake Preserve to Fern Ridge Bog Preserve to State Game Lands 127, there’s a staggering amount of wilderness here, making it ground zero for birdwatching, hiking, and scoping out some of Pennsylvania’s most iconic creatures, including river otters and black bears. After soaking in the beauty of the lake, head out to explore the surrounding mountains for a wider taste of this gorgeous region. Whether you’re skiing, sledding, or just relaxing cliffside, taking in the views, the serene beauty of Pocono Lake and its surroundings are tough to beat.

Pocono Lake celebrates all four seasons in their full glory, and has something special to offer no matter what time of year you decide to visit. Autumn draws visitors from far and wide thanks to its brilliant fall foliage, while summer is perfectly suited for lakeside activities like swimming, kayaking, and hanging out on a boat. Summer is also peak tourist season, so be prepared to share the water, and the wilderness. If you’re into skiing and snowboarding, the Poconos are a truly spectacular destination for all forms of winter sports, equipped with a wealth of ski runs of varying difficulty scattered along the slopes. Should you fancy yourself a no-nonsense outdoor adventurer, consider coming in the spring, as the balmy weather and blossoming flora brighten the area forests and hiking trails, and the crowds are at their thinnest.

Tobyhanna State Park

With some 5,440 acres of forest and swampland, this idyllic sanctuary is a low-key go-to for local hikers, cyclists, and anyone hoping to spot native Pennsylvanian wildlife. The 5.1-mile Lakeside Trail is well suited for a leisurely stroll along the water, while experienced hikers may wish to opt for the 3.2- mile Frank Gantz Trail, which involves boulder hopping and more rugged terrain.

Thomas Darling Preserve

A popular outdoor adventure destination, Thomas Darling Preserve contains one of the largest spruce forests in Pennsylvania. Visitors are welcome to take leisurely strolls along the preserve’s boardwalks and trails, but the real payoff here is the wildlife spotting. Naturalists are on hand to steer you toward the best watch zones for the area’s resident critters, including the golden-winged warbler and the Northern flying squirrel.

Bushkill Falls

Bushkill Falls may be an hour east of Pocono Lake, but its abundant natural beauty definitely makes it worth the drive. Known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania, this popular hiking and bird-watching destination is home to eight distinct waterfalls, with the largest more than 100 feet high.