Lake side house rentals in Arrowhead Lake

As part of the Pocono Lake area, Arrowhead Lake is a planned development in northeastern Pennsylvania right in the heart of the Poconos Mountains, about midway between Wilkes-Barre and the Delaware Water Gap at the New Jersey border. The privately owned gated community revolves around its waterfront setting — a common local mantra being “Life is good at the lake” — and really, in this picturesque setting, why shouldn’t it be? In addition to Arrowlake Lake itself, there’s also the smaller North Arrowhead Lake, and boating, fishing, and swimming are all popular pastimes, as well as enjoying the four beaches.

Every season in the Poconos has its own draw. Spring is known for a fresh crispness in the air, as days can still be quite chilly in the early months, even making it possible to enjoy snow activities. But toward the season’s end, a more temperate climate offers ideal weather for hiking and biking. Summers can be balmy, so it helps to turn to water activities to cool off, though there’s always a little briskness after dark, so bring layers. The autumn palette serves as its own art show, with a cozy fall feel to accompany it. Winter is all about the powder, as snow activities dominate the white-covered scenery. Seasonal celebrations take place year-round, including a Kids’ Outside Easter Egg Hunt, Fourth of July fireworks, and Angler’s Annual Fishing Derby.

Thomas Darling Preserve

One of the state’s largest spruce forests comes into full bloom here in the spring with viburnum shrubs topped with white flowers. The 2,500-acre land, run by the Nature Conservancy and named for a naturalist from Wilkes-Barre, is a 15-minute drive away in Blakeslee.

Stoddartsville Historic District

A six-minute drive up the road from the preserve is the 19th-century milling village of Stoddartsville, overlooking the Lehigh River’s Great Falls. The area never quite found success and now stands with the ruins of a gristmill, a bear trap lock, and resort cottages.

Pinchot State Forest

To give a sense of just how vast the Pinchot State Forest is, its 50,000 acre are spread across five counties at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Lackawanna rivers. Hikes range from the 26-mile Pinchot Trail to the more leisurely D&L Trail. Must-sees include the Pine Hill observation deck and the Seven Tubs Recreation Areas for its waterfalls. Snowmobiling, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and canoeing are all popular area activities at Pinchot State Forest.