How to Have the Best Road Trip From NYC to the Poconos
The city that never sleeps is filled with exciting things to do, but sometimes the hustle and bustle can leave you feeling exhausted and frazzled. Leave your worries behind you in the city and head for the mountains! At around just two hours distance from NYC, a Poconos day trip is a fantastic choice for your escape. The deep greens of trees that frame the clear blue skies and fresh mountain air will make your stress melt with each mile closer you get. Continue on to discover how to make the best road trip from NYC to the Poconos!
Take a Road Trip From NYC to the Poconos
Fill up the car with gas, craft the perfect playlist, download your favorite podcast, and grab some tasty snacks—you’re almost ready for your short journey! All you need now is to decide how to get to the Poconos from NYC. The quickest way is to follow I-280W and I-80W, which take you pretty much all the way (it just depends on where exactly you want to go in the Poconos).
Drive Through Beautiful Mountain Landscapes
As you leave the tall skyscrapers and traffic jams behind you, beautiful trees replace the city skyline and the road climbs toward the green peaks. The drive from NYC to the Poconos takes around two hours if you drive nonstop.
Once you get closer and begin approaching the Poconos, your route will pass through the edge of the Delaware Water Gap. On either side of you, you’ll see breathtaking views of forested mountains rising up around you as panoramic views stretch far beyond the curves of the road.
If you’d like to take a break from driving and stretch your legs, the Delaware Water Gap features some of the best hiking trails in the Poconos. Stroudsburg is just beyond the Delaware Water Gap, so if you work up an appetite, you can stop here for a bite to eat. At this point, you’re basically in the Poconos, so all that remains now is to decide which specific areas you want to visit.
Things to Do in the Poconos
Even though you won’t find the hustle and bustle of the city in the Poconos, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of fun things to do year-round. In addition to seasonal outdoor activities, the Poconos see many annual events and festivals, have several great restaurants, and has a variety of other kinds of entertainment available.
In the Winter
Maybe you’re here for Christmas or to ring in the New Year. If you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors, there’s a lot to choose from: you can go skiing, have some classic fun snow tubing, or try something different and go dog sledding. Would you rather stay warm indoors? Visit one of the spas or warm up with a drink at a brewery or winery.
In the Summer
While the Poconos have a beauty bordering on magical during the snowy winter season, the summer offers more outdoor recreation. From hikes to lovely vantage points and refreshing waterfalls to whitewater rafting, kayaking, and zip line tours, there are all kinds of ways to experience the natural beauty of the Poconos.
Stay in a Cozy Lodge
Mountaintop Lodge is the perfect place to spend a quiet retreat from the city. Our welcoming lodge sits along the shores of the beautiful Lake Naomi amongst fresh mountain air and beautiful pine trees.
Each room is outfitted in just what you need for a relaxing stay. Soft beds, sumptuous linens, and private bathrooms stocked with lemongrass bath products ensure that you will have a rejuvenating stay. In the mornings, you’ll be treated to a complimentary freshly-made breakfast. And, as a guest of Mountaintop Lodge, you gain free access to all the amenities at Lake Naomi Club!
This is but a glimpse into what your stay at Mountaintop Lodge could be like. Be sure to take a look at all of our accommodations before you book your getaway in the Poconos!