Things to Do in the Poconos

Mountaintop Lodge at Lake Naomi is located in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. The Poconos are both a splendid tourist destination and a great place to live. Here you’ll find 170 miles of rivers, 261 miles of hiking trails, 81,859 acres of state forest lands, and seven ski areas. There are things to do in the Poconos for every visitor, especially for those who love the outdoors. The area has virtually every imaginable outdoor activity, from skiing and golf (miniature and regulation size) to whitewater rafting and hunting.

If the great outdoors isn’t your thing, the area also offers an abundance of other activities and attractions including historical locations, many types of shopping, entertainment venues, and restaurants to tempt your taste buds all within a short drive of Mountaintop Lodge at Lake Naomi. Explore the area through the information below or read our vacation guide for even more things to do in the Poconos during your trip.

Ski Areas

Winters in the Poconos are a time for skiing; both downhill and cross country. You can experience three of the Poconos’ ski areas within an 18-minute drive of Mountaintop Lodge at Lake Naomi. Jack Frost, Big Boulder and Camelback Mountain give you opportunities to spend the day on the slopes, take lessons that are structured for any age group, or go snowtubing!

 

Golf CoursesGolf

Whether you are into casual weekend games or are an avid golfer, the region offers a golf course for you. As part of your temporary Lake Naomi Club Membership you will have access to the executive nine-hole golf course at Timber Trails (additional charge). Other courses in the area offer opportunities for 9, 18 or 27 holes with plenty of challenges, spectacular views that vary from woodlands to mountains.

 

Arts & Culture

The Pocono Mountains has a thriving arts community. It’s no wonder, the beautiful vistas could inspire anyone. In the area you will find galleries and studio tours year round and the summers play host to many festivals, centered around both art and music. You can also find opportunities to try your hand at pottery, photography, painting, drawing and more.

The Shawnee Theater and Scranton Cultural Center regularly present Broadway productions. Enjoy shows such as Rent, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat and Riverdance as well as a children’s theater.

 

Entertainment

Believe it or not, nightlife does exist in the Poconos. Several restaurants, micro-breweries and bars in the area offer nightly bands. There are two casinos within 30 minutes, which have club venues as well as slots and table games. Popular entertainment acts will often be on the schedule at the Sherman Theater and Penn’s Peak.

 

Shopping

The Pocono Mountains region offers plenty of options for shopping. You’ll find deals at The Crossings Premium Outlets, handcrafted treasures, clothing and jewelry in the numerous boutiques and abundant antiquing located in quaint towns that are just a short drive from the lodge.

 

 

Outdoor Adventure

Whitewater Rafting PoconosThe Delaware and Lehigh Rivers flank the borders of the Pocono Mountains. Daily trips on the water can include kayaking, canoeing and whitewater rafting. Bike trails wind their way through the mountains with scenery that makes the ride worth it. Several different outfitters provide all the equipment you’ll need and many offer daily trips for all ages and experience levels. You can also find packages that include a BBQ lunch on the river and whole adventure days that combine biking, paddling and hiking or Skirmish battles.

 

Hiking

The 2400 square miles of the Pocono Mountains are home to many State and National Parks. You will find plenty to explore with challenges for many different fitness levels. Meander over 261 miles of trails where you can see waterfalls, rare plants and native wildlife. Access the Appalachian Trail, which runs along the southern border of the Poconos from the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Center. Visit Boulder Field in Hickory Run State Park to see millions of boulders deposited during the last ice age. Promised Land State Park offers another 50 miles of trails.

 

NASCAR and Indy Car Racing

Pocono Raceway is home to multiple NASCAR and Indy Car races. Check the calendar to see when this year’s NASCAR races will be held. These races, in addition to many car clubs events, draw large crowds. Want to experience the thrill of driving a race car of your own? The Stock Car Racing Experience provides a thrilling opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Stock Car on the 2.5 mile Pocono Raceway course.

 

Water ParksWaterpark

Kalahari Resort is the newest addition to the indoor waterpark craze in the Poconos. What sets Kalahari apart from the others is that you can purchase day passes to visit their 100,000-square-foot facility. The water park is open to day pass visitors from 10am to 10pm daily and offers rides and slides such as the Anaconda, the Rippling Rhino and the Wild Wildebeast.

Camelbeach is an outdoor waterpark open from the end of May through Labor Day.

 

Environmental Education

Several organizations work to preserve and protect the many ecological areas of the Poconos as well as offer education. Programming allows all ages to get hands-on as you enjoy and study nature. The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) works to offer education in sustainable living and teaches appreciation for nature. The Nature Conservancy is part of a nationwide organization that is dedicated to the protection and preservation of these important natural resources. They have several locations in the area such as the Harry & Mary Goeringer Preserve, The Thomas Darling Preserve, the Tannersville Cranberry Bog and the Long Pond Preserve & Hauser Nature Center.

Restaurants

On the grounds of the Lake Naomi Club you can choose lakefront dining at the Lake Naomi Clubhouse (open Wednesday thru Monday in season, Thursday thru Saturday in off season), the Timber Trails Grill (open Thursday thru Tuesday in season) or one of the five smaller cafes.

The area has an abundance of restaurants so you’re sure to find one that has your taste buds watering. Some of our favorites include…

Van Gilder’s Jubilee Restaurant (A rustic family restaurant serving hearty American fare, .10 mile away)

Andrew Moore’s Stone Bar Inn (Elevated American fare in an upscale warm ambiance, 18.1 miles away)

Barley Creek Brewing Company (A microbrewery known for pub fare, 8.3 miles away)

Marco Antonio’s (Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, 19.4 miles away)

Siamsa Irish Pub (An authentic Irish experience, 19.4 miles away)

Smuggler’s Cove (New American and Seafood, 12.5 miles away)

Basso Cucina Italiana (A family run Italian kitchen, 11.2 miles away)

Casino Theatre Entertainment Center and Village Malt Shoppe (Movies, ice cream, lunch and dinner…who could ask for more? 5.9 miles away)

 

For a complete list of things to do in the Poconos, be sure to request your Vacation Guide! It’s the perfect travel companion for your getaway. This carefully curated guide is available 24/7 and expands on our recommendations for attractions, restaurants, outdoor activities, annual events, and more. Best of all, it’s free!