If you’ve already set your sights on the Pocono Mountains this holiday season for a family or solo vacation, get ready to explore the region’s most iconic winter viewpoints. The Poconos are located in Northeastern Pennsylvania and are famous for their wooded hills, sparkling lakes, and rolling valleys. It’s home to 126 hiking trails, 19 waterfalls, and more than 150 serene lakes, drawing nearly 27–30 million visitors every year for everything from hiking and ice skating to unique winter events like Wally Ice Fest. Plus, with cozy cabin rentals in the Pocono Mountains, you get the comfort of a warm winter hideaway, beautiful nature views, and easy access to every scenic trail and overlook.
This Poconos travel guide will help you discover the most loved locations you won’t want to miss this winter season!
Hickory Run State Park
See the Poconos Like Never Before This Winter
Hickory Run State Park is an ideal starting point for visitors seeking a mix of the Poconos travel adventure and natural beauty. Covering nearly 16,000 acres, the park features over 40 miles of trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Its most famous feature, the Boulder Field Trail (3.5 miles), leads to a National Natural Landmark composed of large sandstone and quartz rocks partially covered in snow.
Snowmobiling is permitted on designated trails, while frozen lakes offer opportunities for ice skating and ice fishing, making it a versatile destination for winter recreation.
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Promised Land State Park
Not far away, located on the Pocono Plateau, Promised Land State Park is perfect for cross-country skiing and peaceful winter walks. There are about 50 miles of trails to explore. You can hike along Bruce Lake Road to reach a beautiful glacial lake, take the Little Falls Trail to see a few charming waterfalls, or walk the loop around Conservation Island.
When there’s enough snow, around six inches or more, the park office even lends out snowshoes on weekdays, which is a fun bonus if you didn’t bring your own. Thanks to its higher elevation (around 1,800 feet), the park usually gets a good blanket of snow, making it a great spot for photography and quiet moments of solo travel away from the crowds. You can even access a few equestrian trails nearby in the state forest area.
Travel Tip: Winter days are shorter up here, so it’s smart to arrive early and plan to wrap up your main activities by mid-afternoon before the daylight fades.
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Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
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Lake Wallenpaupack
For winter travelers, Lake Wallenpaupack is one of the Poconos’ top cold-weather destinations. Stretching over 13 miles with 52 miles of shoreline, the frozen lake turns into a scenic playground for ice fishing, snowshoeing, and peaceful winter walks. Nearby, the 556-acre Lacawac Sanctuary offers 8 miles of quiet trails through snow-covered woods.
In December, the town of Hawley lights up for Hawley Winterfest, a three-day celebration filled with campfires, horse-drawn carriage rides, and Victorian holiday charm. A month later, Wally Ice Fest takes over the frozen lake, featuring eight hockey rinks, twelve curling lanes, and a nine-hole golf course on ice, along with live music and local vendors.
For a calmer escape, visit one of the six public recreation areas for panoramic views, wildlife watching, or a cozy winter picnic.
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Big Pocono State Park
Big Pocono State Park is perched atop Camelback Mountain at an elevation of 2,133 feet, offering 360-degree winter views of Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. Visitors can access the summit via the 1.4-mile ADA-accessible Rim Road, a scenic drive that allows Poconos travelers to experience breathtaking winter scenery without hiking.
The park features about 7 miles (11 km) of interconnecting hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to steeper climbs. If you’re new to hiking, check in with the park office before trying the rocky North Trail, which can get icy in winter. There’s also a 3-mile (4.8 km) horseback riding trail near the park’s west entrance. For a relaxed break, you’ll find three picnic areas with 50 tables, some in open clearings and others tucked in the woods.
Catch the sunset before you leave; the mountain glow at dusk is pure Pocono magic.
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Lehigh Gorge State Park
If adventure is your winter style, Lehigh Gorge State Park is a must-visit. Stretching along the Lehigh River, this 6,000-acre park offers a stunning mix of frozen waterfalls, icy cliffs, and snow-dusted forests. The famous Lehigh Gorge Trail runs for 26 miles, following an old railroad route that’s now popular for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter biking.
Along the way, you’ll find scenic overlooks, historic bridges, and the impressive Glen Onoko Falls area, where frozen cascades create picture-perfect winter scenes. For thrill-seekers, nearby towns like Jim Thorpe and White Haven offer gear rentals, cozy cafés, and access points to the trail.
Wake Up to Snow-dusted Mornings in the Poconos
All in all, the Poconos offer a soul-soothing mix of beauty and calm that you can feel the moment you arrive. So, make this winter one to remember by reserving your cabin rental in The Poconos, PA with Wander Home. With 38,000 happy travelers and 3,000+ five-star reviews, you’re guaranteed a cozy stay close to the region’s best winter attractions.
If you own a vacation home in the Poconos, let Wander Home’s STR property management services take care of everything. We handle bookings, guest communication, maintenance, and pricing to help your investment work for you.
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