Escape NYC for a Weekend in the Pocono Mountains

By: Emily Whalen

In need of some fresh mountain air? Take a break from the city’s summer heat: escape from NYC to the Poconos! Just a two-hour drive away from Manhattan, you’ll find cool waterways and lakes, unspoiled mountains covered in lush greenery, and laid-back small towns full of history and charm. The Pocono Mountains is about 100 miles away from New York City, an ideal distance for a day trip or weekend getaway. Several major highways including I-80 (the most direct route), I-84, I-380, and I-476 lead visitors up into our hills.

The Pocono region encompasses 2,400 square miles and four Pennsylvania counties: Wayne, Pike, Monroe and Carbon. Winding scenic roads like Route 402, Route 507 and Route 6 lead to antique shops, historic sites and attractions, hiking and biking trails galore, delicious local dining, craft breweries and wineries, plus world-class, one-of-a-kind accommodations. Start planning your escape! Keep reading to discover things to see and do in the Poconos that you won’t want to miss.

How to Get to the Poconos from NYC

Find Your Weekend Mountain Home

Fun for the Whole Family (and Fido!)

Explore with Local Experts

Savor Fresh Flavors and Craft Beverages

NYC Traveler FAQ

 

How to Get to the Poconos from NYC

The best way to get to Poconos from NYC is to hit the road and take a roughly two-hour car drive along I-280 and I-80. Popular Poconos towns like Delaware Water Gap and Stroudsburg, often called the heart of the Poconos, are about 65 miles from New York City and are located right off of I-80. New York and New Jersey are just a hop, skip, and a jump across the Delaware River from Wayne County and Pike County in the Poconos, with destinations like Lake Wallenpaupack and the towns of Hawley, Honesdale, and Milford easily accessible off of I-84 and historic Route 6.

Wondering how to get to the Poconos without a car? Various bus companies provide service to towns in the Poconos, like Martz Bus which runs between the New York City Port Authority Bus Terminal and Monroe County spots like Stroudsburg and Mount Pocono. Shortline Bus via Coach USA runs to Wayne and Pike counties, while Trailways runs to Jim Thorpe and Carbon County. Be sure to check each company’s website for up-to-date route schedules.

The convenient proximity between NYC and the Poconos has brought New Yorkers to our area for hundreds of years, with Victorian visitors traveling on the iconic “Phoebe Snow” passenger train. Plans are currently moving along the tracks to restore passenger rail service from NYC to the Poconos, with a proposed Amtrak corridor that would include stops in East Stroudsburg, Mount Pocono, and Scranton. Service could potentially begin as early as 2028, pending completion of design work and construction by stakeholders.

 

Find Your Weekend Mountain Home

The Pocono Mountains is home to plenty of places to stay that you can’t find anywhere else. Historic accommodations like Skytop Lodge or French Manor Inn & Spa offer the timeless countryside peace and luxury that have tempted tourists here for generations. You’ll find places to stay with fine dining, relaxing spa facilities and renowned golf right on site, everything you need for a retreat away from the crowds of the city.

For a classic family vacation all ages will love, experience the warm welcome and hospitality of family-owned properties like Woodloch Resort and Keen Lake Camping and Cottage Resort which have been the backdrop for beloved memories for decades. Looking to move into a cabin or vacation home rental for the weekend? We’ve got plenty of options! The Village at Pocono near Pocono Raceway offers space for groups of all sizes and flexible renting options.

 

Fun for the Whole Family (and Fido!)

With the Lehigh River on the western edge of our region and the Delaware River on the eastern edge, plus plenty of lakes and beaches and waterways in between, the Poconos is a picture-perfect destination for canoeing and kayaking, thrilling whitewater rafting expeditions, or just a lazy day tubing or relaxing by the water’s edge. But the splash-worthy attractions don’t stop there. You’ll find some of the largest and most impressive indoor and outdoor waterpark resorts in the country in our area. In the Poconos, you can surf the FlowRiders, float in the lazy rivers, and splash the day away with family and friends regardless of what the weather’s like outside.

When it comes to family fun in the Poconos, four-legged family members are welcome too! You’ll find lots of dog-friendly hotels, pet-friendly dining, and attractions where your pet is welcome to come along for a hike, an ice cream cone or even to stay for the night!

 

Explore with Local Experts

For an insider’s look at the region, let the people who know the Poconos best show you where to go and what to see. Take a guided tour of the scenic town of Jim Thorpe with the Jim Thorpe Trolley Company . Venture back in time in charming Delaware Water Gap with a trip aboard The Pocono Historic Trolley Tour or an afternoon with Tour the Castle to learn about the storied resorts which first made the Poconos a beloved vacation destination over two hundred years ago.

Spend a day in the covered bays at Sunset Hill Shooting Range , where experienced instructors will help you safely try over 120 firearms. Camelback Mountain Adventures offers thrilling Switchback UTV Tours or you can take a relaxing cruise on Lake Wallenpaupack with Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours. Looking to go beyond ground and water? Take to the skies and take your adventure to the next level at Pegasus Skydive Center in Saylorsburg.

 

Savor Fresh Flavors and Craft Beverages

No getaway is complete without delicious things to eat! In the Pocono Mountains, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants and outdoor dining to choose from. Why not sample colorful produce fresh from local fields at Hanna’s Farm Market , Monroe Farmer’s Market or The Cooperage Project . Get to know local growers with Pocono Television Network: watch our Pocono Perspectives interview series for an inside look at the green and growing farms in the Poconos.

For a true foodie experience, get a behind-the-scenes look at the ethically-sourced, small-batch delicacies being made at Moka Origins Coffee Roasters Cafe and Chocolate Factory or tour the state-of-the art greenhouses at Pocono Organics , one of the largest regenerative organic farms in North America.

Perfect for date night or an outing with friends, the Pocono Beverage Trail highlights local breweries, distilleries, and wineries. From moonshine to small-batch beers to unique vintages, hand-crafted spirits are served up in airy tasting rooms, atmospheric bars and sprawling vineyards around the region. Be sure to sign up for the free Pocono Beverage Trail digital passport to access discounts and earn points as you visit different properties along the trail. You can even snag a free hat when you check-in to at least six different participating locations during your trip!

                (PoconoMountains.com)