I like to think I’m somewhat of an expert on summertime in the Poconos. A good part my time at Notre Dame Jr/Sr High School and even in college was spent counting down the days until summer. With the luxury of no classes, my friends and I were able to really explore the Poconos during the summer and find the best of the best activities. In no particular order, here are my top 5.
Bushkill Falls – I almost took a summer job here as the park mascot, dressed in a bear costume.
Yep. That could have been me. I almost wish I had taken that job because it would have put me in the heart of pure Pocono magic. Dubbed “The Niagara of Pennsylvania”, its network of hiking trails provides some of the most scenic views in the Northeast. You won’t even notice the summer heat as the mist from one of its eight waterfalls cools your skin. After a day of hiking, reward yourself in the Fudge Kitchen for the true Bushkill Falls experience.
Pocono Go-Karts and Play Park – So while I didn’t dress in a bear suit, I did work at this fun establishment for a summer. Pocono Go-Karts is a family run park that will be celebrating its 20th birthday next year. With adult and kid tracks, one and two seaters, and full night lighting, there is something for everyone, anytime of day. And if the wind blowing through your hair isn’t enough, they have target paintball, basketball toss, football shootout, mini golf, and covered tables so you can picnic. With so much to do, it will be hard not to spend all your time here!
Camelbeach – Boasting the most water slides in Pennsylvania, you have found THE place to cool off during the summer. You will no longer wonder why the park has won multiple awards after you go for rides in The Titan- an eight story raft slide, Triple Venom – a slide with three drops that simulate weightlessness, and Kahuna Lagoon – which I can personally attest is the most fun wave pool I’ve ever been in. For the less adventurous in your group there are cabanas and picnic tables to rent and a great lazy river to let the summer hours drift away.
Musikfest – I saw my very first concert AND got my very first speeding ticket on the way to the largest non-gated musical festival in US. Having no gates means that you can see hundreds of great musical acts without spending any money. If you do want to spend some money on the premium concerts, you’ll experience the marquee names that the festival attracts. Some of these past acts include Ray Charles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Maroon 5, and Steve Miller Band. Proceeds from the event benefit a nonprofit arts organization, ArtsQuest.
Get Lost – Some of my favorite memories of Summertime in the Poconos are from just driving and walking around the beautiful towns and forests of the Poconos. This area has so much to offer that, you can’t go wrong anywhere. Maybe you’ll find the adorable Delaware Water Gap Trolley, the bustling art scene of Main Street Stroudsburg, or the water adventures on Lake Wallenpaupack. No matter what, you’ll love what you find!
