Best Pocono Mountains Road Trips: Scenic Drives, Waterfalls & Lake Views

The Pocono Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania offer some of the most captivating road trips in the United States, blending dense forests, sparkling lakes, cascading waterfalls, and historic villages just a short drive from major cities like New York and Philadelphia. These routes provide year-round appeal, from vibrant fall foliage to snowy winter landscapes and lush summer greenery.

Why the Poconos Are Perfect for Road Trippers

Nestled in a region of rolling hills and untouched wilderness, the Poconos span Pike, Monroe, Carbon, and Wayne counties, covering over 2,400 square miles of natural beauty. Designated as a national recreation area in parts, this area features glacial lakes, steep ridges, and over 170 miles of rivers ideal for scenic cruising. Road trips here allow travelers to access hiking trails, fishing spots, and cultural landmarks without leaving their vehicles for long stretches.

Key advantages include low traffic on secondary roads, ample pull-offs for photos, and proximity to amenities like diners and lodges. Whether seeking solitude or family-friendly stops, these drives cater to all.

Route 6: The Historic Highway Through Charming Hamlets

Spanning over 400 miles across northern Pennsylvania, **Route 6** earns acclaim as one of America’s premier scenic byways, recognized by Car and Driver and Harley-Davidson for its winding paths and vistas. In the Poconos section from Honesdale to Milford (about 35 miles), it threads through quaint towns showcasing Victorian architecture and local heritage.

Begin in Honesdale, home to the Joe Kraft Trail and canal-era museums, then curve past Hawley with its lakeside resorts. Highlights include the Roebling Bridge in Milford, the nation’s oldest existing wire suspension bridge built in 1847. En route, detour to Shohola Falls via State Game Lands 180 for a short 200-yard hike to a 25-foot cascade.

• Distance: 35 miles one-way
• Drive time: 1-1.5 hours without stops
• Best season: Fall for peak colors
• Must-see: Overlooks near Carbondale for panoramic forest views

Extend your journey westward to Merli Sarnoski Park for biking trails or end eastward toward the Delaware Water Gap.

Cruising Lake Wallenpaupack: Lakeside Bliss

Lake Wallenpaupack, Pennsylvania’s third-largest man-made lake at 5,800 acres, anchors a mesmerizing loop drive combining Route 6 and local roads around its 52-mile shoreline. This route offers watery vistas, marinas, and birdwatching spots.

Start from Hawley, following Tafton-Hawley Road south along the eastern shore, passing Silver Birches Resort and boat launch points. Cross the dam for western shore views, then loop back via Belmont Lakes Road. Scenic pull-offs reveal eagles soaring over inlets, while nearby Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center provides ranger-led tours.

The full circuit spans 20-25 miles, ideal for a half-day with boat tour add-ons.

Route 209: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Traverse

Route 209 slices 30 miles through the heart of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a 70,000-acre expanse straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This drive showcases dramatic geology, with Mount Minsi rising 1,500 feet over the Delaware River.

From Milford southward, the road hugs the river, passing Smithfield Beach and Kittatinny Point Visitor Center. Key stops include waterfalls like Raymondskill Falls (Pennsylvania’s tallest at 165 feet) and Dingmans Falls via boardwalk trails. The route ends near Stroudsburg, gateway to more Poconos attractions.

• Distance: 30 miles
• Drive time: 45 minutes
• Highlights: River overlooks, rock formations
• Tip: Avoid rush hours near I-80

This path exemplifies Pocono biodiversity, with over 1,000 plant species and black bears roaming the ridges.

Route 903: Mountain Summit and Valley Vistas

Winding 25 miles from Lake Harmony to Jim Thorpe, **Route 903** climbs through the rugged southern Poconos, offering summit views rivaling the Appalachians’ best. It connects Big Boulder Ski Area to Lehigh Gorge State Park.

Ascend from Blakeslee past Hickory Run State Park’s boulder field—a 16-acre Ice Age relic—then summit at Penn Forest Reservoir overlook. Descend into historic Jim Thorpe, with its Gilded Age mansions and Lehigh River rafting.

Notable: The Old Mauch Chunk Road segment provides hairpin turns and foliage tunnels in autumn.

Waterfall Wonderland Road Trip Along Multiple Routes

For cascade enthusiasts, a 209-mile round-trip links Routes 6, 209, and 903 to nine premier waterfalls. Start at Shohola Falls off Route 6, proceed to Bushkill Falls (the ‘Niagara of Pennsylvania’), Upper Hornbecks Creek, and end at Little Shickshinny Falls.

1. Shohola Falls (Pike County)
2. Bushkill Falls (Monroe County)
3. Dingmans Falls (Delaware Water Gap)
4. Childs Falls (near George W. Childs Recreation Site)
5. Pocono Environmental Education Center cascades
6. More cascading gems en route

Downloadable maps from state parks enhance planning; allocate 2-3 days for hikes and swims.

Planning Your Pocono Road Trip: Essential Tips

Best Time to Go: Fall (September-November) for foliage, winter for skiing access, summer for swimming.

What to Pack: Binoculars, hiking boots, picnic gear, full gas tank (stations sparse).

Accommodations: Cabins in Promised Land State Park, B&Bs in Milford, resorts at Split Rock.

Safety: Watch for deer, ice on bridges; cell service spotty in gorges. Download offline maps.

Seasonal Variations and Events

Spring wildflowers dot Route 6 meadows; summer boat tours at Wallenpaupack; fall leaf-peeping peaks mid-October. Winter transforms 903 into snowmobile trails from Big Boulder. Check Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau for festivals like Hawley’s Wildflower Concert Series.

FAQs

Are these roads open year-round?

Most yes, but check PennDOT for seasonal closures due to snow.

How far from NYC?

1.5-2.5 hours to eastern Poconos entrances.

Pet-friendly?

Yes, leashed pets welcome at state parks; confirm lodging.

EV charging available?

Increasing; Honesdale, Stroudsburg have stations.

Best overnight stops?

Milford B&Bs, Jim Thorpe hotels.