Picturesque Routes for the Ultimate Road-trip & Vacation in the Pocono Mountains
Is it better to go on a road trip or on a vacation? Is it too much to ask for both? And what better way to get the best out of both worlds than taking a drive across the picturesque routes to the Pocono Mountains. Out of a plethora of roads connecting the Pocono Mountains, here is a handpicked list of the most exciting and fun filled roads leading to this amazing destination.
Four Fabulous, Exciting and Fun to Drive Routes to Reach the Pocono Mountains
1. US Route 6 to Poconos
US Route 6 is a road trip rendezvous. It is the longest transcontinental highway in the United States. It is also dubbed as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway. It is 3,199 miles long, which begins in Bishop, California and ends in Province Town, Massachusetts. In Pennsylvania, the US 6 runs for 394 miles.
If you choose the mighty US 6 to travel to the Pocono Mountains, it takes you through some of the most historic venues of the United States present in the Poconos. The destinations on this route include Honesdale, Hawley and Milford. Honesdale is a go-to destination for history buffs. It is the birthplace of the American RailRoad and home to art and culture at the Poconos. Milford is the top Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area present on US 6. Hawley is all about lake life. While you are at Hawley visit Lake Wallenpaupack, which is a man-made lake built in 1926. Hawley is also a foodie’s dream, which presents unique gourmet delicacies consisting of equally unique ingredients.
A quick diversion from US 6 to the interstate 84 (I 84) takes you to Tobyhanna and Plains. Tobyhanna is a complete fun and entertainment package. This community is home to the Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark. It also houses shooting ranges, casinos, horse stables, and the Tobyhanna State Park. You can plan a peaceful picnic and go hiking on the 5.1 mile park trails. In the winters you can do some ice fishing, snowmobiling and ice skating in the Tobyhanna state Park. Plains is a cool community with restaurants, museums, nightclubs and tons of leisure activities.
The US 6 connects Poconos/Pennsylvania from California, Nevada, Utah, Nebraska, lowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
2. US Route 209 to Poconos
US 209 is the most preferred US highway to the Poconos. It is 211.74 miles long and connects Millersberg, Pennsylvania to Ulster, New York City. The midpoint of this route is in the North of Stroudsburg, a popular beverage tour and nightlife destination. No matter your favourite beverage is Wine, beer, hard-cider or distilled spirits, Stroudsberg has them all. However, those of you behind the steering wheel best not get wasted. Drive responsibly!
Another popular destination on US 209 is Palmerton, which is known for its games, entertainment and adventure centres like the Halls of Horror, river rafting, river tubing, Lehigh valley zoo, and antique malls.
3. Interstate 80 to Poconos
Interstate 80 is the most prominent east-west highway in the Poconos region. It is 2,900 miles long and connects California with New York City. It covers the Delaware Water Gap Toll Bridge over the Delaware River. It offers breathtaking views of the Delaware water gaps (depending on your heading).
Interstate 80 branches off to Blakeslee, Lake Harmony, Tobyhanna and Mount Pocono. It also takes you to Stroudsberg.
4. Pennsylvania Route 903 to Poconos
Dubbed as the highway to adventure, the Pennsylvania Route 903 (PA 903) is a two-lane undivided state highway road measuring 17.7 miles. It is located in Carbon and Monroe counties. It is known to lead to some of the exotic locations in the Poconos. The road begins at an intersection with the U.S Route 209 in Jim Thorpe, which is an outdoor adventure hotspot where you can enjoy whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River. The most popular attractions on the PA 903 are the Penn Forest Township Recreational Park, and Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary.
The PA 903 then leads to Lake Harmony via a quick diversion. Lake Harmony is an ideal getaway for adrenaline junkies where one can experience extreme water sports, ATV tours, and Lake Harmony cruises. You should not miss the Boulder field in the Hickory Run State Park; it is one of the 25 must-see State Parks in Pennsylvania.
The drive through Pennsylvania Route 903 is both relaxing and adventurous. The route passes through bridges, dense forests, and residential areas before entering the Tunkhannock Township and continues into the northern terminus at Pennsylvania Route 115, which leads you to Blakeslee. Blakeslee is a perfect outdoor getaway in the Poconos. You can indulge yourselves in tons of exciting activities like stock car racing, mountain bike trails, water parks, or you may even take an aeroplane tour to capture the bird’s eye view of the picturesque Poconos.
Pocono Mountains is a vacation gift that just keeps on giving. It offers endless fun and a whole bouquet of activities. If you decide to plan a road trip with your family/friends, you can be darn sure that you will not be disappointed. There are many amazing places to stay and rest while you are on your road trip vacation at the Pocono Mountains. Make sure you follow all traffic rules and drive safely. Happy Road Tripping!!!