Getting Around
Settlers Inn, Hawley 
The Poconos are easily accessed via Interstates 84 and 80. An easy one- or
two-hour drive will take you from the Eastern megalopolis to a peaceful country
setting. Once you've crossed the Delaware River, follow winding mountain roads
past sleepy hamlets, fields and forests - just take your time and a good map.
When to Go
As always, midweek visits offer the best rates and availability, minus crowds,
traffic and congestion. February and early March can bring snow, perfect for
skiing and snowshoeing. Spring arrives gradually in April, picking up momentum
as May progresses. Summer is perfect for water sports, and fall foliage makes
hiking and biking a special treat.
Sights & Activities
Although the Poconos' privately owned attractions are vigorously promoted, our
favorite experiences are found just a step or two off the beaten track.
State parks:
Promised Land State Park and the adjacent
Delaware State Forest, offer extensive hiking trails, lakes, and
beautiful scenery. Lake Wallenpaupack, with 52 miles of shoreline, is ideal for
swimming and boating. Over 500 lakes, 18 waterfalls, 170 river miles, and the
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, ensure ample opportunities for
fishing, rafting, canoeing, and more.
Secret waterfalls tour: Springtime is ideal
for discovering the remarkable waterfalls found along the Poconos' eastern
edge, where the plateau drops sharply down to the Delaware River. Most of the
falls are well marked from the road, and are an easy walk from a roadside
parking area; a few are even wheelchair accessible. When you're in the area,
look for a map called "Poconos and the Northeast" which shows where the falls
are located.
We begin our magical waterfall tour at the Settlers Inn in Hawley (see below),
traveling east on Route 6 to Shohola Falls (watch for the signs for the State
Gamelands and the falls). Return to 6, continuing east into Milford. If time
permits, visit Grey Towers,
a National Historic Landmark; Pinchot Falls is located on the grounds. From
Milford, go south on Route 209 for three miles, turning left on Raymondskill
Falls Road, where steep steps lead you down to a dramatic view of Raymondskill
Falls. Return to 209 south to Dingmans Ferry. Turn right one block south of the
blinker light and follow the signs to wheelchair-accessible Silver Thread Falls
and Dingmans Falls. Returning to Dingsmans Ferry, turn west on Route 739 and go
left onto Silver Lake Road, following signs to the George W. Childs Recreation
area and Fulmer Falls. Returning to Route 209, go south to the
Pocono Environmental Education Center, last but not least, to privately
owned Bushkill Falls,
with eight waterfalls and other attractions.
More
info.
Click here for more
information on what to do in the Poconos.
B&Bs and Inns
Hawley: Located at the northern end of Lake
Wallenpaupack, the Settlers
Inn is a handsomely restored 1920s Tudor-style country hotel, located
across from Bingham Park. You'll start to unwind when you see the
Craftsman-style furnishings of its fireplaced living room and cozy bar, and can
be sure of enjoying fine meals in its first-rate restaurant. Head out the back
door, and de-stress on the tree swing for two overlooking the gardens and the
Lackawaxen river. Guest rooms are comfy but uncluttered; we were delighted with
Room 202, overlooking the flower gardens behind the inn, plus a double
whirlpool tub and resident rubber ducky. Best of all are long-time owners Grant
and Jeanne Genzlinger, who can steer you to every possible activity, from
swimming, fishing, and boating at nearby Lake Wallenpaupack, to antiquing to
Hawley, to great area hiking trails. Railfans will want to detour up to
Scranton for a visit to Steamtown, and a ride on the former Pocono mainline of
the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad.
More Hawley inns.
Milford: Climb up the hill behind the
farmhouse at Pine
Hill Farm and take in the three-state views of the farmhouse below, the
Delaware River Valley, and the Kittatinny Mountains beyond, and you simply
won't believe that you're only two hours from Manhattan. Innkeepers Yvonne and
Jamie Klausmann love to serve breakfast on the terrace, and will map out great
hikes or mountain biking rides on the miles of old logging roads which
crisscross their hillside hideaway. Guest rooms have king-size beds and
Ralph-Lauren-style country rusticity. When you descend your private mountain to
explore the area, you'll find the historic town of Milford (don't miss the
WaterWheel Café and bookstore at the Upper Mill) and the Delaware River
for canoeing, rafting, and swimming.
If you'd rather be right in town, a first-rate choice is the affordably priced
Hattree Inn B&B, with impeccably clean,comfortably furnished guest
rooms and outrageously delicious breakfasts and afternoon teas.
More Milford inns.
South Sterling: The Logan family owns two
appealing but very different inns, the Sterling Inn and French Manor, just over
a mile from one another, but very different in style. Built in 1932 and modeled
after the owner's chateau in France,
The French Manor sits atop Huckleberry Mountain, and offers a private,
romantic atmosphere, perfect for an luxury splurge. Although the
Sterling Inn also has getaway cottages with fireplaces and whirlpools,
the wide range of accommodations and extensive facilities make it a great
choice for a family vacation or reunion. Both properties are surrounded by
hiking trails, yet their central location in the Poconos makes it an easy drive
to all attractions.
More
Pocono inns.
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