Experience the best of Pocono Mountains

The Poconos are a plateau rather than true mountains, cut by valleys and lakes and covered with hardwood forest. The area has long been a retreat for people from New York and Philadelphia, with many lodges, resorts and cabins set among the trees.

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a gorge cut by the Delaware River through the ridges, has trails and river views, and Raymondskill Falls, among the tallest in Pennsylvania, lies within it. Lake Wallenpaupack, a large reservoir, is popular for boating and fishing. Hickory Run State Park and the Pocono Raceway, a motorsport track, lie nearby.

Northeast Pennsylvania's Eastern European settlers left pierogi, filled dumplings, as a regional staple, and apple desserts and local cheese appear on many menus. The leaves turn colour from late September to October, and winter brings skiing at places such as Camelback Mountain and Big Boulder.