The Poconos is an excellent vacation destination with beautiful mountain valleys, majestically flowing rivers and lakes, and great biodiversity.  It is definitely a place that offers something for every age group. From natural beauty to amazing recreational activities you will find everything within the borders of this beautiful location. 

In this blog, we bring you some of the most interesting facts about the Poconos you may not know about.

Poconos 10 interesting facts

1. A Destination of Every Season: 

Yes, the Poconos is on the elite list of year-round vacation destinations that offer something beautiful every season. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, the Poconos offers all sorts of seasonal activities.  During spring and summer, you can engage in activities like hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, etc. As far as fall season is concerned you can enjoy the aforementioned activities and can also witness the magical fall foliage of the Poconos. And winter is just phenomenal with tons of winter sports and activities like skiing, snow tubing, ice fishing, etc.

2. A Place of Many Firsts:

 When we talk about the Poconos, the first thing that comes to our mind is the beautiful mountains, pristine lake beach, great waterfalls, and enthralling vacation resorts. But, did you know that it is home to several “the first-” of America started in the Pocono? Some of them are listed below:-

• The usage of anthracite coal was first discovered in Wilkes Barre.
• The Stourbridge Lion operated in Honesdale, PA, was the first foreign-built locomotive to be used in America.
• The first-ever “heart-shaped and champagne-glass- tub” debuted in the Poconos 
• The Appalachian Trail was the first National Scenic Trail of which 45 miles fall within the Poconos.
• Kalahari Resorts, located in Poconos is America’s first and only VR waters slide.

3. A link with Disney:

 For all Disney fans, did you know that Disney’s world-famous ‘Haunted Mansion’ was inspired by the historic “Harry Parker’s Mansion” located in Jim Thorpe? The mansion was built in 1874 as a present by Asa Parker to his son Harry Parker.

4. Best Fall Foliage: 

The Poconos is one of the best places to witness fall foliage. In fact, the Poconos have been on the list of top ten destinations for fall foliage. In USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards, The Pocono was ranked 3rd in 2022 & 2021, in 2020 it was ranked 8th best and in 2019 it was the 4th best place for the same. So, make sure to visit the Poconos to witness this nature’s wonder.

5. Once a Honeymoon Paradise: 

It is still a great place for couples, however, it was a real paradise for newly married ones. During the 1960s, the Poconos was in neck-to-neck competition with Niagara Falls for the title of “Honeymoon Capital of the World”. It has attracted over 100,000 couples a year during this golden era with thousands of resorts tailor-made for newly married people.

6. Connection with the Past: 

The Mountains and the regions around the Poconos are named after the native tribes. The original residents of the Poconos were Delaware, Lenni Lenape, Iroquois, Lenape, Shawnee, Paupack, and Minisink tribes. Some of these tribes settled here some 10,000 years ago.

7. An abundance of Nature: 

The name Pocono is derived from the word ‘Pokawachne’, a Munsee word, which means ‘Creek between two hills”. As the name suggests it’s a great place for nature lovers and boasts 170 miles of rivers including Delaware & Lehigh, 150 lakes which include man-made lakes, 9 State Parks, more than 20 waterfalls, and 126 hiking trails.

8. Known for the Splash:

  The Poconos is a great hub of Indoor and outdoor water parks. In total there are 4 water park themes in the Poconos and a couple more in the pipeline. All these 4 water parks offer a unique ride experience. 

9. Great Tee Time: 

The picturesque background of the Poconos offers more than 35 beautiful yet challenging golf courses. Some of the golf courses are designed by the famous Robert Trent Jones, Donald Ross, and AJ Tillinghast.

10.  Skiing is Freedom: 

With the winter comes winter sports and activities. The most iconic winter sport is skiing and the Poconos has plenty of places offering one-of-its-kind skiing experiences. Some of the best ski resorts are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

These are the top interesting facts about the beautiful Poconos. To make your getaway interesting and relaxing you can book a stay with Mountain Laurel Resort which offers excellent amenities and an indefectible escape from urban fatigue.