Monroe: Waterfalls, Lakes and Varied Trails

Monroe combines striking waterfalls, large lakes, historic sites and diverse trails into a destination offering many different holiday ideas. Anyone looking for a vacation rental or holiday home can make their preferred daily activities the starting point for choosing a location: the focus may be on hikes, water activities, museums, history or shared experiences.

Waterfalls, Lakes and Trails for Active Days

Among the special natural attractions is Raymondskill Falls, the highest waterfall in Pennsylvania. Silver Thread Falls is located along the accessible Dingmans Creek Trail and expands the options for anyone who wants to combine waterfalls with a hike. In Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs for more than 20 miles. The McDade Recreational Trail extends across most of the protected area, from Hialeah Recreation Area to Milford Beach, and offers opportunities for hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing.

The state parks also offer different highlights. Gouldsboro State Park is located in Monroe and Wayne Counties in northeastern Pennsylvania, covers 2,800 acres and includes 250-acre Gouldsboro Lake. Big Pocono State Park extends across 1,306 acres on the summit and slopes of Camelback Mountain and offers views of three states. The Indian Trail is considered the easiest hiking trail in the park and leads to viewpoints on the eastern cliffs.

Tobyhanna State Park covers 5,440 acres and includes 170-acre Tobyhanna Lake. The Lakeside Trail runs completely around the lake and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and fishing. The Frank Gantz Trail connects Tobyhanna State Park and Gouldsboro State Park and passes through the Black Bear and Bender Swamps Natural Area. Forty miles of the middle Delaware River are available for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, canoeing and swimming. Anyone bringing their own canoe or kayak can use the free shuttle service provided by the Monroe County Transit Authority.

History, Museums and Special Experiences

Monroe also offers opportunities for quieter, cultural days of travel. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm is a living history museum that preserves the agricultural heritage of the Pennsylvania Germans of the 19th century. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center offers environmental education programs for people of all ages throughout the year. At Stroud Mansion Museum, exhibitions on four floors tell the history of Monroe County. The building was constructed by Jacob Stroud in 1795. Schisler Museum and McMunn Planetarium bring nature and astronomy together under one roof.

Cresco Station Museum houses exhibitions, artifacts and research material from the Barrett Township area. It also holds art shows on the second Sunday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. The restored Cresco Station was provided to the Barrett Township Historical Society in 1999 and subsequently reopened as a museum for the community. In Stroudsburg, the easily walkable downtown, with original buildings from the late 18th century, unique shops, art galleries and restaurants, invites visitors to explore the town on foot.

Choosing Locations and Day-Trip Directions

For families with different interests, the trip can be varied: one day can focus on nature observation and a lake, while another can focus on history, exhibitions or the downtown area. Aquatopia offers private FlowRider sessions that must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance. Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark has 37 rides and slides, while Camelback Mountain Adventures features Pennsylvania's only mountain coaster. Pocono Raceway near Blakeslee in the western Pocono Mountains is another popular attraction. The annual Celebration of the Arts Jazz Festival in Delaware Water Gap includes local food vendors. The section of Sullivan's Trail that commemorates the famous march of General John Sullivan in 1778 extends from Tannersville to Pocono Pines in Monroe County.

When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you primarily want to combine trails and lakes, cultural discoveries or a variety of daily experiences. For further orientation, you will also find East Stroudsburg, Tannersville, Canadensis, Stroudsburg, Bartonsville, Pocono Pines, Mt Pocono, Delaware Water Gap, Cresco, Skytop, Scotrun, Pocono Summit, Mountainhome, Blakeslee, Tobyhanna and Saylorsburg.

For the overarching travel overview: Pennsylvania.