8 Most Scenic Drives in The Poconos
In the hustle of modern-day life, many people feel overwhelmed at some point. From city traffic to looming deadlines at work and family obligations, it is easy to see why people might feel stressed. When the stress of life becomes too much, a vacation is in order. While resorts and all-inclusive vacations make for a relaxing getaway, a road trip is another vacation that offers a break from the stressors of modern-day life. A road trip with your favorite people, jamming out to your favorite songs in the car, and exploring scenic views makes for a memorable vacation. The Poconos are one of the best spots in America for a road trip. The mountains are known for their stunning beauty, vibrant fall foliage, and snow-covered peaks. Here we explore eight of the most scenic drives in the Poconos.
Route 6
Starting at the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border and heading northwest, Route 6 is considered one of the most scenic drives in the Pocono Mountains. The route goes through charming towns in Pennsylvania, including Milford, Honesdale, and Hawley. Plan some stops through the small towns to experience the local culture and see the rich history of the area.
Hawley, located on the northern tip of Lake Wallenpaupack, is one of the first towns you'll reach while traveling on this byway. The town offers visitors the opportunity to take a walk through history by exploring the Hawley Trail, which features signage detailing the town's evolution over the years.Honesdale is another town you'll reach if you stay along the path. If you need a break from the car but can't look away from the scenery, take a ride on Honesdale's Stourbridge Line, a passenger train that goes right through the Poconos along the Lackawaxen River Valley. Carbondale is another great spot to stop. Known as the Pioneer City, the historic downtown district boasts a long history, and there's plenty of signage regarding a 1974 UFO sighting in the area. All in all, many historic attractions on Route 6 make for great stopping points. And whether you're out of the car or in, you'll still be immersed in the beauty of this mountainous region.
Delaware Water Gap Scenic Drive
Located along the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the Delaware Water Gap Scenic Drive offers beautiful mountain views and is an excellent route for exploring the Poconos. The drive follows the beautiful Delaware River and offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. Anyone interested in exploring the outdoors by foot should head to the Visitor's Center at the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area to get a map of the trails.
Mount Tammany is a popular hiking spot along this beautiful drive. While the hike is challenging, hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding area. Anyone who loves waterfalls should mark Bushkill Falls on their maps as well. Nicknamed the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," these are a series of gorgeous waterfalls that will make visitors feel like they are in a magical place. Raymondskill Falls is another must-visit spot and the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, making it an excellent spot for a photo op or picnic in the summertime.
Big Pocono State Park
The scenic drive at Big Pocono State Park is a paved road leading to Camelback Mountain's summit. On the drive, there are breathtaking views where visitors can see parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. The drive is 1.4 miles long and is particularly beautiful during the fall, when hues of orange, gold, and red paint the trees. On the drive, there is the opportunity to see wildlife, making it a great option for nature-lovers, photographers, and kids. Visitors might see the occasional black bear, white-tailed deer, foxes, rabbits, and numerous bird species.
Since the drive is in Big Pocono State Park, this is also a good place to do some hiking. Big Pocono State Park is 2,100 feet above sea level, so nearly all of the hikes have scenic views. There are 8 miles of trails in the park with varying difficulty levels. The Indian Trail is one of the easier options and offers stunning views of the eastern cliffs. The South Trail is a more challenging 3-mile trail, but the two scenic overlooks make the trip worth it.
Route 507
Route 507 is a pretty, relaxing drive around the eastern side of Lake Wallenpaupack. The manmade lake has 52 miles of shoreline and is lovely to explore leisurely, as there are several places to stop to stretch your legs on trails or by exploring nearby towns. The Lake Wallenpaupack Trail is an excellent stop on Route 507 where visitors can explore the forest and enjoy lake views.
Avid hikers may want to take a short detour from Route 507 to Promised Land State Park. Here, there are 50 miles of trails to explore. The drive to this park is also beautiful, particularly in the fall when the foliage is a beautiful array of colors. One town just off Route 507 to consider stopping at is Hawley. Enjoy local shops and explore farm-to-table dining options by stopping at one of the town's restaurants for some fuel before continuing on the road. For fine dining, check out Glass Wine Bar Kitchen for scenic views of the area and an incredible meal.
Interstate 80 to Poconos
A major east-west highway, Interstate 80, provides a direct route to the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania, stretching across several states. From the Ohio state line, the freeway stretches some 300 miles and offers stunning views of natural scenery, including densely forested areas, winding river valleys, and small towns in the Poconos.
The route takes travelers through the central part of Pennsylvania, near Lock Haven, a town situated along the scenic Susquehanna River. This is a great spot to stretch your legs and take a leisurely walk along the river. The town even has a riverwalk, known as the Lock Haven Levee Trail, making this a great option for a leisurely afternoon stroll. Continuing on the drive, the highway passes close to Bald Eagle State Park. The dense woodland and rolling hills make for a picturesque site, and the park is a great spot for some photos.
Roebling Bridge
The Roebling Bridge is the oldest wire suspension bridge in America, named after its architect, John A. Roebling. The historic one-lane suspension bridge, also known as Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct, connects Minisink Ford, New York, and Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania. Visitors can drive across the bridge or walk across and enjoy scenic views of the Delaware River. This is an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts. The area is home to many birds, including bald eagles. Bring a picnic to enjoy after crossing the bridge amidst the relaxing beauty of the river. Photographers should consider planning their drive for sunset or sunrise for some breathtaking photos. After driving or walking through the 1,057-foot bridge, the Steamtown National Historic Site is about an hour's drive away. This is a great spot for history buffs, offering a glimpse into America's Railroad history through interactive exhibits.
Route 209
A major highway through the Poconos, this route starts at Milford and runs along the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. There are numerous opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the Poconos during the drive. Stop in at the scenic Lehigh Gorge State Park for beautiful views, hiking trails, and even white water rafting. Additionally, those who love fishing and boating will notice there are several access points to the Lehigh River, making it a great road trip option for anyone looking for a weekend of boating. Route 209 also features a unique attraction along the route: the World's Largest General Store. Offering much more than a typical general store, it has a vast store area containing everything from flowers and jewelry to furniture, pets, pet supplies, and building materials, among other items. The store even has a lively arcade, mini bowling lanes, and a petting zoo.
Route 209 also goes along the southern part of the Poconos in Monroe and Carbon counties, passing by many cute small towns. Stroudsburg is one of these vibrant towns and has many shops and restaurants, making it a great place to stop to stretch your legs on your road trip. Stop in at the Farmhouse Cafe & Eatery just off Main Street for some farm-to-table classic comfort food. The Willow Tree Inn is another delicious spot and a local favorite for fine dining.
Route 903
A scenic 17.7-mile highway in the Pocono Mountains, Route 903 has lots of trees lining the route, including varieties of birch, maple, oak, and hickory. This makes the drive in autumn particularly stunning with vibrant fall foliage. There are hiking trails leading to scenic overlooks and waterfalls just a small detour from Route 903. The Hawk Falls Trail and Boulder Field Trail, both located in Hickory Run State Park, are two trails with beautiful scenery near the highway. The Hawk Falls Trail is a 1.2-mile, easy-to-follow trail that leads to the 25-foot Hawk Falls waterfall.
Additionally, Jim Thorpe is a quaint town located just off Route 903, making it a great stop for exploring a place with a vibrant art scene. Check out the unique Stabin Museum, known for its moving art. Another interesting stop in Jim Thorpe is the Old Jail Museum. These historic stops offer a glimpse into the town's past.
Overall, whether you are a nature lover looking for a break from the city or a couple looking for a romantic road trip near the mountains, these drives through the Poconos make for a great road trip. The wildlife, mountain views, and lush greenery will transport visitors to a peaceful environment, perfect for relaxing and making memories with friends and family. The views along any of these scenic drives will make for amazing photos and memories. While most of these drives are best in the autumn when the foliage changes and makes the trees even more beautiful, the drives are scenic at any time of year. Next time you need a vacation, take a drive down to the Poconos. The stunning views are well worth the trip.
