The Poconos
Encyclopedia
The Pocono Mountains is a region located in northeastern Pennsylvania
, United States
. The Poconos, located chiefly in Monroe
and Pike
counties (and parts of Wayne
and Carbon
counties), are an upland of the larger Allegheny Plateau
. Forming a 2400 square miles (6,216 km²) escarpment overlooking the Delaware Valley
and Delaware Water Gap
to the east, the mountains are bordered on the north by Lake Wallenpaupack
, on the west by the Wyoming Valley
, and to the south by the Lehigh Valley
.
The wooded hills and valleys have long been a popular vacation area, with many communities having resort hotels with fishing, hunting, skiing, and other sports facilities.
and Northern New Jersey
, even though the commute often takes as much as 2 hours each way due to distance and traffic. Because the region lacks a population center, it has been difficult to establish transit infrastructure to feed (future) commuter rail and bus lines.
Bus service is available through Martz Bus Lines and have several stops throughout the Poconos. For more information visit: http://www.martztrailways.com/locations.asp?state=PA
is divided into five regions: Mountain Region, Lake Region, Delaware River Region, Upper Delaware River Region, and Lehigh River Gorge Region.
and Wayne
counties.
and Pike
Counties.
and Wayne
counties.
The Pocono Mountains is a defined area encompassing portions of Carbon
, Monroe
, Pike
, and southern Wayne
Counties of Pennsylvania. In total, the Poconos encompasses over 2500 square miles (6,475 km²). The Poconos are geologically part of the Allegheny Plateau
, like the nearby Catskills
. The Poconos' highest summit, Elk Hill’s North Knob
, reaches 2,693 feet (821 m), while its lowest elevation is 350 feet (107 m) in Pike County.
The Delaware River
flows through the Pocono Mountains and gives the region its name, from a Native American
term roughly translating to "stream between two mountains." The Lehigh
and Lackawaxen
Rivers also flow through the region, totaling about 170 miles (270 km) of waterways.
The popularity of the Pocono Mountains as a summer retreat began at the dawn of the 20th century when Philadelphia Quakers started the resorts of Buck Hill Falls
and Pocono Manor, and later in the 1920s, Skytop.
The Poconos is a well-known outdoor recreation destination for visitors around the northeast, especially from New York City
and Philadelphia. The Poconos encompasses the Delaware State Forest
, including six designated natural areas, seven state parks, seventeen state game lands, and one national park: The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
.
There are extensive opportunities for water sports, with many of the lakes and rivers stocked for fishing. Hunters can also pursue white-tailed deer
, wild turkey
s, ruffed grouse
, and other wildlife. Toward the southern margin of the Poconos, the Blue Mountain
ridge is the site of the Appalachian Trail and a major flyway
for the autumn raptor
migration
.
camps. Camp Minsi, owned by the Boy Scouts'
Minsi Trails Council
, is centrally located in the Poconos on a property of 1200 acres (4.9 km²) in Pocono Summit. Camp Mosey Wood, owned by the Girl Scouts'
Eastern Pennsylvania council, is located on a property of 425 acres (1.7 km²) in White Haven, PA
. Other Scout camps located on the edges of the Poconos include Goose Pond Scout Reservation
(Lake Ariel, PA), Resica Falls Scout Reservation
(Marshall's Creek, PA), and Trexler Scout Reservation (Jonas, PA).
The Poconos is also home to several Jewish summer camps – including Camp Massad
, Camp Poyntelle
, and Camp Ramah
. Other non-denominational season summer camps include Camp Lindenmere, Camp Lohikan
, Camp Pocono Ridge, Camp Setebaid
(a camp for youth with type 1 diabetes), Tyler Hill Camp
, Camp Watonka
, and Camp Westmont.
opened to the public in 2007. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs
is another site where slots, as well as live harness racing
and off-track betting
, are available.
There is also an Off-Track Betting (OTB) bar & grill in East Stroudsburg.
, a major automobile racetrack, is home to two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 in June, and the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 in August. It also serves as a racing school and motorcycle track. The two dates in Pocono are vital to the region for the tourism dollars in brings to the local economy. Only recently did the Mattioli family (owners of Pocono Raceway) allow sponsors on the names of the races which were just The Pocono 500 and The Pennsylvania 500 until 2010. There has been much talk about taking a date away from Pocono and giving it to another track but that would really be a blow to the Pocono region and Pocono is the closest track to the major metropolitan areas of NY/NJ and Philadelphia.
Print
The Pocono Record is the newspaper for the Poconos. Its coverage area centers on Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg and covers parts of Monroe, Pike, Lackawanna, Wayne and Carbon counties as well as areas of western New Jersey
.
West End Happenings covers events in the West End of Monroe County.
Blue Mountain Moments is a monthly publication covering the route 903 corridor from Blakeslee to Jim Thorpe.
at (90.3 FM) broadcasts from the Borough of East Stroudsburg as a service of East Stroudsburg University. Students and Faculty of the University provide programing often, and the station rebroadcasts BBC world service
when live DJs are not available.
WSBG
(93.5 FM) is a radio station broadcasting an adult contemporary format. Licensed to Stroudsburg
, the station serves the Pocono area with the slogan "The Pocono's Best Variety."
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The Poconos, located chiefly in Monroe
Monroe County, Pennsylvania
-National protected areas:* Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area * Middle Delaware National Scenic River -Demographics:As of the census of 2010, there are 176,567 people, 49,454 households, and 36,447 families residing in the county. The population density was 228 people per square mile...
and Pike
Pike County, Pennsylvania
-National protected areas:* Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area * Middle Delaware National Scenic River * Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River -Demographics:...
counties (and parts of Wayne
Wayne County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 47,722 people, 18,350 households, and 12,936 families residing in the county. The population density was 65 people per square mile . There were 30,593 housing units at an average density of 42 per square mile...
and Carbon
Carbon County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 58,802 people, 23,701 households, and 16,424 families residing in the county. The population density was 154 people per square mile . There were 30,492 housing units at an average density of 80 per square mile...
counties), are an upland of the larger Allegheny Plateau
Allegheny Plateau
The Allegheny Plateau is a large dissected plateau area in western and central New York, northern and western Pennsylvania, northern and western West Virginia, and eastern Ohio...
. Forming a 2400 square miles (6,216 km²) escarpment overlooking the Delaware Valley
Delaware Valley
The Delaware Valley is a term used to refer to the valley where the Delaware River flows, along with the surrounding communities. This includes the metropolitan area centered on the city of Philadelphia. Such educational institutions as Delaware Valley Regional High School in Alexandria Township...
and Delaware Water Gap
Delaware Water Gap
The Delaware Water Gap is on the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania where the Delaware River cuts through a large ridge of the Appalachian Mountains...
to the east, the mountains are bordered on the north by Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack is a reservoir in Pennsylvania, USA. It was created in 1926 by PPL, the Pennsylvania Power & Light Company, for hydroelectric purposes. It is located near Hawley, on the border of Pike and Wayne counties in northeastern Pennsylvania...
, on the west by the Wyoming Valley
Wyoming Valley
Wyoming Valley is a region of northeastern Pennsylvania. As a metropolitan area, it is also known as the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area, after its principal cities, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre....
, and to the south by the Lehigh Valley
Lehigh Valley
The Lehigh Valley, known officially by the United States Census Bureau as the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metropolitan area and referred to locally as The Valley and A-B-E, is a metropolitan region consisting of Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, and Carbon counties in eastern Pennsylvania and...
.
The wooded hills and valleys have long been a popular vacation area, with many communities having resort hotels with fishing, hunting, skiing, and other sports facilities.
Population
The Pocono Mountains is a popular recreational destination for local and regional visitors. While the area has long been a popular tourist destination, many communities have seen a rise in population, especially in Coolbaugh Township and other communities within Monroe County. The region has a population of about 340,300, which is growing at a rapid pace, largely attributable to vacationers from New York and New Jersey turning vacation homes into permanent residences. The region lacks a major population center, although there are municipalities such as Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, Mount Pocono, and the townships around them which are all in Monroe County where the population is 165,058, which is about half of the total population in the Poconos. The Poconos now serves as a commuter community for New York CityNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
and Northern New Jersey
North Jersey
North Jersey is a colloquial term, with no precise consensus definition, for the northern portion of the U.S. state of New Jersey. A straightforward, noncolloquial term for the region is northern New Jersey.- Two-portion approaches :...
, even though the commute often takes as much as 2 hours each way due to distance and traffic. Because the region lacks a population center, it has been difficult to establish transit infrastructure to feed (future) commuter rail and bus lines.
Bus service is available through Martz Bus Lines and have several stops throughout the Poconos. For more information visit: http://www.martztrailways.com/locations.asp?state=PA
Municipalities and communities
The Pocono Mountains of northeastern PennsylvaniaNortheastern Pennsylvania
Northeastern Pennsylvania is a geographic region of Pennsylvania that includes the Pocono Mountains, the Endless Mountains and the industrial cities of Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Pittston, Hazleton and Carbondale....
is divided into five regions: Mountain Region, Lake Region, Delaware River Region, Upper Delaware River Region, and Lehigh River Gorge Region.
Mountain Region
Located in Monroe CountyMonroe County, Pennsylvania
-National protected areas:* Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area * Middle Delaware National Scenic River -Demographics:As of the census of 2010, there are 176,567 people, 49,454 households, and 36,447 families residing in the county. The population density was 228 people per square mile...
- Stroud TownshipStroud Township, PennsylvaniaStroud Township is a township in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population is 17,533 as of 2008.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 31.5 square miles , of which, 31.2 square miles of it is land and 0.3 square...
- Barrett Township
- BartonsvilleBartonsville, PennsylvaniaBartonsville is an unincorporated community in Hamilton, Pocono, and Stroud townships in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States.- History :...
- Blakeslee
- CanadensisCanadensis, PennsylvaniaCanadensis is an unincorporated community in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. Canadensis is home to a few small shops, restaurants and churches. The "crossroads", which is the intersection of Pennsylvania Routes 447 and 390, is the center of the community...
- East StroudsburgEast Stroudsburg, PennsylvaniaEast Stroudsburg is the most populous municipality in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is located in the Poconos region of the state. Originally known as "Dansbury", East Stroudsburg was renamed for geographic reasons when the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad opened a...
- Henryville
- Jackson TownshipJackson Township, Monroe County, PennsylvaniaJackson Township is a township in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 5,979 at the 2000 census. A portion of Big Pocono State Park a Pennsylvania state park is on Camelback Mountain in Jackson Township.-Geography:...
- Long PondLong Pond, PennsylvaniaLong Pond is an unincorporated community in Monroe County in the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania, a part of the Appalachian Mountains. The zip code is 18334....
- Marshalls CreekMarshalls Creek, PennsylvaniaMarshalls Creek is an unincorporated community in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States....
- Middle Smithfield, Pennsylvania
- Mount PoconoMount Pocono, PennsylvaniaMount Pocono is a borough in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is located in the Poconos region of the state.As of the 2000 census, the borough population was 2,742.-Geography:Mount Pocono is located at ....
- MountainhomeMountainhome, PennsylvaniaMountainhome is a census-designated place in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,169 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Mountainhome is located at ....
- Paradise TownshipParadise Township, Monroe County, PennsylvaniaParadise Township is a township in Monroe County, Pennsylvania in the Pocono Mountains. The population was 2,671 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
- Pocono Lake
- Pocono PinesPocono Pines, PennsylvaniaPocono Pines is a census-designated place in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,013 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Pocono Pines is located at...
- Pocono SummitPocono Summit, PennsylvaniaPocono Summit is a community or populated place located in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. Parts of Pocono Summit are located under the municipalities of Coolbaugh and Tobyhanna townships.-Geography:...
- Pocono TownshipPocono Township, PennsylvaniaPocono Township is a township in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. Township government is located in the village of Tannersville, Pennsylvania, near the site of the popular Camelback Water Beach & Ski Area, which is located in Pocono and the adjacent Jackson Township. The top of the ski...
- Price TownshipPrice Township, PennsylvaniaPrice Township is a township in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,649 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 25.2 square miles , of which, 25.0 square miles of it is land and...
- Reeders
- Smithfield Township, PennsylvaniaSmithfield Township, Monroe County, PennsylvaniaSmithfield Township is a township in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 5,672 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 23.9 square miles , of which, 23.2 square miles of it is land and...
- Scotrun
- StroudsburgStroudsburg, PennsylvaniaStroudsburg is a borough in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is located in the Poconos region of the state, approximately five miles from the Delaware Water Gap, at the confluence of the Brodhead and Pocono Creeks. It is the county seat of Monroe County. Stroudsburg is part of the...
- SwiftwaterSwiftwater, PennsylvaniaSwiftwater is an unincorporated community in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. In 1897 Richard Slee created the Pocono Biological Laboratories in Swiftwater. Swiftwater is home to the biggest flu vaccine plant in the United States.. Swiftwater is the location of one of the many barracks...
- TannersvilleTannersville, PennsylvaniaThe village of Tannersville, in Pocono Township, Pennsylvania, is the site of the popular Camelback Water Beach & Ski Area. It is in the Eastern Standard time zone. Elevation is . As of 2000, the population of Tannersville was 2,784....
- Tobyhanna
Lake Region
Located in PikePike County, Pennsylvania
-National protected areas:* Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area * Middle Delaware National Scenic River * Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River -Demographics:...
and Wayne
Wayne County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 47,722 people, 18,350 households, and 12,936 families residing in the county. The population density was 65 people per square mile . There were 30,593 housing units at an average density of 42 per square mile...
counties.
- GouldsboroGouldsboro, PennsylvaniaGouldsboro is a small village located in Lehigh Township in Wayne County, Pennsylvania.Parts of Clifton Township, Thornhurst Township, and Covington Township in Lackawanna County, as well as a very small portion of Coolbaugh Township in Monroe County are serviced by the Gouldsboro Post Office, and...
- HawleyHawley, PennsylvaniaHawley is a borough in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,211 at the 2010 census.- History :The borough was named for Irad Hawley, first president of the Pennsylvania Coal Company. Early industry centered around the transportation and support of nearby coal mining...
- HonesdaleHonesdale, PennsylvaniaHonesdale is a borough in and the county seat of Wayne County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is located northeast of Scranton. The population was 4,874 at the 2000 census....
- Lake ArielLake Ariel, PennsylvaniaLake Ariel is an unincorporated community in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, United States. It was once the site of an amusement park. The main intersection is dominated by Saint Thomas More Roman Catholic Church, lake elementary school, and the Howe Convenient Market.Located in northeastern...
- Lake ComoLake Como, PennsylvaniaLake Como is an unincorporated community in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, United States....
- PoyntellePoyntelle, PennsylvaniaPoyntelle is an unincorporated community in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, United States.-References:...
- StarlightStarlight, PennsylvaniaStarlight is an unincorporated community in Buckingham Township, Wayne County, Pennsylvania, United States. Located in the northeastern part of the state, it lies about 30 miles southeast of Binghamton, New York, along Pennsylvania Route 370. The geographic coordinates are 41.5418N -75.1952W ....
- TaftonTafton, PennsylvaniaTafton an unincorporated community in Pike County, Pennsylvania. The major routes that are in Tafton are PA 507 and PA 390. Tafton also borders Lake Wallenpaupack to the west. Blooming Grove borders the eastern part of Tafton. There is a lake that hugs PA 390 for a mile or so called Fairview Lake...
Delaware River Region
MonroeMonroe County, Pennsylvania
-National protected areas:* Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area * Middle Delaware National Scenic River -Demographics:As of the census of 2010, there are 176,567 people, 49,454 households, and 36,447 families residing in the county. The population density was 228 people per square mile...
and Pike
Pike County, Pennsylvania
-National protected areas:* Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area * Middle Delaware National Scenic River * Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River -Demographics:...
Counties.
- EshbackEshback, PennsylvaniaEshback, Pennsylvania is a ghost town in Lehman Township, Pike County, Pennsylvania near Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania and Bushkill, Pennsylvania. It is now a part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and the Eshback Boat Launch remains in the park....
- MilfordMilford, PennsylvaniaMilford is a borough in Pike County, Pennsylvania, United States, and the county seat. Its population was 1,021 at the 2010 census. It was founded in 1796 by Judge John Biddis, one of the state's first four circuit judges, who named the settlement after his ancestral home in Wales.Milford has a...
Upper Delaware River Region
Located in PikePike County, Pennsylvania
-National protected areas:* Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area * Middle Delaware National Scenic River * Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River -Demographics:...
and Wayne
Wayne County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 47,722 people, 18,350 households, and 12,936 families residing in the county. The population density was 65 people per square mile . There were 30,593 housing units at an average density of 42 per square mile...
counties.
- GreeleyGreeley, PennsylvaniaGreeley, Pennsylvania is a town in Pike County, Pennsylvania, USA, approximately halfway between Milford, Pennsylvania and Hawley, Pennsylvania. Its population is 1322. Lake Greely Camp is named after this town....
Lehigh River Gorge Region
Located in Carbon CountyCarbon County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 58,802 people, 23,701 households, and 16,424 families residing in the county. The population density was 154 people per square mile . There were 30,492 housing units at an average density of 80 per square mile...
- Jim ThorpeJim Thorpe, PennsylvaniaJim Thorpe is a borough in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, USA. The population was 4,804 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Carbon County. The town has been called the "Switzerland of America" due to the picturesque scenery, mountainous location, and architecture; as well as the "Gateway to...
Geography and climate
Carbon County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 58,802 people, 23,701 households, and 16,424 families residing in the county. The population density was 154 people per square mile . There were 30,492 housing units at an average density of 80 per square mile...
, Monroe
Monroe County, Pennsylvania
-National protected areas:* Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area * Middle Delaware National Scenic River -Demographics:As of the census of 2010, there are 176,567 people, 49,454 households, and 36,447 families residing in the county. The population density was 228 people per square mile...
, Pike
Pike County, Pennsylvania
-National protected areas:* Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area * Middle Delaware National Scenic River * Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River -Demographics:...
, and southern Wayne
Wayne County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 47,722 people, 18,350 households, and 12,936 families residing in the county. The population density was 65 people per square mile . There were 30,593 housing units at an average density of 42 per square mile...
Counties of Pennsylvania. In total, the Poconos encompasses over 2500 square miles (6,475 km²). The Poconos are geologically part of the Allegheny Plateau
Allegheny Plateau
The Allegheny Plateau is a large dissected plateau area in western and central New York, northern and western Pennsylvania, northern and western West Virginia, and eastern Ohio...
, like the nearby Catskills
Catskill Mountains
The Catskill Mountains, an area in New York State northwest of New York City and southwest of Albany, are a mature dissected plateau, an uplifted region that was subsequently eroded into sharp relief. They are an eastward continuation, and the highest representation, of the Allegheny Plateau...
. The Poconos' highest summit, Elk Hill’s North Knob
North Knob
North Knob is the highest peak in eastern Pennsylvania, east of Susquehanna River. North Knob, also known as Elk Mountain, rises conspicuously above the surrounding landscape...
, reaches 2,693 feet (821 m), while its lowest elevation is 350 feet (107 m) in Pike County.
The Delaware River
Delaware River
The Delaware River is a major river on the Atlantic coast of the United States.A Dutch expedition led by Henry Hudson in 1609 first mapped the river. The river was christened the South River in the New Netherland colony that followed, in contrast to the North River, as the Hudson River was then...
flows through the Pocono Mountains and gives the region its name, from a Native American
Lenape
The Lenape are an Algonquian group of Native Americans of the Northeastern Woodlands. They are also called Delaware Indians. As a result of the American Revolutionary War and later Indian removals from the eastern United States, today the main groups live in Canada, where they are enrolled in the...
term roughly translating to "stream between two mountains." The Lehigh
Lehigh River
The Lehigh River, a tributary of the Delaware River, is a river located in eastern Pennsylvania, in the United States. Part of the Lehigh, along with a number of its tributaries, is designated a Pennsylvania Scenic River by the state's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources...
and Lackawaxen
Lackawaxen River
The Lackawaxen River is a tributary of the Delaware River in northeastern Pennsylvania in the United States. The river flows through a largely rural area in the northern Pocono Mountains, draining an area of approximately ....
Rivers also flow through the region, totaling about 170 miles (270 km) of waterways.
Recreation
Buck Hill Falls, Pennsylvania
Buck Hill Falls is a private resort community in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania.The settlement was founded in 1901 as a Quaker retreat by a group of Friends from Philadelphia, including Charles F...
and Pocono Manor, and later in the 1920s, Skytop.
The Poconos is a well-known outdoor recreation destination for visitors around the northeast, especially from New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
and Philadelphia. The Poconos encompasses the Delaware State Forest
Delaware State Forest
Delaware State Forest is a Pennsylvania state forest in Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry District #19. The main offices are located in Swiftwater in Monroe County, Pennsylvania in the United States.The forest is in several tracts in Monroe and Pike counties...
, including six designated natural areas, seven state parks, seventeen state game lands, and one national park: The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, administered by the National Park Service, preserves almost of land along the Delaware River's New Jersey and Pennsylvania shores, stretching from the Delaware Water Gap northward almost to the New York state line...
.
There are extensive opportunities for water sports, with many of the lakes and rivers stocked for fishing. Hunters can also pursue white-tailed deer
White-tailed Deer
The white-tailed deer , also known as the Virginia deer or simply as the whitetail, is a medium-sized deer native to the United States , Canada, Mexico, Central America, and South America as far south as Peru...
, wild turkey
Wild Turkey
The Wild Turkey is native to North America and is the heaviest member of the Galliformes. It is the same species as the domestic turkey, which derives from the South Mexican subspecies of wild turkey .Adult wild turkeys have long reddish-yellow to grayish-green...
s, ruffed grouse
Ruffed Grouse
The Ruffed Grouse is a medium-sized grouse occurring in forests from the Appalachian Mountains across Canada to Alaska. It is non-migratory.The Ruffed Grouse is frequently referred to as a "partridge"...
, and other wildlife. Toward the southern margin of the Poconos, the Blue Mountain
Blue Mountain (Pennsylvania)
Blue Mountain is a ridge that forms the eastern edge of the Appalachian mountain range in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It cuts across the eastern half of the state from New Jersey to Maryland, providing a distinct boundary between a number of Pennsylvania's geographical and cultural regions...
ridge is the site of the Appalachian Trail and a major flyway
Flyway
A flyway is a flight path used in bird migration. Flyways generally span over continents and often oceans.-Flyways of the Americas:*Atlantic Flyway*Central Flyway*Mississippi Flyway*Pacific Flyway*Allegheny Front...
for the autumn raptor
Bird of prey
Birds of prey are birds that hunt for food primarily on the wing, using their keen senses, especially vision. They are defined as birds that primarily hunt vertebrates, including other birds. Their talons and beaks tend to be relatively large, powerful and adapted for tearing and/or piercing flesh....
migration
Bird migration
Bird migration is the regular seasonal journey undertaken by many species of birds. Bird movements include those made in response to changes in food availability, habitat or weather. Sometimes, journeys are not termed "true migration" because they are irregular or in only one direction...
.
Camping
The Poconos is home to several ScoutScouting
Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement with the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society....
camps. Camp Minsi, owned by the Boy Scouts'
Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 4.5 million youth members in its age-related divisions...
Minsi Trails Council
Minsi Trails Council
Camp Minsi is a located on the shores of the Stillwater Lake in Pocono Summit, Pennsylvania. The camp was formerly owned by Bethlehem Area Council prior to the establishment of Minsi Trails Council. The camp was donated to the Boy Scouts in 1949 by Samuel Rubel. Camp Minsi encompasses of...
, is centrally located in the Poconos on a property of 1200 acres (4.9 km²) in Pocono Summit. Camp Mosey Wood, owned by the Girl Scouts'
Girl Scouts of the USA
The Girl Scouts of the United States of America is a youth organization for girls in the United States and American girls living abroad. It describes itself as "the world's preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls". It was founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912 and was organized after Low...
Eastern Pennsylvania council, is located on a property of 425 acres (1.7 km²) in White Haven, PA
White Haven, Pennsylvania
White Haven is a borough in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. White Haven was created in 1824 by industrialist Josiah White. It is located along the Lehigh River which connects White Haven to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. The population was 1,182 at the 2000 census...
. Other Scout camps located on the edges of the Poconos include Goose Pond Scout Reservation
Goose Pond Scout Reservation
Northeastern Pennsylvania Council, with headquarters in Moosic, Pennsylvania, formed in 1990 from the merger of Forest Lakes Council and Penn Mountains Council of the Boy Scouts of America.*Dan Beard District*Two Mountains District...
(Lake Ariel, PA), Resica Falls Scout Reservation
Cradle of Liberty Council
The Cradle of Liberty Council is a Boy Scouts of America council created in 1996 with the merger of the former Philadelphia Council and the former Valley Forge Council .-History:The present council is the result of the 1996 merger of Philadelphia and Valley Forge councils...
(Marshall's Creek, PA), and Trexler Scout Reservation (Jonas, PA).
The Poconos is also home to several Jewish summer camps – including Camp Massad
Camp Massad (Poconos)
Camp Massad was a Jewish summer camp, which originated as a day camp in 1941 with 30 campers, and eventually grew to three sleep-away camps in the Pennsylvania Poconos serving over 1100 campers. Massad's creator, Shlomo Shulsinger, emphasized Hebrew language as a key value in a...
, Camp Poyntelle
Camp Poyntelle
Camp Poyntelle–Lewis Village is a pair of resident Jewish summer camps in Poyntelle, Pennsylvania, in the United States. Located in Wayne County, PA – it is less than from New York City...
, and Camp Ramah
Camp Ramah in the Poconos
Camp Ramah in the Poconos is a summer camp affiliated with the National Ramah Commission. Opened in 1950, it is located in the Pocono Mountains of Wayne County, Pennsylvania....
. Other non-denominational season summer camps include Camp Lindenmere, Camp Lohikan
Camp Lohikan
Camp Lohikan is a sleep-away summer camp in The Poconos in Lake Como, Pennsylvania. The summer camp serves boys and girls ages 6–15.Mike and Arlene Buynak founded Camp Lohikan in 1957. In 1983, the managing of the camp was turned over to their son Mark Buynak. The camp is non-denominational but...
, Camp Pocono Ridge, Camp Setebaid
Camp Setebaid
Camp Setebaid is an overnight camp for children and teens ages 8–17 with type 1 diabetes. It is located west of Wilkes-Barre and north of Berwick in the mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania on the grounds of Camp Louise. It has been serving children with diabetes since 1978. The name Setebaid ...
(a camp for youth with type 1 diabetes), Tyler Hill Camp
Tyler Hill Camp
Tyler Hill Camp is a summer camp in Pennsylvania, U.S. It was developed on the grounds of the Wayne County Country Club in the 1950s and is located in the Pocono Mountains region of Wayne County....
, Camp Watonka
Camp Watonka
Camp Watonka is a residential summer camp for boys aged seven to fifteen in Wayne County, Pennsylvania.It is the only science camp for boys accredited by the American Camp Association in the United States....
, and Camp Westmont.
Tourism
The Poconos is and has been Pennsylvania's most popular tourist destination. It is also known for its brilliant color during the fall. The region contains over 80% of the state's resorts. These resorts earn 1.5 billion dollars in gross revenues and employ 18,000 workers.Gambling
The Mount Airy Casino ResortMount Airy Casino Resort
The Mount Airy Casino Resort is a casino and hotel located in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. The casino resort has 188 hotel rooms, a casino with 2,523 slot machines and table games, five restaurants, a spa and salon, a nightclub, and an 18-hole golf course.-History of the Location:Mount Airy...
opened to the public in 2007. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs
Pocono Downs
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is a racino in Plains Township, Pennsylvania. The casino features 2,500 slots, live blackjack, roulette, and poker Tables. A 5/8 mile harness track is also a major attraction....
is another site where slots, as well as live harness racing
Harness racing
Harness racing is a form of horse racing in which the horses race at a specific gait . They usually pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky, although racing under saddle is also conducted in Europe.-Breeds:...
and off-track betting
Off-track betting
Off-track betting refers to sanctioned gambling on horse racing outside a race track.-US history:...
, are available.
There is also an Off-Track Betting (OTB) bar & grill in East Stroudsburg.
Racing
Pocono RacewayPocono Raceway
Pocono Raceway also known as the Tricky Triangle, is a superspeedway located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania at Long Pond...
, a major automobile racetrack, is home to two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races, the Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 in June, and the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 in August. It also serves as a racing school and motorcycle track. The two dates in Pocono are vital to the region for the tourism dollars in brings to the local economy. Only recently did the Mattioli family (owners of Pocono Raceway) allow sponsors on the names of the races which were just The Pocono 500 and The Pennsylvania 500 until 2010. There has been much talk about taking a date away from Pocono and giving it to another track but that would really be a blow to the Pocono region and Pocono is the closest track to the major metropolitan areas of NY/NJ and Philadelphia.
Skiing
Numerous ski resorts in and around the Poconos offer some of the closest and most accessible skiing to the major populated areas of Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York and Washington DC areas.- Alpine Mountain
- Blue Mountain
- Camelback Ski AreaCamelback Ski AreaCamelback Mountain Resort is a ski and snowboard resort located in the Pocono Mountains region in Tannersville, Pennsylvania and Jackson Township adjacent to, and partially within Big Pocono State Park...
– The most ski runs in the Poconos and one of the more popular ski areas and peaks at 2,133+ feet - Elk Mountain Ski AreaElk Mountain Ski AreaElk Mountain Ski Resort is set in the Endless Mountains, 30 miles north of Scranton PA. The mountain has been given favorable reviews from Ski Magazine, including a listing in "Six Unsung Heroes", a roundup of hidden gems in skiing.-History:...
– "1,000 feet of vertical excitement" - Jack Frost Mountain and Big BoulderJack Frost Ski ResortThe Jack Frost Ski Resort which opened in 1972, is located in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania, part of the Pocono region. Operated by Peak Resorts, it offers 20 trails and a terrain park for skiing and snowboarding.-Terrain Parks:...
– Both resorts are owned by the same parent company. Jack Frost serves to cater to more traditional family skiing, while Big Boulder is largely focused towards terrain park skiing and snowboarding. - Shawnee Mountain Ski AreaShawnee Mountain Ski AreaShawnee Mountain is a family oriented ski resort in Eastern Pennsylvania located right outside East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, I-80, exit 309, next to the Delaware River in the easternmost part of The Poconos....
– closest to New York City, just across the Delaware from New Jersey, suited for families & beginners - Ski Big Bear
- Snö MountainSnö MountainSnö Mountain , is a ski resort in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Among the largest ski areas in the state's Pocono region, it has 26 ski trails that include beginner slopes as well as some of the region's steepest skiing, and 26 trails for skiing...
- formerly known as "Montage Mountain" - Tanglwood - now closed
Notable natives and residents
- Keir DillonKeir DillonKeir Dillon professional snowboarder specializing in Halfpipe. With his smooth style and big airs, he is considered by many to be one of the world's best riders.-Career:...
, professional snowboarder-East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania - Rob Ramos, actor and equality activist
- Kelly MonacoKelly MonacoKelly Marie Monaco is an American model, actress, reality television contestant and winner of Dancing with the Stars in Season 1. She is well known for playing the character of Sam McCall on the soap opera General Hospital, a role she originated in 2003.-Modeling:In April 1997, Monaco became the...
, actress and winner of the 1st season of Dancing with the StarsDancing with the Stars (U.S. season 1)The first season of the United States version of Dancing with the Stars debuted on ABC on June 1, 2005. Six celebrities were paired with six professional ballroom dancers. Tom Bergeron and Lisa Canning were the hosts for this season....
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
.
West End Happenings covers events in the West End of Monroe County.
Blue Mountain Moments is a monthly publication covering the route 903 corridor from Blakeslee to Jim Thorpe.
Radio
WESSWESS
WESS is a student-run college radio station broadcasting a variety music format. Licensed to East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, USA, the station serves a 15 mile radius surrounding the college. The station is currently owned by East Stroudsburg University. When a live DJ is not on air the BBC is...
at (90.3 FM) broadcasts from the Borough of East Stroudsburg as a service of East Stroudsburg University. Students and Faculty of the University provide programing often, and the station rebroadcasts BBC world service
BBC World Service
The BBC World Service is the world's largest international broadcaster, broadcasting in 27 languages to many parts of the world via analogue and digital shortwave, internet streaming and podcasting, satellite, FM and MW relays...
when live DJs are not available.
WSBG
WSBG
WSBG is a radio station broadcasting a hot adult contemporary format. For the last couple of years, the station offered a mainstream adult contemporary format moved from 107.1 FM. Licensed to Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, USA, the station serves the Stroudsburg area. The station is currently owned...
(93.5 FM) is a radio station broadcasting an adult contemporary format. Licensed to Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Stroudsburg is a borough in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is located in the Poconos region of the state, approximately five miles from the Delaware Water Gap, at the confluence of the Brodhead and Pocono Creeks. It is the county seat of Monroe County. Stroudsburg is part of the...
, the station serves the Pocono area with the slogan "The Pocono's Best Variety."
See also
- Mount Pocono, PennsylvaniaMount Pocono, PennsylvaniaMount Pocono is a borough in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is located in the Poconos region of the state.As of the 2000 census, the borough population was 2,742.-Geography:Mount Pocono is located at ....
– Monroe County Borough - East Stroudsburg, PennsylvaniaEast Stroudsburg, PennsylvaniaEast Stroudsburg is the most populous municipality in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is located in the Poconos region of the state. Originally known as "Dansbury", East Stroudsburg was renamed for geographic reasons when the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad opened a...
- Largest City in the Poconos
External links
- Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
- Poconos travel guide from WikitravelWikitravel-External links:* *...
.