The Best Hikes in the Pocono Mountains

This easy 1.4-mile loop follows Dingmans Creek past three waterfalls — Fulmer Falls, Deer Leap Falls, and Factory Falls — plus the ruins of a 19th-century woolen mill. Boardwalk and paved sections keep footing easy, though stone steps near the falls call for sturdier shoes when damp. As a loop, there's no backtracking or shuttling a car. Manageable in a morning or afternoon, it suits families and anyone wanting scenery without a real climb. It's near Promised Land Lake, easy to pair with a lakeside afternoon. Give yourself extra time, since most people stop more than planned.

This flat, converted rail-trail runs 26 miles along the Lehigh River, passing old railroad tunnels and whitewater. Built on the old Central Railroad of New Jersey grade, it's wide, level, and easy — good for families, multi-generational groups, strollers, and bikes. Multiple access points let you do a short out-and-back or longer half-day trek. It's point-to-point, not a loop, so plan a shuttle or car swap, or just turn back. Located near Mauch Chunk Lake, it pairs well with time by the water. Wear layers, since the gorge stays cooler, and bring plenty of water since the easy pace adds mileage quickly.

Glen Onoko Falls Trail, a steep scramble past cascading waterfalls above the Lehigh Gorge, was once one of Pennsylvania's most photographed hikes. It has been officially closed since 2015 following numerous fatalities and rescues caused by unstable rock and unmarked drop-offs. Despite its closure, the trail's reputation still draws curious hikers online and on social media. It's included here only so guests researching it understand its status: please do not attempt to hike it, and see the status note for a legal alternative.

The highest-rated trail in Tobyhanna State Park, looping 5.1 miles around the lake through quiet mixed forest with water in view almost the entire route. With just 223 feet of elevation gain, it's rated moderate mainly for distance, not climbing—gentle undulation along the shoreline. As a loop, you finish where you started. Fall foliage season is especially good, with the lake reflecting the color. Reasonably fit hikers and families with older kids can manage it in a morning or afternoon, though it's likely too long for very young children. Bring water, wear proper shoes, and start early on foliage weekends.

This short but steep 0.3-mile out-and-back climbs through a shaded hemlock ravine to Pennsylvania's tallest waterfall, a three-tiered 178-foot cascade on Raymondskill Creek near Milford. Stone steps pack all that elevation gain into a tiny distance, earning a moderate rating despite the brevity. Two viewing platforms offer different angles on the falls; flow peaks in spring, and the ravine stays cool even in midsummer. Budget well under an hour, wear good shoes, and take slow steps on the sometimes-slick stone. It pairs easily with nearby Promised Land Lake for a fuller day rather than anchoring one itself.

Despite its grim name, this is a picturesque trail with remains of logging mills and dams from the early 1800s. At just 1.37 miles it's short but rated difficult, requiring more time and effort than the distance suggests. The dirt surface demands real hiking shoes, with trickier footing after rain — better for hikers used to uneven ground than young children or those seeking an easy stroll. Located near Big Boulder Lake, it works well as a morning outing or afternoon leg-stretcher during a day in that area. Bring water and allow extra daylight.</mediumDescription> </invoke>

This 3.1-mile loop starts at the Pocono Environmental Education Center and winds through oak-hickory forest and a hemlock ravine, past Pocono Plateau overlooks of the Kittatinny Mountains, ending at its namesake waterfall. With about 524 feet of elevation gain, it's moderate — doable for reasonably fit hikers and older kids, but varied enough to feel rewarding. It's a true loop, so no backtracking. Starting from PEEC means restrooms and exhibits are nearby, and it's close to Promised Land Lake for pairing with a lakeside afternoon. Wear real hiking shoes for the ravine and waterfall sections, take your time at the overlooks, and plan for a solid half-day outing.</mediumDescription> </invoke>

A easy-rated loop in Fieldstone Farm Tank Creek Preserve, running 1 mile with about 173 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers. Located in Fieldstone Farm Tank Creek Preserve, about a 20-minute drive from Tobyhanna Lake.

A easy-rated loop in Beltzville State Park, running 1.7 miles with about 98 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers. Located in Beltzville State Park, about a 22-minute drive from Mauch Chunk Lake.

A moderate-rated out-and-back route in Tuscarora State Park, running 7.1 miles with about 462 ft of elevation gain. Consistently well-rated by AllTrails hikers. Located in Tuscarora State Park, about a 30-minute drive from Mauch Chunk Lake.