State and National Parks In The Poconos

One of the most affordable and fun things you can do when visiting or living in the Poconos is to take advantage of the numerous state and National Parks within the region. All 4 counties Monroe, Pike, Carbon and Wayne, lay claim to one or more of these parks. In Monroe County, Big Pocono State Park, Pohopoco Sate Park and Tobyhanna State Park (which encompasses Wayne County also) dot the landscape with acres of enjoyment. Hiking, swimming, boating are just some of the activities you can find at one or more of these parks. Beltzville State Park in Lehighton, Hickory Run State Park in Hickory Run and Lehigh Gorge State Park in Christmens are the pride of Carbon County with Lehigh Gorge State Park stretching into neighboring Luzerne County. White Water Rafting along the gorge is one of the most popular recreational activities along with mountain biking, disc golf, fishing and more. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is forests rivers and comprises other parks as well that fall under the entire area including attractions such as Dingmans Falls and the mighty Delaware River itself. A complete run down of the parks and links can be found below:

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Various locations) http://www.nps.gov/dewa/index.htm

Beltzville State Park http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/beltzville.aspx

Big Pocono State Park http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/bigpocono.aspx

Gouldsboro State Park http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/gouldsboro.aspx

Lehigh Gorge State Park http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/lehighgorge.aspx

Delaware State Forest (Includes Pohopoco Trails) http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/delaware/index.htm

Promised Land State Park http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/promisedland.aspx

Tobyhanna State Park http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/tobyhanna.aspx

Information comes from the PA State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources websites