Every Season, Every Adventure
The Lake Lively Outdoor Guide
Looking to swap screen time for the great outdoors? Lake Lively is your ultimate year-round guide to the best outdoor recreation spots, offering endless adventure across every single season. Whether you are searching for sun-soaked summer boat launches and kayaking rentals, breathtaking autumn hiking trails with vibrant fall foliage views, or the best winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing routes, we map out the top local destinations for every forecast. From peaceful spring wildflower walks to adrenaline-pumping nature excursions, discover the premier state parks, hidden scenic overlooks, and family-friendly wilderness areas that make our region a premier outdoor destination 365 days a year.
Lake Wallenpaupack (of course!)
Lake Wallenpaupack is the ultimate destination for water sports and outdoor recreation in the Pocono Mountains. This massive, man-made lake offers 52 miles of beautiful shoreline, making it a top spot for boat rentals, jet skiing, kayaking, and wakeboarding. Families love visiting the area for scenic boat tours, lakeside picnics, and catching stunning sunsets over the water. Whether you want to cast a fishing line or relax on the water, it is a must-visit Pocono destination.
Address: 2512 Route 6, Hawley, PA 18428
Phone: (570) 226-2141
Promised Land State Park
Promised Land State Park is a breathtaking 3,000-acre park nestled on the scenic Pocono Plateau. Perfect for a family day trip, this park features two beautiful lakes ideal for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore over 50 miles of scenic hiking trails, enjoy spacious picnic areas, or stay overnight at the popular campgrounds. It is one of the top state parks in Pennsylvania for seeing local wildlife, like white-tailed deer and black bears.
Address: 100 Lower Lake Rd, Greentown, PA 18426
Phone: (570) 676-3428
Bushkill Falls
Known as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," Bushkill Falls is a premier scenic attraction featuring eight stunning waterfalls hidden deep in the woods. Visitors can explore a beautiful network of wooden hiking trails, rustic footbridges, and scenic lookout points that are perfect for photography. The adventure park also offers family activities like paddle boating, miniature golf, and a fun children's playground. It is an unforgettable day trip destination for hikers and nature lovers looking for the best waterfall views in the Poconos.
Address: 138 Bushkill Falls Rd, Bushkill, PA 18324
Phone: (570) 588-6682
Lacawac Sanctuary
Lacawac Sanctuary is a hidden gem nature preserve that features the pristine, glacial Lake Lacawac. This beautiful wildlife sanctuary offers peaceful hiking trails that wind through undisturbed forests, wetlands, and open fields. It is a fantastic destination for bird watching, nature photography, and learning about environmental conservation through interactive public programs. The historic estate on the property also adds a unique touch of charm to this quiet, dog-friendly outdoor escape.
Address: 94 Sanctuary Rd, Lake Ariel, PA 18436
Phone: (570) 689-9494
George S. Child's Recreation Site
George W. Childs Recreation Site is a beloved historic park located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Following extensive restorations, this scenic ravine trail takes hikers along a lush stream to view three cascading waterfalls: Factory Falls, Fulmer Falls, and Deer Leap Falls. The easy 1.4-mile loop trail features smooth boardwalks and viewing platforms, making it highly accessible for families. It is a picture-perfect spot for a shaded summer walk surrounded by towering green trees.
Address: Silver Lake Rd & Park Rd, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328
Phone: (570) 426-2452 (Delaware Water Gap Headquarters)
Shuman Point Nature Trail
Shuman Point Natural Area provides one of the last remaining public hiking trails directly along the shoreline of Lake Wallenpaupack. This 3-mile blue-blazed loop trail offers a moderate hike with beautiful views of the water through the trees. It is a fantastic location for a morning jog, a peaceful dog walk, or a weekend hike with the family. The trail highlights the natural beauty of Wayne County and is completely free to visit year-round.
Address: Route 590, Hawley, PA 18428
Phone: (570) 226-2141 (Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center)
Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary
The Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary is a peaceful 600-acre preserve dedicated to protecting local plants and animals. Hikers can enjoy miles of quiet, well-maintained walking trails that wind through deep woods and open green spaces. The sanctuary is also home to a beautiful lake and the historic Dorflinger Glass Museum, blending local history with outdoor recreation. It is a wonderful, tranquil spot to escape the crowds and enjoy a relaxing nature walk.
Address: 55 Suydam Dr, White Mills, PA 18473
Phone: (570) 253-1185
Dingmans Falls
Dingmans Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Pennsylvania, and visiting it is one of the easiest outdoor adventures in the area. A flat, wheelchair-accessible wooden boardwalk trail leads visitors through a beautiful hemlock ravine directly to the base of the roaring 130-foot falls. Along the short walk, you will also pass Silverthread Falls, a stunningly narrow, ribbon-like cascade. The on-site visitor center offers great educational exhibits and maps for exploring the surrounding national recreation area.
Address: 224 Dingmans Falls Rd, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328
Phone: (570) 828-6125
Camelback Mountain Adventures
For high-flying thrills and adrenaline-pumping fun, Camelback Mountain Adventures is the ultimate Pocono adventure park. This massive outdoor action park features Pennsylvania's largest treetop ropes course, a thrilling mountain coaster, and 4,000-foot twin zip lines. Visitors can race down the hillside or test their balance on swinging bridges high up in the trees. It is an amazing destination for teenagers, groups, and families seeking an action-packed mountain getaway.
Address: 243 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA 18372
Phone: (570) 629-1663
Delaware and Hudson Canal Park At Lock 31
Step back in time at the Delaware & Hudson Canal Park at Lock 31, a beautiful 16-acre historic park located along the Lackawaxen River. This outdoor site features a fully preserved canal lock from the 1800s, a historic canal house, and flat walking trails perfect for all ages. Visitors can hike along the old towpath trail, go fishing in the river, or enjoy a quiet lunch at the shaded picnic tables. It is a wonderful free attraction that seamlessly combines local heritage with outdoor fun.
Address: 179 Texas Palmyra Highway, Hawley, PA 18428
Phone: (570) 253-3240 (Wayne County Historical Society)
Skytop Lodge Adventure Center
Located at a historic mountain resort, the Skytop Lodge Adventure Center offers a wide variety of exciting outdoor challenges for day visitors and resort guests alike. Thrill-seekers can take on a challenging treetop ropes course, fly down high-speed zip lines, or scale a 30-foot outdoor rock-climbing wall. The center also offers unique group activities like paintball and arrow tag on custom outdoor playing fields. Surrounded by pristine mountain acres, it is a premium destination for outdoor sports and active recreation.
Address: 1 Skytop Drive, Skytop, PA 18357
Phone: (855) 345-7759
Wallenpaupack Lake Trail
The Wallenpaupack Lake Trail is an easy, scenic 1.5-mile gravel walking trail that follows the northern shore of the lake. This flat, family-friendly trail is perfect for a relaxing morning stroll, a quick bike ride, or a dog-friendly walk. The path connects local shops and restaurants to the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center, making it incredibly convenient for tourists. It features beautiful water views, shaded forested stretches, and benches where you can sit and watch local boats glide by.
Address: 125 Lake Wallenpaupack Rd, Hawley, PA 18428
Phone: (570) 226-2141
Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is a massive National Park unit that protects over 73 miles of pristine, crystal-clear water along the state border. It is a premier destination for river adventures, including canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and summer tubing trips. Anglers travel from all over to experience its world-class trout fishing and view nesting bald eagles along the forested banks. The river offers multiple public boat launches and access points within an easy drive of Hawley.
Address: 274 River Rd, Beach Lake, PA 18405 (Zane Grey Museum/Access)
Phone: (570) 685-4871
Tobyhanna State Park
Tobyhanna State Park is located on the rugged Pocono Plateau and features the beautiful 170-acre Tobyhanna Lake. This expansive park is highly popular for outdoor recreation, offering a lakeside sand beach for swimming, excellent shoreline fishing, and rowboat rentals. Hikers and mountain bikers can challenge themselves on the 5.1-mile lakeside loop trail, which crosses flat but pleasantly rocky terrain. It is a fantastic summer getaway spot for families looking for a cool breeze and plenty of open space.
Address: 114 Cotter Rd, Tobyhanna, PA 18466
Phone: (570) 894-8336
Raymondskill Falls
Tucked into the northern reaches of the Poconos, Raymondskill Falls holds the proud title of being the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. A short but steep hiking trail leads visitors to two distinct wooden viewing platforms that offer incredible views of the three-tiered, 150-foot cascade. The rushing water and deep mountain ravine create a cool, refreshing microclimate even in peak summer. It is an ideal quick stop for hikers exploring the scenic driving routes near the Delaware River.
Address: Raymondskill Rd, Milford, PA 18337
Phone: (570) 426-2452 (NPS District Office)
Gouldsboro State Park
Gouldsboro State Park spans nearly 3,000 acres of untouched wetlands and forests, making it a peaceful haven for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. The park surrounds the massive Gouldsboro Lake, which offers a spacious public swimming beach, boat launches, and fantastic conditions for catching bass and pickerel. Over 10 miles of rugged hiking trails connect the park to neighboring state lands, providing long-distance hiking options. It is a quiet, less-crowded alternative for a relaxing day of lake recreation.
Address: 400 State Park Rd, Tobyhanna, PA 18466
Phone: (570) 894-8336
Bingham Park
Located right in the heart of town, Bingham Park is Hawley's premier community park and an excellent spot for casual outdoor recreation. This beautifully maintained park features baseball fields, tennis courts, modern playground equipment for kids, and a smooth perimeter walking path. During the warmer months, it hosts the lively local farmer's market and various outdoor community events under its large pavilions. It is the perfect, stress-free spot to let kids play and enjoy a sunny afternoon outdoors.
Address: Main Ave & Bingham Park Rd, Hawley, PA 18428
Phone: (570) 226-9545 (Hawley Borough)
Grey Towers National Historic Site
Grey Towers National Historic Site offers a unique combination of beautiful French-chateau architecture, local history, and stunning outdoor estate grounds. Visitors can take guided tours of the historic mansion or freely hike the beautiful garden pathways, forest trails, and tree-lined walkways. The estate was the home of Gifford Pinchot, the founder of the U.S. Forest Service, making it the birthplace of modern American conservation. It is an elegant, highly educational outdoor destination with panoramic valley views.
Address: 151 Grey Towers Dr, Milford, PA 18337
Phone: (570) 296-9630