Poconos Hiking: Waterfalls, Scenic Trails, and State Parks

Poconos hiking is one of the easiest ways to make a summer trip feel like an adventure. One morning can take you to a waterfall, a mountain overlook, or a trail that feels tucked away from everything.

That’s why we love pointing guests toward the trails. You don’t need to be an expert hiker or plan an all-day trek. You just need comfortable shoes, a little time, and a good place to start.

Summer gives the trails a little extra energy. Waterfalls run through shaded woods, overlooks feel brighter, and lake paths make it easy to add a breath of fresh air to almost any day.

That variety is what makes hiking in the Poconos so easy to enjoy. Some routes are quick and scenic, while other hiking trails give you more distance, more views, and more time outside.

The many waterfalls in the Poconos offer plenty of outdoor adventures during the summer. Many trails stay shaded, and several of the best views are surprisingly easy to reach.

If you want an easy stop with a big payoff, start with Dingmans Falls. The short boardwalk trail makes this one easy to reach, and the waterfall views come quickly.

Pro tip: Weekday mornings are usually quieter here, especially during summer. We also recommend visiting after a rainy stretch, when the falls are running stronger. 

Delaware Water Gap gives you a mix of river views, wooded trails, overlooks, and scenic pull-offs. Some paths climb toward overlooks, while others stay flatter near the river.

You can easily spend a few hours here without feeling rushed. Stop at an overlook, take a shorter trail, and explore at your own pace.

A great trail day doesn’t always need a big climb or a long route. Sometimes a shorter walk gives you exactly what you came for: fresh air, river views, and a reason to slow down.

These Poconos hiking trails are easy to work into your day and still feel worth the stop:

• McDade Recreational Trail: A great choice near the Delaware Water Gap when you want river views and an easier walk.

• Dingmans Creek Trail: Short, scenic, and one of our favorite Poconos waterfalls stops without a difficult hike.

• Big Pocono State Park: A great option for overlooks and mountain views without spending the whole day on the trail.

These stops fit easily into the day and still feel memorable once you head back for the evening.

One of the best parts about exploring Poconos state parks is how different each one feels. Some are known for waterfalls and wooded trails, while others offer lake views, overlooks, and easier walks near the water.

Hickory Run is best known for Boulder Field, a massive National Natural Landmark formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. The park also has more than 40 miles of trails, including wooded routes, creekside paths, and waterfall areas.

Promised Land State Park is worth the drive when you want a quieter trail day. It sits high on the Pocono Plateau, surrounded by lakes, forest, and plenty of shaded routes.

It’s great for those who don’t want a large crowd. You can walk near the lake, take a forest trail, or pair a shorter hike with a picnic by the water.

Beltzville State Park combines hiking trails, boating areas, picnic spots, and lake access in one place. The Saw Mill Trail is one of the more popular routes because it passes a waterfall, forested sections, and a historic gristmill raceway.

Not every outdoor day needs to revolve around a long hike. Some of the best scenery in the Poconos is easy to reach by car, especially when you want a slower afternoon.

Here’s what we love when we don’t want to plan a full hiking day:

• Route 507 near Lake Wallenpaupack: A favorite scenic drive for summer lake views, wooded stretches, and quiet pull-off spots along the way.

• Route 6: A classic Pocono Mountains drive with small-town stops, forested stretches, and easy detours when you want to wander a little.

• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: A great area for river overlooks, scenic roadside stops, and shorter walks without committing to a full hike.

• Big Pocono State Park: You can drive most of the way up, then walk short paths near the overlooks for wide mountain views and cooler summer breezes.

These stops work especially well on warmer afternoons when you still want fresh air and beautiful scenery without spending hours on the trail.

Summer trails are easier to enjoy when you know what to expect before you go. Busy parking lots, warm afternoons, and muddy paths can all show up on the same day.

Here are a few tips we always like to share before guests head out:

• Start earlier when you can: Parking is easier, temperatures are cooler, and popular waterfall spots feel less crowded.

• Bring extra water: Warmer afternoons and longer trails can feel more tiring than expected.

• Wear shoes with a good grip: Waterfall paths and wooded trails often stay muddy after rain.

• Keep a light layer nearby: Mornings and shaded sections can feel cooler, even during summer.

• Leave room for a slower pace: A shorter hike and one scenic stop usually feel better than rushing through multiple locations.

The goal isn’t to pack in every trail. It’s about choosing a good route, enjoying the views, and leaving enough energy for the rest of your day.

A good Poconos hiking day doesn’t have to be complicated. Pick one trail, add a scenic stop if you have time, and let the rest of the day stay easy.

That’s the best part about staying at Mountaintop Lodge. You’re close to waterfalls, state parks, overlooks, and scenic drives, but you still get to come back to a quiet place to relax.

Book your stay and start planning your next hiking getaway in the Poconos!

Photo Credit: © Omar Tapia from Pexels via canva.com, © 4FR from Getty Images Signature via canva.com, © Katya Wolf from Pexels via canva.com