Your Guide to Water Activities In The Poconos

Looking for the best water activities in the Poconos without sorting through a dozen different sites? You’re in the right place. Once the weather warms up, getting out on the water quickly becomes the highlight of the trip.

Some days call for a quiet paddle or an easy float down the river. Other days feel better with a little more energy, like whitewater rafting in the Poconos or a full-day on a lake.

We pulled together our favorite spots, go-to activities, and a few insider tips to help you plan with confidence. That way, you can spend less time researching and more time looking forward to your trip.

There’s something about being near the water that makes a trip feel more fun right away. In the Poconos, lakes and rivers are close enough that it’s easy to work them into almost any kind of getaway.

You might want a quiet paddle in the morning, then something a little more active later on. A tubing run, a scenic boat ride, or time by the lake can all fit into the same day without making things feel overplanned.

That mix is what makes water days so appealing here. You’ve got plenty of ways to keep things easy, active, or somewhere right in the middle.

Lake days are often the easiest way to get out on the water. They feel relaxed, flexible, and easy to build around. That’s a big reason water activities in the Poconos are such a draw once the weather warms up.

Lake Wallenpaupack is the go-to for a reason. You can keep things simple with a short paddle, or turn it into a full day with swimming, cruising, and time out on the water. It’s also one of the easiest places to find Poconos boat rentals if your group wants more flexibility.

If you’re in the mood to slow things down, kayaking in the Poconos is always a good call. Paddleboarding fits right into that same kind of day, especially when you want something active that still feels relaxed.

Outfitters around Lake Wallenpaupack and the Delaware River make it easy to get started. Rentals, launch spots, and quick guidance are usually taken care of, so you can focus on enjoying the water.

Some groups want more than a quiet paddle, and that’s where Poconos water sports come in. Tubing behind a boat, mixing in a few activities, or staying out for hours can turn a simple lake day into the highlight of your trip.

Some of the best days are the ones that don’t feel planned at all. You get on the river, settle in, and let the afternoon unfold from there.

Tubing in the Poconos is perfect for that kind of outing. Delaware River tubing is especially popular because it’s scenic, social, and a great family activity. Outfitters handle the gear, shuttle, and pickup, so you can relax and enjoy the ride.

If you want a little more control, gentle paddling is a great option. Canoes and kayaks let you move at your own pace while staying low-key. It’s an easy way to enjoy the river without turning it into a full-day commitment.

If your group is looking for something with a little more energy, this is for you! Whitewater rafting in the Poconos is one of those experiences people bring up long after the trip ends.

Lehigh River rafting runs through Lehigh Gorge State Park, with a mix of calm sections and rolling rapids along the way. Trips range from beginner-friendly to more exciting runs, so it works for a wide range of comfort levels.

Most trips are guided, making it easy to jump in without overthinking. Gear, safety briefings, and experienced guides are all part of the experience.

Pro tip: If it’s your first time, start with a beginner-friendly run. You’ll still get the excitement without feeling overwhelmed!

Not every water day needs to be active. Sometimes it’s nice to sit back, take in the views, and let someone else handle the details.

Lake Wallenpaupack boat tours are one of the easiest ways to get out on the water. Scenic cruises let you enjoy the lake, the shoreline, and the fresh air without much planning.

Pontoon rentals are another great option when you want something more private. You can cruise at your own pace, stop to swim, or just spend a few hours out on the water together.

A little planning can make your day on the water feel a lot easier once you arrive. You don’t need much, but a few small details go a long way.

• Start earlier if you can: Mornings tend to be calmer, especially on lakes and popular rivers

• Book ahead for weekends: Rentals and rafting trips fill up faster than expected

• Bring the basics: Water, sunscreen, and a dry bag for phones make a big difference

• Match the activity to your group: Mix in both relaxed and active options to keep everyone happy

• Plan for transitions: A change of clothes or a towel makes the ride home much easier

A little prep upfront keeps the day feeling relaxed instead of rushed, which is exactly what you want on the water.

There are so many good ways to enjoy Poconos water activities, and that’s part of what makes a trip here feel so easy. You can spend the day paddling, tubing, cruising, or rafting, then head back feeling like you really made the most of your time here.

That mix of easy and active is what makes these outings work so well. You can choose your type of outdoor adventure, then come back to Mountaintop Lodge for a slower evening and time to unwind after a full day outside.

Book your stay at Mountaintop Lodge and start planning a Poconos getaway with plenty of time on the water!

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