Camptel Poconos

Put your best foot forward… as the name suggests, the Pocono mountains have plenty in the way of hiking trails. There’s a particularly handsome loop around Jack Frost Mountain (20 minutes' drive) and the ski resort when it’s the right season. Big Boulder Mountain (10 minutes) is slightly smaller but still has some splendid trails, while Camelback Mountain (35 minutes) has the Echo Canyon and Cholla hiking trails, both pretty steep for those of you who want a challenge. What about other outdoorsy pursuits? Well, in Lehigh Gorge State Park (25 minutes), the river is bordered by a gorgeous gorge and with some great whitewater, rafting is one way to get stuck in. Otherwise, hiking and biking here will take you past waterfalls and other spectacular views. While you’ll have plenty to entertain your wild side, it’s not all about the outdoors. Pocono Raceway (10 minutes) holds the NASCAR weekend, there are shows at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza (35 minutes) or the Crossings Premium Outlets (25 minutes) for a shopping spree. For golf games with mountain views, get over to Jack Frost National Golf Club (20 minutes) and for a waterpark that has some top-tier slides and pools, sidle over to Split Rock Resort (15 minutes).