A section of Sullivan’s Trail runs through Monroe County: the part of the route taken by General John Sullivan on his famous 1778 march from Easton to New York stretches from Tannersville to Pocono Pines. The named endpoints give this historic trail a clear direction. Monroe County is also home to Pocono Raceway, a popular attraction near Blakeslee in the western Pocono Mountains.

History in the Townscape and Museums

You can explore Stroudsburg, the county seat of Monroe County, through its downtown. It is easy to get around on foot; many original buildings date from the late 18th century and now house unique shops, art galleries and restaurants. At the Stroud Mansion Museum, exhibits on four floors trace the county’s history. The building itself was constructed by Jacob Stroud in 1795, bringing the architectural history of a single house together with the history of the region.

Other cultural sites focus on different subjects. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm preserves the agricultural heritage of the Pennsylvania Germans of the 19th century. The Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center offers environmental education programs year-round for people of all ages. The Cresco Station Museum houses exhibits, artifacts and research materials from the Barrett Township area. Its history as a museum began after the restored station was made available to the Barrett Township Historical Society in 1999 and subsequently reopened as a museum for the community.

Lakes, Heights and Hiking Trails

Gouldsboro State Park lies in Monroe and Wayne Counties in northeastern Pennsylvania. Its 2,800 acres include 250-acre Gouldsboro Lake. Big Pocono State Park features a different kind of landscape: it encompasses 1,306 acres of Camelback Mountain’s summit and slopes and offers views of three states. In the park, the Indian Trail is considered the easiest hiking trail; the eastern cliffs offer scenic views. These details help distinguish two different outdoor experiences: a lake within a large park and a trail with overlooks on a mountain.

Tobyhanna State Park encompasses 5,440 acres and includes 170-acre Tobyhanna Lake. The Lakeside Trail runs all the way around the lake and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and fishing. The Frank Gantz Trail connects Tobyhanna State Park with Gouldsboro State Park and passes through the Black Bear and Bender Swamps Natural Area. This gives you two distinct trail options: a lakeside loop and a route between two parks.

The routes in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area also offer different points of reference. The McDade Recreational Trail extends through most of the area, from Hialeah Recreation Area to Milford Beach, and offers opportunities for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs for more than 20 miles through the recreation area. Along the middle Delaware River, 40 miles form the focus of the park’s recreational offerings, including fishing, boating, canoeing and swimming.

Waterfalls add striking destinations to the natural landscape: Raymondskill Falls is Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall. Silver Thread Falls is located along the accessible Dingmans Creek Trail. If you bring your own canoe or kayak, the Monroe County Transit Authority offers a free shuttle service. Check operating details before your trip. This makes it possible to plan a water excursion as a separate activity, distinct from the hiking trails.

Plan More Experiences

For action on the water, Aquatopia offers private FlowRider sessions that must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance. Check availability when planning a session. Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark offers 37 rides and slides; seasonal operating details may change. A quick look at the latest information can help you plan your visit.

The annual Celebration of the Arts Jazz Festival in Delaware Water Gap is another cultural event with a culinary connection: local food vendors are part of the festival. If you’d like to include the event in your travel plans, check the dates.

Discover more destinations: East Stroudsburg, Tannersville, Canadensis, Stroudsburg, Bartonsville, Pocono Pines, Mt Pocono, Delaware Water Gap, Cresco, Skytop, Scotrun, Pocono Summit, Mountainhome, Blakeslee, Tobyhanna, Albrightsville, Saylorsburg.

For the main travel overview: Pennsylvania.