Poconos (Summer)

A long-time destination for urbanites seeking the simple life, the natural beauty of the gently rolling Pocono Mountains belies an unusual foundation: Eastern Pennsylvania lies atop one of the world’s rarest phenomena, massive fields of anthracite coal. "Black diamond" mines — so named because of the obsidian-like character of the coal — reach deep into the earth throughout the region, though most visitors see only the sparkling Delaware River and the flame-covered trees of autumn. Considerably more developed than the simple country escape of former times, the Poconos remain a popular spot for outdoor recreation, including hiking, swimming, ...

A long-time destination for urbanites seeking the simple life, the natural beauty of the gently rolling Pocono Mountains belies an unusual foundation: Eastern Pennsylvania lies atop one of the world’s rarest phenomena, massive fields of anthracite coal. "Black diamond" mines — so named because of the obsidian-like character of the coal — reach deep into the earth throughout the region, though most visitors see only the sparkling Delaware River and the flame-covered trees of autumn. Considerably more developed than the simple country escape of former times, the Poconos remain a popular spot for outdoor recreation, including hiking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, fall leaf-peeping, and kayaking — all taking place amidst breathtaking scenery. This is also the perfect setting for romance — many all-inclusive resorts are exclusively for honeymooners—others welcome families. If visitors can tear themselves away from their heart-shaped swimming pools, they’ll find a treasure trove of charming villages, unusual eateries, roadside museums and collections, shopping and unique sites such as the home of Western writer Zane Grey (Riders of the Purple Sage) and the oldest existing wire cable suspension bridge in America, the Delaware Aqueduct (built by the engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge, John Roebling) along the web of inviting back roads.

About the Expert

Joanne Miller is the author of several Moon guidebooks, including Pennsylvania Handbook, Chesapeake Bay Handbook, and Maryland/Delaware Handbook.