The Poconos region is one of the most scenic places in the eastern U.S. Covering about 2,400-square-miles in Pennsylvania and its northern neighbors, it’s home to mountains, lakes, waterfalls and miles of lush, green woods. While any time of day is ideal to view the area’s natural beauty, sunset offers some of the most idyllic and photo-worthy scenes. Here are five of our favorite spots to witness stellar sunsets in the Pocono Mountains.
- Skytop Lodge: Set on 5,500 acres of pristine Pocono Mountain forest, Skytop Lodge has been serving guests since 1928. The luxury resort has everything you’ll need for a memorable vacation, from an onsite lake for kayaking and paddle boarding to nature trails, a zipline adventure course and an award-winning 18-hole golf course. Head to the onsite beach for unobstructed views of a Poconos sunset, or stay warm and toasty inside Lakeview Restaurant. Here, diners can feast on upscale regional dishes such as roasted porchetta or seared sea scallops while viewing a majestic sunset from the comfort of The Inn at Skytop.
- Big Pocono State Park: Located in Stroudsburg, this 1,305-acre state park is perched atop Camelback Mountain. While most of the state parks are open year-round, Big Pocono closes for the snowy season. Head up the mountain in fall or spring and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular sunsets in shades of crimson and orange. There are several picnic tables located near scenic overlooks, making this a great place to have a late afternoon meal with the family as the sun sets.
- Lake Wallenpaupack: There’s really no bad location to view the sunset from the Pocono Mountains’ most popular lake. Set up a beach blanket on the shore and snuggle with your sweetie while watching the light dim on the horizon, or take a boat tour of Lake Wallenpaupack to get an unobstructed view – not to mention the perfect Instagram shot. Sunset colors here vary widely by climate and season, with colors ranging from soft coral to blazing pinks and purples.
- Tobyhanna State Park: Open year-round from sunrise to sunset, Tobyhanna State Park is known for its lush greenery and paved trail system. There’s a large lake onsite, along with heavily wooded trails that are bathed in breathtaking colors every fall. Biking and kayaking are the hot activities here. Travelers can also rent a rowboat for a private, romantic spot to observe the sunset. Bonus: You’ll find a waterpark, handmade pretzel factory and a casino within easy driving distance of the 5,440-acre park.
- Nick’s Lake House: Spectacular dockside views of Lake Harmony make this watering hole a pleasant place to dine, especially at sunset. The brown shingled building doesn’t look like much from the outside. Pop in for prime rib and you’ll find an airy dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake. Of course, the best seats in the house aren’t actually in the building – they’re outside on the wraparound deck. Feast on American comfort foods while watching the sun dip below the tree line, the sky blanketed in rich jewel tones.
Sunsets in the Poconos are a magical experience. Whether you’re staying at Skytop Lodge in spring or winter, each season offers a different view of the early evening sky. Robin’s egg blue erupts into a variety of different colors as the light fades and the sun falls behind the alpine forest. It’s a sight you don’t want to miss! Call 855-345-7759 or contact us online to start planning your next Pocono Mountains getaway.