Pocono Mountains Outdoor Activities

From mid-April through mid-June 2026, the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania offer one of the Northeast’s most compelling stretches of outdoor programming, with Lake Wallenpaupack at the center of it. The lake, a 5,700-acre reservoir created in 1926 by the Pennsylvania Power and Light Company, sits near Hawley at an elevation of 1,180 feet and features more than 52 miles of wooded shoreline. It is the third-largest lake in Pennsylvania and one of the region’s premier recreational destinations, with clarity that supports swimming, kayaking, and fishing in equal measure through the spring and early summer months.

The outdoor activity season in the Poconos runs April 18 through June 12, 2026, covering a period when the deciduous forests above the lake shift from bare to fully leafed, waterfall flows run at their peak from spring snowmelt, and the weekday crowds remain thin enough to make weekend excursions feel genuinely uncrowded. Events in the region during this window include whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River, guided hiking in Delaware State Forest, disc golf at several mountain resort courses, and canopy tours above the tree line, all within a 30-mile radius of the lake.

On and Around Lake Wallenpaupack

The lake itself is the anchor for most spring visits. Boat rentals, including pontoons, kayaks, and paddleboats, are available through several concession operators near Wallenpaupack Lake Estates and at Wilsonville Recreation Area on the lake’s eastern shore. Fishing is particularly productive in spring, when largemouth and smallmouth bass move shallow and walleye can be found along the lake’s deeper drop-offs. The Penn Yan Club at Wallenpaupack operates a public boat launch, and Pennsylvania fishing licenses are available at most local bait shops in Hawley and Paupack.

Live music programming, artisan markets, and food truck gatherings pop up at resort properties and outdoor venues throughout the spring season, with Mountain Top Lodge and other Poconos-area resorts hosting regular evening events through June. These tend to be informal and family-friendly, with fire-pit evenings and stargazing well suited to the region’s dark skies away from the highway corridors.

> Quick Tips
> The Poconos in April and May can be cool and wet. Waterfall trails and forest hikes become slick after rain, so bring hiking footwear with grip. Most outdoor operators in the region are fully open by Memorial Day weekend; April and early May offer a quieter version of the experience with slightly limited operating schedules at some venues. Always call ahead to confirm hours for specific activities.

Families, Couples, and Groups

The Pocono Mountains draw a wide mix of visitors, and the spring season is particularly well suited to families with children who need space and outdoor engagement. Promised Land State Park, about 12 miles north of Hawley, has developed trails suitable for children ages 5 and up, plus fishing piers on Promised Land Lake and Lower Lake. Couples looking for something more private can find kayak paddle trails on smaller lakes within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area that see very little traffic midweek. Large groups booking reunion weekends will find the region’s rental properties well designed for shared meals and lakeside evenings.

> If You’re Bringing a Dog
> Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Promised Land State Park both permit leashed dogs on most trails. The Lake Wallenpaupack shoreline trail sections near Wilsonville are also dog-friendly. Check individual park websites for seasonal restrictions before driving to the trailhead.

Where to Stay Near the Lake

For the closest possible connection to Lake Wallenpaupack, consider a rental property within a few miles of the shoreline. A well-equipped Pocono chalet with a firepit and deck gives you a proper base for hiking, paddling, and evening fires without dealing with resort crowds. Lake.com lists multiple properties in the Poconos with lake views, fireplaces, and outdoor kitchens suited to spring group stays. Book early for May holiday weekends, which sell out months in advance.

Find Your Spot on Lake.com

Search Lake.com for vacation rentals near Lake Wallenpaupack and Hawley, Pennsylvania to compare lakefront cottages, mountain chalets, and family-sized homes with decks overlooking the Poconos tree line.