This probably isn’t the summer you envisioned back in January. Although you might not be able to spend a week at a distant beach resort or travel through Europe this year, you can still enjoy relaxing vacations and day trips in your own backyard. Visiting one of these out-of-the-way parks and Poconos attractions is an excellent way to spend a little downtime while practicing social distancing.
Waterfalls - Various locations It’s not unusual to live in a place for years yet never visit some of its most famous attractions. Although a visit to the always-crowded Bushkill Falls may not be ideal if you’re social distancing, stopping by a few of the less popular waterfalls offers a good alternative. The Poconos Mountain blog lists a few area waterfalls you may want to visit, including Luke’s, Tumbling Waters, Paupack, Hawk and Shohola Falls.
Columcille Megalith Park - Banger, PA Inspired by a dream, Columcille Megalith Park founder William H. Cohea, Jr. constructed this unique park in Banger. Close to 100 large standing stones called megaliths can be found scattered throughout the property. Meandering, wooded trails pass through the megaliths, allowing you to view the stones without coming in close contact with other people. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Promised Land State Park - Greentown, PA With two lakes and 3,000 acres, Promised Land State Park offers plenty of room to spread out. Swimming is available at both the Day Use Picnic Area and the Pickerel Point Beach. Parking lots in beach areas are limited to 75 percent capacity, and swimmers are required to wear masks when they’re not in the water. Masks are required indoors or in areas where social distancing isn’t possible. Promised Land also offers boating, camping, picnicking, cabins, cottages, fishing, hiking. Park hours are sunrise to sunset.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area - Bushkill, PA The Delaware Water Gap features amazing views of the Delaware River and surrounding valley and forest. At 67,000 acres, the recreation area is big enough to hold thousands of people without feeling crowded. In fact, you may never see another person whether you’re hiking one of the trails or fishing from the banks of the Delaware River. The three swimming beaches and more than 100 miles of trails, including 27 miles of the Appalachian Trail, are particularly popular with visitors. The Delaware Water Gap also offers horseback riding and boat launches. (You provide the boat or horse.) Spending time in the river is perfect way to cool off without getting too close to other people. Several liveries along the river rent tubes, rafts, kayaks and canoes. After you complete your trip, you’ll be transported back to your starting point.
Blue Mountain Resort - Palmerton, PA After spending a few days, hiking, fishing or sunbathing, you may be ready for a more thrilling experience. Downhill mountain biking at Blue Mountain Resort is the ideal place to test your limits. The resort’s 27 trails offer challenging rides whether you’re a novice or experienced mountain bike rider. Once you reach the bottom of the hill, the high-speed Comet Quad lift will transport you back to the top. The park is open Friday through Sunday and requires riders to wear masks when not riding. Other activities at the resort include an aerial ropes course, outdoor laser tag, disc golf and lift rides.
Posted by Liberty Homes on Aug 1, 2020