4 days in Pennsylvania & Pocono Mountains Region Itinerary

One of the country's 13 original founding states, Pennsylvania contains a balance of modern cities and fertile fields. A rich and varied state with a colorful history dating back to colonial times, it remains a worthy holiday destination with its well-preserved 19th-century battle sites and memorial parks. This diverse land is home to pristine forests and rugged mountain regions. For an urban experience, visit the state's university cities, offering numerous tourist attractions as well as thriving music, performance, art, and culinary scenes. The region's Amish country provides a weekend getaway in a picturesque setting of quaint towns surrounded by rolling hills and fertile farmland.

Taking up the better part of northeastern Pennsylvania, the Pocono Mountains Region contains more than 6,200 sq km (2,400 sq mi) of rolling mountains, waterfalls, lakes, forests, and streams. A year-round vacation getaway, the region once attracted mostly honeymooners. Today, the Poconos draw adventure-seekers from around the globe, arriving in throngs to explore one of the southernmost ski areas in the United States. Famous for its pristine nature teeming with native wildlife, the region is a quick car ride from New England or New York. The Pocono Mountains do not encompass any major cities--the wilderness area dotted with small towns and natural attractions makes this one of the least polluted portions of the region.