Looking for a change this Thanksgiving? Head to the Pocono Mountains, where crisp air, fall colors and peaceful surroundings set the scene for a holiday that still delivers everything you love like great food, cozy moments and time with the people who matter most, just with better views and less noise. Local restaurants, trails and small-town charm give you plenty of ways to relax and make the most of the long weekend.
Thanksgiving Traditions in the Mountains
You don’t have to leave holiday rituals behind just because you’re traveling. In fact, the mountain setting makes many of them even more special. Whether you’re driving in through tree-lined backroads or arriving the night before to settle into your rental, everything about the Poconos slows the pace. The busy energy of city life fades fast, replaced by quiet, scenic surroundings and a true sense of escape.
Cook your holiday meal in one of our well-appointed rental kitchens, or take it outside for a fire pit gathering if the weather cooperates. The air is crisp, but that just makes warm food and good conversation even more satisfying. Families love the space our homes offer for cooking, relaxing, and gathering together without crowding into a single room.
Work Up an Appetite at Bushkill Falls
Before you dig into Thanksgiving dinner, take a walk through one of the most stunning spots in the area. Bushkill Falls, often called the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” is a series of eight waterfalls connected by scenic walking trails. Located in Lehman Township, this popular destination is a great way to spend your holiday morning, especially if you like to balance indulgence with a bit of outdoor activity.
Trails range from easy to moderate, so you can choose a route that fits your group. The waterfalls are particularly beautiful in late fall, when the trees are bare enough to reveal more of the cliffs and cascades, but there’s still just enough color to make it feel festive. Make sure you bring your camera!
Explore Big Pocono State Park
If you’re staying the full holiday weekend, add a visit to Big Pocono State Park to your itinerary. Located in Tannersville, this expansive park offers 1,300 acres of forests, trails and panoramic mountain views. It’s quieter this time of year, which makes for an especially peaceful post-holiday hike.
The park is open from sunrise to sunset and is ideal for walking off that second helping of pie or just enjoying a quiet afternoon with nature. From hiking to wildlife spotting, the open terrain here feels like your own private slice of fall. It’s a local favorite and an underrated way to see more of the Poconos beyond the usual tourist stops.
Celebrate in Style with Pocono Mountain Rentals
Thanksgiving is all about connection, and having the right home to return to makes all the difference. Pocono Mountain Rentals offers spacious homes with high-end amenities that give your group space to spread out and settle in. Enjoy fireplaces, game rooms, hot tubs, and fully equipped kitchens ideal for cooking and entertaining.
Whether you’re hosting dinner or planning a weekend full of small adventures, our homes offer the flexibility to do Thanksgiving your way. Many properties are located near hiking trails, restaurants, and scenic overlooks, so everything you want to see and do is just a short drive away. Some homes are also pet-friendly, so your four-legged family members can join in the fun.
Plan Your Poconos Thanksgiving Today
Spending Thanksgiving in the Poconos adds a fresh perspective to a beloved tradition. Whether you’re exploring waterfalls, enjoying a quiet moment in nature, or sharing a meal with family, there’s something special about being here during the fall. Book your stay with Pocono Mountain Rentals today and make this Thanksgiving one to remember!
