Things to Do in the Poconos in April: Trails, Blooms, and Fresh Air

April in the Pocono Mountains is the exhale after winter. The snow is gone (mostly). The trails are opening. The trees are starting to bud. And the tourist crowds that pack the region in summer and fall haven't arrived yet. It's quiet. It's green. And it's one of the best times to visit if you're the kind of person who wants space, fresh air, and a slower pace.

April isn't peak season in the Poconos, and that's exactly what makes it appealing. Cabin rates are lower. Trails are emptier. Restaurants don't have hour-long waits. You get the mountains without the competition.

Hiking: The Trails Wake Up

April is when the Pocono trail system comes back to life. Snow melts off the higher elevations. Park services clear downed trees and repair winter damage. And the lower-elevation trails dry out enough to hike without sinking into mud.

Big Pocono State Park

Located at the top of Camelback Mountain, Big Pocono State Park offers panoramic views from the summit that stretch across three states on a clear day. The trails here are moderate in difficulty and well-marked. In April, the views are wide open before the tree canopy fills in, which means better sightlines than you'll get in summer. The drive to the top is part of the experience. It's about 10 minutes from most Pocono Pads vacation homes.

Tobyhanna State Park

A larger park with a lake, wooded trails, and picnic areas. The 5-mile Lakeside Trail loops around Tobyhanna Lake and is one of the most popular hikes in the region. In April, the lake is still and the forest is just starting to green. It's peaceful in a way that's hard to find during peak season. Tobyhanna is about 20 to 25 minutes from the Camelback area.

Bushkill Falls (Opening for the Season)

Bushkill Falls typically opens for the 2026 season in April. The waterfalls are at their most powerful in early spring when snowmelt feeds the creek system. If you're visiting in April, this is a must-do. The trail network connects eight waterfalls through a hemlock gorge, and the spring water volume makes it a completely different experience than visiting in late summer. Bushkill Falls is approximately 30 to 35 minutes from the Camelback area. Plan for a half-day trip.

Outdoor Activities Beyond Hiking

Fishing. Pennsylvania's trout season typically opens in April. The Poconos have excellent stream and lake fishing. Brodhead Creek, the Lehigh River, and several stocked lakes are within easy driving distance of Pocono Pads properties.

Biking. The Lehigh Gorge Trail is one of the best rail trails in the Northeast. It runs along the Lehigh River through a gorge lined with waterfalls and wildflowers. Bike rental companies operate near the trailhead in Jim Thorpe, about 35 to 40 minutes from the Camelback area.

Kayaking and canoeing. Depending on water levels, the Lehigh River and Delaware River start offering paddling experiences in April. Outfitters typically begin their season in late April or early May.

Wildlife watching. Spring migration brings birds back to the Poconos. Eagles, hawks, herons, and migratory songbirds are all active in April. Bring binoculars and step onto your cabin's deck.

Indoor Options for Rainy Days

April weather in the Poconos is unpredictable. You might get a 65-degree sunny day followed by a 40-degree rainy one. When the weather doesn't cooperate:

Indoor water parks. Camelbeach Indoor Waterpark and Kalahari are open year-round. A rainy April day is a perfect water park day.

Crossings Premium Outlets. Shopping in Tannersville, right off Route 611. Convenient and close to most Pocono Pads properties.

Local restaurants and breweries. The Tannersville and Bartonsville areas have a growing food and drink scene. A rainy afternoon is an excuse to explore it.

The cabin itself. Game rooms, hot tubs, fireplaces, and streaming TV. A rainy day at a Pocono Pads vacation home is not a bad day.

Easter Weekend in the Poconos

Easter often falls in April, and it's one of the best family weekends for a Pocono cabin trip. Several local venues and communities host Easter egg hunts, brunches, and spring festivals. The cabin becomes home base for a long weekend that combines family traditions with mountain time.

Easter weekend cabin rates are moderate compared to winter holidays, making it one of the best value weekends of the year for a family getaway.

Why April Is Underrated

Ask most people when to visit the Poconos and they'll say summer or ski season. April rarely makes the list. But the people who've visited in April know something the crowds don't: this is when the mountains feel like yours. The trails are quiet. The cabins are available. The rates are fair. The weather is improving. And the waterfalls are at their best.

If you've been waiting for the right time to plan a Pocono trip that doesn't involve fighting for a parking spot or booking six months in advance, April is your answer.

Book Your April Getaway

Pocono Pads manages over 40 vacation homes across the Pocono Mountains. April rates are lower than peak season, and

availability is wide open. Book direct at poconopads.com for the best pricing and direct communication with the team