Nestled in the lush forests of northeastern Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains region, Albrightsville provides easy access to the area's scenic natural splendor. Though a modest village, Albrightsville overflows with opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxing getaways. From adventure parks to charming inns, this mountain town encapsulates the heart of the Pocono experience. Read on for some of the top things to do when visiting Albrightsville, Pennsylvania.
What to Do in Albrightsville
Zip Through the Trees at Skytop Outfitters
For an adrenaline rush blended with natural beauty, zip over gorgeous mountain lakes and through thick pine forests on Skytop Outfitters’ zipline canopy tour. Nine zip lines up to 650 feet long and suspended 80 feet high let you soar like an eagle with incredible views. The guides add insight into the area's ecology and history between thrilling rides.
Tube or Kayak the Lehigh River
The Lehigh River provides picturesque and relaxing paddling just north of Albrightsville in nearby Jim Thorpe. Take a tubing trip and lazily float downriver while admiring the unspoiled scenery. For more active adventures, rent a kayak or canoe and paddle along with bends in the river revealing small rapids, soaring rock formations, and river islands perfect for a picnic stop.
Hike Glen Onoko Falls Trail
Located in neighboring Lehigh Gorge State Park, the rugged Glen Onoko Falls Trail leads through dense forest up steep rock staircases to the base of scenic waterfalls. The challenging 7-mile loop provides an immersive wilderness experience with opportunities to view the Lehigh River Gorge along the way. The trail features over 1,500 stone steps and twenty waterfalls cascading down the mountainside.
Bike the Lehigh Gorge State Park Rail Trail
For family-friendly recreation, bike or walk along the flat, paved Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail stretching 24 miles from White Haven to Jim Thorpe on a former railroad corridor. The trail hugs the Lehigh River through the dramatic rock gorge, with access to rapids, waterfalls, fishing holes and hiking trails. Stop at a picnic area for a riverside lunch.
What to See in Albrightsville
Original Penn Treats Roadside Ice Cream Stand
A road trip necessity, Penn Treats opened in 1955 and satisfies cravings with over 40 flavors of soft serve, 40+ milkshakes, sundaes, and banana splits. The old-fashioned stand with window service brings back family road trip nostalgia. Grab an ice cream cone, sit at the wooden picnic tables and pretend you're a kid again.
Hickory Run Boulder Field
Walk among the gigantic boulders, some as large as houses, scattered across 15 acres at Hickory Run State Park's unique Boulder Field. This National Natural Landmark resulted from a glacial moraine with rocks dumped as the glacier receded. Wander through the maze-like formation and admire nature's majesty.
Mauch Chunk Lake
The second largest lake in the Poconos began as a reservoir to send coal barges to the Lehigh River. Today the calm 800-acre lake provides boating, swimming, fishing for bass and panfish, plus spectacular mountain vistas from the water. Rent boats, kayaks, and canoes at the marina.
Jack Frost/Big Boulder Ski Resorts
While better known as winter ski destinations, these neighboring resorts offer scenic chairlift rides in warmer months. Take the lift up for tremendous views of the Poconos wilderness showcasing vibrant fall foliage in autumn. At the top, hiking trails thread through the peaks.
Where to Eat and Drink in Albrightsville
Creekside Cafe
Popular creekside breakfast and lunch cafe serving loaded scramblers, pancakes, sandwiches, burgers and homemade soups in a cozy, rustic setting.
Saylor's Lake House Bar & Grill
Lively bar with a beautiful lakefront deck, indoor booths, and tasty pub grub like wings, nachos, burgers, and steak sandwiches.
China Gourmet
Longstanding locals favorite for authentic Chinese cuisine like General Tso's chicken along with creative fusion dishes like Thai crab rangoon rolls.
Barley Creek Brewing Company
Acclaimed craft brewery crafting innovative ales, stouts, and lagers. Enjoy a flight in the taproom or grab a table outdoors.
Where to Stay in Albrightsville
Shawnee Mountain Area Lodging
Variety of rental options like cabins, condos, and vacation homes surrounding Shawnee Mountain Ski Area. Great for families and groups.
Penn Hills Resort
Sprawling property with hotel suites, cottages, pools, golf, tennis and on-site dining/bars nestled on 500 wooded acres.
Comfort Suites Albrightsville
Affordable suites with free breakfast, pool, gym and game room, located near the Pocono Raceway.
Hickory Run Cabins
Secluded creekside cedar cabins tucked into the woods around Hickory Run State Park. Provides a tranquil escape to nature.
How to Get to Albrightsville
By car: Albrightsville is located off US-534 in northeast PA. From I-80, take exit 277 for PA-934 South. After 20 miles take US-534 West for 8 miles into town.
From NYC: Follow I-80 West 120 miles before exiting US-534 West toward Albrightsville. Total drive is around 2 hours.
From Philadelphia: Take I-476 North to the Northeast Extension, then exit at PA-934 South to reach Albrightsville after 105 miles total.
Albrightsville's easily accessible location along US-534 makes it convenient to reach from major cities in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey for a mountains escape.
Conclusion
With its pristine nature, wealth of outdoor activities, charming local establishments and cozy lodging options, Albrightsville encapsulates the quintessential Poconos experience. Adventure seekers can zipline over mountain lakes while families bike shady rail trails. Learn about the area’s history and sample creative cuisine from welcoming restaurants and cafes. Stay at a secluded creekside cottage or popular area resort. Albrightsville’s stunning natural playground set against the Pocono Mountains provides the perfect destination for an idyllic mountain getaway or outdoor retreat any time of year.
