Weekend Getaways Made Easy With Subaru: Favorite Local Trips Near Stroudsburg

Stroudsburg puts you right at the center of amazing weekend adventures. With the Pocono Mountains just minutes away and dozens of outdoor spots within driving distance, you'll have trouble picking which trip to take first. Subaru's reliability and all-wheel drive allow you to navigate Pennsylvania's changing terrain in various weather conditions. In this article, we explore your options for the best weekend getaways in Pennsylvania.

Scenic Drives Near Stroudsburg

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers stunning drives between I-80 and I-84, with US 209 running north-south on Pennsylvania's side. Mountain roads can be tricky, especially with rain or slippery fall leaves. Subaru's all-wheel drive provides extra grip for confident scenic drives.

The Appalachian Trail area has amazing lookout points. The trail spans 28 miles in the Delaware Water Gap region, with seven parking areas for scenic drives. Notable Pennsylvania sections include the 2.4-mile Park Border — Totts Gap — to Mt. Minsi, the 1.8-mile route from Mt. Minsi to Delaware Water Gap, and the 1.7 miles from Delaware Water Gap to Dunnfield Creek. Adequate ground clearance is recommended on rough roads.

The Pocono Mountains change with every season. Summer offers green forests and peaceful streams, fall brings vibrant colors, winter is characterized by snow cover, and spring creates muddy backroads. The Subaru Crosstrek, with its all-wheel drive, X-MODE for deep snow and mud, hill control, and 9.3 inches of ground clearance, is perfect for managing these mountain roads throughout the year.

Charming Accommodations and Retreats

The Skytop Lodge is an American Automobile Association Four Diamond-rated establishment that offers discounts of up to 20% with their Summer B&B Package, including daily breakfast and a $35 activity credit per person. Activities include a Treetop Adventure Course, golf, floating water park, fishing, kayaking, paddle tennis, biking, archery tag, paintball, and axe throwing. You can choose between seven restaurants: Windsor, Lakeview, The Taproom, Corner Roast, The Market, Callaway's, and Library Lounge.

The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort offers the ideal atmosphere for both couples and families. This riverside resort features the Poconos' only Island Golf Course, created by architect A.W. Tillinghast. Stay and Play deals include rooms, golf, and a hot breakfast.

Stroudsburg also has B&Bs and cottages for a more personal, local experience. Family-owned establishments provide charming architectural details, homemade breakfasts with local ingredients, and hosts who can share insider tips. Many of these options are more affordable while offering unique getaway experiences.

Outdoor Adventures and Recreational Activities

Known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania, Bushkill Falls features a 100-foot main waterfall, as well as seven additional falls accessible via four different trails. Admission prices are $20 for adults and $10 for kids aged 4 to 12. The site is open from March to November. The simpler trails include the easy, 15-minute Green trail and the popular, 45-minute Yellow trail. The Blue lasts 75 minutes and includes Pennell Falls, while the Red trail spans 2 miles with access to all eight waterfalls.

The Red Trail has about 1,247 steps, takes about three hours to complete, and requires a significant fitness level. It can be challenging for young children or those with knee problems. Leashed dogs are allowed, and additional activities include a maze, gem mining, and fishing.

Adventure Sports provides canoeing, kayaking, and rafting trips on the Delaware River, along with the necessary equipment, orientation, and a free shuttle service. Prices range from $46 to $53 for canoes and rafts. The daily rates for kayaks are $49 to $56 for adults and $12 for kids aged 2 to 17. The popular 6-mile Smithfield Beach to Delaware Water Gap trip takes about two hours of paddling. If you're interested in longer trips, the multi-day adventures cover up to 28 miles over three days.

Cultural Experiences and Local Attractions

Stroudsburg is located just 75 miles from Manhattan, offering vibrant cultural spots such as the Sherman Theater and Gallery at 530 Main, which regularly hosts performances and art exhibitions. Check out the First Saturday Art Walk from April through October, where you can explore local galleries for free and meet the artists behind the creations.

The town is busy throughout the year with events that blend Pennsylvania traditions and modern community spirit. The St. Patrick's Day Parade marks the arrival of spring, StroudFest brings summer energy to the downtown area, and WinterFest, along with the Christmas Tree Lighting, make the holidays special. Netflix even picked the town for a "Here for the Holidays" light display in 2020. These events give weekend visitors an authentic experience of local life.

Top Dining Spots and Local Delicacies

Farmhouse stands out in the local food scene. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., this casual establishment prepares all its dishes from scratch using local, organic ingredients. The menu features some fantastic dishes, whether you want breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The Farmhouse group runs three restaurants in the area: Farmhouse Crystal in East Stroudsburg, Farmhouse Main Street in Stroudsburg, and Farmhouse Blakeslee, all committed to using local ingredients and creative cooking.

For local drinks, visit Tolino Vineyards or R.A.W Urban Winery and Hard Cidery. These establishments offer a taste of Pennsylvania's growing wine and craft beverage scene, often using fruits and grains grown in the state. Many offer tours where you can observe the production process and meet the people behind your favorite drinks.

Stroudsburg's food scene is surprisingly diverse for a smaller town, with authentic Thai, Italian, Irish, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Portuguese, and French food all within a few blocks. Local farmers' markets and food fests throughout the year allow you to sample regional specialties and chat with the folks who make them. This variety means that weekend visitors can enjoy familiar comfort food or try something completely new.

Tips for Planning Your Ideal Weekend Getaway

Pack smart with your Subaru's cargo space. The Crosstrek offers 19.9 cubic feet of regular space, which expands to 54.7 cubic feet with the seats down. Use cargo carriers, mats, nets, trays, and covers for optimal space utilization. Ensure that you include the basics such as your license, registration, spare tire, jumper cables, GPS, paper maps, quick-dry clothes, entertainment, food, and packing cubes.

Before heading into the mountains, check vital components such as your tires, battery, belts, hoses, and all fluids, including the washer fluid. Consumer Reports has ranked Subaru vehicles first for reliability in 2025, beating Toyota and Lexus. The 2025 lineup offers better transmissions, improved touch screens, fewer glitches, and better quality. The all-wheel drive, BOXER engines, and excellent fuel efficiency make Subarus perfect for weekend getaways in Pennsylvania.

Start Your Next Adventure in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Stroudsburg offers a variety of weekend activities. Subaru's all-wheel drive, safety ratings, proven reliability, and adventure-ready features let you focus on making memories instead of worrying about breakdowns. When you're ready to plan your next weekend trip, our team at Ertle Subaru will help find your perfect adventure vehicle. Contact us to see how Subaru's lineup can make your weekend getaways easier and more fun.