Top 15 Things To Do in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania
Blakeslee sits at a pleasing intersection of lakes, forests, and limestone ridgelines—an ideal pocket of the Poconos that makes water activities, short hikes, and laid-back wildlife watching equally easy to stack into a day. Expect canoe and kayak put-ins, family-friendly boat tours and rentals, and quieter trail options that reward early starts. This guide highlights 15 high-value experiences—hiking, fishing, canoeing, rafting options nearby, and a few unexpected air- and train-based sightseeing moments—so you can design a weekend that leans hard into scenery or tilts toward active play on water and trail.
Top 15 Things To Do in Blakeslee
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Blakeslee Belongs on Your Adventure Shortlist
There’s a compactness to Blakeslee that travelers often miss until they arrive: within minutes of a cottage or cabin you can be easing a canoe onto glassy water, clicking off a short ridge hike for a late-afternoon vista, or casting a line where trout and bass are reliably obliging. The Poconos reputation for big-resort bustle misses this quieter neighbor—a place where water activities lead the season but hiking, wildlife watching, and even offbeat air- and rail-based sightseeing tours are within easy reach.
The practical appeal shows up in three ways. First, access: multiple lakes, public put-ins, and a network of short trails mean you can swap plans on the fly—skip a windy afternoon paddle for a fishing morning, or trade a boat rental for a guided boat tour. Second, variety: Blakeslee’s mix of boating options (boat rental, boat tours, canoe and kayak opportunities) pairs well with river- and lake-based fishing, family-friendly train rides in nearby corridors, and seasonal wildlife viewing. Finally, logistics: outfitters in the region simplify gear, shuttles, and basic instruction, so this is an excellent spot for people who want the outdoors without a steep learning curve.
Culturally, the area has a relaxed, regional hospitality—diner breakfasts that fuel dawn casting, corner shops that sell maps and permits, and an outdoor-economy that knows how to help a day trip turn into a whole weekend. For planners, that means flexible itineraries work best: stack a morning paddle or fishing session with an afternoon hike, then use an evening sightseeing tour or short train ride to unwind. If you’re chasing peak fall color, expect weekends to ripple with visitors; for quieter water and better birding, target shoulder seasons and weekday mornings.
Access is the practical win here: public boat ramps, lakeside parking, and short trailheads make it simple to combine a canoe or kayak paddle with a hike. Outfitters provide rentals for everything from SUPs to fishing gear, and guided options let newer paddlers sample calm coves and narrated boat tours of the region.
Blakeslee is a basecamp as much as a destination. Use it to connect to longer rafting days or whitewater trips a short drive away, schedule a morning fishing excursion and an afternoon train or air sightseeing tour, or choose a single track of hiking and wildlife watching for a low-key nature escape.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Late spring through early fall is ideal for paddling, boat tours, and fishing—warm days with cool mornings. Summer can bring brief afternoon storms; plan water outings in the morning. Fall offers crisp air and foliage but increases weekend traffic. Winters are quiet and suitable for snow-dependent activities elsewhere in the Poconos rather than lake paddling.
Peak Season
Late June through October (especially September–October for fall color and boating still in full swing).
Off-Season Opportunities
Shoulder seasons (May, early June, late October) provide quieter waters, better birding, and lower rates at lodging. Winter weekdays offer solitude for nearby snowshoeing or cross-country sessions where maintained trails exist.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Short, low-risk outings suitable for families and first-timers: sheltered lake paddles, gentle fishing spots, and curated boat tours.
- Calm-lake canoe or kayak session
- Short lakeside boardwalk or trail stroll
- Guided boat tour for shoreline sighting and local history
Intermediate
Longer paddles, multi-hour hikes, and day trips that require basic navigation and endurance.
- Cross-lake kayak trip with a planned turnaround
- Half-day hike on nearby ridge trails for viewpoints
- Boat rental plus shore fishing at multiple coves
Advanced
Full-day outdoor objectives that demand planning and technical skill: guided whitewater rafting nearby, long backcountry treks, or multi-leg water routes with shuttle logistics.
- Guided whitewater rafting day trip on a regional river
- All-day paddling route linking lakes with shuttle
- Advanced backcountry hike with route-finding and elevation gain
What to Bring
Essential
- Quick-dry layers and a lightweight rain shell
- Daypack with water, snacks, and sunscreen
- Footwear that can get wet (neoprene or trail sandals) for lake put-ins
- Personal flotation device for paddling (provided by rentals but bring preferred PFD if you have one)
- Basic first-aid kit and waterproof phone case or dry bag
Recommended
- Light fishing kit if you plan to fish (license required in Pennsylvania)
- Binoculars for birding and shoreline wildlife observation
- Hat and polarized sunglasses for glare on the water
- Headlamp for pre-dawn fishing or late returns from hikes
Optional
- Inflatable or foldable cooler for lakeside picnics
- Compact camera or action cam with float leash
- Lightweight trekking poles for steeper, rocky trails
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Check permit rules, outfitters’ hours, and lake/river advisories before you go.
Start paddles at first light for calm water and cooler temperatures; afternoons can get breezy. If you want solitude, aim for midweek and avoid holiday weekends. For families, book a narrated boat tour or a certified guide for a gentle introduction to canoeing or kayaking. For anglers, purchase and carry a Pennsylvania fishing license and ask local bait shops for season- and lake-specific tips. If weather closes water options, pivot to nearby hikes or a scenic train ride to keep the day moving. When in doubt, contact a local outfitter: they know current conditions for boat rentals, rafting runs, and wildlife spotting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a guide for paddling or fishing?
No—many calm-lake canoe and kayak outings are straightforward for beginners and available through local boat rental shops. Hire a guide for river-based rafting, technical streams, or if you want instruction-focused fishing trips.
Where can I rent boats or gear?
Boat rental shops around Blakeslee and neighboring towns offer canoes, kayaks, SUPs, and motorboat rentals; outfitters also supply PFDs, paddles, and basic instruction. Call ahead in peak season to reserve.
Are there whitewater rafting options nearby?
Yes—while Blakeslee itself centers on calmer lakes and ponds, several regional rivers host guided rafting trips within an easy drive; book those trips with experienced operators and check river conditions.