Top 15 Things To Do in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Perched on the edge of the Delaware Water Gap and threaded by brooks and forested ridgelines, Stroudsburg is a small town with outsized access to outdoor life. Spend a morning on a canoe or kayak glide, an afternoon on a ridge hike or bike tour, and a twilight glass of local beer downtown. This guide stitches together the best water activities, river tubing floats, fishing stretches, air tours, and hiking options so you can build half-day jaunts or fully loaded adventure weekends.
Top 15 Things To Do in Stroudsburg
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Stroudsburg Belongs on Your Adventure Shortlist
There’s an intimate, weathered quality to Stroudsburg that makes wild things feel close at hand. From the town’s walkable streets—lined with restored storefronts and cafés perfect for planning a day—to the Delaware River’s steady flow, this place is a launchpad. Water activities dominate the scene: boat tours and quiet canoe and kayak runs slip beneath high green banks, while river tube floats offer an easygoing afternoon for groups and families. In late spring and summer, anglers find quiet bends and riffles that hold trout and bass; in autumn the hills ignite, making every scenic drive and ridge hike a postcard.
Outfitters in town make access painless. Need a shuttle after a rafting trip? A rental for a half-day canoe? Or a guide who knows where the best fishing holes are? You’ll find it. For visitors with a taste for height, air activities and air tours reveal the region’s patchwork of valleys and ridgelines from above; it’s a different map of the Poconos, one that reminds you how much the terrain shapes local life. On land, hiking and bike routes range from mellow rail-trails to technical singletrack; bring a sense of curiosity and a plan to layer time—an early-morning paddle or tube, a midday picnic, and a late-afternoon summit for sunset transforms a short trip into a full sensory day.
The balance here is practical: adventure that’s close to town. You can swim, wade, or fish in summer; paddle past limestone bluffs and wooded banks; climb short, rewarding ridgelines in shoulder seasons when foliage and light are exceptional. The region’s wildlife is modest but vivid—deer at dawn, ospreys over open water, and migratory songbirds along riparian corridors—and opportunities to spot them are frequent on accessible trails and quieter river stretches.
Because the area attracts families and weekenders as well as hard-core explorers, you’ll find options at every skill level. Tube the Delaware for a lazy afternoon, sign up for a guided rafting day when the river swells, or chase a ridge-top summit for panoramic views. Local businesses lean into sustainability and safety: shuttles, rental shops, and guide services reduce friction so you spend time doing, not logistics.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Late spring brings warm water and green hills; summer is prime for paddling and tubing though afternoon storms can appear; fall delivers crisp air and peak foliage; winter offers quiet trails and icy river scenes—dress for rapidly changing conditions.
Peak Season
September–October for fall foliage and summer holiday weekends for water recreation.
Off-Season Opportunities
Late fall through early spring offers fewer crowds and better lodging rates; some outfitters reduce hours or close mid-winter, so confirm operations in advance.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Short, low-risk outings suited to newcomers and families: calm flatwater paddles, easy hikes, and gentle river tubing.
- Leisurely canoe or kayak on a flatwater section of the Delaware River
- Family-friendly river tube float
- Short guided boat tour to learn local ecology
Intermediate
Longer paddles, day hikes with moderate elevation, or mixed-surface bike tours where fitness and basic navigation matter.
- Half-day kayak tour with a local outfitter
- Multi-mile ridge hike in the Pocono foothills
- Bike tour on mixed gravel and paved rail-trail sections
Advanced
Full-day traverses, technical singletrack, whitewater rafting during high flows, or air activities requiring planning and a tolerance for exposure.
- Guided rafting trip on challenging rundown stretches when conditions permit
- Steep singletrack and technical descents on Pocono bike routes
- Air tour or small-plane scenic flight for detailed landscape study
What to Bring
Essential
- Waterproof or quick-dry layers for river days and sudden showers
- Non-slip water shoes or boots and traction for wet rock
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+)
- Reusable water bottle and snacks
- ID and a small amount of cash for local outfitters
Recommended
- Dry bag for phone, keys, and electronics
- Light rain jacket and a warm midlayer for evenings
- Basic first-aid kit and a whistle for remote sections
- Map or downloaded GPS tracks for longer hikes and bike tours
Optional
- Binoculars for birding and wildlife viewing
- Fishing license and basic tackle if you plan to fish
- Action camera with float tether for river footage
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Confirm access, shuttle windows, outfitters' schedules, and water levels before you go.
Beat the busiest windows by aiming for an early put-in or a late-afternoon launch. If heavy rain is forecast, swap river plans for mountain biking or a guided air tour—outfitters publish live river conditions and run advisories. For fall foliage, plan accommodations well ahead and consider mid-week travel. When fishing or boating, respect private land and posted signs. Finally, pair a morning paddle or hike with a stop in downtown Stroudsburg for seasonal menus and craft brews—local shops often have the most current intel on trail conditions, shuttle times, and hidden put-ins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book canoe, kayak, or river tube rentals the same day?
Yes for many weekdays and early-season days—weekends in summer and peak foliage season fill quickly. Reserving popular boat rental slots or tube shuttles in advance is recommended.
Are guided boat tours and air tours family-friendly?
Most guided boat tours and some air tours welcome older children—check age and safety restrictions with each provider. Boat tours tend to be lower-impact; air tours have stricter weight and age rules.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes—if you plan to fish, purchase the appropriate Pennsylvania fishing license and follow local regulations and seasonal limits.