Top 15 Things To Do in Tannersville, Pennsylvania
Tucked into the spine of the Poconos, Tannersville is a compact basecamp for a surprising diversity of outdoors pursuits. Think crisp mornings on hiking trails that climb spruce-lined ridgelines, sun-drenched afternoons on lakes and rivers for canoeing and kayaking, and late afternoons trading paddle blades for bike pedals on quiet country lanes. Outfitters here make boat rental, guided boat tours, and raft or kayak shuttles approachable for first-timers, while anglers chase brook and stocked trout in nearby streams. For high-adrenaline moments, air activities and air tours give sweeping views of ridges and reservoir flats; family options include a local zoo and wildlife-focused sightseeing tours. This guide pulls those top 15 activity types into a practical playbook—hiking, water activities, canoe, kayak, rafting, fishing, bike tour, boat tour and rental, air tour, wildlife viewing, scuba (local dive options on lakes), and easy sightseeing tours—so you can stack a morning hike, midday paddle, and golden-hour overlook into a single day without guesswork.
Top 15 Things To Do in Tannersville
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Tannersville Belongs on Your Adventure Shortlist
Tannersville is one of those off-mainstream places that rewards slow planning and quick pivots. In the space of a dawn-to-dusk itinerary you can hike a ridge, rent a boat for a glassy-lake paddle, drop a line for trout, and still catch a late-afternoon air tour that stitches the valley together from above. The town’s scale is its advantage: outfitters and guides cluster within a few miles of Camelback Mountain Resort, giving easy access to boat rental, kayak and canoe trips, and guided rafting that feels curated rather than industrial.
Water activities are the town’s quiet specialty. Small lakes and calm river stretches invite canoe and kayak trips for beginners and photographers, while guided raft runs and full-day fishing trips appeal to groups hunting a bit more structure. Boat tours and sightseeing tours on nearby reservoirs deliver a patient perspective—watching migrating birds, shoreline wildlife, and fall color without the crowds you’ll find at larger state parks. If you prefer height to horizon, air activities and air tours offer short scenic flights over folded ridgelines and patchwork farmland; they’re a quick, memorable way to orient yourself to the landscape before selecting a hiking route.
There’s also an accessible wildness here. Trailheads thread through second-growth forests and old ski slopes that open into unexpected overlooks. Bike tours and gravel rides are happiest on quieter county roads and purpose-built loops; you’ll find singletrack that nods to technical riders and gentle fire roads that are perfect for families. For travelers who want variety, combine an easy hike in the morning, a guided boat tour or fishing charter midday, and an evening wildlife-spotting stroll. Local operators support scuba certification and shore dives in select lakes during summer months, and family-friendly stops—like a regional zoo and curated wildlife tours—make this a destination that scales for every level of ambition.
Access is refreshingly simple: Tannersville sits within easy driving distance of larger Northeastern population centers, but it keeps enough rural buffer to feel remote. Local outfitters make logistics straightforward—shuttles, equipment rentals, and guided trips are widely available, especially for water activities, rafting, and fishing.
Plan with seasons in mind: spring and fall are high-value windows for hiking, foliage, and calmer water conditions; summer is best for boating, kayaking, and family-focused outings; winter converts the area into a small-but-robust snow-sport hub. Wherever you land on the calendar, leave a flexible afternoon for weather or water-level changes and lean on guides when conditions tighten.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Spring and fall offer crisp, stable days ideal for hiking and paddling; summer brings warm water and afternoon storms—plan paddles for mornings; winter supports skiing and snow-based activities but some water operations close.
Peak Season
Late summer through October (foliage weeks) draws the highest visitation—book guided outings and lodging in advance.
Off-Season Opportunities
Late fall and winter weekdays reduce crowds and can mean lower rates; many trailheads are quiet and local outfitters offer discounted services for shoulder-season bookings.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Low-commitment options—short, well-marked trails, gentle lake paddles, and family-friendly boat tours that require minimal gear or technical skill.
- Gentle lake canoe or kayak paddle with a rental outfitter
- Short ridge hike with views near Camelback
- Family wildlife sightseeing tour or visit to a local zoo
Intermediate
Longer loops, moderate elevation, or mixed-skill paddles that demand basic navigation and stamina.
- Half-day bike tour on paved and gravel county roads
- Guided trout fishing trip on nearby streams
- Morning kayak excursion with a mild current
Advanced
Full-day challenges, technical singletrack, extended whitewater runs, or multi-discipline days that require prior experience and planning.
- Full-day rafting trip on more technical stretches
- Singletrack mountain-bike routes with significant climbs and descents
- Scenic air tour followed by a long ridgeline hike
What to Bring
Essential
- Layered clothing—mornings are cool, afternoons can warm quickly
- Waterproof dry bag for electronics on canoe/kayak trips
- Sturdy trail shoes with good traction for mixed terrain
- Personal flotation device if you will be on the water (often provided by outfitters)
- Basic first-aid kit and sun protection
Recommended
- Light rain shell for unpredictable mountain showers
- Compact binoculars for wildlife and birding
- Fishing license (if you plan to fish) and appropriate tackle
- Headlamp for early starts or post-dusk walks
Optional
- Wetsuit or neoprene layers for colder shoulder-season paddles
- Action camera and float leash
- Portable camp stove or picnic kit for lakeside lunches
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Check water levels, trail conditions, and outfitter hours before you go.
Start early to beat afternoon winds and summer storms—many paddles and fishing trips are best at first light. If you’re chasing fall color, aim for weekdays and book guide-supported activities early; weekends can fill up fast. After heavy rain, favor gravel or paved routes and avoid fragile muddy singletrack to protect trails. When in doubt on water, choose guided options—local outfitters know put-ins, take-outs, and current conditions. Finally, pack a small trash kit and leave every put-in cleaner than you found it; the Poconos’ quiet character depends on conscientious visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do most activities without a guide?
Yes for straightforward hikes, casual paddles, and bike tours on marked routes. Book a guide for whitewater rafting, technical lake or reservoir dives, or if you’re unfamiliar with local river currents.
Are boat rentals and launches easy to find?
Yes—several operators offer boat rental and launch assistance at nearby lakes and reservoirs. Expect walk-up availability in low season and reservations recommended during weekends and foliage season.
Is wildlife viewing reliable around Tannersville?
Wildlife is abundant but best observed early morning or at dusk. Guided wildlife and sightseeing tours increase chances of sightings and reduce disturbance to animals.