Things to Do in Lake Harmony & the Poconos — From Hosts Who Live It
Ask us what there is to do in Lake Harmony and we will happily talk your ear off, because we live this town alongside our guests every weekend. The short version: skiing is 3 minutes away at Big Boulder and 5 minutes at Jack Frost, the Lake Harmony Estates beach is a walk from our front door, and Kalahari, Jim Thorpe, Pocono Raceway, and Hickory Run State Park are all within 25 minutes of the chalet.
We are Doug, Nicholas, and Kellie, and after 7 years of hosting and 790 guest reviews averaging 4.93 stars across our properties, this page is the exact rundown we send guests before every stay at The Lake Harmony Chalet, our 5-bedroom home in Lake Harmony Estates that sleeps 14. Every drive time below is measured from our driveway, not from some vague "Poconos area" pin. When something on this page sells you on a weekend, our calendar is here.
Winter: Ski Big Boulder in 3 Minutes, Jack Frost in 5
Winter in Lake Harmony means skiing and snowboarding at two mountains you can reach before your seat warmers finish kicking in: Big Boulder is a 3-minute drive from the chalet and Jack Frost is 5 minutes. No other home base in the Poconos puts you closer to both.
Jack Frost skis bigger than first-timers expect, with about 600 feet of vertical and a trail map that leans toward relaxed, family-friendly cruisers. Big Boulder built its reputation on terrain parks, aggressive snowmaking, and night sessions. One honest local note: Vail Resorts has shifted operations between the two hills in recent seasons, so before you plan lessons or snow tubing, check the current schedule at jfbb.com to confirm what is spinning where, and book lift tickets ahead on holiday weekends because they do sell out. Our full comparison of the two mountains — terrain, crowds, and which one fits your group — is in our Big Boulder vs. Jack Frost guide.
The real reason ski groups book us, though, is the after part. You are back at the chalet minutes after last chair, boots off by the door, and straight into the 6-person hot tub and the 8-person wet/dry sauna while dinner goes on the stove. We wrote the whole ski-weekend playbook — gear storage, powder-day timing, feeding 14 people after a full day on the hill — on our Poconos ski chalet page.
Summer on the Lake: A Beach You Can Walk To
Summer here revolves around the water, and the Lake Harmony Estates beach is walking distance from the chalet — mornings start with coffee on the sand instead of a hunt for parking. Lake Harmony is a private natural lake with no public boat launch; motorboats are allowed, but only for lakefront owners and community members under association speed and wake rules, so the water stays calm enough that kayaks and paddleboards genuinely share it.
Want to get out on the lake yourself? Yeti WaterSports at Split Rock, a 5-minute drive, rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, pedal boats, and pontoons, generally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Lake Harmony Watersports runs waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing sessions right on the lake in season, with pickup at the waterfront. Between the two, a group of 14 can split into paddlers and boaters and meet back at the beach by lunch.
Back at the chalet, summer evenings are the main event: burgers on the Viking grill, dinner for the whole crew under the 20-foot lighted gazebo that seats 10, then s'mores at the fire pit ringed by 10 Adirondack chairs. Our day-by-day warm-weather itinerary — beach mornings, lake afternoons, where to catch sunset — is on the Lake Harmony summer page, and the full backyard rundown is on our amenities page.
Rainy-Day Plans That Actually Work
A rainy Pocono day is a Kalahari day: America's largest indoor waterpark, 220,000 square feet of slides, wave pool, and lazy river under one warm roof, is a 25-minute drive from the chalet. Day passes are available to visitors who are not staying at the resort, and our staying near Kalahari guide covers timing, tickets, and how to run the park with a group of 14 without losing anyone at the wave pool.
Closer to home, the Galleria at Split Rock, 5 minutes away, packs a bowling alley, a movie theater, and an arcade with more than 70 games under one roof, and the H2Oooohh indoor waterpark there is currently listed as closed until further notice — check its status before planning around it, since schedules shift with the seasons.
And honestly, some of our best guest feedback comes from rained-out days that never left the property. The speakeasy billiard room with its 8-foot pool table and wet bar, 8 smart 65-inch TVs, 1 GB WiFi that never buffers mid-movie, plus the sauna and hot tub steaming in the rain — a storm mostly just changes the dress code. Our reviews are full of groups who planned three outings and canceled two happily.
Things to Do With Your Dog
Yes, bring the dog — the chalet is pet-friendly with a fully fenced quarter-acre backyard, which matters more than any trailhead when it is 7 a.m. and drizzling. The details and our simple pet policy are on the pet-friendly page.
The best dog outing in the area is Hickory Run State Park, a 20-minute drive, where leashed dogs are welcome on more than 40 miles of trails — from the flat, shaded Sand Spring Trail to the walk out across the famous 16-acre Boulder Field. One rule to know: dogs are not permitted on the swimming beach itself. Our Hickory Run Boulder Field guide maps the exact routes we do with guests' dogs, including where the footing gets rough for paws.
Around town, dogs join us for easy walks along the lake roads, and Jim Thorpe, 20 minutes away, is one of the more dog-tolerant small towns we know — water bowls outside shops and seasonal patio seating up and down Broadway.
Things to Do With Kids
Lake Harmony is an easy win with kids because the distances are tiny: the beach is a walk, snow tubing is a short drive away in winter, and the community's arcade and bowling are paid-access perks a 5-minute drive from the door.
Our guests' kid highlights, roughly by age: little ones love the sandy Lake Harmony Estates beach and the pedal boats at Split Rock, 5 minutes away. Grade-schoolers vote for the Boulder Field at Hickory Run, 20 minutes, which is essentially a 16-acre natural jungle gym, and the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe, also 20 minutes — an old-fashioned train ride along the river, with seasonal themed runs worth checking the current schedule for. Teenagers disappear into the billiard room or claim one of the 8 TVs, and in winter they will lap the tubing lanes until the lights come on.
The chalet itself is built for multi-family trips: 5 bedrooms, 7 beds, and 2.5 baths across 2,000+ square feet means two or three families can split up without anyone drawing the short straw, and the fenced yard keeps the under-6 crowd contained during dinner prep. See how other families used the space in our guest reviews — we hold 5.0 stars from our guests, and the kid verdicts are usually the funniest part.
Where to Eat & Drink in Lake Harmony
You do not need to drive to dinner in Lake Harmony: two of the town's favorite spots are a short walk from the chalet, and nothing on this list is more than a 5-minute drive.
- Nick's Lake House — short walk. Waterfront dining on Lake Harmony with an outdoor bar right on the water; go at sunset and hold out for a deck table.
- Shenanigans — short walk. The town's Irish pub and its late shift: pub food, pool, and the liveliest weekend crowd in the village.
- Boulder View Tavern — 5-minute drive. Dependable American menu with big windows over Big Boulder Lake and local musicians playing most weekends.
- Piggy's — under 5 minutes by car. The breakfast institution: a down-home, pig-themed diner that fuels ski mornings. Expect a wait on winter weekends and order accordingly.
For nights in, the kitchen and the Viking grill comfortably feed a full crew of 14, and the billiard room's wet bar covers the nightcap. More on the neighborhood — including exactly where we send guests on their first night — is on our location page.
Day Trips From the Chalet
The chalet sits in the middle of the Poconos' best day trips: Pocono Raceway is 10 minutes away, and Jim Thorpe and Hickory Run State Park are each 20 minutes in different directions.
Jim Thorpe, 20 minutes, is the classic — a Victorian mountain town squeezed into the Lehigh Gorge, with the scenic railway, the Asa Packer Mansion, the Old Jail Museum, whitewater rafting outfitters, and rail-trail biking along the river. It deserves a full day, and our Jim Thorpe day trip guide gives you the hour-by-hour version.
Pocono Raceway, 10 minutes, is the Tricky Triangle — the 2.5-mile superspeedway whose NASCAR weekend each summer is the region's biggest single event. If your dates line up with a race, read our Pocono Raceway weekend guide before you book anything, because race traffic rewards a plan and punishes improvisation.
Hickory Run State Park, 20 minutes, earns a trip beyond the dog walks: the Boulder Field is a National Natural Landmark, Hawk Falls is a short family-friendly hike, and the sandy beach at Sand Spring Lake is typically open from late May to mid-September. Start with our Boulder Field guide.
Here is the whole map in one glance — every time measured from our driveway:
| Destination | From the chalet | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Harmony Estates beach | Walkable | Swimming, lake mornings |
| Nick's Lake House & Shenanigans | Short walk | Dinner and drinks |
| Big Boulder | 3 minutes | Skiing, terrain parks, tubing |
| Jack Frost | 5 minutes | Family-friendly skiing |
| Split Rock (Galleria, boat rentals) | 5 minutes | Bowling, arcade, movies, rentals |
| Pocono Raceway | 10 minutes | NASCAR and track events |
| Hickory Run State Park | 20 minutes | Boulder Field, hiking, beach |
| Jim Thorpe | 20 minutes | Historic town, railway, rafting |
| Kalahari Resort | 25 minutes | Indoor waterpark |
| New York City | ~2 hours | Arrival day / departure day |
| Philadelphia | ~1.5 hours | Arrival day / departure day |
Our Little Black Book — 18 Spots We Actually Send Guests To
This is our working guidebook — the places we recommend when guests message us “where should we eat tonight?” Every distance below is measured from the chalet’s driveway, and each spot links straight to Google Maps directions. Use the arrows to flip through photos, and open “tips from locals” for advice from other hosts and guides in the area.
Food & Drink


Jubilee Restaurant
“Great atmosphere, good prices and good food.” — your hosts
Website ↗ Directions in Google Maps ↗
Tips from locals (5)
-
Natalie
Hearty breakfasts and more — Jubilee calls itself the “Breakfast King of the Poconos.” Breakfast is served each morning (roughly 8:00 a.m. and up), with plenty of classic breakfast dishes: pancakes, omelettes, eggs any style, challah French toast, omelettes or breakfast platters. Something for everyone — Whether you want a simple breakfast, a burger, a salad, or a full dinner, Jubilee’s menu spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They offer American-comfort food: burgers, sandwiches, pasta, pot roast, ribs, and more. Casual, family-friendly atmosphere — The vibe is unpretentious and laid-back: lodge-style decor, a fairly large dining area, and a kids’ menu for families traveling with children. Convenient for travelers — It’s located at 2067 PA-940 in Pocono Pines (not far from many Pocono-area houses, lakes, and resorts), making it an easy drive for guests staying nearby. Flexible dining options — Guests can dine in or take out. So if they want a relaxed sit-down meal or prefer grabbing food to go (e.g. for a picnic or early morning start), Jubilee offers both.
-
Lisfrel
A long-time local favourite, Jubilee Restaurant is known for its hearty breakfasts, comfort food, and welcoming atmosphere. It’s especially popular on weekends, so arriving early (before 9 AM) is recommended to avoid the queue. Try their signature pancakes or the Jubilee Breakfast Special, both are guest favourites! It’s also a great spot to stop by before heading to Tobyhanna State Park or Camelback Mountain.
-
Gibimole
Classic American, great for family breakfasts (2067 PA-940, Pocono Pines, PA).
-
Lindsay
Right around the corner from home. Has a bar. Can be busy sometimes! Decent food option especially for breakfast.
-
HK Stays
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a diverse menu that includes BBQ ribs, chicken, and pasta platters. Known for its casual atmosphere and dog-friendly patio.


Nick's Lake House Restaurant
“Great food, great views, reasonable prices — and a sports bar.” — your hosts
Website ↗ Directions in Google Maps ↗
Tips from locals (5)
-
Nicole
Have a drink by the lake at Nick's outdoor bar. Sometimes there is live music.
-
Mark
Iconic staple of the Poconos. American style cuisine with outdoor seating offering spectacular views of Lake Harmony.
-
Megan
"Nicks Lake House is located on beautiful Lake Harmony. We have outdoor dining and indoor dining. We have a large indoor and outdoor bar. There is outdoor entertainment in the summer weather permitting."
-
Samantha
Delicious food, many vegetarian/allergy-friendly options, live music during the summer. Gorgeous view of Big Boulder Lake!
-
Megan
Bar food and drinks on Lake Harmony, what's not to love!


Barley Creek Brewing & Distilling Company
Website ↗ Directions in Google Maps ↗
Tips from locals (4)
-
Aaron
Enjoy this local brewery, featuring microbrews, pub fare and outdoor games
-
Mike
Great brewery with really good food. Check it out!
-
Kate
Great food and drinks as well as outdoor activities.
-
Stowers Homes
Award-Winning Brews. 18-minute drive. Award-winning brews & live music in a lively setting.


The Renegade Winery
Website ↗ Directions in Google Maps ↗
Tips from locals (4)
-
Faith
A great place to gather with friends, they often have live music. Great vibes, great wine, great place!
-
Mary
Urban winery at its finest on our local Main St. Offering cute boutique shops along the strip. Great wine, great scene.
-
Sun
Great urban winery; nice selection of wines & tasting.
-
Teresa
Fun, easy atmosphere. Live music.


Murph's Hideaway
“Decent food, OK prices — an easy low-key option.” — your hosts
Website ↗ Directions in Google Maps ↗
Tips from locals (4)
-
Tom
Murph's Hideaway is a casual local pub in the Pocono Mountains offering comfort food, cold drinks, and a relaxed neighborhood bar atmosphere. It’s a laid-back spot for burgers, wings, and drinks, often popular with both locals and visitors looking for an easy, no-frills night out.
-
Arianna And James
Less than a 5 minute drive from Blue is your Irish bar destination. Grab a pint and check out their Wacky Wednesday’s or live music on the weekends. Murph’s Hideaway has daily food specials and a 2 hour happy hour every day! Sláinte! Open every day except Tuesdays 12:00pm-10:00pm
-
Anwar
Closest local restaurant with a nice size menu. They even have a local band come in during the week for entertainment.
-
CarolAnn And Frank
10 min away on route 940. Great pub with large menu.


AJ Pizza & Parm House
“Best pizza around. They may deliver if the order is big enough and they have staffing.” — your hosts
Website ↗ Directions in Google Maps ↗
Tips from locals (4)
-
Mike
I think this one changed its name (AJs Pizza) but I usually go here when Wingz and a Prayer is closed. Good pizza and salad and friendly workers. The gyro pizza is unlike anything you've ever seen.
-
Sanika
Great Pizza's, Stromboli's, Calzone's for dine in or take away just 7 minutes away.
-
Billie
Wonderful local Italian restaurant.
-
Danny Kim
Nearest Pizza restaurant Good Pizza an Chicken Parm.
Skiing & Mountains


Jack Frost Ski Resort
Website ↗ Directions in Google Maps ↗
Tips from locals (4)
-
Nicholas Matthew
Great skiing and snowboarding!
-
Craig
I recommend Jack Frost because it’s the perfect spot for beginners to learn on wide, forgiving slopes without the intimidation of a massive mountain. While it’s not a high-alpine resort, it’s a fantastic place to shake off your summer legs before a big trip. Plus, since it's owned by Vail, you can use your Epic Pass here or buy a day pass that grants you access to both Jack Frost and Big Boulder in a single day.
-
Minhaus
~40 mins drive from Minhaus. Jack Frost is known for its wide, gentle trails and laid-back atmosphere, making it a great choice for families, beginners, and casual skiers. It’s less crowded than larger resorts, which means shorter lift lines and a more relaxed day on the slopes—perfect for guests looking for an easygoing winter ski experience.
-
Sean
Long-running resort with 20 slopes of various levels & 12 lifts, plus hotels, shops & restaurants.


Big Boulder Mountain
Website ↗ Directions in Google Maps ↗
Tips from locals (4)
-
Paige
Perfect for skiing, snowboarding in the winter and sightseeing and hiking in the summer. Beautiful area with plenty to do in the surrounding area.
-
Cindy
Popular ski and snow tubing destination with fun slopes, family activities, and beautiful lake views in Lake Harmony.
-
Lisa
If you love to ski or want to teach someone to ski or go snow tubing... you will be only a half mile away. Highly recommend!
-
Katie
You'll find supreme skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing right here!


Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark
Website ↗ Directions in Google Maps ↗
Tips from locals (5)
-
Nike Rios
🏔️ Camelback Mountain Resort Adventure is just minutes away! Camelback Mountain Resort in Tannersville is one of the Poconos’ favorite year-round destinations. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the winter, plus exciting warm-weather activities and beautiful mountain scenery. You’ll also find Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark and Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark nearby. Perfect for a fun-filled family day during your Pocono getaway! 🌲⛷️💦
-
Brandee
Visit Camelback for Skiing and indoor/outdoor waterpark
-
Brittany And Colbert
Day passes for resort amentities including the indoor waterpark, Aquatopia, skiing, snowboarding, and arcade can be purchased directly from the resort.
-
Jennifer
Get a day pass for camelback! They have good deals… the twilight pass is from 3-8pm. Head to camelback for brunch or lunch, enjoy their arcade or other activities and then head over to the waterpark at 3pm for heavily discounted fun!
-
Damian
Camelback is the ultimate adventure hub for families, thrill-seekers, and everyone in between. In winter, it boasts Pennsylvania’s largest ski resort with 35 trails and the nation’s biggest snow tubing park . Come summer, the fun shifts to Camelbeach, featuring over 35 slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers . Year-round, Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark offers 13 slides, a lazy river, and a FlowRider surf simulator .


Camelback Mountain Adventures
Website ↗ Directions in Google Maps ↗
Tips from locals (3)
-
Chris
15 minutes away — skiing in winter, waterpark and mountain coaster in summer. Best all-season activity in the Poconos. Buy tickets online for the best rates
-
Jennifer A
Great place to take the kids there is a mountain coaster and other activities. You can book ahead or just show up and get tickets as they run pretty much all day long.
-
Gayathri
Your adventure starts here at PA’s biggest outdoor adventure park offering the best views of the Pocono Mountains. Zipline, Mountain Coasters and more
Water Parks


Kalahari Indoor Waterpark
Website ↗ Directions in Google Maps ↗
Tips from locals (3)
-
Natalia
The largest indoor water park in the Poconos, with major thrill slides, wave pools, a lazy river, and a large arcade.
-
Tina
Fun for the entire family! Outdoor waterpark available during the summer months; indoor waterpark available year-round.
-
Jess
Kalahari has a huge arcade with bowling, 9 holes of mini golf, two escape rooms, VR, bumper cars and a huge indoor waterpark for those rainy days! Our kids love it there!!


Great Wolf Lodge Poconos
Website ↗ Directions in Google Maps ↗
Tips from locals (4)
-
Amon
Great place to take the kids for indoor or door fun
-
Tracey
For year-round fun, visit Great Wolf Lodge (3o minutes away) with slides, wave pools, and family-friendly attractions, whether you prefer indoor or outdoor adventure.
-
Avi
Get ready for a summer packed with adventure at Great Wolf Lodge in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania! Whether you’re racing down water slides or relaxing in the lazy river, our indoor water park offers year-round fun for every member of the pack. At Great Wolf Lodge, the fun doesn’t stop with the water. From interactive games and themed suites to kid-friendly dining and nightly story time, every moment is designed to create lasting family memories. Rain or shine, it’s always 84 degrees and full of excitement inside our 80,000-square-foot indoor water park. So grab your swimsuits, bring the whole family, and discover why Great Wolf Lodge is the ultimate destination for unforgettable summer escapes.
-
Damian
This massive indoor water park is a family favorite year-round! Dive into thrilling slides, float the lazy river, catch waves in the pool, and explore fun interactive play areas perfect for kids of all ages. Beyond the water, enjoy arcade games, the magical MagiQuest adventure, and meet your favorite characters. With cozy themed suites and plenty of dining options, Great Wolf Lodge is the ultimate spot for a fun-filled family getaway.


H2Oooohh! Waterpark at Split Rock
“Much cheaper and less crowded than Kalahari.” — your hosts
Heads up: the waterpark is currently listed as closed until further notice — check before you plan around it.
Website ↗ Directions in Google Maps ↗
Tips from locals (5)
-
Mae
🌊 H2Oooohh! Indoor Waterpark (Best Overall for Kids) H2Oooohh! Indoor Waterpark Located right in Lake Harmony, this is the most popular indoor activity for families. Indoor water slides for all ages Lazy river and wave pool Kids splash zones and play areas Open year-round (great for winter stays) 👉 Best for: full family day + high-energy fun
-
Tulika
Great place to enjoy with kids.
-
Sergio
15 min drive. Indoor waterpark, Bowling and Arcade!
-
Co-Host Central
Kid-friendly water slides and pools.
-
Diego
You can get Groupon tickets for $40- 47 for a day pass as of December 2024. I think it’s a great alternative to Kalahari. About 20 minutes drive
Outdoors & Adventures


Hickory Run State Park
“Great state park — great hiking and swimming.” — your hosts
Website ↗ Directions in Google Maps ↗
Tips from locals (5)
-
Ashley
Travelers can go for an easy hike or go for a swim at the lake for free!
-
Jennifer A
Very large state park with lots of things to do…Boulder Field is a favorite ! Check their website for offering, calendar etc. This is so close! Maybe 10 min…
-
Amy
Hiking trails and the Boulder field. So much see in this awesome state park
-
Justin
This is 1/2 hour at least, but it's a great day trip. Boulder field, Hawk Falls, swim in Sand Spring Lake then eat ice cream.
-
Michelle
Perfect for all levels of hiking


Pocono Raceway
Website ↗ Directions in Google Maps ↗
Tips from locals (5)
-
Kelly
Bring your favorite sports car & see what its really made of by driving on a NASCAR track. Also, watching a NASCAR race in July is always a memorable event.
-
Sergey
A famous racing venue in Long Pond. Check out their schedule for NASCAR events, racing experiences and seasonal events.
-
Lara
It is the site of two annual Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races held several weeks apart in early June and late July/early August, one NASCAR Xfinity Series event in early June, one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event in late July/early August, and two ARCA Racing Series races, in early June and late July/early August.
-
Aaron
It's more than just Nascar! Check out their website for all kinds of year-round events.
-
Brandee
You will feel like a pro race car driver when we teach you what you need to know and suit you up in an official race suit and safety gear. For the main event, we will strap you into a 600-horsepower NASCAR-style race car. Then you’re off for the ride or drive of your life, on NASCAR’s famous 2.5-mile Pocono Raceway. No experience is necessary.


Pocono Outdoor Adventure Tours
“ATV tours close to the chalet.” — your hosts
Website ↗ Directions in Google Maps ↗
Tips from locals (3)
-
Craig
I recommend this for an adrenaline-filled UTV tour right on the property of the famous Pocono Raceway. It’s a blast in any season—you’ll navigate 8+ miles of wooded trails and a challenge course, with a cool stop to peer over the wall at the 'Tricky Triangle' track.
-
Brian
Pocono Outdoor Adventure Tours, where nature meets thrill, Explore rugged trails, guided with skill. ATVs and UTVs through forests and streams, An off-road adventure beyond your dreams! Book online to plan your ride, For outdoor excitement you can’t let slide!
-
Doug
ATV tours 15 mins from house


Daisy Field Farm
Website ↗ Directions in Google Maps ↗
Tips from locals (5)
-
Megan
Horseback riding, trail rides, and winter sleigh rides at Daisy Field Farm, call in advance to schedule
-
Stacy
Daisy Field farm is great for sleigh rides in the winter.
-
Anthony
20 min. away- Love this place for a fun horseback ride with the family! See horses and a small petting zoo.. A must visit to enjoy the calmness of the woods and views.
-
Pallavi
Horseback riding in snow covered trails
-
Ivey
🚜 Daisy Field Farm is a family owned horse farm near White Haven, PA in the Western Pocono Mountains. It is a private farm and wildlife preserve where two generations of our family have grown up. At Daisy Field Farm you'll find horses, farm animals and abundant wildlife. We offer horseback riding, trail rides and other activities by appointment only. You'll enjoy fresh mountain air and beautiful scenery during your stay at Daisy Field Farm. It is only 21 miles from the cottage!!


Jim Thorpe (Visitors Center)
“Old-world historic charm.” — your hosts
Website ↗ Directions in Google Maps ↗
Tips from locals (5)
-
Annette
Quaint, old-fashioned town. Especially cute during the holidays. Nice restaurants. They even have a little train that you can ride
-
Diego
This town, often referred to as the 'Switzerland of Pennsylvania,' is a hidden gem. Even if you've never visited before, it has quickly become a popular destination. You can explore its picturesque streets, visit charming local shops, dine at a variety of delightful restaurants, and enjoy a hike in the beautiful Hickory Run State Park. It's the perfect spot for a day trip filled with exploration and relaxation. About 50 min to an hour.
-
Mark
Jim Thorpe offers a rich history with beautiful Victorian-style architecture nestled in the heart of the Pocono mountains. Spend the day exploring the many unique shops and eateries along Broadway Street. take in the breathtaking mountain views on the Lehigh Gorge scenic railway, a 70-minute train ride through the Mountains of the Lehigh Valley Gorge, with stories of the region’s long history of Indian settlement and coal mining.
-
Michele
About 30 minutes drive. A Great day trip to Historic Jim Thorpe, walk the town and visit the boutique shops and restaurants. Scenic train rides
-
Doug
Old world historic charm . 30 mins away
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Lake Harmony, PA?
In winter, ski Big Boulder (3 minutes from our chalet) and Jack Frost (5 minutes); in summer, swim at the walkable Lake Harmony Estates beach and rent kayaks or pontoons at Split Rock, 5 minutes away. Year-round, Kalahari's indoor waterpark is 25 minutes out, and Jim Thorpe, Pocono Raceway, and Hickory Run State Park make easy day trips, with walkable lakeside restaurants like Nick's Lake House and Shenanigans in the village.
Can you swim in Lake Harmony?
Yes. Lake Harmony is a private lake with community beaches, and guests at our chalet can walk to the Lake Harmony Estates beach. There is no public access point, so swimming is reserved for property owners, association members, and their guests.
Are motorboats allowed on Lake Harmony?
Yes, but the lake is private with no public boat launch, and boating is governed by association rules with enforced speed and wake limits. That keeps the water far calmer than a typical public lake, which is why kayaks and paddleboards are so popular here.
What can you do in Lake Harmony when it rains?
Kalahari's 220,000-square-foot indoor waterpark is 25 minutes away, and the Galleria at Split Rock, 5 minutes from the chalet, has bowling, a 70-plus-game arcade, and a movie theater. Our chalet also carries a rainy day well on its own with a billiard room, sauna, hot tub, and 8 smart TVs.
Is Lake Harmony good for kids?
Very. The beach is walkable, snow tubing and ski lessons are minutes away in winter, the community's H2O water park and arcade offer paid access, and the 16-acre Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park, 20 minutes away, is a natural playground kids talk about for weeks.
How far is Lake Harmony from NYC and Philadelphia?
Lake Harmony is about 2 hours from New York City and about 1.5 hours from Philadelphia, which makes it one of the closest true mountain-lake towns to both cities — close enough that many of our guests arrive in time for a Friday dinner on the lake.