Explore the Poconos
The Otter Lodge puts you within easy reach of outdoor adventures, family attractions, seasonal activities, local dining and some of the Poconos’ most popular destinations. Whether your group wants a full day out or just one memorable stop between time at the lodge, there’s plenty to explore nearby.
Hiking · Waterfalls · Skiing · Golf · Dining · Shopping · Family Fun
Get Outside
From quiet trails and lake days to fishing, paddling and scenic drives, some of the Poconos’ best outdoor experiences are only minutes from The Otter Lodge.
Tobyhanna State Park
About 10 minutes away
Hike around the lake, fish, paddle, picnic or spend a summer afternoon at the beach in one of the closest state parks to The Otter Lodge.
Promised Land State Park
About 20 minutes away
Explore miles of wooded trails, two scenic lakes and year-round outdoor recreation on the Pocono Plateau.
Lake Wallenpaupack
About 15–25 minutes away
Spend the day boating, fishing, exploring the shoreline or taking in the views around one of the Poconos’ signature lakes.
Gouldsboro State Park
About 15–20 minutes away
A quieter lake-and-forest option for hiking, paddling, fishing, swimming and an easy day outdoors.
Four-Season Adventure
The Poconos offer something different in every season —from skiing and snow tubing in winter to treetop adventures, wildlife encounters and waterparks throughout the year.
Adventure Center at Skytop
outdoor Adventure
Zip lines, climbing, treetop challenges and other seasonal outdoor activities offer a more adventurous way to experience the mountains.
About 20 minutes away
Camelback Resort
Winter & Year-Round Adventure
Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and mountain activities make Camelback one of the Poconos’ best-known adventure destinations. Aquatopia also offers a year-round indoor waterpark option.
About 30 minutes away
Claws 'N' Paws Wild Animal Park
Family Favorite
Spend a few hours meeting animals from around the world, including interactive experiences that make this a fun outing for families and multigenerational groups.
About 20 minutes away
Kalahari Indoor Waterpark
Year-Round Indoor Fun
An enormous indoor waterpark, arcade and family entertainment make Kalahari an easy option for rainy days, cold-weather trips or groups looking for a full day of activity.
About 25 minutes away
Food, Drinks & Local Finds
Whether you’re looking for a special dinner, a casual meal, a local brew or an easy breakfast out, there are plenty of locally owned favorites within a short drive of The Otter Lodge.
Close to Home: Newfoundland & Nearby Favorites
Spanky's Breakfast & Lunch
Breakfast & Lunch · About 5 minutes away
A longtime Newfoundland favorite for hearty breakfasts, coffee and casual lunch. It’s an easy nearby choice when your group wants a relaxed meal out to start the day.
Newfoundland Hotel
Local Dinner & Drinks · About 5 minutes away
Known locally as “The Hotel,” this longtime family-run Newfoundland restaurant serves classic American fare, drinks and dinner in a casual, welcoming setting with plenty of local character.
Roadside Bistro
Casual Eats & Local Favorite · About 5–7 minutes away
A fun, family-owned roadside spot for casual food, rotating specials and outdoor dining. Roadside Bistro is also known for catering and its mobile wood-fired pizza oven, making it a fun local option for groups and special gatherings.
Seasonally open.
The French Manor Inn and Spa
Special Occasion Dining · About 2–3 minutes away
Just up the road from The Otter Lodge, The French Manor offers an elevated dining experience with French-inspired cuisine, fireplaces and mountain views—an ideal choice for a date night, anniversary dinner or special evening out.
Jam Room Brewing Company
Craft Brewery & Live Music · About 10–15 minutes away
A relaxed local brewery pairing house-brewed beer with food and a music-forward atmosphere. It’s a good choice for groups looking for an easy afternoon or evening outing beyond Newfoundland.
Family & Group Favorites
Looking for something beyond trails and waterparks? Spend a day exploring Hawley for shopping, live entertainment, a scenic rail-bike ride, wine tasting or classic family fun.
Spend an afternoon wandering Hawley’s historic Main Avenue, browsing boutiques, antique and vintage shops, stopping for coffee or lunch, and exploring the town’s small-town character. Seasonal markets, festivals and local events give visitors another reason to linger.
Shopping, Antiques & Dining
About 25–30 minutes away
Catch a play or musical in Hawley’s historic community theatre, a charming former movie and vaudeville house that has hosted live productions for decades. It’s a fun evening option when your group wants entertainment that doesn’t involve hiking boots or swimsuits. Its core season typically runs July through September.
Live Theatre
About 25–30 minutes away
Pedal—or use the electric assist—along a scenic railroad route beside the Lackawaxen River. The guided rail-bike experience combines Pocono scenery, wildlife and local railroad history in an outing that works well for couples, families and mixed-age groups. Advance reservations are recommended.
Scenic Rail Adventure
About 25–30 minutes away
Slow things down with handcrafted wines in a rustic tasting room or relax outside on the winery’s scenic 15-acre grounds. Guests can enjoy wine by the glass or bottle, stroll the nature trail or settle into an Adirondack chair near the pond. Rideshare service is limited in the area, so please plan transportation in advance.
Wine Tasting & Relaxation
About 25–35 minutes away
Go-karts, bumper boats, miniature golf, water slides, laser tag, batting cages and more make Costa’s an easy summer outing for families and groups with a range of ages. It operates seasonally.
Seasonal Family Fun
About 20–25 minutes away