Best All-Inclusive Family Resort in the Poconos, PA

Book Now

fall

Canoeing in the Poconos During Autumn’s Peak | Woodloch Resort

Woodloch’s Blog

Keep up-to-date with all things Woodloch on our blog featuring exclusive recipes, heartwarming stories, lifestyle content, contests and more.

Canoeing in the Poconos During Autumn’s Peak

The Pocono Mountains possess three distinct paddling seasons, including spring’s thaw and summer’s swelter. However, paddling atop a placid lake that mirrors the colorful array of trees during autumn’s peak is an ethereal experience. Canoeing in the Poconos remains a favorite pastime for countless adventurous families, whether they reside in the city or the rolling mountains near Woodloch. Paddling is just one of the many autumnal offerings at America’s top-ranked family resort. Other mid-day pursuits include hayrides, pumpkin painting, archery, and a bevy of Halloween-themed activities.

Canoeing in the Poconos: Setting the Scene

When the Poconos shed its “summer skin,” these peaks and valleys transform into a colorful palette that would make Bob Ross blush. And, while fall is often regarded as the season of romance, kids cannot resist the urge to dive into piles of leaves, photograph the foliage, and indulge in a variety of chocolatey, pumpkin-flavored beverages. Whilst canoeing in the Poconos, families can wholly immerse themselves in nature’s most beautiful state.

There are innumerable lakes, rivers, creeks, and ponds that dot the terrain near Woodloch’s Lake Teedyuskung, a private, 15-acre marvel hidden in Pike County’s most remote landscape. The birches, dogwoods, maples, and elms restyle their leaves in short order, much to the delight of nature enthusiasts and curious leaf-peepers of all ages. Canoeing in the Poconos is best suited for two lakes: the aforementioned Lake Teedyuskung and world-famous Lake Wallenpaupack, a 5,700-acre behemoth southwest of the resort.

Lake Teedyuskung

Yes, Lake Teedyuskung is private, convenient, and calm. It’s a four-season delight that fosters fun of all kinds, including ice skating, water skiing, and, of course, canoeing. However, don’t overlook its tall, leafy friends that spire along nearly every shoreline acre. While the lake certainly isn’t devoid of wind gusts, much of the experience is tranquil. It’s in these moments that paddlers “snap” photos of the mirroring water, lanky trees, and bright skies. Paddlers often pack a light picnic to be enjoyed in the lake’s hearth. During summer’s radiance, Lake Teedyuskung is filled with shrieks of joy, jovial birdsong, and rumbling motorized echoes. In the fall, however, everything seems to come to a halt. And a new type of exhilaration is born—one that’s gained in the quietest moments, accented by the crisp air and the musky-sweet aromas of leaves.

Lake Wallenpaupack

Ten miles southwest of Woodloch lies the fifth largest body of water in Pennsylvania: Lake Wallenpaupack. With so much aquatic acreage available within a few paddle strokes, it’s easy to see why the lake is home to the best canoeing in the Poconos. Mangan Cove near Wilsonville is a convenient place to launch into the lake, which houses four uninhabited islands (most notably, Epply Island). Paddle out to Epply Island for a picnic before or after exploring Wallenpaupack’s northern shorelines. A lot of folks, young and old, lug their fishing equipment onto both Wallenpaupack and Teedyuskung as the area is known for its variety of bass, as well as walleye, pike, and muskies.

All-Inclusive Poconos Vacation Packages

Combine an hour or two of paddling with a bevy of other homegrown, all-inclusive activities, many of which have become Woodloch favorites. Fill your days with scarecrow decorating, Halloween-themed bakery wars, rock climbing, trapshooting, and go-karting. Woodloch features several fall packages, including Spooktacular Weekends and Autumn Midweeks. And don’t forget about our money-saving specials, with discounts reaching 30 percent off. Woodloch has joined the Pocono Promise to “Resort Responsibly.” Our Woodloch Wellness Standard ensures that each guest remains safe, comfortable, and happy. Click our “Book Now” button to start planning your next fall getaway!

Filed Under: fall, Nature, Uncategorized

Poconos Fall Foliage Guide: Woodloch Resort Edition

Woodloch’s Blog

Keep up-to-date with all things Woodloch on our blog featuring exclusive recipes, heartwarming stories, lifestyle content, contests and more.

A Poconos Fall Foliage Guide: Woodloch Edition

We’re on the cusp of yet another vibrant autumn here at Woodloch, the top-rated family resort in North America. As summer subtly dissipates, the Pocono Mountains transform from various hues of green to a jaw-dropping blend of marigold, amber, kelly, and crimson. Autumn remains one of our most beloved seasons, primarily because of the resort’s diverse array of seasonal, all-inclusive activities, including pumpkin painting, scarecrow decorating, and haunted walks. However, sometimes the sheer beauty of the region is all the fuel you need to enjoy your long-awaited escape from New York City, Philadelphia, or Washington D.C. This handy Poconos fall foliage guide shines a light on various aspects of a Woodloch-flavored autumn getaway. Keep reading to learn more!

The Top 10 On-Site, Autumnal Activities

There are only right ways to explore the rolling hills that surround serene Lake Teedyuskung. As mentioned above, we host dozens of homegrown activities every day—autumn is no different. A “typical” day could include a Halloween parade, autumn-inspired crafting, wagon rides, and pumpkin-flavored everything. But, of course, there are over a dozen classic activities that go hand in hand with autumn’s arrival. After all, most pursuits only grow more desirable when combined with a kaleidoscope of colorful Poconos fall foliage. Click the links below to learn more about each on-site activity.

  1. Championship golf
  2. Family Scavenger Hunt
  3. Petting zoo
  4. Scenic Boat Tours
  5. Archery practice
  6. Artificial rock climbing
  7. Paddling on Lake Teedyuskung (including paddleboarding, kayaking, and rowing)
  8. Bass fishing
  9. Hiking trail (combine with photography, geocaching, or a mid-day picnic)
  10. Paintball adventures

Fall Drives, Pumpkin Patches, and Quintessential Attractions

Photo of the Classic Poconos Fall Foliage at Woodloch.

Before or after your extended weekend (or midweek) vacation at Woodloch, remember to enhance the drive with a handful of quintessential Poconos fall foliage adventures. Any type of autumnal “bucket list” should include time spent at Bushkill Falls, the Delaware Water Gap, or Boulder Field. A Lake Wallenpaupack boat ride would pair nicely with an hour or two at Roba Family Farms or Lakeland Orchard. Cap your trip with some apple picking, live music, pig races, and a stroll through a themed corn maze. The villages, country roads, and state parks that dot the region near Woodloch are home to some of the most vivid Poconos fall foliage, so don’t be afraid to embark on an adventurous detour.

Save up to 25 percent this autumn with a midweek stay at Woodloch. We also offer a variety of seasonal packages that the kids will certainly relish. Book now online to avoid hidden third-party fees. Let the fall planning begin!

Filed Under: fall, Nature Tagged With: , ,

Wine Tasting Near Me? Look No Further Than Woodloch Resort!

Woodloch’s Blog

Keep up-to-date with all things Woodloch on our blog featuring exclusive recipes, heartwarming stories, lifestyle content, contests and more.

Wine Tasting Near Me? Look No Further Than Woodloch Resort!

Woodloch Resort is, first and foremost, an exciting, picturesque haven for families aiming to grow closer together while also enjoying an extended break from the city. However, it’s not uncommon for couples and groups to visit us during the midweek because of our always-expanding AWAY Program (Art, Wine, Adventure, and You). Wine connoisseurs (“oenophiles”) often discover our particularly stunning slice of the Pocono Mountains when Googling “wine tasting near me.” And luckily for you, Woodloch Resort is also a short drive from a handful of top-rated Poconos vineyards, which we list below.

A Sophisticated Wine Tasting in the Poconos

The AWAY Program allows adults to partake in a wide variety of fun, informative, and sophisticated activities, such as mixology classes, guided nature hikes, and cooking demonstrations. That being said, the majority of participants are most interested in the wine tasting. Each class is led by our in-house sommelier, Leslie Britt, who has decades of experience that began in Oregon Wine Country. Her expertise has helped The Lodge at Woodloch grow into a premier wine weekend getaway near Hawley, PA. Britt’s classes shine a light on various winemaking styles, as well as wine etiquette, components, and pairings. You likely won’t unearth another wine tasting in the Poconos that features such as extensive array potential labels. Our 9,000-bottle cellar is a treasure trove of aroma, refinement, and flavor. 

Locating a Wine Tasting “Near Me”

Lovers of fine vino can search wine tasting “near me” here in the peaceful Poconos Mountains and easily find quite a few in the region. However, only a handful of wineries in the Poconos warrant a brief mid-day excursion from Woodloch. Click the links below to get a proper taste of what our region has to offer wine aficionados of all levels of expertise.

Photo of a Lavish Swimming Pool, Just Minutes Away From a Wine Tasting "Near Me"

Romantic Resorts in Pennsylvania

After indulging and relaxing at a wine tasting “near me,” feel free to explore all that Woodloch has to offer, including championship golf, spa services, and world-class culinary delights. You won’t find a more idyllic setting for a wine tasting in the Poconos—our facilities are equally sophisticated, inviting, and charming. To learn more about the AWAY Program or The Lodge at Woodloch’s many adults-only amenities, please give us a call today at 800-966-3562.

Filed Under: Activities, fall, reunions Tagged With: , , ,

Woodloch Scouts Operation Cookie Drop | Woodloch Resort

Woodloch’s Blog

Keep up-to-date with all things Woodloch on our blog featuring exclusive recipes, heartwarming stories, lifestyle content, contests and more.

Woodloch Scouts and Friends Fall-In for “Operation: COOKIE DROP”

Over the past few years, Woodloch has become a terrific escape for visiting scout groups.  They’re here to participate in our marquee events such as Scavenger Hunt, Winter Olympics, Cupcake Wars and more not only for the coveted gold medals but also for customized Woodloch badges that will soon be stitched on their sashes.  Needless to say, their presence is always known- their enthusiasm and laughter buzz like a nest of honeybees wherever they travel off to.

And of course, THE COOKIES. They always seem to have them in close reach.  For years, our scout groups would have some extra boxes here and there and simply leave them with staff as a “thank you” for a fun weekend (or perhaps as an underhand attempt at gaining a few more points for Scavenger Hunt… but who are we to judge?). Thin Mints became a staple in our break rooms.

As Woodloch employees, however, fresh baked goods are never really out of our reach- extra breads from the bakery are often left up for grabs to those who need it. As sweet of a gesture as it may be, the treats could be put to a better use. And those thoughts led to the creation of our annual “OPERATION COOKIE DROP.”

Throughout the “off-season” months, each visiting Girl Scout is given the opportunity to donate a box of Girl Scout cookies into our special “Drop Crate” located in our Main Lobby. Upon doing so, they receive a special gift from Woodloch as a “thank you.” At the end of the season, every last Samoa, Trefoil, Peanut Butter Patties and everything in between will be shipped overseas (through the help of our friends in “Operation: Touch of Home”) to the brave men and women serving in our armed forces.  Everyone is invited to drop hand-written letters into our mailbox for the soldiers as well.

The cookies are a warm and happy reminder of home, bringing comfort to those who may be in an uncomfortable place for some time.

They’re a reminder to our protectors of exactly what they’re protecting.

“They’re a small token of gratitude… but it’s a great way for all of us to start,” says Joey Ranner, Activities Director. “I have to smile every time we start initiatives like this- our guests (Scouts and non-scouts alike) spring into action and share that Woodloch warmth with others. Our collaboration has collected almost 10,000 boxes of cookies since we started the program in 2014, and we gain momentum each year. Watching a plan unfold firsthand reminds me of how fortunate I am to work with such good company.”

If you’ve outgrown your berets, fear not- we have extra cookies available to purchase on hand. While you’re at it, be sure to fill out “Letters From Home” to give a shoutout to your heroes!

Scouts posing outdoors in winter.Girl Scouts posing with their Troop flag and Woodloch sign.Various flavors of Girl Scouts cookies.Various flavors of Girl Scouts cookies.

Filed Under: community, fall, reunions, youth travel Tagged With: , ,

A Taste of Woodloch: Pumpkin Spice (And Everything Nice!) | Woodloch Resort

Woodloch’s Blog

Keep up-to-date with all things Woodloch on our blog featuring exclusive recipes, heartwarming stories, lifestyle content, contests and more.

A Taste of Woodloch: Pumpkin Spice (And Everything Nice!)

Oh my gourd! It’s almost that special time of year- where Halloween has passed, and all of our eyes (and bellies) are anxiously looking forward to the magical day of THANKSGIVING! Turkey, gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green beans and more make it one of the the most eagerly anticipated days of the year. But most importantly, as you surround yourself in thanks with your friends and family by your side, remember this most of all… save room for DESSERT!

Chef George, from our Woodloch Pines kitchen, and the Woodloch Bakery once again return to share some of their favorite recipes using the quintessential holiday ingredient… PUMPKIN! Enjoy!

Pumpkin Roll

Cake Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel)
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup 100% Pure Pumpkin
  • 1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar (optional for decoration)

Directions:

  1. PREHEAT oven to 375° F. Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan; line with wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle a thin, cotton kitchen towel with powdered sugar.
  2. COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs and granulated sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts.
  3. BAKE for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. (If using a dark-colored pan, begin checking for doneness at 11 minutes.) Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.
  4. BEAT cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

COOKING TIP:

Be sure to put enough powdered sugar on the towel when rolling up the cake so it will not stick.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients for crust:

  • 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 stick melted salted butter

Ingredients for frosting:

  • 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pureed pumpkin
  • 3 eggs plus 1 egg yolk
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In medium bowl, combine crumbs, sugar and cinnamon. Add melted butter and mix slightly. Press down flat into a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
  3. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, egg yolk, sour cream, sugar and the spices. Add flour and vanilla. Beat together until well combined.
  4. Pour into crust. Spread out evenly and place in oven for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.

Pumpkin Dip

Ingredients:

  • 1 8 oz package cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie mix
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • Gingersnap cookies
  • Apple slices

Directions:

  1. Using an electric mixer, beat together the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Add in the pumpkin, sour cream, and spices and continue to mix until well incorporated.
  2. Serve immediately with ginger snaps, apple slices, graham crackers and any other options. Refrigerate any left overs

Let us know if you give one of these recipes a try by taking a photo and tagging us on social media with the hashtag #ATasteOfWoodloch!

Filed Under: fall, food, Holiday Cooking, Holidays at Home, Recipes Tagged With: ,

Thanksgiving in NYC Alternative: Woodloch Resort in Hawley, PA

Woodloch’s Blog

Keep up-to-date with all things Woodloch on our blog featuring exclusive recipes, heartwarming stories, lifestyle content, contests and more.

Get Spooked at our Pennsylvania Resort

Woodloch: A Family-First Alternative to Thanksgiving in NYC

Every Thanksgiving, 44 million Americans travel via car, plane, train, or bus to be with their family. So, it should come as no surprise that Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday of the year for most. A growing trend in the travel industry is a destination Thanksgiving gathering where mom and dad can gleefully ditch their aprons, oven mitts, and turkey baster. 

With 20.3 million people in the New York metropolitan area, Thanksgiving break should serve as a time to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate with your kids. Instead, parents often labor inside cramped kitchens only to watch their kids scamper off after dinner to surf the web on their smartphones. We do things a bit differently here at Woodloch Resort, a family-centric respite that is happy to serve as your alternative to Thanksgiving in NYC.

A Family-Focused Alternative to Thanksgiving in NYC

The holidays are a special time of year for most families as well as for Woodloch’s family of over 1,200 employees. Our family-owned and operated resort has been hosting well-deserved Thanksgiving getaways from NYC for over six decades. This year, say “sayonara” to messy kitchens, hectic Black Friday shopping, and spiritless holiday games by choosing a unique, family-first alternative to a timeworn Thanksgiving in NYC tradition. Your family will be blown away by our entire staff’s commitment to excellence. After experiencing Woodloch’s annual Thanksgiving extravaganza, you’ll return home uplifted, rejuvenated, and ready once again for the real world.

Top 10 Thanksgiving Activities for Kids

In late November, guests can partake in over 30 homegrown Thanksgiving activities for toddlers, kids, teens, and adults. If you take a peek at last year’s festivities, you’ll quickly notice that there isn’t enough time in the day to try everything! Yes, planning another Thanksgiving in NYC is easy peasy if it’s become your family’s go-to, but perhaps this is the year that you think outside of the box. We recommend starting your Thanksgiving countdown by browsing through some of the most festive family-friendly things to do in the Poconos, including these ten on-site activities:

  1. The “Walnut Hunt”
  2. Gobble gobble: Thanksgiving-themed arts and crafts
  3. The Festival of Lights’ debut
  4. Seasonally-inspired bakery wars
  5. Greet a giant turkey during the “Turkey Trot”
  6. Petting zoo and pony rides
  7. Turkey Day Jackpot Bingo
  8. Watch all of the NFL action in the Keystone Room
  9. Trapshooting, archery, and go-carting
  10. The feast

The All-Important Thanksgiving Feast—Family Style

We’d be remiss if we didn’t cover arguably the most enjoyable aspect of Thanksgiving: the feast. Believe it or not, a lot of New Yorkers search for “Thanksgiving catering” to avoid the preparation, cooking, and cleaning. That’s going to cost a fortune. Let our talented culinary team treat you and your family to one-of-a-kind, family-style Thanksgiving dinner. While our menu evolves each year, you can expect the essentials: perfectly roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, gravy, homemade stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, and some of the yummiest pie in the Pocono Mountains.

If you’re aiming to discover an alternative to Thanksgiving in NYC this year, please give us a call today at 1-800-966-3562. Or feel free to browse through our extensive packages.

Filed Under: fall, holiday Tagged With: , , , , ,

© 2026 Woodloch. All rights reserved.

Powered by
Gueststream - a Travelnet Solutions Company