There’s always something to do in the beautiful Pocono Mountains. From spring to fall, warm weather makes hiking and biking through scenic park trails a popular activity. The Lehigh River, which runs through Luzerne and Carbon counties, offers exciting whitewater rafting. During the winter, snow sports, from ice skating to cross-country skiing, take over the Poconos. Although these activities may help vacationers determine the best time to visit, there’s plenty of fun outdoor recreation available year-round.

The Lehigh River in White Haven is a favorite destination for summertime visitors. Not only are there a number of local companies that offer guided whitewater rafting trips, but the river can accommodate rafters of every skill level. For the experienced adventurers, there are heart-pounding rapids and, for the uninitiated, there are gentle rides and beautiful scenery. Most companies offer daily tours between April and October as well as discount packages for multiple rafters, including Whitewater Challengers and Pocono Whitewater Rafting.

From spring to fall, outdoor enthusiasts in the Pocono Mountains have plenty of rigorous and scenic trails and parks to bike and hike.Lehigh Gorge State Park is a great destination for cyclists and hikers alike. Cyclists of all skill levels will want to ride the Lehigh Gorge State Park Trail, a 26-mile crushed stone trail that follows the river from Jim Thorpe to White Haven. It’s also a popular spot for hikers, who can enjoy spectacular views of rushing whitewater rapids, wildlife and wildflowers. Hikers may also wish to visit nearby Bear Creek Falls, where magnificent waterfalls flow best after heavy rains.

When the Pocono Mountains are dusted with fresh snow in winter, White Haven and surrounding towns come to life with an influx of downhill skiers and snowboarders from across the region. Although conditions tend to be on the icy side, it never keeps visitors from enjoying the winter — even if they’re just building a snowman. Some of the area’s most popular ski areas include Alpine Mountain, Big Bear, Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback, Elk Mountain, Jack Frost, Shawnee, Sn Mountain and Tanglwood. Find information on all local ski resorts at PoconoSki.com