Pocono Mountains: Strategic Golf in a True Mountain Setting.
The Pocono Mountains are a golfer’s retreat, where diverse landscapes meet thoughtful course design. Elevation changes, winding creeks, and wooded fairways create dynamic holes that encourage both precision and bold shot-making. Courses in the region range from strategic modern layouts to historic, elegantly routed tracks, each shaped naturally by the mountain terrain. The result is a harmonious blend of challenge and scenery, offering rounds that feel both invigorating and visually striking.
Featured Golf Courses
Great Bear Golf Club – Stroudsburg, PA
Architect: Jack Nicklaus (1997)
Great Bear Golf Club showcases Jack Nicklaus’ meticulous integration of natural terrain with strategic shot values. Each hole presents clear options and risk-reward pathways framed by native woodlands and water features. The course feels thoughtful and sophisticated, rewarding planning and precision while offering a visually engaging round from start to finish.
Hideaway Hills Golf Club – Kunkletown, PA
Architect: Joe Farda / RKR Hess (1994)
Hideaway Hills unfolds across rolling hills accented by lakes, elevation drops, and more than 60 bunkers. The par-5 10th, dropping roughly 160 feet, and an island-green approach highlight the course’s adventurous character. Sweeping vistas and varied shot demands give players a memorable, scenic, and energetic round.
Skytop Lodge Golf Course – Skytop, PA
Architect: Robert White (1927)
Skytop Lodge offers two distinct landscapes: the valley floor, where fairways trace Bald Eagle Creek, and the hillside Back Nine, which delivers broad views of the surrounding ridges. The course blends tranquility with grandeur, pairing intimate creekside holes with elevated vistas that celebrate the region’s natural drama.
Plan Your Next Trip the Right Way
See how the courses, hotels, and areas sit relative to each other in Pocono Mountains.
Insider Notes:
The Poconos: Known for hiking and waterfall trails, Bushkill Falls and Big Pocono State Park offer quick, scenic excursions that pair well with a day of golf.
Mount Airy Casino Resort: Located in Mount Pocono offers slots, table games, dining, and nightlife, and sits within 20–30 minutes of all three featured courses.
Explore Local: Consider stopping at local breweries, cider houses, or farm-to-table restaurants in Stroudsburg and Kunkletown for a relaxed post-round experience.
Other Activities: Kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Wallenpaupack, or a guided whitewater trip on the Lehigh River, adds an adventurous contrast to your golf days.
NASCAR: fans can pair golf with a visit to nearby Pocono Raceway during its major summer events.
Airport Access:
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP)
Great Bear Golf Club: ~37 miles
Hideaway Hills Golf Club: ~47 miles
Skytop Lodge Golf Course: ~40 miles
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)
Great Bear Golf Club: ~43 miles
Hideaway Hills Golf Club: ~32 miles
Skytop Lodge Golf Course: ~46 miles
Both AVP and ABE offer convenient access to the region, giving travelers multiple flight options depending on where they’re arriving from.
Driving Times:
New York City, New York: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: ~1 hour 45 minutes
Allentown, Pennsylvania: ~45 minutes
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania: ~55 minutes
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: ~2 hours
Great Bear Golf Club – Stroudsburg, PA Reviews
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“Fantastic course, always in good shape. All of the par 3s are excellent (the best collection in the Water Gap area). No "weird" holes (like several local courses), and although it is wooded, most fairway are wide enough that it's not a problem."
-Louis
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"Great Bear is an amazing course. I have been lucky enough to play it twice. It has five different tee boxes a hole so it can challenge everyone’s game."
-Levi
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"Fun course. Really enjoyed the layout. Fun and challenging. Well taken care of. Greens were quick. Definitely can't wait to go back.”
-David
Hideaway Hills Golf Club – Kunkletown, PA Reviews
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"Awesome golf course with beautiful views throughout! We stayed at a cabin for 3 nights. There's no kitchen, microwave, or refrigerator, so you have to have coolers and ice."
-Donna
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"This is a great looking course and the elevation changes make it awesome. The fairways are perfectly stripped which is nice to see.”
-Richard
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"Easily the top course in the poconos and Easily top 5 in The state. Layout is unbelievable, course conditions were great as well."
-Kyle
Skytop Lodge Golf Course – Skytop, PA Reviews
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"Hidden gem in the Poconos! Historic hotel charm with awesome views of the surrounding valley. Wether your golfing, fishing or just enjoying the outdoors, I highly recommend a stay."
-Scott
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"Positively lovely! There are so many activities (golf, zip lining, hiking, kayaking) and the schedules are very detailed and easy to book!”
-Dawn
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"The golf course has the best conditions of any in the area. The layout is fun and playable, but challenging. I played it twice. I also dined at the lakeview restaurant and the food was very good and one of very few elevated dining experiences around.”
-Ben
