Chase the Thrill: Extreme Sports Adventures to Conquer This Summer in NEPA
This summer, dive into the heart-pounding world of extreme sports adventures in NEPA. With sprawling landscapes, rugged mountain trails, and roaring rivers, it’s the ideal playground for adrenaline-fueled fun in the great outdoors. Whether you’re into mountain biking on forest trails, sloshing over muddy paths on an ATV off-roading adventure, or a spirited game of paintball with your crew, we’ve got you covered.
Take on raging rapids with guided whitewater rafting excursions on the Lehigh River. Opt for a longer, epic paddle along the winding Susquehanna River. Our 18 state parks offer even more opportunities to explore. And if you’re ready to take it to the next level, leap into the clouds with a once-in-a-lifetime skydiving experience over the Pocono Mountains.
And you don’t need to be an expert to embrace the thrill. Local adventure outfitters offer all the gear, instruction, and support you need to jump right in. So, gather up your friends and family, pack your courage, and get out there to explore your wilder side with this list of awesome extreme sports adventures in Northeastern PA.
Whether you’re a die-hard weekend rider or just trying it out for the first time, you’ll find plenty of ATV and UTV parks all over NEPA’s great outdoors. Rain or shine, in the heat, in the snow, our ATV parks and outfitters are happy to get you splashing through the mud any time.
Sometimes, you have to go to extremes to get those stunning bird’s eye views of NEPA. Soar over the Endless Mountains with Skydive NEPA in Factoryville. Fly above the Pocono Mountains with Pegasus Skydive Center in Stroudsburg or see Hazleton from the sky with Above the Poconos Skydivers in Hazle Twp.
Find those epic climbs and adrenaline-pumping drops on NEPA’s mountain biking trails. From expert-level terrain at Moon Lake State Forest Recreation Area to moderately sketchy sends at Gardner Spencer Preserve to smooth, beginner-friendly runs on the D&L Trail, you’ll find awesome bike trails all over NEPA with a little something for everyone.
Experience the rush of a 600-horsepower engine as you take to the track at the Stock Car Racing Experience at Pocono Raceway. Hit speeds of up to 160 miles per hour while gripping the tricky turns on the practice track in the shadow of the legendary Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, PA.
Buckle up your life vest and prepare for a wild, whitewater adventure on the mighty Lehigh River. Plunge into the rapids as you paddle through the scenic Lehigh Gorge State Park in Weatherly. Keep an eye on special “Dam Release Weekends” throughout summer and fall.
Go for a long-distance kayak trip on the Susquehanna River. Head to the Pocono Mountains and tackle the swift Delaware River. Or venture out onto scenic Lake Jean at Ricketts Glen State Park. Whatever speed and distance you’re after, you’ll find plenty of kayaking options in NEPA.
Coast through the clouds with the help of Endless Mountains Hot Air Balloons in Nicholson, PA. They offer both sunrise and sunset excursions over the rolling hills, farmlands and forests of the Endless Mountains. Just be sure to keep an eye out for the iconic Tunkhannock Viaduct.
Gather up a crew and head to one of NEPA’s top-tier paintball facilities. n the Pocono Mountains, you can take your pick from Skirmish Paintball in Albrightsville, Paintball Asylum in Tannersville and Pocono Mountain Paintball in Nesquehoning. In the Endless Mountains, you’ll find EMR Event Park in New Milford.
Take on two unique treetop adventure courses in the Pocono Mountains. The Adventure Center at Skytop Lodge in Skytop offers rope bridges, zip lines and obstacle courses. Try all 8 courses at Pocono TreeVentures in East Stroudsburg. And head to Kalahari Resorts in Pocono Manor to take on their famous jungle-themed Gorilla Grove Treetop Adventures.
Learn MoreExplore the Pocono Mountains with a little style and a lot of speed on a Polaris Slingshot rental from Pocono Slingshot Adventures in Blakeslee. Check out unique towns like Jim Thorpe and scenic locations like Lake Wallenpaupack and Hickory Run State Park along your journey.
Ready to Go All In? Your Summer of Adventure Starts Now
Whether you’re skydiving above the Poconos or tearing through muddy trails on an ATV, there’s no shortage of heart-racing extreme sports adventures in NEPA. With expert guides, top-notch gear, and unforgettable views, now’s the time to push your limits and make this summer one to remember. So gear up, grab your crew, and get outside—NEPA’s wild side is calling.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 7/8/2020.