By Wes Bower The Pocono Mountains are well recognized as a land of diversity. Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, the region's glacier sculptured ridges and valleys, dense forest and countless lakes and rivers combine to offer an outdoor paradise. The name Pocono is derived from a native Indian word which means a stream between the mountains. The Pocono Mountains boasts of 18 scenic waterfalls. The area truly is a playground for all seasons and all reasons. Well known as the honeymoon capital of the mid-Atlantic states, the first after-the-wedding hotel was built in 1945. This rustic operation catered only to honeymooners and proof of marriage was required. It was such a success that during the late 1940s and throughout the 1950s, there was unparalleled construction of numerous romantic resorts. The mystique of the Pocono Mountains was not "discovered" by recently married couples. Since 1900, the high altitudes and aesthetic beauty of the area had been attracting affluent visitors from Philadelphia and New York. Many of these rich and famous tourists built summer cottages along the numerous lakes.  While the Pocono Mountains encompasses 2,400 square miles of towering mountains, interlaced with numerous lakes and agriculture valleys, the area truly offers a "mixed bag." The entire northeast portion of Pennsylvania, which includes the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming, Pike, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe and Carbon offer hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreational opportunities that are difficult to match anywhere else east of the Mississippi.  It's difficult to select the "crown jewel" of the Pocono region. However, if fishing, boating and water recreation is a priority pastime, Lake Wallenpaupack certainly qualifies for the honor. This 15-mile-long 5,600-acre lake, the third largest in Pennsylvania, boasts 52 miles of shoreline. Prime fishing is offered throughout the year. Angling opportunities include striped bass, smallmouth and largemouth bass, rock bass, muskellunge, walleye pike, rainbow trout, brown trout, pickerel, yellow perch, bluegills and crappies. A quick visit to any of the numerous bait shops or sporting goods established surrounding the lake will enable you to find out what fishing action is taking place during the time of your visit. If diversified fishing opportunities is your thing, consider that in the four counties of Carbon, Pike, Monroe and Wayne, there are 150 lakes, 170 river miles and 475 miles of trout streams. Luzerne, Lackawanna, Pike and Carbon offer similar angling potential. Other water sites to consider include the Delaware and Lackawaxen rivers, Shohola and Harvey's lakes and Peck's Pond.  Throughout the fall and early winter months, hunting takes center stage. Pike, Monroe and Wayne are top bear producing counties. In 1999, Susquehanna County sportsmen tagged 7,225 whitetail deer. Other harvest figures include Luzerne 6,853 and Wayne 5,956. Favorite state game lands for deer hunting includes SGL 91 in Luzerne County. This 15,900 parcel located in the Bear Creek area offers not only dense forest areas but also several hard-to-access swamps which provide sanctuary for trophy bucks, as well as elusive bruins. Numerous beavers and a few otters can also be found on this public land. Other hunting areas to consider include SGL 127, a 25,080-acre parcel near Tobyhanna; SGL 141, located near Jim Thorpe in Carbon County; and SGL 180, an 11,732-acre site located near Shohola Falls in Pike County. Few will dispute that SGL 180, with scenic waterfalls and gorges, is one of the most aesthetic public lands in the commonwealth.  While the Pocono region has a reputation for having sizable portions of property posted prohibiting public hunting, sportsmen might be surprised to learn there are 31 separate state game lands totaling more than 350,000 acres. Additionally, the Lackawanna State Forest in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties offers an additional 8,100 acres. The Delaware State Forest, located in Pike and Monroe counties, boasts of 80,056 acres. A number of large state parks, offering hunting recreation abounds throughout the region. These parks include Hickory Run, Lehigh Gorge, Beltzville, Lackawanna, Ricketts Glenn, Tobyhanna, Gouldsboro, Big Pocono, Promised Land and Prompton. For those of you wanting to get in your vehicles and explore the Poconos, the best place to start is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area. This 70,000-acre park straddles the Delaware River and auto-access is excellent. A popular sightseeing trip is to retrace John Audubon's 1829 journey through the forests of the Lehigh River valley. This 53-mile trip begins in Jim Thorpe. An auto trip across Route 6 provides activities limited only by your imagination. The Pocono region is a strong candidate for the title of "being all things to all people." Late fall and winter visitors can enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling, tobogganing, snowtubing, sledding and cross country skiing. Horse drawn sleigh rides are available. There are seven resort ski areas which peek slopes open December through March. At other times of the year hiking, biking, whitewater rafting take center stage. Swimming, canoeing, boating and water skiing are summer highlights, "leaf peeking" takes center stage during the fall foliage period. Ways to enjoy the flaming foliage can include hiking, biking, driving, guided plane tours, lake cruises, hot air balloon rides and steam train tours. More than 100 varieties of trees thrive in the Poconos and the magnificent foliage can be viewed from September through October. Wildlife watching is a year-round activity. Pre-planning is the best way to determine what you want to do during a Pocono Mountain getaway. Shoppers might want to take a look at the Pocono Bazaar flea markets at Marshall's Creek. The Country Junction at Lehighton is reputed to be the world's largest general store. Numerous riding stables abound, including the popular Pocono Adventure Riding Stable, where mules are the mode of travel. Other facilities include Carson's near Mt. Pocono, Mountain Creek Stables at Cresco and the Triple W near Honesdale. Outlets of every conceivable type are featured. Check out American Candle, American Ribbon, Country Kettle, Holley Ross Pottery, Odd-Lot, Pocono Candle, the Christmas Factory and the Pocono Cheesecake Factory. Other should -see establishments include the Pocono Indian Museum, Bushkill Falls and the Water Gap Trolley. My personal favorite includes Steamtown, U.S.A. Located in the city of Scranton this National Historic Site offers a museum, fascinating railroad history, engines and train cars of yesteryear. There is an opportunity to enjoy a scenic 26-mile round-trip on an old-fashioned steam train. Located at the Steamtown site in Scranton is a modern mall for your shopping enjoyment.  Other activities to consider include skateways, golfing, bowling, GoKarts and paintball operations. You can visit breweries, wineries, amusement parks or wild animal and petting zoos. A myriad of unusual recreational facilities offer Pocono Mountain guests an opportunity to stray off the beaten path. Pre-planning part of your itinerary allows visitors an opportunity to enjoy the types of recreation which they find most appealing. Be sure to leave some extra time for unexpected bonus leisure activities. For desired information, contact the Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau, 1004 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18630 or phone 800-672-6667. Online, visit www.800poconos.com or e-mail pocomts@poconos.org. Be sure to request the Pennsylvania Northeast Discovery map. For more information on this and other jeep jamborees, please visit http://www.jeepunpaved.com/jamboree/index.html  Copyright (c) 2000 Wes Bower. All rights reserved.

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