A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pocono Mountains vs. Denali National Park for Backpackers, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pocono Mountains and Denali National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a relaxing, scenic, and beautiful region. Pocono Mountains is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and skiing. See Pocono Mountains travel costs.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a vast, rugged, and spectacular park. You'll find world class beauty in Denali National Park as well. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Denali National Park travel costs.

Pocono Mountains and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pocono Mountains than Denali National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pocono Mountains is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Denali National Park is more popular for its impressive beauty. Pocono Mountains is well known for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. Also, Pocono Mountains is famous for Bushkill Falls. Denali National Park is well known for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife.

How is Pocono Mountains different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Denali National Park and Pocono Mountains. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is a great region for skiing. However, Denali National Park is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Pocono Mountains. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Denali National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park?

Pocono Mountains is very good for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Pocono Mountains offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.

Is the Food Better in Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pocono Mountains is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Pocono Mountains has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Denali National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Pocono Mountains is adequate for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

Pocono Mountains doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Pocono Mountains and Denali National Park have notable options.

With a selection of resorts, Pocono Mountains makes a nice vacation spot. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Denali National Park has a few great resort options. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

Is Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Pocono Mountains is a great region for hiking. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Denali National Park has hiking trails worth exploring. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Is the Shopping Better in Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park?

Pocono Mountains is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Pocono Mountains. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.

Is Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park More Beautiful?

Denali National Park is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Denali National Park as well. Home to the highest peak in North America, the park is famous for its dramatic beauty and rugged landscapes.

Pocono Mountains offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The mountains, valleys, lakes, and streams offer impressive beauty and a peaceful setting.

Is Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Pocono Mountains is a great region for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Pocono Mountains is very family-friendly. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

Denali National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.

Is Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Both Pocono Mountains and Denali National Park are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

Denali National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

Is Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Denali National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Denali National Park. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

Is Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Pocono Mountains and Denali National Park offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.

Is Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Pocono Mountains is adequate for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable region. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

Denali National Park is not a walkable region. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Pocono Mountains?

How long in Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pocono Mountains, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

Families should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Denali National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Pocono Mountains, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Denali National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Pocono Mountains that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Denali National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Pocono Mountains.

One day in Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Pocono Mountains. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the spectacular destination of Denali National Park. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park?

Pocono Mountains is a fun place to experience. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find around the rugged park of Denali National Park. If you have a weekend, this park makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park?

Many people visit Pocono Mountains for five days. Many travelers enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the region of Pocono Mountains. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer.

Denali National Park is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the magnificent destination of Pocono Mountains. Many people spend one week here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pocono Mountains, one week is sufficent for most.

Denali National Park is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pocono Mountains and Denali National Park, we can see that Denali National Park is more expensive. And not only is Pocono Mountains much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pocono Mountains would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pocono Mountains and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Denali National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Denali National Park than you might in Pocono Mountains.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pocono Mountains Expensive? and Is Denali National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pocono Mountains as well as Denali National Park. Many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Pocono Mountains is much warmer than Denali National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Pocono Mountains averages around 75°F (24°C) in July, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Pocono Mountains receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pocono Mountains usually gets more rain in July than Denali National Park. Pocono Mountains gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

Both Denali National Park and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. In the autumn, Pocono Mountains is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pocono Mountains in October average around 55°F (13°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 32°F (0°C).

In October, Pocono Mountains usually receives less rain than Denali National Park. Pocono Mountains gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park in the Winter?

Both Denali National Park and Pocono Mountains during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the winter. The weather in Pocono Mountains can be very cold. In January, Pocono Mountains is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Pocono Mountains average around 28°F (-2°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 11°F (-12°C).

Pocono Mountains usually gets more rain in January than Denali National Park. Pocono Mountains gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Denali National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pocono Mountains and Denali National Park. The natural beauty are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Denali National Park for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Denali National Park. Pocono Mountains is much warmer than Denali National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Pocono Mountains averages around 51°F (11°C) in April, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

In April, Pocono Mountains usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Pocono Mountains gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Pocono Mountains