Long Pond is a rural community in Tunkhannock Township, Monroe County, best known for Pocono Raceway, the 2.5-mile "Tricky Triangle" on Long Pond Road. The Emerald Lakes lake community, which spans Tobyhanna and Tunkhannock Townships near I-80 and I-380, uses Long Pond addresses too.
It's an easy drive from both big cities, and a good base for race weekends, ski trips and quiet nature walks. Big Boulder is about 15 to 20 minutes away, and Kalahari about 20.
Pocono Raceway
The raceway's 2027 NASCAR weekend is June 11 to 13, 2027. From I-80, take Exit 284 for Route 115 and follow it south about 3 miles to the track. Race weekend is the busiest time of year in Long Pond, so book early and plan for heavy traffic on race day.
Long Pond Preserve and the Hauser Nature Center
The Nature Conservancy's Long Pond Preserve protects what it calls the highest known number of globally rare species in Pennsylvania, in bogs, swamps, forests and barrens. The trails are free and open every day from sunrise to sunset.
- Cathy's Trail is a 1.7-mile loop through forested wetland and a boulder field, and a 0.75-mile Universal Access loop is built for wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
- The Hauser Nature Center has exhibits, picnic tables, a playground and a pollinator garden, and is staffed weekdays 9 AM to 5 PM. There are no restrooms.
- Dogs are welcome under your control. Parts of the trails close during deer rifle seasons, so check the Conservancy's page in late fall and winter.
Things to do nearby
- Ski Big Boulder (about 15 to 20 minutes) and Jack Frost (about 25 to 30 minutes).
- Indoor waterparks at Kalahari (about 20 minutes) and Great Wolf Lodge (about 25 minutes).
- Hike Hickory Run State Park and its Boulder Field, a National Natural Landmark, about 20 to 25 minutes away.
- Swim, paddle and walk the 5.1-mile Lakeside Trail at Tobyhanna State Park, about 30 minutes north.
- Spend a day in Jim Thorpe, about 45 minutes away.
Good to know before you book
Long Pond homes may be in Tunkhannock or Tobyhanna Township, and each township has its own short-term rental permit. Tobyhanna Township's rules include a 2-night minimum, a cap of 2 people per bedroom (maximum 10) and a minimum renter age of 25. Homes inside Emerald Lakes also follow the community's renter rules. Every host on our site is responsible for the home's township short-term rental permit. Your host will confirm house rules, occupancy limits and any community passes before you arrive.
