While wandering our Pennsylvania archives, I thought it was time to revisit the “Pocono Mountains Magazine.” This digital journal—a cornerstone of the Pocono Television Network—has become a vital chronicle of how the Appalachian spirit endures in the northeastern corner of the Keystone State.
As we look at their newest dispatch for February 2026, I suggest you take a moment to do the same. Checking out their past “issues” and video segments is a fantastic way to find your own “Mountain Dreams” ideas—whether you are looking for a quiet snowshoe trail in Tobyhanna or a bit of railroad history in Honesdale.
Three Years of Appalachian Storytelling
Over the last three years, the magazine has evolved from a simple travel guide into a deep exploration of the four counties that define the Poconos: Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne.
- 2023: The Year of the Artisan – We saw a focus on the “Shop Small” movement, highlighting the independent makers and musicians who keep the mountain culture vibrant.
- 2024: Bridging the Eras – The narrative shifted toward our industrial heritage, exploring the “AgroLegacy” of Wayne County and the rail trails that follow the old coal routes.
- 2025: The State Park Deep-Dive – A standout year for conservationists, featuring an eight-part series that trekked through everything from the boulder fields of Hickory Run to the gorge at Lehigh.
Inside the February 2026 Issue
The current issue finds the Poconos in the heart of winter, offering a blend of high-energy adventure and quiet historical reflection:
- The Beginner’s Grit: Join Deanna Fontanez at Jack Frost Mountain as she trades her skis for a snowboard, reminding us that the mountains always have something new to teach us.
- Frozen Silence: A snowshoeing trek through Tobyhanna State Park showcases the plateau in its most peaceful state.
- Echoes of the Gap: Paranormal investigator Eric Mintel takes us inside the Deer Head Inn. Located in the Delaware Water Gap, it’s the oldest continuously operating jazz club in the country and a true Appalachian landmark.
- Conservation Corner: An insightful look at the future of our ridges with Nathan Reigner from the PA Office of Outdoor Recreation, discussing how we can preserve these landscapes for the generations of dreamers to come.
Whether you’re planning a trip to the Poconos or just looking for a bit of virtual mountain air, these archives are a goldmine for anyone who shares the Appalachian dream.
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