Explore the banks of the Lackawaxen and Delaware rivers. The Lackawaxen River, a tributary of the mighty Delaware River, flows through Hawley, Pennsylvania, not far from Ledges Hotel, offering plenty of opportunities for quiet reflection and more active recreation without traveling too far from the hotel. Further afield, in Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania, around a 30-minute drive away, Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct stands as the oldest wire suspension bridge in existence in the United States. Also known as the Roebling Bridge, this suspension aqueduct is one of four on the Delaware and Hudson Canal and was built by John A. Roebling, who would go on to be the mastermind behind the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. During a visit to the bridge, travelers can trace the footsteps of the canalers and mules who once made the trip more than a century ago with a walk across the former aqueduct. Afterward, literature enthusiasts can take a detour to the neighboring Zane Grey Museum. Once the home of author Zane Grey, who was famed for adventurous Western novels about the American frontier, the museum now houses items like photographs, manuscripts, first editions, and memorabilia.

Make a splash at Lake Wallenpaupack, the third-largest man-made lake in Pennsylvania. Located less than two miles from the hotel, this massive reservoir is a sprawling 5,700 acres in size, stretching 13 miles in length with 52 miles of uninterrupted shoreline. Just as vast as the lake itself is the range of activities it offers, from slower-paced recreational opportunities like kayaking, swimming, and fishing (anglers enjoy Lake Wallenpaupack for its hefty smallmouth bass) to high-adrenaline fun like jet skiing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and boating. Outdoor adventurers can take in Lake Wallenpaupack from dry land as well, with biking and hiking also available nearby. History buffs, meanwhile, can dive into the lake's rich heritage at the Wallenpaupack Historical Society.

Wander through the Lacawac Sanctuary, a 550-acre nature preserve on the shore of Lake Wallenpaupack. Along with more than nine miles of hiking trails, the Lacawac Sanctuary is also home to a collection of historic buildings and a pristine glacial lake. The location is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is a registered U.S. National Natural Landmark. Constructed in 1903 in the Adirondack Great Camp style, the building complex was once the summer estate of William Connell, 6 of the site's 8 original buildings remain. Visitors today can see the main house, barn, spring house, pump house, coachman’s house, and ice house. Equally notable is Lake Lacawac, a pristine body of water at the heart of both the Lacawac Sanctuary and the field station's overall mission. Considered the "southernmost unpolluted glacial lake in North America," the lake's minimal human disturbance and the sanctuary's range of ecosystems make it a living laboratory for scientists and students from across the country.

Enjoy some fresh air at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Located a little over 30 minutes from the hotel, this natural area preserves the land surrounding the Delaware River that cuts through the Appalachian Mountains between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Considered the Eastern Gateway to the Poconos, this distinctive geological notch is the inspiration behind the region's name, as the Native American word "Pocono" roughly translates to "stream between two mountains." Biking and boating are both popular activities here, thanks to the area's stunning wilderness views, as is hiking, with 28 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail winding through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. During a visit, be sure to stop by the three-tiered Raymondskill Falls and Dingsmans Falls, Pennsylvania's first- and second-tallest waterfalls.