Dogsledding in the Poconos

"So Mush Fun!!"

I never thought I was missing out, having never been dogsledding before.  When a visit to Skytop Lodge in the Poconos prompted an afternoon excursion with Snow Cap Sled Dogs, I realized I had been!  Running year round, either in snow or as part of a dry land cart or scooter tour, dogsledding is a great way to "see" the great outdoors while also "experiencing" it!  It's also a terrific family activity and way to get everyone out and involved!

Before our dogsled ride here, we were able to take a kennel tour where we met each individual dog and heard stories about how they had come to be a part of the team.  Many of the dogs had been rescued and had had to learn to be part of a team.  It reminded me of kids who run into trouble, but are given a second chance when they become part of an organization that truly understands their needs and lets them be themselves and showcase their talents.  These dogs are quite friendly and my family and I were able to get up close and personal and pet them.  They seemed to really like the attention and my shoes are testimony that they marked me as someone they liked!  My kids (ages 12, 10 and 6) loved the fact that they could experience the dogs firsthand!

Jared and Alex and the crew here know their dogs.  They answer questions and volunteer information on all kinds of dog and sledding issues.  Ask them how they ended up here with a team of dogs - they'll tell you!  They'll also educate you on huskies if you're interested, pointing out they're running dogs and are happiest when allowed to run - a lot!  It was a great opportunity to learn while involved in a fun activity - perfect for kids!

Once through the kennel tour, we watched as they got the dogs set up for our ride.  Although January, we were here on a snowless, 55-degree day, so our experience would have to be the dry land tour!  No worries, we were so interested to see our new dog friends in action that we seated up and got started!

What a cool experience to ride along behind a team of Siberian huskies in a picturesque mountain setting!  Jared led us around and passed along information on the Lodge and his team.  He answered my family's questions and let us enjoy the beautiful scenery.  He also told us that in snow, you can also have the opportunity to mush the dogsled yourself if you so desire!  He (or a member of his team) follows along in a snowmobile so you're not on your own, but in reality, you're the musher!  How cool and what an experience to bring home from your next vacation!  I was bummed we had no snow, but will put that on my list of activities to come back to!

You owe it to yourself to put a visit to Skytop Lodge and Snow Cap Sled Dogs on your list of things to do!  Great for the adventurer, for team-building activities (such as corporate retreats and such) as well as the casual activity-participator.  It's just plain fun!  Mush!!

*This review is based on a complimentary visit to Skytop Lodge.  I received no other compensation and the business owner did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view.  The opinions I express are entirely my own.