10 Most Scenic the Poconos Towns

The Poconos are a mountainous region in Pennsylvania, boasting historic towns, a diverse natural landscape, and an eclectic collection of activities to keep visitors happy.

The region is bordered by the Lehigh River to the west, river valleys to the northwest, and the Delaware River to the east. Known for its winter skiing, the region also provides a cascade of colorful leaves that cover the forest floor in the fall. Due to the riveting natural scenery, the Poconos attract visitors year-round, offering outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation a popular destination.

While the Poconos Mountains are full of towns with character, these ten towns lend out unique scenic opportunities for people to bask in the beauty of the Pennsylvania wilderness.

Jim Thorpe

Back in 1953, the town once known as Mauch Chunk was renamed Jim Thorpe, paying tribute to Olympic medalist James Francis Thorpe. This cozy town is located on the pristine Lehigh River, in a quiet valley of the Pocono Mountains, and is less than an hour’s drive north from Allentown.

Nearby Lehigh Valley and Flagstaff Mountain offer stunning settings for people looking to get a memorable view. The town provides ample opportunities to delve into local history with attractions such as the Old Jail Museum, Mauch Chunk Museum, and numerous others for those interested in quenching their thirst for historical knowledge.

Delaware Water Gap

Delaware Water Gap is a town steeped in history and fully immersed in picturesque and awe-inspiring scenery. The town’s roots go back over two centuries after it was founded by Antoine Dutot, who also built the first inn there in 1793.

Rolling mountainscapes and winding riverways give visitors stunning views. The town, situated between Mount Tammany and Mount Minsi, provides ample trails for exploration in the southern part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Visitors who come to Delaware Water Gap will find nearly endless aquatic activities. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding are some just ways to spend a peaceful day as the sun glistens off the Delaware River.

White Haven

White Haven is a small town well-known for its quiet, peaceful natural surroundings, with access to the Lehigh River and several nearby parks. Convenient locations such as Hickory Run State Park, Lehigh Gorge State Park, and Beltzville State Park are all within a half-hour's drive.

Lehigh Gorge State Park stands out in particular for its breathtaking natural beauty, characterized by a rugged gorge sculpted by the Lehigh River. A popular way to see the area is by train, which winds through the leaf-covered terrain, letting riders experience a voyage through the region like no other.

Stroudsburg

Stroudsburg is considered the “heart of the Poconos,” and the town exudes a fashionable and trendy ambiance, making it an ideal stop before heading towards any mountain retreat.

The nearby Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area gives visitors awe-inspiring outdoor experiences, featuring hiking, birdwatching, plenty of wildlife, and much more. While the surrounding areas offer beautiful viewpoints, the town itself is also worth exploring. The town preserves its 19th-century market town architecture, which has a range of shops and businesses waiting to be explored. The Levee Loop trail has both hiking and biking paths near the Brodhead Creek, which also has excellent fishing during the warmer times of the year.

Family-friendly festivals are found year-round. Visitors can celebrate the end of summer with StroudFest in September or a winter stroll with ice sculptures at WinterFest in February.

Milford

Visitors to Milford can look forward to the enchanting Delaware River Highlands, a pleasant downtown area full of history, and and an upscale dining tradition, preserved since the late 1700s. While Milford is surrounded by the beauties of nature, the town is also full of life. Festivals and diverse local businesses make Milford, the county seat of Pike County, a special destination.

Raymondskill Falls, the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, will give you a sense of awe while Milford Knob Trail gives a fantastic view of the town below and is only a stone’s throw away. Visitors itching to learn about local history can get their fill at the stunning Grey Towers National Historical Site or at the Columns Museum, which has the famous “Lincoln Flag.”

Hawley

Hawley, situated on the northern shores of Lake Wallenpaupack, provides striking lakeside views and tranquil beaches for a memorable experience. In 2014, the town underwent a substantial revitalization when over 20 businesses received fresh coats of paint as part of the Benjamin Moore Main Street Matters Project.

Now, the area features a colorful array of facades that perfectly complement the unique shops that populate the neighborhood. There are plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming, with a range of vessels available for visitors to rent and make the most of their time. If fishing is your passion, rent a fishing rod and tackle, kick your feet up, and enjoy a nice quiet day on the lake.

Honesdale

Honesdale is considered to be the 'birthplace of the American Railroad' due to the fact that the town witnessed the first steam locomotive running on commercial tracks in the United States back in 1829.

Railroad fans will be in heaven when they see they see the full-scale replica of the Stourbridge Lion, found in the Wayne County Historical Society’s Museum and Research Center.

For those seeking a wilderness adventure, Prompton State Park provides ample opportunities, or one can opt for a hike up Irving Cliff to enjoy breathtaking views of the town and its surroundings.

Tannersville

Tannersville is found in the core of the Poconos, providing exciting indoor waterparks, heart-stopping zip lines, and excellent outdoor winter activities. Camelback Mountain, situated close by, offers unique adventures and year-round activities.

In the summer, you can try out the state’s largest outdoor waterpark. Or if winter is more your season, it has the second-largest snow tubing park. Hikers can find a small piece of heaven at Big Pocono State Park, which provides breathtaking views spanning New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Near the town is Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve, which features a unique look at a segment of land that was a glacial lake millennia ago. This distinctive ecosystem bears witness to a transformation that unfolded over thousands of years and would prove irreplaceable if ever disrupted.

Lehighton

The charming town of Lehighton, once a bustling industrial hub known for its silk and lace mills, has transformed into a vital component of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. This 165-mile-long National Heritage area boasts unspoiled trails and links together more than a hundred municipalities.

For those seeking adventure, whitewater rafting and tubing are exhilarating options on Lehigh River, while renting a bike provides a peaceful way to explore the expansive trails. You can enjoy a day at Beltzville State Park, only a 10-minute drive east of Lehighton. The park runs alongside Pohopoco Creek and offers recreation areas that circle Beltzville Lake. This expansive lake spans 949 acres, featuring a vivid shoreline that stretches for almost 20 miles.

Skytop

Travelers come to Skytop for some of the best golf courses in the state and stay for the breathtaking views of the Pocono Mountains. Skytop presents a serene retreat from the busy day-to-day of life. Amongst lush woodlands and gorgeous lakes, this town is tucked away in Barrett Township, Monroe County.

The enchanting landscape and timeless architecture make it a popular destination for relaxation and recreation. The town is known for its historic Skytop Lodge, which has been standing for over 90 years. Guests can stay in the grand lodge or nearby deluxe cottages, and the resort features private trails that lead to unique sights such as Indian Ladder, Upper Ladder Falls, and Leavitt Falls.

Conclusion

The Poconos offers a diverse selection of towns and hamlets, full of the unique people that make the area what it is today. Nature reigns supreme, with rivers, waterfalls, and mountains providing residents and visitors a place they will want to come back time and time again.

Outdoor enthusiasts thrive in the Pocono Mountains, which have everything from challenging hiking trails to an assortment of water activities. Rich in history and surrounded by natural beauty, the Poconos are a year-round haven for everyone.