10 Towns in The Poconos that Were Ranked Among US Favorites
Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, the Pocono Mountains contain an abundance of charming, quaint, picturesque small towns. These towns offer the perfect destinations for travelers to visit year-round. From outdoor activities to historical sites to shopping to restaurants and nightlife, these towns offer visitors plenty of attractions to suit the wants and needs of all ages. The following are just a few of the small towns in the Poconos that are consistently ranked among the nation's favorites.
Bushkill
With a population of just over 8,600, Bushkill, Pennsylvania, is a charming small town in the Poconos. Its most popular attraction is Bushkill Falls, also known as "the Niagara of Pennsylvania," a series of eight waterfalls that opened to the public in 1904. Hikers will enjoy the Falls' two miles of hiking trails.
Bushkill Riding Stables and the Pocono Zip Racer, both in Bushkill, will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. Bicyclists and hikers will love the McDade Recreational Trail. The Pocono Environmental Education Center, featuring educational and interactive workshops, is fun for all ages.
Shoppers can peruse unique stores, such as Country Kettle, featuring collectibles, candy, and crafts. Those who golf will appreciate the Par 71, 18-hole Pocono Hills Golf Course. When it's time to sit back and relax, the town also hosts Poconos Park, a 10,000-seat entertainment amphitheater that features live shows and concerts.
Hawley
A small borough along the Lackawaxen River in the Poconos, Hawley's population is just over 1,200. Don't let its small size fool you, however. There is plenty to do in this charming small town. One of its most popular historical attractions is the Hawley Silk Mill, the first large-scale silk factory in northern Pennsylvania. Today, the building has been refurbished into a lifestyle center, featuring shops, dining, entertainment, art galleries, and Lackawanna College.
In the downtown area, you will find Ritz Company Playhouse, a theatre that has been presenting live entertainment to Hawley residents and visitors for the past 40 years. If you're looking for outdoor fun, Bingham Park offers tennis, a playground, baseball, picnicking areas, and events such as the Hawley Farmer's Market, which takes place each Friday from May through October.
For hungry travelers, Hawley features a variety of options. Cora's 1850 Bistro offers good food and a relaxed atmosphere suitable for all ages. The Boathouse provides patrons with lakeside views and entertainment.
Delaware Water Gap
With a population of just under 700, Delaware Water Gap truly qualifies as a small town. However, Delaware Water Gap includes more than just the town: The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area encompasses more than 70,000 acres of outdoor recreation, providing areas for hiking, bicycling, camping, and nature watching.
The Delaware Water Gap is a gap between the Appalachian Mountains and is where the name of the Poconos region comes from, as "Pocono" is a Native American word for "stream between two mountains." The town was founded in 1793 and prospered in 1856 when the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railway was created, allowing people from all over to visit the Pocono Mountains for vacation.
Outdoor recreation is not all there is to see in Delaware Water Gap, however. The Antonie Dutot Museum and Gallery on the town's Main Street tells the history of the town. Pocono Historic Trolley Tours will also take you through the area with an informative guide and a narrated educational tour.
Jim Thorpe
The county seat of Carbon County, Pennsylvania, Jim Thorpe, is a small town with a population of just over 4,500. It was named for Olympic athlete Jim Thorpe when he passed away in 1954. The town celebrates his birthday every May.
At one time, Jim Thorpe was the second most popular tourist destination, behind Niagara Falls. It has been called the "Switzerland of America." Today, visitors to Jim Thorpe can get a unique view of the town through a scenic train ride through the Lehigh Gorge State Park on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.
One historic site in Jim Thorpe not to be missed is the Asa Packer Mansion. It was once home to Asa Packer, a railroad magnate and philanthropist. Those who enjoy history and architecture will appreciate this historic gem.
Jim Thorpe offers hungry travelers a variety of options, including the Stone Row Pub and Eatery, Broadway Grille + Underground, and Molly Maguire's Irish Pub.
Lehighton
With just over 5,200 full-time residents, Lehighton is a quaint but lively small town in the Pocono Mountains, about seven minutes from Jim Thorpe. It is situated along the banks of the Lehigh River and, along with the town of Weissport, is part of the Gateway to Carbon County.
Hikers and bikers will enjoy the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor in Lehighton. Once used to transport coal, the trail spans 165 miles from the Poconos through Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
More adventurous travelers can check out Jim Thorpe River Adventures, located along the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. Whitewater rafting and tubing excursions can be purchased here. A similar business, Whitewater Rafting Adventures, along the same trail, offers guided whitewater rafting trips.
Shoppers can explore Lehighton's downtown district along Route 209. A variety of unique shops, including Country Junction World's Largest General Store, are available for visitors to browse and buy all types of goods.
Stroudsburg
The county seat of Monroe County, Pennsylvania, Stroudsburg is a small town in the Poconos with a population of almost 5,800. It is positioned just off I-80 and features many of the modern amenities expected in a small town along with historic sites.
Stroudsburg was named after Revolutionary War Colonel Jacob Stroud and officially incorporated in 1815. Today, there are many dining and shopping options in Stroudsburg. The town also has a buzzing nightlife scene.
The Monroe County Historical Association is located in Jacob Stroud's home, the Stroud mansion, which is undergoing renovations as of August 2024. Its temporary home just down Main Street can provide visitors with historical information about the town and the surrounding area.
Many travelers appreciate that Stroudsburg is just 75 miles and an hour and a half from New York City. It is known as one of the closest Pocono towns to Manhattan.
Honesdale
Honesdale is not only a small town in the Pocono Mountains, with a population of just over 4,400, but it is also the county seat of Wayne County, Pennsylvania. Its original name was Dyberry Forks. The town was once the end of the Delaware & Hudson Canal, running 108 miles to Rondout, New York. It is also known as the birthplace of the railroad in the United States.
Those looking for outdoor activities can go to Prompton State Park, which features the 290-acre Prompton Lake and 26 miles of hiking trails. Irving Cliff is another popular outdoor destination, which is itself a park and sits 300 feet above the town of Honesdale. You might rent a kayak or canoe from Northeast Wilderness Experience or book a guided boat tour through the business.
Honesdale is also home to the Wayne County Historical Society and Museum. Within its walls sits a full-size replica of the Stourbridge Lion, the first locomotive to run on a commercial track in the US.
Milford
Milford is a small town in Pike County, Pennsylvania, with a population of just under 1,400. It is also the county seat. Although the town is small, it offers many activities for visitors, including arts and culture, antiques, and historical attractions.
The Milford Historic District is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is located in the downtown area of Milford. It spans 22 acres and offers visitors an educational walk through the town.
Art and antique stores abound throughout Milford, including Ann Street Antiques, Karenina's Boutique, and Old Lumberyard Antiques. Milford also has a busy shopping district with Action Bikes & Outdoor, Bashful Blooms, BetterWorld Store, and Earthly Treasures.
Hungry visitors to Milford have many options from which to choose. Seafood lovers may opt for Balch's Seafood Restaurant. The Jive Bar and Lounge offers food, drink, and entertainment. When it's time for dessert, head to Milford Dairy Bar.
Mount Pocono
With a population of just over 3,000 full-time residents, Mount Pocono is a small town in Monroe County within the Pocono Mountains. It features opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Those who are hearty enough to climb the 1,988-foot-high Mount Pocono will enjoy a view of Mount Kittatinny and the state of New York! If you would rather see breathtaking sights from the air, if it is in your budget, you can book a private observation air tour through Hop on Air.
The Mount Airy Casino is a popular destination in Mount Pocono. It is open to guests aged 21 and over and includes a casino, hotel, professional spa, and your choice of six restaurants.
Pocono Rocks! in Mount Pocono offers boulder climbing walls, a bounce house, slides, and a ninja warrior course for families traveling with children. The Little Rock Cafe, found on the premises, is open for breakfast, lunch, and light fare until 7 p.m.
Tannersville
The U.S. Census Bureau notes that Tannersville's population is just over 3,200. It has opportunities for outdoor adventures, family fun, shopping, and more.
One of Tannersville's most popular attractions, Camelback Mountain Resort, offers year-round activities for the entire family. In the winter, snow tubing and skiing are popular. In warmer weather, visitors enjoy ziplining and zip riding, as well as the Camelback Outdoor Waterpark.
Those looking for breathtaking vistas won't want to miss Big Pocono State Park, located on Camelback Mountain (also known as Big Pocono). The park spans 1,306 acres and offers scenic views of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. However, it is closed in the winter.
Another popular winter activity in Tannersville is ice skating at Pocono Township Outdoor Skating Rink. If shopping is your idea of fun, Tannersville offers many opportunities within Pocono Premium Outlets, offering over 100 outlet stores.
The above-mentioned small towns within the Pocono Mountains can offer you the ideal getaway, no matter which town you choose! Whether you are looking for a romantic trip for two or a family vacation, towns such as Lehighton, Jim Thorpe, and Stroudsburg will not disappoint. The reasons why these small towns have been ranked among the favorite Pocono small towns in the US are apparent to anyone who visits. Even though a town is classified as small, it can still offer many opportunities for relaxation, invigoration, and fun, as these Pocono Mountain small towns prove.
