2024's 12 Most Scenic Pennsylvania Towns

Among the rolling hills, lush forests, and meandering rivers of Pennsylvania lie some of the most picturesque small towns in the country. These charming communities, from the historic streets of Jim Thorpe to the tranquil shores of Eagles Mere, each offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you are drawn to the dramatic waterfalls of Ohiopyle or the quaint, postcard-perfect town squares of Doylestown, Pennsylvania's scenic towns beckon with their timeless allure. Imagine strolling through the Victorian facades of Milford, or hiking the pristine trails near Wellsboro, where the majestic Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania awaits. These scenic Pennsylvania towns capture the essence of rural Pennsylvania, offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and travelers seeking authentic charm.

Jim Thorpe

The town of Jim Thorpe is often referred to as the "Switzerland of America" for its mountainous landscape and Victorian historic sites. The town is tucked into the heart of the Pocono Mountains and surrounded by the Lehigh Gorge, creating a beautiful escape full of outdoor recreational opportunities. Visit the Lehigh Gorge State Park for miles of hiking trails like Vista Trail, perfect for beginners. More experienced hikers can take on the 8.5-mile Bald Mountain Loop or the 26-mile Lehigh Gorge Trail, which includes views of dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and the Lehigh River. The gorge and its many trails are also popular for bikers. Try the Switchback Railroad Trail or explore Mauch Chunk Lake Park.

Jim Thorpe is also a hub for whitewater rafting, with the river’s rushing waters providing a thrilling way to engage with the natural surroundings. Book a guided tour from Jim Thorpe River Adventures or Pocono Whitewater. In winter, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland ideal for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, making Jim Thorpe an excellent travel destination all year round.

Milford

Another gorgeous small town in the Pocono Mountains is Milford. The region's largest natural attraction is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area which offers more than 70,000 acres of protected wilderness. The area includes miles of hiking trails that wind through forests, along ridges, and past stunning waterfalls like Raymondskill Falls, Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall. From the cliffs overlooking the river, visitors are treated to sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Delaware Water Gap is also known for its biodiversity, with black bears, white-tailed deer, and an abundance of bird species populating the forests.

Milford's proximity to the Appalachian Trail also adds to its appeal for hikers looking to experience the majesty of Pennsylvania's highlands. Visitors can explore other nearby state parks like High Point State Park, and Stokes State Forest. The Delaware River also flows nearby, providing numerous opportunities for exploring the great outdoors. Raft, tube, kayak or canoe down the rapids on one of the many guided tours provided by Kittatinny Canoes.

Stroudsburg

Stroudsburg is another great option for those looking to explore the beauty of the Delaware Water Gap. Like Milford, the town offers stunning natural surroundings defined by forested hills, sparkling rivers, and endless skies. Visitors can learn about the local environment at the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, or hike the Levee Loop Trail which has beginner level hiking and biking paths along Brodhead Creek.

Stroudsburg is also close to the Appalachian Trail, and it in fact connects the town to nearby Milford. Stroudsburg also enjoys access to several pristine lakes and waterfalls, such as the serene Lake Valhalla and Bushkill Falls, often referred to as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania.” This beautiful series of eight waterfalls is considered one of the Keystone State's most famous scenic attractions. It is a must-see attraction for outdoor lovers visiting the region.

Wellsboro

Situated near the edge of Pine Creek Gorge, dubbed the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, is the town of Wellsboro. It offers unparalleled access to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the state. The gorge itself is a deep, forested valley that stretches for miles, offering panoramic views from scenic overlooks such as Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks. The Pine Creek Rail Trail, which runs through the gorge, allows visitors to hike or bike while taking in the towering cliffs and dense hardwood forests that dominate the landscape. In the fall, the area comes alive with brilliant autumn colors, making it one of the best spots in Pennsylvania for taking in fall foliage. In summer the fields are transformed with blossoming mountain laurel.

Pine Creek, a calm, meandering river, adds to the peacefulness of the area, with opportunities for kayaking and fishing. Similarly, Hills Creek State Park, Tioga-Hammond & Cowanesque Lakes, and Kettle Creek are great fishing areas. Wildlife, such as eagles, ospreys, and river otters, can be spotted in the area, making Wellsboro a haven for nature lovers.

Eagles Mere

Another beautiful small town surrounded by mountains is Eagles Mere. It sits atop the Endless Mountains near the scenic crystal-clear Eagles Mere Lake. The lake is surrounded by wooded trails, perfect for quiet nature walks and spotting local wildlife.

The Endless Mountains themselves offer a rugged and unspoiled landscape, with panoramic vistas of rolling hills, deep valleys, and dense woodlands. Hikers can explore the region’s forested trails, like Loyalsock Canyon Vista Trail, leading to overlooks that offer spectacular views, especially in the fall when the trees are ablaze with color. The surrounding state parks, including Worlds End State Park and Ricketts Glen State Park, are known for their dramatic waterfalls, rock formations, and diverse ecosystems.

Doylestown

Situated in the heart of Bucks County, Doylestown is surrounded by rolling hills and lush woodlands. It is about an hour's drive north of Philadelphia and an hour and a half east of Lancaster, making it a great place for city dwellers to escape to. Doylestown’s landscape is marked by gentle slopes, open meadows, and tree-lined streets, creating a picturesque setting that reflects the natural beauty of southeastern Pennsylvania.

There are also several nearby parks including Peace Valley Park near Lake Galena. Enjoy miles of trails for hiking and biking, as well as opportunities for kayaking and bird watching along the lake’s shoreline.

Ralph Stover State Park and its High Rocks section offer dramatic cliffs overlooking Tohickon Creek, perfect for hikers and rock climbers. Doylestown's close proximity to these natural wonders makes it a gateway to some of Bucks County’s most scenic landscapes, where the beauty of nature is always within reach.

Ohiopyle

Ohiopyle sits in the vast expanse of the Laurel Highlands near Ohiopyle State Park, one of Pennsylvania’s largest and most scenic parks. The park is home to the Youghiogheny River, whose rushing waters have carved deep gorges and created stunning waterfalls such as Ohiopyle Falls and Cucumber Falls. The river’s rapids attract adventurous visitors for whitewater rafting and kayaking, while the surrounding forests offer a quieter escape for hikers and nature lovers.

The Laurel Highlands are known for their rugged beauty, with rolling hills, towering forests, and rocky outcrops. The region is also home to natural wonders such as Ferncliff Peninsula, a unique botanical area rich in plant diversity. The Great Allegheny Passage, a long-distance hiking and biking trail, runs through the area, providing scenic views of the Youghiogheny River and the forested slopes beyond. Ohiopyle's wilderness offers a true escape into nature, with endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

New Hope

Situated along the Delaware River, New Hope is a quaint town that blends historic charm with a stunning riverfront location. The town’s natural beauty is defined by its connection to the river, where the calm, reflective waters mirror the tree-lined banks and open skies above. The nearby Delaware Canal State Park offers miles of scenic walking and biking paths along the historic canal, which runs parallel to the river, allowing visitors to enjoy tranquil views of the water and surrounding forests.

In addition to its riverfront charm, New Hope is close to Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, a sanctuary of native plant species that thrives amidst the rolling hills and woodlands of Bucks County. Visitors can explore the preserve’s winding trails, which lead through meadows, woodlands, and along small streams, offering a peaceful retreat into nature. The vibrant fall foliage in the area only adds to the town’s scenic appeal.

Coudersport

Located in the remote northern reaches of Pennsylvania, Coudersport is a town surrounded by the untamed beauty of the Allegheny Plateau. The town is an ideal base for exploring the nearby Susquehannock State Forest, a vast wilderness of rugged hills, deep valleys, and dense forests. The forest’s network of trails offers everything from challenging hikes to peaceful nature walks, where visitors can take in panoramic views of the rolling landscape.

Coudersport is also located near Cherry Springs State Park, one of the best places in the eastern United States for stargazing. The park’s exceptionally dark skies provide stunning views of the Milky Way, planets, and even distant galaxies, creating a deep connection to the natural world both day and night. The surrounding forests are home to an array of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and a variety of bird species, adding to the sense of remote wilderness that defines this region.

Tionesta

Like Coudersport, the town of Tionesta also sits along the banks of the Allegheny River. The town’s natural beauty is most evident in the nearby Allegheny National Forest, a sprawling wilderness of old-growth forests, scenic rivers, and rugged ridgelines. The forest is crisscrossed with miles of hiking trails, providing visitors with endless opportunities to explore its tranquil woodlands, from the peaceful Hickory Creek Wilderness to the scenic Rimrock Overlook.

Tionesta’s proximity to the Allegheny River also offers a wealth of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing in the calm, reflective waters. The river, winding through deep valleys and forested hills, creates a scenic backdrop for any outdoor adventure. In addition, Tionesta Lake, with its peaceful shores and surrounding forests, provides a serene place for swimming, boating, or simply soaking in the beauty of the natural world.

Lititz

Though perhaps better known for its small-town charm, Lititz is also surrounded by the natural beauty of Lancaster County's rolling farmlands and gentle hills. The town's location offers easy access to several state parks and preserves, including the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, a haven for birdwatchers. In the spring and fall, thousands of migrating snow geese and tundra swans stop at the lake, creating a striking visual display.

The Susquehanna River is also nearby, providing opportunities for kayaking and canoeing amidst scenic river valleys. The river's peaceful flow through the surrounding forests and farmlands adds to the area's bucolic charm. Hiking trails meander through the forests, offering views of the river and the wide-open sky. The combination of river, woods, and sky makes Lititz and its surroundings a peaceful retreat for those seeking solace in nature.

Marietta

Also on the banks of the Susquehanna River is the town of Marietta. The river provides a constant backdrop of natural beauty. The town is also situated near several nature preserves, such as the Chickies Rock County Park, where towering cliffs offer dramatic views of the river valley below. Chickies Rock itself, a massive outcrop of quartzite, is a geological marvel that rises sharply above the river and provides some of the best panoramic views in the area. The nearby Susquehanna Riverlands also offer miles of trails through forested areas, meadows, and along the river’s edge, making it an ideal place for hiking, birdwatching, and observing the diverse plant life that thrives in this region. Hike the Northwest River Trail or fish along the river bank. Visitors can also enjoy the unique experience of Marietta Day hosted every May.

These scenic towns in Pennsylvania offer a close connection to the natural world, whether through dramatic mountain landscapes, tranquil rivers, or vast, untouched forests. Each town invites visitors to slow down and appreciate the simple beauty of nature, making them ideal destinations for anyone seeking peace, adventure, or an escape into wilderness. Whether traveling from a nearby Pennsylvania city or venturing from further abroad, these scenic small towns are great getaways for those looking to connect with nature and take a break from the hustle and bustle of urban life.