6 Best Towns in The Poconos to Visit in 2024
The Poconos' nature is breathtaking in every season, featuring small towns rich in history and charm. Weissport, known for its historical significance, offers a glimpse into the past, though it's a myth that Benjamin Franklin built a fort here. Visit the quaint town of Hawley, home to the impressive Hawley Silk Mill, a notable bluestone building. In Stroudsburg, the vibrant local arts scene, with its murals, galleries, and boutiques, rivals even the stunning fall foliage.
The region, less rugged than the Rockies, is a haven for leaf peepers, offering enjoyable weather for hiking and skiing. Jim Thorpe, with its picturesque setting and rich history, is aptly nicknamed the "Switzerland of America." Weissport, a haven for biking enthusiasts, invites visitors to explore its scenic routes. Plan your visit to coincide with the seasons: a spring awakening, an early summer vacation, a colorful autumn escape, or the renowned Hawley Winterfest. Honesdale transforms into a winter wonderland, where eagles soar overhead through February.
Hawley
Today, Hawley, once pivotal in the coal transport to New York and nestled in the Lake Region, offers a "small town, big experience." Along the northern tip of Lake Wallenpaupack, its streets are a treasure trove of architectural wonders, some centuries old. The Hawley Silk Mill stands as a testament to enduring construction. The town's down-to-earth adventures perfectly complement its rustic charm, offering a mix of relaxation and activity. Start your day at Cocoon Coffeehouse & Bakery, then explore the area with Hawley's free bike share program, taking in the beauty of the Lackawaxen River or Lake Wallenpaupack.
Experience the unique Pennsylvania Rail Bike, riding along railroad tracks, or wander the scenic Hawley Trail at the Settlers Inn. Tranquil boat rides are a must. The Ritz Company Playhouse showcases an impressive array of live performances, especially during Hawley Winterfest. Look Glass Art Gallery presents an eclectic mix of local and international art, while the Wildflower Music Festival entertains with well-known artists in summer, set in the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary. For wine enthusiasts, Three Hammers Winery on the Pocono Beverage Trail offers tastings of craft beverages and vintage wines, including seasonal specialties. For family dining, the TREE Restaurant and Bar is a popular choice, known for its inviting atmosphere and delicious cuisine.
Honesdale
How about a quaint Northeastern town with a picturesque setting for a mountainous escape this year? Honesdale, a famous rail town in the Poconos, competes for the title of the state's most beautiful and fun destination. It offers something for every taste and season, including wellness centers for relaxation and yoga classes amidst stunning landscapes. From the Wayne County Fair to the festive winter season, Honesdale transforms into a wonderland of skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing, with eagles soaring overhead. The town also offers year-round excursions on the Stourbridge Line, allowing you to enjoy your favorite seasonal scenery.
Home to the first commercial steam locomotive tracks in the US, visitors can explore rich railroad history at the Wayne County Historical Society’s Museum and Research Center, which features a replica of the Stourbridge Lion. The Twisted Rail Tavern is just one of many unique train-themed attractions amidst a collection of local breweries. Enjoy mingling with locals or intimate gatherings with friends at the Irving Cliff Brewery, and dine at the highly-rated Scarfallotos Towne House. Irving Cliff at Gibbons Park is just east of town, while Prompton State Park, only 6 miles away, offers boat rides, 26 miles of trails, and beautiful picnic spots by serene Prompton Lake.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe, a small town of under 5,000 people, provides a fully immersive experience in the Poconos for every visitor, from its opulent past to the expressive seasonal changes that frame your adventures. Known as the "Switzerland of America," this elegant town exudes old-world charm, with historic hotels, guest houses, and bed and breakfasts featuring modern amenities. Visit the Asa Packer Mansion to see how industrialists lived at the turn of the century, and explore the No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum in the nearby town of Lansford for a miner's perspective. From Ma's Crepes & Cakes for a sweet breakfast to Mad Hatter Winery & Smokehouse for an elegant pastime, discover the town's hotspots via The Jim Thorpe Trolley Company on a fun, insightful ride.
Originally named "Mauch Chunk," the town was home to a dozen millionaires and a popular destination for Victorian tourists—evident in its historic mansions. Renamed in 1954 after the famous Olympian, Jim Thorpe, the county seat of Carbon County, now attracts families looking to unwind, such as during the annual Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival. The picturesque main street, with its charming shops and historic buildings, showcases its two-century history against a backdrop of brilliant foliage, rustic cobblestone sidewalks, and brick buildings. Nearby Mauch Chunk Lake Park, tranquil in every season, offers parking and a weekend shuttle to the town in October.
Lehighton
Lehighton, emerging just before the industrial boom of the nineteenth century, rapidly expanded with the development of silk and lace mills along the Lehigh River. The introduction of the railroad in the mid-1800s, known as the “Route of the Black Diamond” for transporting freight, established Lehighton as a crucial industrial corridor for anthracite coal from Jim Thorpe. Now part of the scenic Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, this beautiful riverside town offers abundant outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking or biking along the paths that trace the former train and canal routes, surrounded by a serene atmosphere.
Bronson EBikes and Trikes in Weissport even offers e-bikes, allowing for easier and quicker exploration along the D&L Trail. While paddling or pedaling along the Lehighton portion of the D&L, don’t miss the chance to see Cruz Maria Gonzalez's inspiring murals depicting travelers on the trail. Beltzville Lake, set against spectacular fall scenery, is perfect for summer recreation, offering activities like fishing, motor boating, sailing, and lakeside trails. Sapore, a top-rated Italian restaurant, is just one of many eateries in the area. The town also features various shops, fields, and a multi-purpose stadium, all near the 2,972-acre Beltzville State Park, developed around the Beltzville Dam.
Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg, historic yet contemporary, lies in the heart of the Poconos, in the central-eastern part of Pennsylvania. As the county seat of Monroe County and conveniently located along I-80, close to the mountains, it's a hub of year-round activities. Stroudsburg is also the birthplace of the J.J. Newberry department stores. Its quintessential 19th-century market town architecture is home to cultural attractions such as museums, art spaces, music venues, wineries, and restaurants. Shopping and outdoor adventures abound, from Dunkelberger's Sports Outfitters to The Potting Shed, and a segment of the Pocono Beverage Trail. Big Pocono State Park, with an elevation of over 2,700 feet, is just a 20-minute drive northwest, past Tannersville’s Camelback Mountain Adventures, where zip lining through fall foliage is a popular activity.
In autumn, the natural beauty of Stroudsburg outshines even its vibrant local arts scene, with a plethora of colorful trees, murals, galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Be sure to visit the highly-rated Compton's Pancake House for breakfast and explore the popular Dansbury Park in the town's heart. To the south, the expansive Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge offers a natural retreat. Nestled under the enchanting Northeast Mountains, Stroudsburg is an ideal stop for road-trippers seeking adventures and picturesque mountain aesthetics, including steeple churches and the Courthouse. For those looking to relax, venues like Raw Urban Winery and Hard Cidery or Mountain View Vineyard and Eagles Rest Cellars offer a serene backdrop.
Weissport
Weissport, nestled across the winding Lehigh River from Lehighton, serves as a "gateway to Carbon County." Both towns boast a variety of shops and restaurants, making them ideal bases for exploring the surrounding areas, such as the expansive 2,972-acre Beltzville State Park. Dominated by the 949-acre Beltzville Lake, with its 19.8-mile shoreline, the park, along with Pohopoco Creek, offers a plethora of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, motor boating, and sailing on the calm waters, or explore the area's scenic beauty along lakeside trails. Historically, Weissport was a significant site for boat building on the canal, while today, the riverfront offers picturesque views from Lehigh Canal Park and several eateries along the shore.
Weissport is also an excellent starting point for day trips to Jim Thorpe, the Lehigh Gorge State Park area, and the peaceful D&L Trail. This restored towpath, suitable for all seasons, provides opportunities for biking, hiking, or cross-country skiing. Extending 4 miles north to Jim Thorpe and 3 miles south to Parryville, the trail offers diverse scenic experiences. Hofford Mill, home to the Keystone Kayaking Academy, is the place for whitewater kayaking instruction. Weissport, with its fresh air and unique local businesses, invites visitors to engage in local events and delve into the area's history, including the original Fort Allen. Contrary to popular belief, Benjamin Franklin did not mastermind or construct Fort Allen in 1756; this historical detail should be verified and corrected.
The Takeaway
These six Pennsylvania towns in the Poconos are top picks to visit in 2024, easily accessible from various parts of Pennsylvania and neighboring states like New York. For nature enthusiasts, Big Pocono State Park, with an elevation of over 2,700 feet, offers some of the best foliage viewing opportunities. Lake Wallenpaupack in Hawley is a popular summertime destination. From Lehighton, visitors can easily access Jim Thorpe and Weissport, combining three delightful towns in one trip. Additionally, nearby Beltzville Park and Lake provide a perfect setting for a summer getaway or to enjoy the spectacular fall colors.
