6 Lovely Small Towns to Visit in The Poconos This Summer

Small-town charm meets jaw-dropping natural splendor in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. A popular winter sports destination, the area is even more lovely in summer as the warm temperatures draw a crowd of eager outdoor adventurers, ready to take on the picturesque peaks. The stunning Delaware Water Gap, the cascading waters of Bushkill Falls, the glassy calm waters of Lake Wallenpaupack — there is so much to discover in this breathtaking mountain range. Visit the Poconos this summer for the adventure of a lifetime.

Tannersville

Tannersville is a lovely small mountain town on the doorstep of Big Pocono State Park, which covers over 1,000 acres on the summit and slopes of the towering Camelback Mountain. This welcoming village is a popular resort destination year-round but really comes alive in summer when the park is at its blooming best. Hike the summit of Camelback Mountain to snap a few gorgeous vacation shots, or get your adrenaline pumping at Camelback Mountain Adventures, an outdoor park where the main attraction is Pennsylvania’s only mountain coaster.

Strap in and zoom down the mountainside, enjoying stunning views as you weave through forests, meadows, and valleys. Not enough of a rush? Try the park’s zipline experiences and fly through the Poconos, getting a bird’s eye view of the alpine landscape. After all that activity, cool off at the Pocono’s largest waterpark, where you’ll find over 37 rides, slides, and attractions.

Jim Thorpe

Named for the legendary athlete, who is buried in town, Jim Thorpe is a historic alpine town in the Lehigh Gorge. Founded in 1818, the village has a rich history evident in its period architecture and fascinating heritage sites. Take a stroll down the historic Stone Row on Race Street to admire the perfectly preserved row houses, originally built to house the engineers of the Lehigh Valley Railroad.

The town’s first railway station, The Old Mauch Chunk Landing, is also worth a visit. Listed on the National Register of Historic Place, the station was built in 1888 and is now an event space and visitors center. When you are done learning about the railroad, take a ride! Lehigh Gorge Scenic Train Excursions run daily in the summer, and there is a 70-minute round trip in vintage coaches from downtown into the beautiful Lehigh Gorge State Park.

Hawley

If you are looking for sun-drenched beaches and long days by the lake this summer, head for Hawley, a lovely artsy waterfront community on the north shore of Lake Wallenpaupack. Take a scenic boat ride to explore the lake — one of Pennsylvania’s largest reservoirs — or just dip your toes at the Palmyra Township Public Beach, open to the public from Memorial Day to Labor Day and features a year-round walking trail. There are plenty of opportunities to hike Hawley, but why walk when you can ride? The town is home to the Pocono’s only electric railbike experience, which runs along the scenic railway tracks along the Lackawaxen River.

For a magical summer night listening to live music under the stars, check the schedule at Harmony in the Woods. This outdoor amphitheater is a Hawley tradition. Located deep in the forest, the theater has an impressive line-up for summer 2024, with folk, jazz, and classical acts all taking to the scenic stage.

Stroudsburg

Stroudsburg is classic Pennsylvania. A historic 19th-century market town, this welcoming community boasts a beautiful and bustling downtown filled with boutiques, galleries, and farm-to-table eateries. Take a historic walking tour to get to know the town, or step even further back in time with a visit to the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, where you can take part in a barn dance, see a Civil War encampment, and learn how to make cheese.

Located near the Delaware Water Gap, a visit to Stroudsburg wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This 70,000-acre park is heaven for hikers, with stunning trails meandering along the banks of the Delaware River. Visit Stroudsburg at the end of summer to experience its annual street party, StroudFest. Celebrating the end of the season, this legendary festival fills the normally quiet downtown streets with vendors, artists, musicians, and entertainers.

Milford

Milford is known as one of the most lovely towns in the Poconos. And for good reason. Founded in 1796, Milford has a picturesque downtown that reflects its long history as a thriving summer resort throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the Grey Towers National Historic Landmark to tour the stunning mansion and estate of Pennsylvania Governor Gifford Pinchot.

See more gorgeous scenery just outside town at the tallest waterfall in the state, Raymondskill Falls. This three-tiered cascade has two viewing platforms, so you can see the dazzling drop from various angles. The waterfall is beautiful in summer, but it’s not the biggest seasonal attraction in Milford. Every year, music-loving visitors descend on the town for its weekend-long Milford Music Festival, which features artists from a range of genres, including blues, jazz, and folk.

Honesdale

A former rail hub, Honesdale is a quintessential mountain town nestled in the green hills north of the Delaware State Forest. There is lots to do in this busy village, but before you discover downtown, take the time to hike Irving Cliff. This accessible one-mile trail overlooks Honesdale with sweeping views of the town and its forested backdrop. Back in town, stroll historical sites such as the Wayne County Courthouse, built in 1880, and the Wayne County Historical Society and Museum, built in 1860.

You can hop aboard The Stourbridge Line on Main Street and take the train through the beautiful Lackawaxen River Valley. When you return from the scenic trip, wet your thirst at the Runaway Train Brewery, where you can sip local craft beer alongside the iconic D&H railroad tracks. If you are visiting Honesdale in August, don’t forget to stop by the Wayne County Fair, a classic carnival with live music, bull riding, harness races, and a demolition derby. The midway opens in early August and closes with a spectacular fireworks display.

Summer in the Mountains

Whitewater rafting in the Delaware River, cruising the cliffs on a mountain coaster, riding a vintage train through grassy gorges — summer in the Poconos is anything but dull. You will get a welcome as warm as the weather in the region’s lovely small towns, where tranquil streets and quaint downtowns offer rest and relaxation after a busy day exploring the mountains. With nine state parks, 150 lakes, over 170 miles of river, and more than 2,500 square miles of alpine terrain, the Poconos add up to one incredible summer vacation.