6 Most Memorable Small Towns in The Poconos

The "Poconos" is a region in northeastern Pennsylvania that borders New York and New Jersey and centers around the tree- and cloud-covered Pocono Mountains. The four dynamic counties of Wayne, Pike, Monroe, and Carbon offer a mix of prominent lookouts, tranquil hiking trails, exhilarating ski hills, golf courses, freshwater lakes, river rafting tours, campgrounds, and a host of small towns to support the adventure, or period of respite. In all cases, nature takes center stage, but the communities within do their share to elevate the experience. Whatever you're into, the Poconos is sure to oblige. These are six of the most memorable towns to visit the next time you roll through the region. 

Delaware Water Gap

The village/borough of Delaware Water Gap sits on the West bank of the Delaware River, which defines the border with New Jersey. This lovable Monroe County community is also a favorite stopover for hikers of the Appalachian Trail – whether you are a hardcore thru-hiker who finally gets to sleep in a comfy hostel and gorge at the Apple Pie Cafe or a weekend road tripper just looking to do a few short day hikes before returning to town for some live jazz at the historic Deerhead Inn. Finally, the Delaware Water Gap is immediately adjacent to a visually striking notch cut into the Kittatinny Ridge by the river, which forms the namesake feature of both the village and the large national recreation area that encapsulates the forested valley to the East. 

Honesdale

This charming borough in Wayne County will always be remembered as the "Birthplace of the American Railroad." In 1829, Honesdale was presented with the Stourbridge Lion, which was transported from England and would become the first steam locomotive to run on U.S. commercial tracks. Ride the old-fashioned Stourbridge Line through the Northern Poconos, as seen from the Lackawaxen River Valley tracks, or check out the full-scale replica of the original train at the Wayne County Historical Society's Museum and Research Center, located right on the main drag. While downtown, take some time to appreciate the 19th-century railroad town architecture that intertwines with modern-day breweries, coffee shops, and creative boutique outlets. 

Tannersville

The village of Tannersville is all about unforgettable, year-round family fun. Here, on the slopes of Camelback Mountain, Tannersville hosts the Camelback Resort & Indoor Waterpark – simultaneously the largest indoor waterpark in the state and the second-largest snow tubing park in the world. Along with the expected high-quality skiing and snowboarding in the winter, this site also transforms into an adventure park and zipline course when the snow melts. Those looking to enjoy the mountain with a little less adrenaline in their veins can hike around Big Pocono State Park, which offers views stretching into New York and New Jersey. Tannersville also has two 18-hole golf courses, plenty of shopping opportunities, and great grub to fuel the daily adventures. 

Milford

Following the Delaware River Northeast of the Delaware Water Gap brings Pocono wanderers to the borough of Milford – another quaint community surrounded by pristine nature. Here, Pennsylvania's tallest waterfall, the three-tiered Raymondskill Falls, and its two viewing platforms await on Raymondskill Creek. On the South side of the river, High Point State Park and Stokes State Forest combine into one gigantic playground with oxygen-rich forests, sweeping vistas, and little mountain lakes to enjoy. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area once again comes into play, just a little ways Southwest down the river. The star attraction in the heart of town is the Grey Towers National Historic Site – an 1886 French chateau-style mansion and manicured estate. 

Jim Thorpe

This Carbon County borough commemorates the Native American superathlete who won two gold medals at the 1912 Summer Olympics and also went on to play professional football, baseball, and basketball. Jim Thorpe (the community) is an appropriate torch bearer of the name, given that its natural playground is perfect for all kinds of physical activity, such as white water rafting, skiing, horseback riding, and hiking/biking on the trails through Lehigh Gorge State Park, and Beltzville State Park. Jim Thorpe is also considered one of the most beautiful small towns in America, thanks to its distinctly European aesthetic and position within Lehigh Gorge and the greater Pocono region. Aside from the landscape, layout, and outdoor recreation, nothing says mountain town like local craft breweries, of which there are several (despite having a population of less than 5,000 people). 

Bushkill

Bushkill is roughly equidistant from Milford and the borough of Delaware Water Gap (Bushkill is located within Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area) and is ready to burrow into your brain. The unincorporated Pocono community is very small and slightly spread out, but visiting here is a package deal. The banner attraction is Bushkill Falls, a.k .a. "Niagara of Pennsylvania." There are eight waterfalls linked by two miles of forested footpaths punctuated by dynamic wooden boardwalks and bridges. There is also a sizable sweet shop by the trailhead that accents the experience even further. On the South side of the Delaware River, there are several other hiking trails, campsites, a fire lookout tower, and the Millbrook Village Historic Site (a rustic time capsule half-hiding in the woods. 

The Keystone State has a lot to offer the four-season adventurer. But the Poconos (derived from the Algonquin language, meaning "Creek Between Two Hills"), in particular, packs a big punch. The moderate-elevation mountains are spliced by the grand Delaware River, with lush valleys in all surrounding directions. Nature's incorrigible blueprint has created an exciting playground for everyone in Northeastern Pennsylvania, whether you enjoy speeding through the trees on skis or a zipline or feeling the soft embrace of a dirt trail on your way to a rushing waterfall. A visit to any (or hopefully all) of these memorable small towns will forever instill a positive outlook on the Poconos.