6 Underappreciated Towns to Visit in The Poconos
Beautifully located in the Northeastern portion of Pennsylvania, the Poconos Mountains are indeed some of the most scenic and charming natural components of the State. Featuring stunning wooded surroundings, panoramic vistas, and sparkling lakes, streams, and waterfalls, these wonderful mountains offer a truly breathtaking experience for all travelers. And fortunately for tourists, a number of truly special towns can be found within this mountainous wonderland, giving all guests a nice blend of small-town charm with exquisite mountain landscapes. So come spend time in these awesome Poconos towns and enjoy some of the best of small-town USA within the majestic framing of these great mountain sentinels!
Palmerton
Situated at the base of the Blue Mountain Ridge, the town of Palmerton is a charming and picturesque destination located just some 86 miles from the city of Philadelphia. Established in the early 20th century, today, a modest population of just under 6,000 residents calls this scenic community home. A great place to enjoy the outdoors, no matter what the season, spending time in nature is always a highlight of any visit to Palmerton. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding at the Blue Mountain Ski Zone, while panoramic bike rides and hiking trails are gems of any summer outing. From there, enjoy a quiet afternoon at the nearby Lehigh River, where even a portion of the famed Appalachian Trail can be trekked. Add in a cute assortment of local businesses, restaurants, and other shops, and of course, plenty of mountain landscapes. Palmerton will surely be one Poconos town any traveler will want to return to.
Jim Thorpe
Named in honor of the same named Native American Olympic athlete, the town of Jim Thorpe was originally established in the early 1800s as Mauch Chunk. Today this scenic and modest town with a population of just over 4,500 inhabitants is lovingly known as both the “Gateway to the Poconos” and the “Switzerland of America”. Seat of Carbon County, visitors will quickly notice Jim Thorpe’s historic charm and indeed many landmarks here have been preserved and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Old Mauch Chunk Historic District, the County Jail (1870), and the Asa Packer Mansion (1861), amongst many others. Admire the cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture in a mountainous landscape that truly transports one back in time. And with the area’s awesome and colorful foliage (particularly beautiful in the Fall), panoramic peaks, and a welcoming assortment of local shops and businesses, Jim Thorpe is one Poconos town no traveler in the region should miss out on.
Honesdale
Honesdale can trace its modern history to the 1820s, and today this seat of Wayne County maintains a modest population of just under 4,500. A place of great natural beauty and historic allure, the town is located near the Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers where fun activities like swimming, fishing, sailing, rafting, hiking, and biking are always in demand. And of course with views of the woods and Poconos never far way, Honesdale really is a nice little getaway from all the busyness of big city life. In addition history lovers can also appreciate the town and places like the Honesdale Residential Historic District offer pleasing snapshots of life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. And do not forget about taking a ride on the historic Stourbridge Rail Line, offering guests of all ages a most picturesque tour through some of the best of the Poconos!
Milford
The seat of Pike County and near the border with New York State, the lovely town of Milford can trace its modern history to the late 1790s. Today this scenic and historic town of just over 1,000 residents remains a most charming and cozy place to experience within the Poconos Region. Situated near the mouth of the upper Delaware River, exquisite natural views are certainly not hard to come by here. In addition to calming river vistas and the always mighty Poconos peaks standing tall, guests can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities. These include boating, biking, hiking, and swimming, while even a scenic car trip through the area can create special picturesque memories.
Meanwhile, for the history-minded tourist, Milford’s colonial past comes alive through tours of the Historic District and its assortment of preserved landmarks. Featuring architectural styles ranging from Federal to Victorian, a fascinating slice of 18th and 19th century life can be observed here. And do not forget about the Grey Towers National Historic Site or the Columns Museum, which celebrates America’s past through artifacts and a preserved look at domestic life in the 1800s.
Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg was formally established in the late 1790s, and today, this seat of Monroe County is home to a population of nearly 6,000. Some 75 miles from New York City and near the Delaware Water Gap, this inviting Poconos town offers some of the best of small-town USA in conjunction with alluring history and scenic surroundings. Explore the Academy Hill Historic District and appreciate such landmarks like the Stroud Mansion (1795) and the County Courthouse, amongst others, while the cute assortment of local cafes, restaurants, stores, and other businesses make any guest feel right at home. Meanwhile such natural delights like the nearby Glen Onoko Falls and McMichael Creek offer awesome cascade views and quiet fishing opportunities. Add in the always reliable Poconos standing guard, and Stroudsburg’s total charm cannot be denied as one of the best in this part of Pennsylvania.
Walnutport
One of the Pocono's youngest towns, Walnutport, was established at the turn of the 20th century, and today, just over 2,000 residents call it home. Located along the Lehigh River, this naturally beautiful and charming locale offers guests the opportunity to experience small-town life in a most splendid outdoor environment. Hike a portion of the famed Appalachian Trail and enjoy awesome mountain views, while a peaceful afternoon at the Lehigh Canal Park is a relaxing outing for all ages. With construction in the early 1800s, visiting the Canal is also a great way to learn more about the region’s growth. And finally, Walnutport’s collection of inviting local businesses, shops, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts make it a most alluring place to spend a few days in. Take in the sights and the small-town charm and enjoy all this Poconos community has to offer.
The Poconos Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania is a truly special natural attraction that any road traveler will want to experience. From majestic peaks to splendid, wooded surroundings and plenty of charming local bodies of water, spending time in this region is undoubtedly a delight for all ages. Fortunately, a number of welcoming and charming towns are situated within this range, and guests can expect to find some of the best of small-town America within this natural playground. From the historic streets of Stroudsburg and Milford to the quiet calm of Walnutport, these underappreciated Poconos towns are awesome reminders of what makes this part of Pennsylvania such a special destination. So come explore the Poconos and spend time in these awesome towns where fascinating American history, genuine charm, and loads of picturesque beauty await visitors of all backgrounds!
