7 Best Small Towns to Visit in Pennsylvania
Oftentimes a trip to Pennsylvania is associated with its two most populated and well-known cities: Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. And while both places are excellent travel destinations, if you want to branch out and experience a different side of Pennsylvania’s rich history and natural beauty, consider the state’s diverse range of remarkable small towns. These gems, although not necessarily "hidden," are still, in many ways, underappreciated and underestimated. While their populations may not compare to their larger urban counterparts, Pennsylvania’s small towns offer their own unique experiences, accommodations, landscapes, and irreplaceable historical landmarks. To take advantage of Pennsylvania’s small towns and their charm, travel off the beaten path and consider these destinations for your next day trip, weekend getaway, or vacation.
Wellsboro
Located in North Central Pennsylvania, Wellsboro is a town whose incredible natural beauty and history draws visitors from all over. Its prized attraction is the nearby Pine Creek Gorge, referred to by many as "The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania." Surrounded by wilderness, this magnificent gorge (an outcome of melting prehistoric glaciers), offers breathtaking views, stretching approximately 48 miles long and 1,000 feet deep. Hiking, biking, and rafting are just a few favorite pastimes for visitors and locals hoping to experience everything the canyon has to offer.
Keeping with the town’s appreciation of its ancient natural landscapes, Wellsboro also proudly displays a more recent history in its downtown. The town’s main street boasts charming Victorian gas lights that will have you feeling like you are strolling in a different era, and for yet another taste of the past, visitors can appreciate the restored Arcadia Theatre, an early 1900s cinema and performing arts venue. Wellsboro is an adorable town with a sensational sense of history, mingling eras for an overall sense of wonderment.
Hawley
Hawley is a charming lake town whose exciting outdoor recreation and quaint downtown make for the perfect visit, whether that be for a day trip, weekend getaway, or longer. You can find Hawley nestled on the northern shores of Lake Wallenpaupack, a stunning man-made body of water with an impressive 5,700 acres, perfect for swimming, boating, and waterskiing. Places like Rubber Duckie Boat Rentals in Hawley offer the chance to get out in the lake, while others may opt to enjoy hiking the lake’s spectacular 52-mile-long shoreline.
In addition to the town’s outdoor recreation, you can explore Hawley’s beautifully maintained downtown, whose impressive 2014 revamp through Benjamin Moore’s Main Street Matters project has left a lasting impact on the community’s atmosphere. Here you can find adorable antique shops, cafes, and boutiques, ideal for window shopping or taking a picturesque stroll.
New Hope
New Hope is a community that epitomizes the quaint small-town charm many aspire to experience in their travels. Settled next to the Delaware River, this vibrant town is proud to host the Delaware Canal, whose pleasant waters pass through the heart of their bustling downtown. In addition to strolling along these lovely natural landscapes, New Hope’s main street is also a popular walkable attraction for visitors and locals, offering unique shopping opportunities. Boutiques like Heart of the Home, for example, have been in the town since 1994 and offer an eclectic shopping experience with hand-crafted treasures ranging from elegant pottery to delicate jewelry.
Once you have explored the town’s colorful boutiques and shops, you can choose from one of the community’s prized riverside dining experiences, such as the Landing, where you can enjoy an airy terrace and New American dining with beautiful water views. If you hope to stay the night in New Hope, you can take advantage of their adorable bed and breakfasts or inns, each with quirks and perks.
Bellefonte
Known primarily for preserving its Victorian architecture, Bellefonte is an incredible destination for history lovers or anyone hoping to step back in time. Established back in 1795, Bellefonte takes its name after the natural spring located in the heart of the town. Today, Bellefont’s community has impressively maintained a plethora of the town’s original Victorian structures, nearly 60 of which you can view through the Historic Bellefonte Victorian Homes Tour. The tour looks at the town’s most intricate and pristine Victorian residences, three of which you can even tour inside since they now serve as quaint bed and breakfasts.
These accommodations are incredibly popular (and for good reason), but the town also offers a range of other lodging options for any type of traveler, including motels, hotels, and inns. To get the most out of this historical trip, you can also explore one of their various antique shops or museums, including the Bellefonte Art Museum, a historical structure built in 1810 with a vibrant and fascinating history.
Milford
Nestled in the foothills of the Poconos Mountains (with the majestic Delaware River nearby), Milford is a serene historic town with natural beauty and a rich heritage, making it a highly sought-after Pennsylvania destination for those looking to explore the state’s best small towns. For anyone looking to reconnect with nature, Milford is home to impressive natural landscapes such as Raymondskill Falls, a stunning three-tiered waterfall whose impressive height earns it the status of being the tallest waterfall in the state.
In addition to the other tremendous outdoor recreation opportunities provided by the mountains and river (including hiking, kayaking, fishing, and more), one of Milford's most iconic attractions is Grey Towers, a National Historic Landmark. The historic mansion, once home to Gifford Pinchot (the first Chief of the United States Forest Service), is favored for its fascinating tours of the home and grounds. Whether you want to experience breathtaking natural or historical landmarks, Milford is a treasure worth exploring.
Gettysburg
Home to some of the most prominent and significant historical events in the United States, Gettysburg exemplifies the idea that sometimes the smallest towns can draw the largest crowds. It is here that the Battle of Gettysburg took place (one of the country’s largest Civil War battles), and where President Lincoln gave his iconic Gettysburg Address in 1863.
Today, visitors come from near and far to tour the town’s famous battlegrounds in Gettysburg National Military Park, a commemorative and educational experience stretched over 40 miles of road, with over 1,000 monuments to explore. In addition to this rich memorialization of history, the town is also beloved for its hospitality; averaging 1 million visitors yearly, the community welcomes its visitors to stay and explore, with cozy lodging options like Brickhouse Inn Bed and Breakfast.
Doylestown
Found in Central Bucks County, Doylestown is a friendly, walkable town famous for its iconic and breathtaking castles. Bucks County has a grand total of five castles within its borders, and Doylestown impressively homes three of these magnificent structures, making it an excellent home base for anyone hoping to explore the historical and architectural wonders. Built by famed philanthropist and archaeologist Henry Chapman Mercer, Fonthill Castle, Mercer Museum, and The Tileworks are the town’s pride and joy, each castle built with a unique purpose. Historically, Fonthill Castle was built to be Mercer’s home, Mercer Museum was constructed to display Mercer’s historical artifacts, and The Tileworks homed his passion for pottery and tile making; today, each can be toured as a museum. To make this storybook visit complete, visitors can also explore the town’s unique specialty boutiques and the picturesque Peace Valley Lavender Farm.
When it comes to exploring Pennsylvania’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes, these spirited small towns are a fantastic example of what the state has to offer when you take the road less traveled. Whether you are looking to relish in the sights of ancient landscapes, or stroll scenic streets lined with beautifully maintained Victorian structures, Pennsylvania’s smaller communities offer a slice of history from an array of eras. From its mountains to its rivers, and its hotels to its inns, Pennsylvania's small towns have something for every traveler to enjoy.
