7 Most Laid-Back Small Towns in The Poconos

The Poconos are the perfect place to escape the city and enjoy small-town charm. Located in Northeastern Pennsylvania, you will enjoy mountain views, cascading waterfalls, and magnificent waterfront views. The setting creates the perfect atmosphere for a laid-back vacation. Some Pocono towns, such as Narrowsburg are even near the Delaware River—making a great gateway for a kayaking trip. Other towns like Stroudsburg have incomparable small-town charm, with a local farmers market and quaint shops. These are only a few of the laid-back towns in the Poconos. Here we will explore seven of these charming little towns in one of the world's most beautiful regions.

Narrowsburg

Narrowsburg is a quaint hamlet in New York. The town sits on the border of Pennsylvania and New York, offering an amazing place to enjoy scenic views of the Pocono mountains and Delaware River. The town sits on the narrowest part of the Delaware River and this geographical fact is where the town gets its name from. While the town itself is tiny, this makes it the perfect place to enjoy the laid-back vibes of the Poconos.

Enjoy the views of the Delaware River on one of Lander's River trips. Unwind and float on a tube down the river. If you prefer to paddle, there are lots of opportunities to kayak on the river. The remote, rural atmosphere of Narrowsburg makes it a haven for wildlife. It is quite common to see blue heron, fawn, or bald eagles.

The action in town happens on the Main Street. Take a stroll down the main strip to do some antiquing and enjoy the cute cafes and restaurants. Tusten Cup and 2 Queens Coffee are the two cafes in town that will take care of all your coffee and pastry needs. Don't forget to visit the Launderette, a laundromat turned pizza place with amazing views of the Delaware River.

Hawley

Hawley, located just steps from Lake Wallenpaupack—fondly called "the big lake"—captures hearts with its sandy beaches and inviting green trails that make it a perfect getaway. The main street is also full of colorful storefronts, with charming antique stores and coffee shops. You can ask at the town's Inn for a list of antique stores to visit. Just a short walk from the Inn is The Cocoon Coffeehouse & Bakery—A cozy and inviting cafe with foods like quiches, salads, hearty soups, and panini sandwiches made with local farm ingredients.

Boating, swimming, and hiking are all popular activities in town. The Delaware River Highlands is a hike with great views of an amazing network of waterfalls on the escarpment. There is also the Hawley Trail that connects the Delaware and Hudson Canal Park at Lock 31. The trail is a great way to learn about the history of the area and has numerous interpretive signs explaining Hawley's past. There are even more trails to explore at the nearby Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Bushkill

Bushkill is often referred to as "the Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania," and once you witness its breathtaking waterfalls, you’ll see exactly why! At the Bushkill Falls area you can see eight waterfalls, and explore the woods covering 300 acres. Similar to Hawley, Bushkill is located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This means there is lots of hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities in town. The town is located on the winding Delaware River so there is always lots of nature to see. Hikers and bikers will enjoy the town's McDade Recreational Trial. Those interested in learning more about the area's nature should check out the Poconos Environmental Education Center. Unwind after a long day of exploring with a show at the town's local venue, Poconos Park.

Stroudsburg

Stroudsburg is a relaxed mountain town where everything you need is just a walk away. You can grab some freshly picked flowers at the local Farmer's Market and walk downtown to enjoy the 18th-century architecture. There are many unique shops and galleries downtown. The Artspace Gallery is a fine arts gallery of local Poconos artists. The gallery promotes the fine arts in Stroudsburg. Main Street Makery is an art studio that offers art classes. If the mountain air is inspiring you to be creative, this is the place to go!

To see some of the historic buildings in town visit the Monroe County Courthouse. Built in 1890, the courthouse is a stunning Richardsonian Romanesque-style building. For more history, check out Quiet Valley Living Historical Farms. The farm shows a 19th-century Pennsylvania German farmstead with family members dressed in period costumes.

Honesdale

Honesdale is a charming historic town in the Poconos. The town's claim to fame is as the birthplace of the American Railroad. In 1829, the town welcomed the first locomotive to ever run on United States soil. The train is still in use today. The Strouboroug Line stops in downtown Honesdale and is a great way to explore the Poconos. The Main Street of Honesdale has many cute shops, breweries, and restaurants to enjoy. There are many historic buildings to reveal the town's past, including the Bethel School, and Wayne County Courthouse. Stop at the Wayne County Historical Society and Museum to see exhibits about Honesdale's past.

What really draws people to the town though is the scenic views. Scenic overlooks, like Irving Cliffs make Honsdale an unforgettable town. Throughout the year, Honesdale also hosts many festivals that add to the small-town charm. Every summer, the town hosts the Roots and Rhythm Fest. In August, the town hosts a county fair.

Milford

Milford is a laid-back town with a beautiful combination of outdoor activities, history, and culture. The town is rich in history and is the birthplace of the American Conservation Movement. The historic buildings and beautiful green spaces around town are evidence of this. As part of the Delaware Water Gap region, there are lots of amazing hikes to enjoy in Milford. Dingmans Falls is a great one to see amazing waterfalls. Raymondskill Falls is another beautiful waterfall to explore.

Learn about the town's history at the Column Museum, which has the Lincolin Flag and exhibits about the Indigenous people who first lived in Milford. Milford's ties to the conservation movement can be seen at the Grey Towers. The historical building dates back to 1886 and was the home of Gifford Pinchot. He became the first chief of the US Forest Service and sent a message to the world about the importance of conservation.

Skytop

Scenic mountain views are what attracts many people to the Poconos. If this is what you're looking for, Skytop is the place to be. At the Skytop Lodge's balcony, you can enjoy panoramic views of the town. In town, you can enjoy the remote, tranquil atmosphere with secluded lakes and beautiful forests. The nearby Promised Land State Park is a great spot to go hiking or biking to enjoy the peaceful woods. In the summer, Skytop hosts the Pocono Mountains Music Festival. Founded in 2009, the festival brings amazing performers to Skytop. In the winter, skiing and snow tubing are popular activities at the Adventure Center at Skytop Lodge.

There is something for everyone in the Poconos. If you want to relax and enjoy a scenic ride down the Delaware River, Narrowsburg is the town for you. History buffs looking to learn more about America's conservation movement should stop in Milford. Hikers and nature enthusiasts will be awed by Bushkill's stunning hikes and waterfalls. Overall, whatever town you visit, views of mountains, gorgeous nature, and small-town charm are sure to take your worries away.