7 Most Scenic Small Towns in The Poconos

Whether you want to go tubing down the Delaware River, scale the necks of picturesque hills, or just wander through the woods, listening to the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves, the Poconos provide an unmatched outdoor experience. Just identify a small, charming town, book a rustic cabin by the lake, and lose yourself in a world of peace and nature’s pristine beauty. The following are the seven most scenic towns in the Poconos. Have your pick, and set it as a base for a fun-filled weekend.

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

Named for an outstanding Native American athlete whose shoes were stolen hours before his record-breaking Olympics performance, Jim Thorpe is among the most scenic towns in America — not just the Poconos. Acres of pristine Pocono nature encircle a small, story-book town mostly anchored by Broadway Street. Decades ago, this stretch was home to the fabled “Millionaire’s Row.” Today, it is straddled by swanky restaurants (Broadway Grille + Underground serves delectable grilled cheese), eclectic art galleries (the art prints and tapestries at Studio YNW are reasonably priced), and other top-notch shopping venues. Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall provides detailed stories about the athlete in whose honor the town is named — while the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, a must-do, offers narrated tours amid a scenery that is raw and delicious.

Honesdale, Pennsylvania

Kickstart your trip here at the appropriately named Camp Umpy's Bagels & Stuff. While this facility serves fantastic food, its bagels are particularly top-notch. Located at the confluence of the Lackawaxen and Dyberry rivers — about 24 miles from Scranton — Honesdale is often called the “Birthplace of the American Railroad.” The first locomotive in the United States to run on rails was initially tested in Honesdale. It was known as the “Stourbridge Lion.” Today, a replica of this engineering marvel stands on Main Street and is one of the town’s defining attractions. Besides, a history enthusiast will want to spend some time at the Wayne County Historical Museum, the best place in the area to learn local history. For a panoramic, top-down view of the town, a first-time visitor will want to hike Irving Cliff, which rises 300 feet above Honesdale and provides sweeping views of its downtown area. Before ending the trip, one will want to pick a unique souvenir at Maude and Main, a quaint and exquisite store on Main Street.

Hawley, Pennsylvania

Hawley, just 9 miles from Honesdale, also deserves a spot among the most scenic towns in the Poconos. It is right next to the third-largest artificial lake in Pennsylvania and, hence, scores big on rustic appeal and outdoor opportunities. Lake Wallenpaupack boasts more than 50 miles of shoreline and features scenic trails, wildlife, and clean campsites. Masters of the Skies, a complete 5-star attraction on TripAdvisor, offers a glimpse into the esoteric world of raptors, including falcons and hawks, and should be squeezed into any itinerary. If you want to catch a show in an outdoor amphitheater amid stunning Pocono scenery, the aptly named Harmony In The Woods will come in handy. But before all these, a hearty breakfast at Lake Wally Cafe will set you in the right mood.

Narrowsburg, New York

In matters of beauty, size does not matter. Narrowsburg is home to just about 380 residents. Its main drag spans a fraction of a mile. However, Main Street features a cluster of delicious cafes and eclectic boutiques, is incredibly picturesque and easily packs more than a punch. Each shop (and eatery) reflects the owner’s personality and style and provides intimate retail therapy. The Laundrette, for example, partly because of its setting along the river, is among the town’s most sought-after culinary venues. Alternatively, The Tusten Cup is just as homey and boasts a similar waterfront setting. Plus, the Delaware River shows its raw beauty here and imbues the town with a nice, rustic ambiance. That is not to mention stylish antique shops such as Maison Bergogne, whose unique finds will set your heart aglow. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Tusten Mountain Trail provides heart-ravishing views of the Upper Delaware Valley, especially from the summit.

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

It is a charming downtown area. Access to the Appalachian Trail, the Delaware Water Gap, and the largest snow tubing park in the nation. These — and more — earn Stroudsburg a spot among the most scenic towns in the Poconos. Nestled along Brodhead Creek amid a scenery of wooded hills, lush valleys, and glittering lakes, Stroudsburg often leaves first-time visitors completely blown away. Deer Head Inn, located within earshot, is the oldest continuously running jazz club in the United States. For some outflow of adrenaline and endorphins, Glen Park is a legendary mountain biking spot worth exploring. It features a maze of curated bike trails — a fun, woody spot to tumble through — as the picturesque Brodhead Creek sweeps past the enchanted eyes.

Milford

Mostly known for once being the abode of James Pinchot, who made a large fortune importing (and later making) Victorian wallpapers, Milford is another Pocono eye candy that should be on every Pocono adventurer’s bucket list. James Pinchot’s son, Gifford Pinchot, would later strike a friendship with President Theodore Roosevelt and join his informal “Tennis Cabinet.” Gifford Pinchot is today celebrated as the nation's first practicing forester. His primary home, Grey Towers, is among Milford’s most popular attractions. Waterwheel Café, Bakery & Bar is a nice spot to enjoy a kick-ass meal — amid the rhythmic sound of bubbling water. Enveloped by nature’s pristine beauty, this town is home to the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania — the three-tiered Raymondskill Falls. It has been called the “Niagara of Pennsylvania.”

East Stroudsburg

While Stroudsburg will tempt you — and can detain you — your visit to the Poconos should not be complete without checking out East Stroudsburg. This town exudes charm in all its forms and will capture your attention in minutes. Because it hosts the East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, it is often vibrant and pulsates with an energy that is hard to miss. Movie lovers will want to explore the Pocono Cinema & Cultural Center, a staple of the town for almost 140 years — and the first of its kind in Monroe County. While compact, the family-owned Pocono Snake & Animal Farm is a nice spot to watch sloths and feed animals. Besides, the Frazetta Art Museum houses the largest collection of the works of Frank Frazetta, one of the pioneers of modern fantasy illustration.

Your Next Poconos Adventure Awaits

If you want to escape New York City for a while or just any concrete jungle, the Poconos will serve as an excellent getaway. This vast oasis brims with numerous outdoor opportunities. In winter, for example, one will enjoy snowboarding at venues such as the top-rated Camelback Mountain Ski Resort · In summer, one can go floating the Delaware River, paddling Lake Wallenpaupack, or hiking the many scenic trails in the area. If looking for a picturesque town to set as your adventure base, Jim Thorpe, Milford, and Stroudsburg will all come in handy. Just have your pick, set a convenient date, and swing your backpack over your shoulders.