7 Of The Quietest Poconos Towns

Pennsylvania is a surprisingly diverse state, containing a variety of distinct regions between Pittsburgh, on its far western interior, and the coastal metropolis of Philadelphia to the east. One such area is the Poconos, and heavily forested and mountainous expanse covering the northeastern corner of the state. Sharing much in common with upstate New York, the Pocono Mountains are a popular retreat for those in search of a weekend escape by the lake, an outdoor adventure in one of its parks, or a relaxing stay in any of its numerous charming small towns.

Today, we will be covering some of this region's best communities that don't quite get the recognition they deserve. If you are in search of a quiet getaway this year in Pennsylvania, definitely read on to see what options you have in store.

Delaware Water Gap

The borough of Delaware Water Gap shares its name with one of America's most scenic parks. The community is quiet but has a number of amenities for you to use during your stay. For example, if you need a place to spend the night, the Deer Head Inn, which doubles as a bar and a historic accommodation. Known as the oldest continuously operating jazz club in the country, hosts intimate performances that align with the town’s relaxed character.

Sitting just beside the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, this town is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Miles of hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail, pass through the park's forests and along its riverbanks, with quieter paths like the Mt. Minsi Trail offering a gorgeous overlook, which is especially scenic in the fall season. The Delaware River provides a peaceful setting for canoeing and kayaking, too, with long stretches of undisturbed shoreline open for you to explore.

With no large resorts and few commercial strips, Delaware Water Gap remains one of the best places in the Poconos for truly disconnecting and enjoying a quieter, nature-focused outing.

Hawley

Hawley is a quiet community centered around Lake Wallenpaupack, one of the largest lakes in Pennsylvania. Residents and visitors alike enjoy boating, fishing, and camping every summer.

Outdoor recreation is a clear major draw in Hawley, with local spots like the Wallenpaupack Creek Trail providing an easy, scenic walk along the water. Just outside town, Shuman Point Natural Area is another worthwhile destination that offers a three-mile loop trail through forests and along the lake, ideal for those seeking a quieter hike. For more fun by the water, the Lackawaxen River, which runs through Hawley, is a prime spot for paddling and fly fishing, with sections of its calmly running water well-suited for beginners.

In town, you can discover landmarks like the Hawley Silk Mill, a restored 19th-century factory that now houses small shops, eateries, and an art gallery where regional artists showcase their works. The nearby Ritz Company Playhouse, another historic site, is a still-functioning venue dating back to the 1920s, which hosts various community performances in an intimate setting, making it a great place to visit if you're looking for something to do in the evening while in Hawley.

Milford

Milford rests in the northern Poconos and is known for its historic sites and as a gateway to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Grey Towers National Historic Site, the former home of renowned conservationist Gifford Pinchot, is a key attraction here, offering guided tours of its 19th-century mansion and its wonderfully landscaped gardens. Moreover, the Columns Museum, operated by the Pike County Historical Society, houses a collection of artifacts from various points of the region’s past, even including the blood-stained Lincoln Flag from the night of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination!

For those in the area looking more for solitude in the great outdoors, Raymondskill Falls, the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, is located just a few miles from town and is accessible via a short trail. Other options include Hackers Falls and Cliff Trail, another nearby hike that leads to several scenic overlooks of the fast-flowing Delaware River.

Nearby Milford Beach is one of the few locales in the Poconos where you can enjoy a real sandy stretch of beach along the river. This makes it ideal on a hot summer day. The beach also provides an entry point to the river for kayakers, canoeists, and fishermen.

Stroudsburg

Stroudsburg is larger than the previous towns, with a population of nearly 6,000 people. It has a historic downtown and access to tons of outdoor recreation.

Start your trip here on Main Street, which features various shops, restaurants, accommodations, and notable landmarks. For one, the Sherman Theater, a venue that dates back to 1928, continues to host regular performances for its visitors. The Monroe County Historical Association Museum is another cool spot to check out. Housed in the Stroud Mansion, which was built way back in 1795, this destination provides an up-close look at the area’s early colonial past

Just outside town, the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge offers miles of peaceful trails through dense forests and diverse wetlands, where visitors can go birdwatching and take some nice wildlife photography. The nearby Brodhead Creek is another local favorite that should be mentioned, with its fishing holes and boat launches along its quiet banks open to the public.

For those interested in seeing some waterfalls, Buttermilk Falls at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a short day trip away, just across the New Jersey border. It is far less visited than other waterfalls in the region.

Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe is an interestingly named town with an even more interesting array of things to see and do. Once called "Mauch Chunk," it was later named after the legendary Native American athlete Jim Thorpe, who is now buried here.

Its classic Victorian architecture, which lines many of its downtown streets, and scenic setting along the Lehigh River, create a peaceful atmosphere for visitors. The Asa Packer Mansion, a well-preserved 19th-century home, is a picturesque place to dive deeper into the community's unique past, while the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers slow-paced train rides through the surrounding forested landscape, mixing nature and history together for one of the area's most renowned attractions.

For more fun in the great outdoors, the nearby Switchback Railroad Trail is a lesser-traveled path ideal for hiking and biking. On the other hand, Mauch Chunk Lake Park, located just outside town, provides a relaxing setting in the woods for fishing and boating in the warmer months of the year.

Honesdale

Some know it as the birthplace of the American railroad; Honesdale honors this accolade, and other bits of its history, at the Wayne County Historical Society Museum, where you can see a full-scale replica of the Stourbridge Lion, the first steam locomotive to run in the U.S. Beside this important historic landmark, the downtown area offers a range of other fun and useful amenities, from locally owned shops, to ornate hotels like the Hotel Wayne, and art-focused spots such as the Cooperage Project, which hosts small concerts, markets, and community events throughout the year.

Be sure to also take a walk around nearby Sycamore Point Park. Just steps from the downtown core, this pleasant little greenspace is where Dyberry Creek converges with the Lackawaxen River. Further along, the Lackawaxen River, which, as mentioned, runs right through the heart of Honesdale, stretches of its quiet banks are ideal for launching a small boat, giving you another option to explore the region.

For those looking for a more active outdoor experience, Prompton State Park, just west of town, offers miles of hiking and mountain biking trails around Prompton Lake.

If you are only in town for the trains, the Stourbridge Line scenic train currently runs through the countryside. During the fall, a ride on this old-school train is particularly a treat, as it offers a relaxed way to take in the seasonal colors of this region from the comfort of one of its cars.

Mount Pocono

Mount Pocono sits right in the heart of the Poconos, giving its visitors a classic taste of what it's like to visit this wonderful region. This means that you will have access to numerous parks and pristine wildlands, as well as being near a small but charming downtown core, where all the amenities you need for a weekend trip can be found.

If you're in the area, make a point of stopping by Kurmes Preserve for some of the least crowded hiking trails in the Poconos. Another nearby option is Big Pocono State Park, which provides idyllic mountaintop views for those who want to embark on a slightly tougher hike. Scenic overlooks in this top-notch park often extend deep into Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey!

For water-based activities, you also don't need to stray far from Mount Pocono. Nearby Stillwater Lake is an ideal spot for boating and angling without the crowds of more popular lakes in the region.

Finally, there are a few highly sought-after resort options in and around town, including the alluring Mount Airy Casino Resort. This resort offers luxury accommodations, a full-service casino, and other fun amenities.

Find Solitude in These Pennsylvania Towns

Some parts of the Pocono Mountains can get quite busy, with the wonderful assortment of lakes, parks, and resorts to be found within them. These quieter towns, however, provide a different experience for visitors seeking history, nature, and relaxation without the crowds. Whether exploring the waterfalls near Milford, hiking Mount Minsi in Delaware Water Gap, or enjoying a scenic train ride from Honesdale, each town offers its own version of a peaceful retreat for you to appreciate. So, look no further and pick out one of these charming communities for your next adventure in Pennsylvania.