8 Small Towns In The Poconos to Visit For A Weekend Getaway

The Pocono Mountains is a mountainous region nestled in Northeastern Pennsylvania that overlooks the Delaware River and Lake Wallenpaupack. As such, the region offers an abundance of natural landscapes and relaxing sights that visitors can indulge in. Tourists can indulge in a myriad of water activities, jump into snowsport, or head into wild forestry to explore a diverse range of activities. From lakeside towns to mountainous resorts, this region has it all. Thus, those looking for a peaceful or adventurous getaway should head to one of the small towns located in the Poconos to experience a serene and memorable trip. 

Hawley

Hawley is a lakeside town located on the Northern Shore of Lake Wallenpaupack that offers a rustic yet luxurious vacation experience. Tourists can head to the shores of this artificial lake to indulge in a Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tour or rent one of the Rubber Duckie Boats to explore the lake on their own. Other water activities that are popular among visitors include jet-skiing, fishing, and wakeboarding. Take a walking tour or rent a free bike to explore the pristine downtown area, and make sure to stop by the Hawley Silk Mill, a lifestyle center representing the Lake Regions. Another interesting way to discover the town is by hopping onto The Stourbridge Line, which is a train that takes passengers through the Pocono Mountains along a vintage railroad with lakeside and mountain views throughout the journey.  

Honesdale

Honesdale, also known as the "Birthplace of the American Railroad," is a small town located in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. The town gets its nickname because it ran the first steam locomotive on commercial tracks in the country, and it preserves this history in the Wayne County Historical Society & Museum. For a more outdoor experience, head to the beautifully landscaped Central Park or hike up Irving Cliff to catch some stunning views of the town and the Moosic Mountain Range. If you catch yourself in this town during early August, make sure to attend the town's famous Wayne County Fair to indulge in some wholesome family fun. The town also has antique and boutique shops, such as Gather, Maude & Main, and Wallflowerfrom, where tourists can grab memorable souvenirs. 

Dingmans Ferry

Dingmans Ferry is an unincorporated township located on the Delaware River. Since the town is situated in the Delaware Water Gap, tourists can also enjoy the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This includes access to a myriad of waterfalls. Begin at the eponymous Dingmans Fall, and then head to the tallest falls in Pennsylvania, the Raymondskill Falls. These waterfalls also come with a host of hiking trails, such as the Hornbecks trail, that outdoor enthusiasts can trek through for a birds-eye view of the waterfalls. History buffs should head to the Old Dingmans Mill to see the remains of a factory mill or take to the Historic Dingmans Bridge, one of the few privately owned toll bridges remaining in the country. 

Milford

Milford is a small town located on a steep slope atop the upper Delaware River, making it an ideal location to explore some natural wonders. To get a panoramic view of this storybook town, trek up the steep Milford Knob Trail that cuts through mixed hardwood forest but is compensated with a breathtaking sigh at the top. For a more historic experience, take a guided tour of the Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, an old estate built on almost 100 acres. The Columns Museum is also a good site to explore the history of this quaint town. The town also hosts several annual events, such as the Milford Readers & Writers Festival, the Black Bear Film Festival, and the Milford Music Festival, which tourists visiting in the summer can catch. 

Bushkill

Bushkill is known as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania", owing to the famous Bushkill Falls it houses and the outdoor adventure it boasts. The Bushkill Falls are a set of eight waterfalls, which are hidden in the Pocono Mountains and can be explored through a myriad of hiking and walking trails. To view all Falls in one hike, take the two-mile-long Red Trail, which is a challenging trek that takes two hours to complete but comes with the advantage of close-up views of all the waterfalls. For a more exciting sightseeing experience, hop on the Pocono Zip Racer and zip through the city's treetops in an exhilarating activity, or go sledding at Blue Lighting, which is open all year round. 

Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe gets its name from the famous American athlete and Olympic Gold medalist and is located in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. To discover the history of this town, tourists can take a tour of the Old Jail Museum and The Stabin Museum for more insight into the town's artistic past. The Asa Packer and Harry Packer Mansions showcase 19th-century architecture and lifestyle for history enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing day at the nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park or take to the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Trail, which runs through the town, following the Lehigh River, making it accessible for tourists exploring the area.  

Tannersville

Tannersville is a charming village located in the Poconos Township that invites visitors to indulge in outdoor adventure and family fun. The town is home to the Camelback Mountain and its eponymous Resort, which is the biggest attraction for tourists. The resort has the largest outdoor waterpark in the State, as well as an indoor waterpark, a zipline, UTVs, and a Mountain rollercoaster, making this the perfect destination for an adventurous getaway. In the winter, the town becomes a haven for winter sports, with one of the largest snow tubing parks in the country on Camelback Mountain and numerous opportunities to ski and snowshoe. To enjoy a different activity, visitors can head to the town's Big Screen Escapes and test their group's problem-solving skills. 

Stroudsburg

Stroudsburg is located at the heart of the Pocono region and the only town in Pennsylvania bisected by Interstate 80, making it an accessible vacation destination. A walk through the town will showcase to visitors the quintessential 19th-century architecture that the town still maintains, and tourists can dive into that history at the Stroud Mansion Museum and Library. For those craving an experience in the wild nature, the town has lots of relaxing biking and hiking paths along the Levee Loop Trail, which winds around Brodhead Creek, a popular fishing spot. Make sure to explore the Monroe Farmers Market on a Saturday or attend the Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade if you find yourself in the town during those dates. 

The Poconos offer a diverse tapestry of experiences, ensuring a visit to this region fulfills every traveler's unique needs. From the lakeside luxury of Hawley and cascading waterfalls of Dingmans Ferry to the historical charm of Honesdale and the thrilling escapades of Tannersville, there is a town nestled in the Poconos that is bound to be the ideal destination for your next vacation. Tourists can enjoy many experiences, including pristine lakes, woody trails, and the region's rich history on the same trip as many of these towns are close to each other, making a trip to the Poconos a worthwhile and memorable getaway.