9 Adorable Small Towns in The Poconos to Visit in 2024
Modern life got you down? Sounds like a trip away from the hustle and bustle of your concrete jungle is in order! The Poconos, with its natural beauty and charming little towns, might be the haven you need to recharge yourself. It is also a quick drive if you are coming from New York and Philadelphia!
In-the-know travelers visit Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains region year-round for its spectacular mountain views, serene lakeside retreats, well-preserved historical sites, and quaint but vibrant neighborhoods. Want to be in the know of these Poconos gems, too? Read on to unwind with nature and take life slowly with the most adorable small towns in the Poconos!
Delaware Water Gap
Among the small towns in the Poconos region, this borough is one of the most visited for its breathtaking mountain and river views, waterfalls, and a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Visit the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a 70,000-acre park full of nature’s finest. It’s one of the best go-tos for camping, hiking trails, and river activities in Pennsylvania.
The town gladly caters to outdoor enthusiasts, as seen by the oldest hiker hostel in the area, the Church of the Mountain Hostel. For a hiking and jazz combo, try the Deer Head Inn instead. Need a break from hiking? The Antoine Dutot Museum tells the history of the Delaware Water Gap, while the Village Farmer and Bakery has sweet and savory pies to recharge lost calories—you can even watch them bake!
Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg’s charm lies in its thriving art scene, bustling downtown, and modern yet vintage vibe. Historic and hip, it is a delight to stroll in its walkable downtown just to see its murals, museums, and boutiques in 19th-century architecture.
Start your Stroudsburg visit by enriching your artistic side with a mural tour (there is a handy map you can follow) and a stop at the Poconos Arts Council gallery. Then, learn what it is like to live in a 19th-century Pennsylvania German farmstead through Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm. Lastly, grab a bite at Farmhouse Eatery on Main Street and enjoy live music at the Sherman Theater. You can also visit their Monroe Farmers Market on select Saturdays.
East Stroudsburg
History and science buffs will get a kick out of East Stroudsburg for its museum, planetarium, old railway station, and preserved armory. The crown jewel of the borough is the Schisler Museum and McMunn Planetarium, the only one of its kind in the Poconos area. Over 130 wildlife specimens and even a Delaware River aquarium are on display, while the planetarium has constant star shows open to the public.
Formerly known as Dansbury and just a short drive east of Stroudsburg, the town was renamed East Stroudsburg to reflect its location. The depot of the town’s old railroad station still retains the former name and is now a hub for local happenings, like their Music on Mondays events.
Jim Thorpe
A mine-hub-turned-Victorian-wonderland, Jim Thorpe boasts itself as the Poconos’s very own quaint European village due to its preserved architecture. Not only is the town a feast for the eyes, but it is also rich in historic allure. The Asa Packer Mansion gives you a peek at the opulent lifestyle of the town’s old coal magnate, while the Jim Thorpe Trolley Company gives historic, scenic (with wine!), and haunted tours around town.
Nature is still a big part of the town’s tourist spots, and outdoorsy folks can do a quick swim at the Mauch Chunk Lake Park or go camping at the Jim Thorpe Camp Resort. During fall, the town comes alive for its Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival, where live music, local eats, handcrafted merch, and train rides through the town’s ever-changing leaves are aplenty!
Honesdale
For people who are passionate about trains and everything locomotive, you cannot pass visiting Honesdale, the “Birthplace of the American Railroad Industry”. It was the first town in the United States to have a steam locomotive in 1829, which you can learn more about at Honesdale’s Wayne County Historical Society museum. It even has a full-size replica of the first US locomotive, the Stourbridge Lion!
Meandering through downtown is also a lovely experience, as Honesdale is full of Victorian architecture. Maude Alley is a gathering of eclectic and charming shops with a secret garden at the back, while Dyberry Forks is a “farm to fork” restaurant inspired by Honesdale’s history.
Milford
Milford prides itself on its scenic landscape, celebration of the arts, and history preservation. For starters, those who love hiking will enjoy the Milford Knob Trail, and completing it will reward you with a lovely view of the town and the Delaware River. For a view of the tallest waterfalls in Pennsylvania, the Raymondskill Creek Trail- rated as an easy to moderate hike, is highly recommended and will take you to the cascading waters of the three-tiered Raymondskill Falls.
Milford is also pretty big on the arts, as it houses the oldest and biggest arts education in northeastern Pennsylvania, the Pike County Arts and Crafts, which has art shows every July. For history buffs, the Grey Towers (a.k.a. the Gifford Pinchot House) is a must-visit, as this French chateau is a symbol of Milford’s dedication to historical conservation.
Dingmans Ferry
The small Poconos mountain town of Dingmans Ferry is a hiker’s paradise, as great trails and beautiful natural scenery surround it, particularly the trail going to Dingmans Falls. While that one is an easy hike, given the boardwalk and no elevation, there are tougher trails for hikers looking for a challenge, like Hornbeck Creek Trail.
It is no surprise that the town houses the Pocono Environmental Education Center. This non-profit organization works with the National Park Service to help educate and accommodate anyone who wants to go trekking in and around Dingmans Ferry. The organization has year-round programs for trekking and camping, so be sure to visit anytime.
Tannersville
Like other small towns in the Poconos area, Tannersville is also blessed with breathtaking landscapes and excellent scenery, as seen in the summits and slopes of Big Pocono State Park. But what separates it from other Pocono towns is its year-round activities and establishments that can be enjoyed during warm and cold months.
Camelback Mountain Adventures has zip lines, treetop rope courses, and a mountain coaster ride best enjoyed during spring and summer, while skiing and snow tubing are reserved for the winter months. The town also has an indoor water park, Aquatopia, that can be enjoyed any season. Adrenaline-pumping water slides and zip lines or lounging in a cabana? Take your pick at Tannersville!
Hawley
Nestled at the northernmost point of the Poconos area, Hawley is a small Pennsylvania town with a big heart for the outdoors. Its crown jewel is Lake Wallenpaupack, a 13-mile-long lake that has become the perfect hub for boaters and kayakers. The town also made its historic tour into a hike with the Hawley Trail, which details the town’s evolution from being a glassmaker and silk weaver to a booming tourist location in the Poconos.
You can still visit the old Hawley Silk Mill, which is now a lifestyle and shopping center. For accommodations, Hotel Belvidere has been functioning since 1902 and is now a beloved Hawley institution. But for a more modern (yet still rustic) family lodging, do not miss out on the best family resort in the area—Woodloch Resort!
Final Thoughts
Studies have shown that even a few minutes of walking outside in a natural environment can considerably boost your physical and mental health. If urban life has got you down and the usual stressors have become too much, consider a trip somewhere with lots of greenery, like these small towns in the Poconos.
Its convenient location in Pennsylvania makes it easy for many travelers in the US, especially those from New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, to make a weekend trip to it. These Pocono towns wonderfully converge nature and history in their tourist spots, so you will walk away physically and mentally enriched by the experience.
