9 Most Quaint Small Towns in the Poconos
The Pocono name comes from a Munsee word that means "a creek between two hills." For traveling purposes, the Poconos are divided into six regions: the mountain region, the lake region, the Delaware River and Upper Delaware River regions, the Wyoming Valley, and the Outlying Areas. Most of the quaint Poconos small towns are off-the-beaten-path in the serene and peaceful mountain region. Avoid tourist hotspots in northeastern Pennsylvania in these nine mountain towns.
Honesdale
Hop on the Stourbridge historic rail line in downtown Honesdale and watch the Pocono beauty sail past. The Pumpkin Patch Express exhibit runs on weekends in October. Honesdale has just under 4,500 residents who have put together the most impressive collection of fresh markets and live entertainment with The Cooperage Project. For outdoor enthusiasts, pets are welcome on the 1-mile Irving Cliff trail. The trail has wonderful views of the Lackawaxen River and downtown Honesdale. Unwind with a wellness retreat to the Himalayan Institute. Check the retreat’s website for special seasonal packages.
Delaware Water Gap
Delaware Water Gap has a population of 682 who love their local National Recreation Area so much that they moved in. The 70,000-acre park has been inhabited by humans for over 10,000 years. Some trails are accessible by wheelchair—a feature sorely missing in parklands worldwide. For canoe trips down the Delaware River, Recreation Area staff provide a shuttle to launching points. For the best view possible, plan an excursion up the 1.2-mile Mount Tammany trail. Cyclists enjoy extra-wide trails in the Recreation Area, wide enough to maintain a conversation in a cycling group, stealing glimpses of the surrounding nature.
White Haven
Comedy fans will recognize the name as the hometown of the fictional character Liz Lemon, portrayed by Tina Fey in NBC’s “30 Rock.” With a population of 1,100, the town is a national haven for fans of white-water rafting. White Haven is a hop, skip, and jump to Lehigh Gorge State Park. The over 6,000-acre park tracks the Lehigh River down to Jim Thorpe, another lovely must-stop in the state. For rafting beginners, the White Haven to Rockport trip is just under 9 miles. The US Army Corps of Engineers at the Francis E. Walter Dam regulates the river’s flow.
Jim Thorpe
Whether driving or rafting into Jim Thorpe, memories will be made there. The town maintains a modest population of 4,500 despite its popularity as a Pocono day trip stop. Jim Thorpe was named after the Native American Olympian who chose the town as his final resting place. Autumn is a popular time to visit, as the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival is celebrated every weekend in October. Leaf-watching goes hand-in-hand with architecture scouting in Jim Thorpe. Another popular attraction is the Asa Parker Mansion Museum, which is open every day except Tuesday—tours of the building illuminate dark rooms in the visitor's mind.
Stroudsburg
Make Stroudsburg the first stop if embarking on a stargazing tour of the Poconos. The town, with a population of just under 6,000, is home to the McMunn Planetarium (within the Schisler Museum). Bone up on star knowledge to appreciate the magnitude of the night sky one cannot find under the city lights. The Olde Engine Works Marketplace and Monroe Farmers Market will restore faith in shopping, offering unique finds and farm-to-table freshness. The Sherman Theater, with its classic, big-bulb light-up sign, is the most exciting live music and performance space in the Poconos.
Tobyhanna
Speed demons zoom to Tobyhanna Township for the local Pocono Raceway racetrack. North of the township, in Monroe County, sits the small community of Tobyhanna. Only a few minutes away is Tobyhanna Lake, in Tobyhanna State Park, which was once the site of a flourishing global ice industry, back before fridges and freezers were a thing. Today, the lake (and the 5,440-acre park) is an ideal spot for bird watching. The community is also near Gorilla Grove Treetop Adventures, a family-friendly, arborous experience that is hard to find elsewhere. The Kalahari Indoor Waterpark is another attraction that will etch smiles on kids’ faces that will last the trip.
Tannersville
Tannersville is more than just the best stop for shopping in Pennsylvania. In addition to being home to the Pocono Premium Outlets mall, Big Pocono State Park rests just west of town. The population of the area is just under 3,000 and is a great home base for a day pass to Great Wolf Lodge. Great Wolf has an indoor waterpark, ropes course, and an interactive experience known as MagiQuest that no family member will forget. Mutts will make friends for life at the TLC Dog Park.
Lake Harmony
The 718-population town of Lake Harmony is a hit with both residents and visitors. The Kidder Hike and Bike trail leads to the town’s shopping area. Volunteers are working to connect it to nearby towns and achieve a "Lakes Loop Trail." Natural history nerds must run to Hickory Run State Park and gaze upon the National Natural Landmark-recognized boulder field that has remained untainted by humans for more than 20,000 years. The landmark covers an area of 400 by 1,800 feet. For a pampered stay, Split Rock Resort is open all year round.
Tamaqua
The Schuylkill County town of Tamaqua has a population of just below 7,000. This town sits in the "outlying areas" of the Poconos. Make no mistake: Tamaqua is just as Pocono as other destinations. The Hometown Farmer’s Market has been a regional favorite since 1982. The Climb-a-Lot Clubhouse is an essential stop for Pocono family vacations. Take care when leaving nearby Tuscarora State Park: the invasive spotted lanternfly has been spotted in the area.
The Poconos have been enjoyed by humans for thousands of years. The Lenni Lenape settled in the area over 10,000 years ago. While venturing through these towns, consider saving the spending cash for Native American products and services. Please leave no trace at campsites and report any sightings of invasive species, such as the Asian long-horned beetle, to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Voicemail reports can be made to 1-833-INVASIV.
