The Most Picturesque Small Towns In The Poconos
Bounded by the Delaware River and Delaware Water Gap to the east, the Lehigh Valley to the south, Lake Wallenpaupack to the north, and the Coal Region and Wyoming Valley to the west, the Pocono Mountains are a geographical region spread across four counties (Wayne, Pike, Carbon, and Monroe) in the northeastern portion of the landlocked US State of Pennsylvania. The gorgeous natural landscape has attracted residents and tourists alike for centuries to this well-liked vacation retreat and outdoor recreation haven. Moreover, the perennial popularity of the umpteen small towns in the Poconos region is largely due to their closeness to the principal Northeastern urban centers of Philadelphia and New York City, providing a ‘perfect escape’ to the city dwellers from the chaotic environment. Boasting mesmerizing fall foliage, world-class attractions, first-rate accommodations, and plenty of outdoor adventures, these picturesque Poconos towns are worth adding to your East Coast travel plans.
Milford
Forming a part of the Tri-State area, Milford is situated by the side of the Upper Delaware River in Pennsylvania’s Pike County, approx. 70 miles from NYC. This adorable town - a true embodiment of small-town Americana, excellently showcases its rich heritage through its meticulously preserved landmark properties, the most prominent among which is the Grey Towers National Historic Site - the ancestral summer residence of the American forester Gifford Pinchot. Furthermore, Milford is also acclaimed for the Jervis Gordon Grist Mill Historic District, Hotel Fauchere and Annex, the Pike County Courthouse, Metz Ice Plant, Pike County Historical Society Museum (The Columns Museum), the three-tiered Raymondskill Falls - the state’s tallest waterfall, and dozens of hiking trails that proffer different angles from where one can admire the flowing cascades. Relish appetizing American & Vietnamese meals served by the Waterwheel Café, Bakery & Bar, and take part in any of the town’s yearly events like the Black Bear Film Festival at Milford Theater, Milford Music Festival, Milford Readers & Writers Festival, etc.
Delaware Water Gap
Renowned as the “Eastern Gateway to the Poconos,” this captivating borough in Monroe County sits close to its namesake ‘Delaware Water Gap,’ where the Delaware River cuts through the Appalachian Mountains on the boundary between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Holidayers worldwide flock to this teeny community to soak in its small-town appeal, rustic hiking trails, and stupefying views of the Delaware River. In the warmer months, hikers and cyclists gather in large numbers at the trailhead of the fabled Appalachian Trail. In addition, travelers visiting the town must paddle down a section of the Delaware River with Edge of the Wood Outfitters, admire the wild wonders of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area, drop by the Antoine Dutot Museum & Gallery, taste mouthwatering pies at The Village Farmer & Bakery, and enjoy live jazz music and exceptional dining and lodging facilities at the Deer Head Inn.
Hawley
Christened after Irad Hawley, the Pennsylvania Coal Company’s first president, this beautiful town is located close to the confluence of Middle Creek and Lackawaxen River on the northern extremity of Lake Wallenpaupack in Wayne County. Steeped in history, Hawley is noted for its various recreational facilities that make it the most favored leisure destination, especially during the summer season. Holidayers visiting the town should explore the local sites of interest such as the National Register-listed Hawley Silk Mill - the world’s largest Bluestone building which currently houses shops, a fitness center, an art gallery like the Looking Glass Art Gallery, professional offices, and event spaces; Cocoon Coffee House & Bakery; the Ritz Company Playhouse Theatre; Hotel Belvidere; Woodloch Pines Resort and Woodloch Springs Golf Course. Wander along Lake Wallenpaupack’s 52-miles-long shoreline, rent a boat to skim across the Lackawaxen River to discover the Bandstand at Bingham Park, rest for the night at The Settlers Inn - a luxurious Poconos Bed & Breakfast, and attend the annual events such as the Wally Lake Fest, Hawley Harvest Hoedown, and Hawley Winterfest.
Honesdale
Honesdale, the seat of Wayne County is situated at the junction of Dyberry Creek and Lackawaxen River, exactly 32 miles northeast of Scranton. Originally settled in 1826 after the construction of the Delaware & Hudson Canal, this 4,458-resident town, named in honor of Philip Hone, the former Mayor of Big Apple and the first president of the D & H Canal Company, is considered the “Birthplace of American Railroad.” Honesdale invites vacationers from all over the globe to ogle in astonishment at the large number of Victorian-Era structures filling Main Street including the Wayne County Courthouse, a memorial Central Park, many historically important buildings, and lots of tall church steeples. Railroad buffs must see a full-sized replica of the well-known ‘Stourbridge Lion’ at the Wayne County Historical Society Museum. Hike up the 300-feet-high Irving Cliff for an outstanding view of the surrounding region, survey the different summer camps in and around Honesdale, and find time to participate in the town’s yearly festivals like Wayne County Fair, the Honesdale Roots and Rhythm Music & Arts Festival, and the Independence Day festivities where fireworks are fired from the Irving Cliff.
Jim Thorpe
Carbon County’s administrative center, Jim Thorpe is located in Northeastern Pennsylvania in a scenic valley of the Pocono Mountains along the Lehigh River, roughly 29 miles northwest of Allentown and 117 miles west of New York City. Created by the merging of the East and West Mauch Chunk in 1954, this tiny town labeled in honor of the eminent Native American Olympic athlete Jim Thorpe is often dubbed “The Switzerland of America.” Jim Thorpe’s carefully maintained Victorian architecture, old-time brick buildings, churches, and the passenger train that makes its way through the adjoining hills, all add to the fairytale-like allure of this alpine hamlet. Sightseers can walk down the historic streets and stop by the Asa Packer Mansion Museum, Old Jail Museum, Episcopal Parish of St. Mark and St. John, Jim Thorpe’s Mausoleum & Memorial, the Mauch Chunk Opera House, and Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center. Hop aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to witness mind-blowing views of fall foliage, enjoy an open-air trolley tour with Jim Thorpe Trolley Company, get a superb whitewater rafting experience offered by Pocono Whitewater Adventures, hike the D & L Trail, and partake in myriad autumn activities every weekend in October at Jim Thorpe’s Fall Foliage Festival.
Stroudsburg
The seat of government of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Monroe County, Stroudsburg, is a pretty town located at the meeting point of Brodhead Creek, Pocono Creeks, and McMichaels, approx. 5 miles from the Delaware Water Gap. Initially platted in 1799 by the Revolutionary War Colonel Jacob Stroud, the settlement developed as a summer resort thanks to its location amidst the verdant hills, lakes, and valleys of the Poconos region. When visiting the town, tourists must take note of the multiple historic structures including the Stroud Mansion, Monroe County Courthouse, and the Kitson Woolen Mill (Holland Thread Company Building). Stroudsburg’s walkable downtown - the area’s sole traditional downtown and the commercial center of the abutting region, has several old buildings, art galleries, eateries, antique stores, specialty shops, women’s clothing stores, hotels, and the Sherman Theater & Regional Performing Arts Center lining the broad tree-lined Main Street. Also, try to be present at the StroudFest - a free, family-friendly annual festival celebrated with live music and craft, retail, and food vendors in Downtown Stroudsburg.
Tannersville
Occupying the core of the Pocono Mountains, this teeny community in Monroe County’s Pocono Township offers something for every vacationer no matter what season of the year they are visiting. Distinguished for its mind-boggling mountain vistas, resorts, and finest eating establishments, Tannersville is ideal for long holidays as well as short weekend trips. adrenaline junkies can partake in skiing, riding, and snow tubing activities during the cold season, while in the warmer months, aerial rope adventure courses and high-flying ziplines must not be missed. Additionally, make sure to be at the Big Pocono State Park and gawk in amazement at the wide-ranging views across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York; visit the Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, and Big Screen Escapes - The Poconos’ Premier Escape Room Experiences, shop for branded goods at the Pocono Premium Outlets, and satiate your taste buds with delicious seafood at Smuggler’s Cove Restaurant.
From beholding the incredible fall colors aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to spending a day at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the captivating alpine towns scattered throughout the Poconos region lure vacationers with their unique charms. Having abundant adrenaline-inducing summer and winter recreations, impressive natural sceneries, gripping histories, and colorful annual festivities, these under-the-radar Poconos hamlets are ideal locales for an unforgettable holiday with dear ones.
