These Towns in The Poconos Come Alive in Spring
Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains region, known colloquially as “The Poconos,” has been a popular vacation getaway for over a century. Once a favorite destination for newly-wed city dwellers, most of the kitschy honeymoon motels have been replaced by large resorts, several of which include immense indoor water parks. However, the Poconos’ main attraction remains its grand natural landscape of forested slopes, challenging trails, stunning overlooks, and 150 shimmering lakes. The landscape blooms back to life in spring, making it a great season to explore these seven Poconos towns.
Jim Thorpe
The town of Mauch Chunk renamed itself in 1954 as part of a deal to become the burial place of Jim Thorpe, one of America’s greatest athletes of all time. No matter its name, the town has long been recognized as having the best collection of diverse architectural styles in the Poconos, with highlights such as the Asa Packer Mansion Museum. Jim Thorpe hosts an excellent independent film festival each spring (April 18-21, 2024), which is also a great time of year to take a 16-mile sightseeing ride along the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.
Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg, with a population of only about 6,000 residents, is the biggest town in the Poconos. It also has the busiest and most defined downtown area, anchored by local retailers like Dunkelberger’s Sports Outfitter. A warm spring day is ideal for a walking tour of town, checking out highlights like the 1795 Stroud Mansion and 1890 Monroe County Courthouse, or a visit to the nearby Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Stroudsburg also hosts a great family-friendly event in late spring, the Quiet Valley Farm Animal Frolic (May 18-19 & 25-26, 2024).
Bushkill
Unlike some of the former industrial towns that dot the Poconos, Bushkill has always been best known as a nature getaway. Situated within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Bushkill is home to Bushkill Falls, a collection of eight waterfalls called the “Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania.” Bushkill is also home to Poconos Park, which includes a 10,000-seat amphitheater with a full schedule of springtime events. One of the quirkier (and most delicious) spring events at Poconos Park is the annual Taco Fest (May 4, 2024). That means you can fuel up on tacos before taking one of the trails to the falls!
Delaware Water Gap
The Delaware Water Gap is a tall, narrow mountain pass carved out over thousands of years by the Delaware River. The town of Delaware Water Gap provides excellent views from the valley floor, while the Appalachian Trail leads up to Mt. Minsi for a view from the top. While the numerous trails in the area are open through the winter, the spring thaw opens up highlights like the McDade Recreational Trail and mountain biking. Springtime is also great for migrant bird watching in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and whitewater rafting along the Delaware River.
Honesdale
Honesdale was the Poconos’ industrial heartland nearly two centuries ago, shipping the region’s coal via canal to New York City. The town also became the “Birthplace of American Railroading” in 1829, when the Stourbridge Lion roared to life as the nation’s first commercial steam locomotive. Visitors can check out a replica of this historic train at the Wayne County Historical Society Museum. Spring is a perfect time to enjoy a re-creation of the Lion’s journey along the 25-mile-long Stourbridge Line Scenic Railway, which offers great views of the Lackawaxen River.
Tannersville
Tannersville was founded nearly 275 years ago, making it one of the oldest communities in the Poconos. While some parts of the old village still have an old-time look and feel, modernity has made a huge imprint on the area. Tannersville is home to the Pocono Premium Outlets, with more than 100 outlet shops that come to life as the winter chill subsides and spring blooms. One of the Poconos’ modern mega-resorts, Camelback Resort, also calls the community home. From zip lines to laser tag to one of Pennsylvania’s biggest indoor water parks, Camelback offers an impressive collection of springtime activities and adventures.
Tobyhanna
Tobyhanna, like Tannserville, has been utterly transformed by the arrival of one of the Poconos’ mega-resorts. Once known for ice harvesting on the nearby lakes, Tobyhanna is now known as the home of Kalahari Resort, with its distinctive African plant and animal theme. This theme may seem a little odd when planted in the middle of the Poconos, but there is no denying that Kalahari offers a huge array of amenities and activities, including—of course—a 220,000-square-foot indoor water park. For springtime visitors who appreciate fine food and drink, Kalahari’s annual Food and Wine Festival (May 19, 2024) is a must-visit event.
The Poconos region of Wayne, Monroe, Pike, and Carbon counties offers some of the best opportunities for outdoor exploration in Pennsylvania. As warmth and color return to the landscape after a long winter, the small towns in the Poconos likewise bloom with activities to draw visitors. Whether you prefer to bike up a mountain trail, glide down an indoor waterslide, or relax on a scenic railway, the Poconos is full of fun springtime adventures!
