These Towns In The Poconos Come Alive In Winter
The Poconos, also known as the Poconos Mountains, come alive when cold weather arrives and the snow blankets the area. Situated in northeastern Pennsylvania, the region is transformed into enchanting wonderlands of frozen lakes, icy rivers, and snow-capped mountains. Visitors to the area enjoy participating in snowmen scavenger hunts in Hawley and Stroudsburg and strolling along historic streets in Jim Thorpe and Milford while the snow gently falls. Several small towns in the Poconos also offer incredible skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing adventures. Whether you are looking to explore historic architecture, hit the slopes, or view the frozen landscape, here are several towns in the Poconos that come alive in winter.
Jim Thorpe
The charming town of Jim Thorpe, named for the Olympic gold medalist buried in town, is a winter haven. The Lehigh River winds through the area's dense forests, transforming Lehigh Gorge State Park into a snow-covered paradise. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore 15 miles of snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing in the park. Another place to cross-country ski is the stunning Mauch Chunk Lake Park. The park provides 18 miles of trails surrounding the frozen Mauch Chunk Lake during the cold-weather season.
The historic downtown area also comes to life in the winter. The town boasts several mansions designed in the Victorian style from the 1800s, including the Asa Packer Mansion, which dates back to 1861. History buffs can also brave a chilling ghost tour and learn more about the town's past at the Old Jail Museum. During the holidays, visitors stroll along the town's enchanting streets decked in Victorian-style decorations. In December, travelers can listen to carolers, ride a carriage, and view incredible gingerbread houses during Jim Thorpe's Olde Time Christmas.
Milford
As winter blankets Milford, visitors are invited to explore the snow-covered landscape. The town is a gateway to the majestic Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which offers cross-country skiing and picturesque frozen waterfalls. Nature enthusiasts can take a winter walk at McDade Recreational Trail in the area, which extends from the town's Milford Beach along the Delaware River. The frozen beauty of Raymondskill Falls provides a unique look at the tallest waterfall in the state. More outdoor adventures are available at Milford Knob Hill Park, where cold-weather fans can hike and snowshoe along trails.
In town, visitors can tour the enchanting landscape at Grey Towers National Historic Site. Built in 1886, the nearly 100-acre site serves as the legacy residence of conservationist Gifford Pinchot, former governor of Pennsylvania and the inaugural chief of the US Forest Service. Step inside the Columns Museum to learn more about the town's history and view the 36-star Lincoln Flag for a respite from the winter chill. The flag was used to cradle Abraham Lincoln's head when he was shot at Ford's Theater on April 14, 1865.
Hawley
Hawley offers a serene retreat located near the beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack. In the winter, the town offers picturesque views of the surrounding mountains covered in snow against the frozen lake. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy ice fishing in the lake and snowshoeing in the surrounding area. Visitors can also take a winter stroll and view historic buildings on the 2-mile walking tour of the scenic town. The walking tour begins at Bingham Park, where cold-weather enthusiasts can ice skate in the winter. The tour also offers beautiful views along the icy Lackawaxen River and takes visitors along the town's main street.
Even in the winter, a must-visit site in Hawley is the historic Hawley Silk Mill. Visitors can take a break from the cold to shop, eat, and view winter exhibits at the Looking Glass Art Gallery. The quaint town also hosts annual winter events. In December, travelers can enjoy bonfires, a parade, and carriage rides at the annual Winterfest. For a unique experience, the town hosts an annual snowman scavenger hunt in February, where guests are invited to find Wilbur the Snowman at local stores.
Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg offers exciting winter adventures during the cold-weather season. Surrounded by the Delaware Water Gap and the Appalachian Trail, visitors can brave a winter hike for stunning views of snow-capped mountains and forests. Nearby is the Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, where outdoor enthusiasts can ski and snowboard along 23 trails, night ski under the stars, and go on an exhilarating snow tubing adventure. In town, Helen Amhurst Park offers ice skating at the Stroudsburg Borough Outdoor Ice Skating Rink during the winter months.
Stroudsburg also hosts several annual winter events. From November through February, visitors can participate in a snowman scavenger hunt at local businesses and vote for their favorite snowman during the annual Snowmen of Stroudsburg. In February, the town hosts an annual ice sculpture display at the Downtown Stroudsburg Winterfest. For a unique winter event, visit the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, a living history museum of Pennsylvania German farming culture from the 1800s. Each December, the farm hosts Olde Time Christmas, when visitors can take a guided candlelight tour, enjoy the warmth of a bonfire, and view the spectacular Christmas Tree Forest.
Tannersville
Tannersville is located in the heart of the Poconos and transforms into a winter wonderland when snow arrives. Home to Camelback Mountain, the town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Not only does Camelback Mountain Resort offer skiing and snowboarding, but also one of the world's largest snow tubing parks with 42 snow tubing lanes.
For those looking for a tranquil winter retreat, take a snow-covered hike along the trail at Tannersville Woods Nature Preserve. More winter activities occur in town when Tannersville turns the basketball courts at the TLC Park into the Pocono Township Outdoor Ice Skating Rink during the cold weather. For a thrilling outdoor adventure, Tannersville boasts winter paintball on snowy fields at the Paintball Asylum.
Dingmans Ferry
Dingmans Ferry is surrounded by snow-capped forests and the icy Delaware River in the winter. The nearby Delaware State Forest transforms into a winter wonderland when snow arrives. The forest is a haven for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, particularly around Bruce Lake. The trails around the lake are marked and not groomed, providing pristine conditions for viewing the natural beauty of the forest. The town is also home to Dingmans Falls, the second-highest waterfall in Pennsylvania. Visitors who wish to brave the cold and snow can hike along the Dingmans Creek Trail in the winter for incredible views of the frozen falls. Dingmans Ferry also boasts the oldest existing wire bridge in the country, the Roebling Aqueduct Suspension Bridge. Built in 1847 across the Delaware River, visitors can stroll across the bridge for captivating views of the snow-covered town.
White Haven
The town of White Haven comes to life in the winter when snow arrives. The town is an entry to the picturesque Lehigh Gorge State Park, where outdoor enthusiasts can snowmobile on 15 miles of the Lehigh Gorge Trail from White Haven to Penn Haven Junction. The park is also a haven for cross-country skiers, providing trails that run along the west side of the Lehigh River from White Haven to Glen Onoko. In the winter, the 15,990-acre Hickory Run State Park invites cold-weather lovers to ice skate on the frozen Sand Spring Lake.
A trip to White Haven in the winter isn't complete without hitting the slopes at both Jack Frost and Big Boulder Mountains. In fact, the Big Boulder Ski Area was the first commercial ski resort in the state in 1947. Big Boulder offers 19 trails for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, as well as a snow tubing park. For a challenging adventure, try uphill snowshoeing or skiing, known as skinning, on designated trails along both mountains.
Winter Wonders In The Poconos
When the snow falls, and cold weather arrives, these small towns in the Poconos are transformed into enchanting wonderlands. From Jim Thorpe's Victorian charm to Tannersville's snow-capped Camelback Mountain, each town provides a unique winter experience. Whether snowmobiling in White Haven or hiking in Dingmans Ferry to view frozen waterfalls, these towns in the Poconos offer memorable cold-weather getaways for outdoor enthusiasts.
