12 Nicest Small Towns In The Poconos
Colloquially labeled as the ‘Poconos,’ the Pocono Mountains are a geographical region spanning Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Monroe, Carbon, Wayne, and Pike Counties. Overlooking Lake Wallenpaupack - the Keystone State’s second-largest lake, the Delaware River and the Delaware Water Gap, the Lehigh Valley, and the Coal Region and Wyoming Valley, the Poconos are a tourism magnet and a popular destination for endless outdoor adventures, easily reachable on account of the region’s proximity to the dominant population centers of New York City and Philadelphia. Nevertheless, the innumerable nicest small communities scattered throughout the Poconos capture the hearts of out-of-towners holidaying on the East Coast with their distinctive assortment of spellbinding scenery, exciting nature-filled activities, outstanding attractions, and several homelike accommodations.
Stroudsburg
Monroe County’s government seat, Stroudsburg, is located within the Pocono Mountains region, at the meeting of McMichaels, Pocono Creeks, and Brodhead Creek, roughly 5 miles from the Delaware Water Gap. Laid out in 1799 by Colonel Jacob Stroud, Stroudsburg has prospered over time as a vacation destination, thanks to its setting in the midst of verdant mountains, gorgeous valleys, see-through lakes, and near the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. While on a sightseeing tour of Stroudsburg, inspect the Kitson Woolen Mill, now known as the Holland Thread Company Building, a cluster of four brick buildings (East Wing, West Wing, Boiler House, and Office) constructed between 1893 and 1904. Downtown Stroudsburg - the sole traditional downtown and economic focal point of the surrounding vicinity - is packed with women’s clothing stores such as The Apple Tree, art galleries like Gallery at 530 Main, and live entertainment venues like Sherman Theater, which hosts musical presentations, various theatrical productions, and the annual StroudFest.
Lehighton
Lehighton, an enchanting Carbon County borough that sits alongside the Lehigh River, boasts a storied heritage in light of its establishment on the site of the Moravian Brethren’s ‘Gnadenhütten’ mission station in 1746. Wanderers on a sojourn to this quondam silk-making mill town and initial industrial hub powered by the Lehigh Valley Railroad, must survey the Delaware & Lehigh Canal National and State Heritage Corridor’s trails and public lands, including the D&L National Heritage Trail, a 165-mile-long multi-use trail that connects Wilkes-Barre with Bristol and the 2,972.39-acre Beltzville State Park, where the Beltzville Lake is apt for fishing, recreational boating, water skiing, and ice fishing (only in winters). Attend various live music and community events at the Lehighton Amphitheater, and daily from September 27 to October 26, 2025, join the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival at Country Junction - World’s Largest General Store.
Hawley
Christened after Irad Hawley, the foundational president of Pennsylvania Coal Company, this bucolic Wayne County borough is located not far from the meeting of Middle Creek and Lackawaxen River, on the northern extremity of Lake Wallenpaupack. The 13-mile sprawling Lake Wallenpaupack reservoir, a popular summertime recreation attraction, offers fishing, boating, and swimming activities, aside from hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities along the lake’s sylvan shoreline. Experience the blend of history and contemporaneity at the Hawley Silk Mill, a National Historic Landmark transformed into a spirited shopping & lifestyle destination having curated boutiques like Art on the Edge, art galleries like Looking Glass Art Gallery, and local brews like Hopping Eagle Brewing Co. Watch live theater shows and musicals at the historic Ritz Theater/Ritz Company Playhouse and de-stress after a hectic day in the spacious rooms of The Ledges Hotel set in a scenic location ringed by gorges and the dramatic Paupack High Falls.
Bushkill
Situated midway between the Milford and Delaware Water Gap boroughs, entirely within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, is Bushkill, an unincorporated Pike County community considered a nature enthusiast’s haven. The settlement’s most cherished attraction is the Bushkill Falls, dubbed the ‘Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania,’ a unique series of eight cascades and a most coveted birdwatching and hiking site, accessible via a peerless network of bridges and walking paths. Moreover, see live shows and concerts throughout the year at Poconos Park’s 10,000-seat amphitheater, and be comfortably accommodated at the nearby Pocono Mountain Villas by Exploria Resorts.
Honesdale
Hailed as the ‘Birthplace of American Railroad,’ Honesdale is the administrative center of Wayne County, situated at the confluence of the Lackawaxen River and Dyberry Creek, about 32 miles northeast of Scranton, the Lackawanna County seat. Titled after the pioneer president of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company, Philip Hone, trippers at Honesdale will surely be impressed by the abundant architectural treasures, such as the Wayne County Courthouse in the Honesdale Residential Historic District. At the Wayne County Historical Society & Museum, educate oneself on Honesdale’s intriguing past through permanent exhibits and an actual-size model of the ‘Stourbridge Lion,’ the country’s first commercial steam locomotive. Hike the 300-foot-high Irving Cliff for unbelievable views of the abutting region, in addition to enjoying picnics, tranquil moments by the lovely fountain, strolling the aesthetic walking trails, and being present at the varied seasonal events held in Honesdale Central Park.
Milford
Pike County’s seat, Milford, founded by Circuit Judge John Biddis in 1796, sits next to the Upper Delaware River, forming a portion of the New York Metropolitan Area. An accurate representation of small-town America, Milford entrancingly spotlights its rich heritage through properly preserved places of historical interest like the Grey Towers National Historic Site, the ancestral summer residence of American forester and politician Gifford Pinchot, at present open for tours of the home, gardens, and hiking trails. Outdoor enthusiasts must not miss beholding Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall - the three-tiered Raymondskill Falls on the Raymondskill Creek. At the restored Milford Theater, watch live musical performances, classic movies, and plays, and show up at the Black Bear Film Festival to be held here from October 17 to 19, 2025.
Delaware Water Gap
Popularly referred to as the ‘Eastern Gateway to the Poconos,’ this bewitching Monroe County borough sits adjacent to the homonymous ‘Delaware Water Gap,’ on the Pennsylvania-New Jersey state boundary, where the Delaware River cuts through the Appalachian Mountains. All year round, excursionists from around the globe throng here in droves, lured by the town’s quaintness, wilderness trails, and mind-blowing views of the Delaware River. Spend time exploring hundreds of native artifacts from the borough’s heyday at the Antonie Dutot Museum & Gallery housed in a 19th-century schoolhouse, access the trailhead of the acclaimed Appalachian Trail during summer at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, besides tasting scrumptious dishes in the evening and relaxing in the tastefully decorated rooms of Deer Head Inn - the country’s oldest uninterruptedly functioning jazz club.
East Stroudsburg
Located in the immediate vicinity of Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg stands out for its rich colonial past, scholarly atmosphere (thanks to the East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania), and local recreational areas. Vacationers on a trip to this historic borough in Monroe County must stop by the Pocono Indian Museum to learn more about the Delaware (Lenape) Indians through the displayed ancient artifacts. A highlighted feature of the town’s Crystal Street is the Dansbury Depot, a historic station presently repurposed as an event destination and community center. For outdoorsy types, the spacious Yetter Park on the Brodhead Creek banks is ideal for picnicking, fishing, trekking, organized camping, and playing golf in the 18-hole disc golf course. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is also nearby, where one can easily hike, kayak, discover waterfalls, and witness panoramic views of the Delaware River.
Jim Thorpe
This administrative center of Carbon County, named for the American Olympic athlete Jim Thorpe, sits by the Lehigh River in a beautiful valley roughly 117 miles west of New York City. Adding to the ethereal enchantment of Jim Thorpe, often dubbed the ‘Switzerland of America,’ is its meticulously maintained grand Victorian buildings such as the Asa Packer Mansion Museum, built by American businessman Asa Packer in 1861 in the Old Mauch Chunk Historic District, whose original furnishings reflect Packer’s wealth that came with the expansion of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Experience a well-narrated round trip aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway as the vintage train makes its way through the abutting mountain scenery into the Lehigh Gorge State Park. Have fun while on an alfresco trolley tour with Jim Thorpe Trolley Company, and attend endless autumn activities in the first three weekends of October at the annual Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival.
Tannersville
A tiny hamlet in the Pocono Township of Monroe County, Tannersville, is a family-oriented recreation hub at the core of the Pocono Mountains, offering open-air activities throughout the year. The premier four-season Camelback Mountain Resort caters to both families and adrenaline junkies with its 166 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain, 40 snow tubing lanes, the Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, the Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark, and the Camelback Mountain Adventures, where ziplining and mountain coaster rides are available. Furthermore, be amazed by the nature trails and scenic overlooks that provide 360-degree sweeping views of the abutting region at the Big Pocono State Park, and procure brand-name products as well as exclusive designer merchandise from the large number of retail stores of Pocono Premium Outlets.
Mount Pocono
Mount Pocono, a picturesque borough placed close to the center of Monroe County, is widely accepted as the economic and geographic focus of the Pocono Mountains. Known for hilly landscapes, resort history, and as a key transit point owing to its central location, Mount Pocono excellently balances natural beauty with modern-day comforts. Mount Airy Casino Resort - an adult boutique mountain resort is the best stop for those who want to experience gaming, live entertainment, buffet to fine dining, and golfing on the 18-hole golf course. Sited just 2 miles from the I-380 highway, the African-inspired Kalahari Resorts is home to a 220,000-square-foot indoor water park, 230,000-square-foot convention center, an outdoor waterpark, a 40,000-square-foot entertainment center, and 977 guest rooms. When in town, do peruse the numerous consignment shops like The Olde Village Trader and old-school diners like Pioneer Diner that line Pocono Boulevard - the borough’s principal street.
Lake Harmony
Set at the nucleus of the Pocono Mountains, Lake Harmony is a teeny lakeside community in the Kidder Township of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Carbon County. The settlement’s centerpiece is the eponymous glacial lake, which, surrounded by evergreen forests and gentle rolling hills, has made the town a most sought-after family vacation destination. Winter sports enthusiasts can conveniently access the renowned Big Boulder Ski Area - one of the oldest ski resorts in the Poconos, offering top-notch ski slopes that cater to all skill levels for skiing, snow tubing, and snowboarding activities. Additionally, outdoor lovers can explore the 44 miles of hiking trails, the Hickory Run Boulder Field - a National Natural Landmark, and wildlife habitats in the 15,990-acre Hickory Run State Park. Post open-air activities, head to Nick’s Lake House, where lakeside vistas and magical sunsets harmonize perfectly with classic American fare.
From spending all day at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area to viewing the fabulous autumn scenery aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe, the pleasantest small towns in the Poconos region are waiting to welcome every tourist visiting for lengthy stays or short weekend escapes. Whether you wish to browse the one-of-a-kind shops and dining establishments in the historic Main Streets, hike trails that lead to mesmerizing cascades, participate in rip-roaring summer and winter recreations, and attend yearly spectacles, these 12 towns promise an ideal balance of exploration and relaxation, wondrously turning the spotlight on the very best of the Poconos.
