2025's Most Underrated Towns In The Poconos

As summer rolls in, it seems like everyone is buzzing about their vacation plans. If you have been thinking about your own summer plans, but are not quite sure where to go, you are in the right place. For those in Pennsylvania, the beautiful Pocono Mountains are practically in your backyard! But while some towns get all the attention, others quietly have just as much magic. Offering waterfall hikes, county fairs, and historic train rides, these seven underrated Pocono towns are packed with personality and deserve a spot on your travel list this year.

Lehighton

If a weekend of hiking and biking is your idea of fun, you will love Lehighton. Visitors can start their day with some exercise along the D&L Trail, a 165-mile, multi-use trail that passes through part of town. Lehigh Gorge State Park is also just a half-mile drive north. In the park, visitors can explore the 6,107-acre park, home to a steep gorge, waterfalls, rock outcroppings, and thick vegetation. A few of the most popular recreational activities here are hiking, biking, whitewater boating, and fishing. To conclude the day, there are all kinds of cozy taverns and grills throughout town. Bonnie & Clyde Pub and Grill is an excellent option, serving 36 beers on tap, cocktails, and wine, along with steaks, sandwiches, and seafood for dinner.

Honesdale

Honesdale never misses a chance to celebrate, as its busy festival calendar clearly shows. On June 21st of this year, the town will host the Honesdale Roots & Rhythm Music & Arts Festival, an event established in 2006 that provides free music downtown to the public, along with a variety of artisans and food vendors. For 163 years, Honesdale has also been proudly holding the Wayne County Fair, where attendees can enjoy amusement rides, games, and fair food. There are also various agricultural events, such as horse and tractor pulls, harness racing, and 4-H Club shows. If you are interested in a scenic ride through the countryside, consider booking a ride on the Stourbridge Line, a historic line that departs right from downtown and holds themed excursions like beer tastings, barbecue, deluxe dinners, and Christmas rides.

Tannersville

Tannersville is a four-season vacation hub that travelers can explore throughout the entire year. Families will love Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark, which is one of the largest waterparks in the state with 37 rides, slides, and attractions. If you prefer to hike, check out Big Pocono State Park, which covers 1,306 acres and offers 8.5 miles of trails. In the winter, skiing and snowboarding become two of the most prominent sports. Camelback Mountain is a popular place to ski, with travelers able to choose from 39 trails and 16 lifts. There is also nighttime illumination and a galactic snowtubing after-dark attraction for the night owls!

Milford

Dating back to 1796, travelers will find plenty of history in Milford. The Grey Towers National Historic Site is one of the town’s most impressive landmarks, set on nearly 100 acres and once home to former Pennsylvania Governor Gifford Pinchot. Visitors can explore the grounds on a self-guided stroll or a guided tour, with the mansion open from Memorial Day through December. To learn more about the county’s history, visitors can spend an afternoon at the Columns Museum, currently exhibiting items like the Lincoln Flag, the Hiawatha Stagecoach, and vintage clothing. Regarding Milford’s natural beauty, travelers will find the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania in town: Raymondskill Falls. Visitors can appreciate the falls from two viewing decks or ascend a short trail to the top of the three-tiered cascade.

Stroudsburg

Stroudsburg is a close-knit mountain town known for its community markets and thriving performing arts scene. Each Saturday morning, the town comes together for its weekly farmers market, which has occurred for over 40 years, selling artisan cheeses, jams, raw honey, hand-roasted coffee, produce, and more. After browsing the market, drop by one of Stroudsburg’s local coffee shops, such as Cafe Duet, which is open until 3 pm each day, serving coffee, tea, scones, croissants, and other baked goods. In the evening, you can catch a show at the historic Sherman Theater, established in 1929 and still hosting local performances and festivals today.

Delaware Water Gap

For centuries, the Delaware Water Gap has been a retreat for nature lovers, offering plenty of potential for hiking, camping, and canoeing. While in town, you will most likely want to check out the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a 70,000-acre park filled with waterfalls, streams, geological formations, and wildlife. Popular activities in the park include hiking, fishing, rafting, canoeing, camping, and picnicking. After your day outdoors, there are plenty of ways to unwind in town. Travelers can enjoy a night of jazz at the Deer Head Inn, which is the oldest continuously running jazz club in the country. If you are hungry, you can grab a bite at Joe the Bosco Authentic Smokehouse BBQ, which serves brisket, pulled pork, chicken, ribs, and smoked sausage, among other delicious meats and sides.

Hawley

As the weather warms and the sun comes out, Hawley shines as the perfect destination for a summer vacation. Families will have a great time at Costa's Family Fun Park, which offers attractions like go-karts, laser tag, bumper boats, miniature golf, and water slides. For a scenic afternoon of golfing, travelers can head over to The Country Club at Woodloch Springs, an 18-hole course that was named by GOLF Magazine as “one of the finest courses in America.” To cool off at the end of the day, visitors can enjoy a beer at Wallenpaupack Brewing Company, which has an extensive menu of craft beers on tap.

There are so many beautiful places to visit in the Poconos. However, if you are seeking a less crowded vacation, these seven towns, with smaller populations, are a great place to start. If you are seeking a vacation in the great outdoors, towns like the Delaware Water Gap have plenty to explore, while towns like Stroudsburg have a large emphasis on cultural activities. All that is left to do is pick your dates and start counting down the days!