2026's 8 Most Scenic The Poconos Towns
The Poconos are at their best in towns where mountain scenery is folded into the experience. In Jim Thorpe, forested slopes frame the Lehigh River and the route of the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, which carries passengers into Lehigh Gorge State Park. Hawley sits along the Lackawaxen River within reach of Lake Wallenpaupack, whose wooded shoreline draws boaters in summer and ice fishers in winter. Palmerton stands at the foot of Blue Mountain, an Appalachian ridge that carries a section of the Appalachian Trail across the edge of town. From colorful fall foliage to sweeping mountain views, these eight scenic Pocono towns showcase some of northeastern Pennsylvania's most memorable landscapes.
Jim Thorpe
Known as both "The Gateway to the Poconos" and the "Switzerland of America," Jim Thorpe is a wonderful town of about 4,500 residents named for the first Native American athlete to win a gold medal at the 1912 Summer Olympics. Here, the beauty of nature, the mountains, and the forest pair nicely with intriguing 19th-century history, making Jim Thorpe a great Poconos getaway that all ages can appreciate. Among the notable historic sites to see are the County Jail (1870), St. Mark's Episcopal Church (1869), the Old Mauch Chunk Historic District, and even the grave of Jim Thorpe. And with architectural styles ranging from Greek Revival to Federalist, plenty of great photos and videos await.
Furthermore, hot summers and moderate winters characterize the climate and opportunities to enjoy being outside are never in short supply. Take in the sights of the Poconos standing sentinel, marvel at the forested surroundings and the changing color of the foliage and even hop aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway! Ride through some of northeastern Pennsylvania's most stunning landscapes, including the Lehigh River and into the Lehigh Gorge State Park, for a truly breathtaking experience not soon to be forgotten.
Stroudsburg
With foundational roots in the 1790s, the lovely town of Stroudsburg is now home to just under 6,000 in a most stunning natural ambience. A short 90 minute drive from New York City, you can escape the skyscrapers and the big city pace and enjoy the scenic Poconos in a friendly and quiet community perfect for historic and outdoor exploration. Situated near the Delaware Water Gap, Stroudsburg and the area offer plenty of chances to go camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, and even rock climbing in a climate known for warm summers and mild winters. Spend time at such pretty natural areas, including Yetter Park and McMichael Creek, and fishing for trout can become another favourite activity.
Meanwhile, memories of the 18th- and 19th-century history come alive in Stroudsburg, and many properties and other landmarks are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Academy Hill Historic District, the Stroud Mansion (1795), the Woollen Mill (1893), and the Monroe County Courthouse (1890), which frame what the early years of Pennsylvania were about. And of course with mountain views, lush greenery, and a cute assortment of local businesses like Farmhouse Main Street Restaurant and the Olde Engine Works Market Place, Stroudsburg truly shines as a Poconos jewel for everyone.
Milford
Milford was established in the 1790s, and today this welcoming community near New York State's border is home to just over 1,000 inhabitants. Along the upper Delaware River and with warm summer and cool winter temperatures, enjoying the Poconos and the outdoors is most welcome in Milford throughout the year. Fun includes hiking and cycling, while swimming and boating on the River will bring a smile to anyone's face. And do not forget about the changing colors of the leaves in the autumn, an awesome visual experience that the young and old alike will cherish.
Colonial history also presents itself vividly in Milford, and an exploration of the town's many 18th and 19th-century edifices helps create a special sense of time and place. See the French-inspired chateau from the 1880s at the Grey Towers National Historic Site, stroll through the downtown Historic District and its many homes, and marvel at imposing structures in the Victorian and Federal styles of architecture. Add in great cultural events, including the summer Milford Music Festival, the Black Bear Film Festival (October 9-11, 2026), and the Readers and Writers Festival, and there is always something attractive waiting in Milford with a perfect Poconos framing.
Hawley
Hawley is located along the Lackawaxen River, where a modest population of just over 1,200 residents live today. A nice community for those searching for a quieter lifestyle and holiday time, the beauty of the Poconos and the surrounding nature pair nicely with Hawley's small town charm. Warm summers and mild winters characterize the area's climate, and opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and trout fishing are always popular. Plus, with great hiking and cycling trails and the nearby Bushkill Falls just a short drive away, the scenic allure of Hawley is not hard to come by. And of course, do not forget about the Lake Wallenpaupack reservoir, where swimming, boating, and even ice fishing and snowmobiling attract guests of all ages.
In town proper, historic attractions include Bellemonte Silk Mill, constructed in the 1880s, and the Hotel Belvidere (1902), where you can sojourn in an authentic historic ambience. Meanwhile, strolling through Main Avenue and its assortment of welcoming local businesses helps create a genuine feeling of Pennsylvania Americana. Enjoy a meal at The Boat House Restaurant and find great souvenirs for yourself or someone else at Time Machine Antiques. Any visit to Hawley will surely be one worth remembering.
Walnutport
Within the Lehigh Valley and along the Lehigh River, the town of Walnutport is another pretty destination for enjoying a quiet ambience and plenty of natural appeal. There are, of course, views of the Poconos that never disappoint, while chances to go biking, hiking, kayaking, and even whitewater rafting are great ways to spend an afternoon. Then be sure to see a portion of the Lehigh Canal, with a construction history dating to the early 1800s. Named on the National Register of Historic Places, this calming waterway also sheds light on the historic development of the area.
Amongst the other historic landmarks of note in Walnutport are the former Anchor Hotel (1834) and the Canal & Locktender's House (1829), which serve as reminders of another time. Finally, enjoy some tasty dishes at the Diamond Grill and try some great locally produced and international wines at the Soaked Winery in a very beautiful, rustic ambience.
Honesdale
Established in the mid-19th century, Honesdale lies at the meeting point of the Lackawaxen and Delaware Rivers. With hot summers and cool winters, enjoying the seasons can be delightful in Honesdale, where popular outdoor adventures include cycling, hiking, fishing, and rafting. And of course, you can always count on the Poconos to watch over as lush greenery and changing colours of leaves fill out the landscape brilliantly.
The history-inclined guest will also appreciate Honesdale's character, and exploring the Residential Historic District certainly serves as a bit of a time machine. Spanning a century of architectural styles from Greek Revival to Queen Anne in the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries, many properties found here are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From the Walter Fowler House (1896) and the former First Presbyterian Church (1868), you can see a variety of intriguing buildings. To close in the summertime, there is also the lovely Wayne County Fair, which celebrates its 164th year in 2026, while other great local businesses like Gather Boutique bring real small-town charm to your Poconos stay.
Palmerton
Less than a half hour's drive from the previously discussed town of Jim Thorpe, Palmerton features not only views of the Poconos but also of the Appalachian Mountains. Situated at the foot of the Blue Mountains (a ridge of the larger Appalachians), a nice escape from fast-paced modern life can be comfortably enjoyed here. Go camping, hiking, and cycling near the Lehigh River while some awesome ski and snowboarding slopes are on hand at the Blue Mountain Resort, which features Pennsylvania's highest vertical drop of nearly 1,100 feet!
There is also the chance to hike a section of the famous Appalachian Trail that crosses into Palmerton, making for quite a rigorous and scenic outing. Great food options in town include the Slopeside Pub & Grill and the New Palmerton Diner, perfect for a fuel-up after a day's worth of exploration and fun.
Mount Pocono
Mount Pocono is a quiet locale that is one of the Pocono area's newest communities, established in 1927. Home to just over 3,000 residents, a charming old-fashioned feeling welcomes visitors and strolling through Main Street features many local shops and restaurants with a real American flavor. These include the Olde Village Trader and the Water's Edge Restaurant, while notable chains can be found at the Mt Pocono Plaza Shopping Mall.
Of course, like many communities situated within the Poconos Mountains, outdoor recreation is always an option and activities in Mount Pocono include camping, biking, and hiking. You can even go skiing and snowboarding at the nearby Camelback Mountain Resort, while in the summer the site offers the State's largest outdoor waterpark! Finally, some nice community events include October's Trunk or Treat, featuring games, prizes, and decorated vehicles, sure to put you in the mood for the special Halloween season.
The Poconos Mountains are a natural wonder that anyone visiting northeastern Pennsylvania will not want to miss. These stunning peaks, their wooded areas, beautiful rivers, and charming towns within the range are marvelous attractions that the young and old alike can appreciate and spending a holiday in the area will definitely be one that will be remembered positively for years to come. See some of the best landscapes in towns like Jim Thorpe and Stroudsburg, while fascinating American history reveals itself in Milford. These Poconos towns are simply treasures waiting for you to see firsthand.
