6 Fairy-Tale Small Towns In The Poconos

Situated in the larger Appalachian mountain range in Pennsylvania, the gorgeous Poconos have long been a nature haven for travelers and avid hikers. The Poconos have a storybook beauty that is hard to replicate with its forested valleys and century-old inns. And beyond the tranquil lakes and rolling hills lie small towns where visitors will find homespun rustic comforts and a touch of Poconos magic. The following six towns bring all the mountain charm you could want and more.

Tannersville

The Poconos Mountains overlook Tannersville, and this stunning little town is one of the most popular outdoor adventure destinations in Pennsylvania. You can go snow tubing, skiing, and snowboarding to your heart’s content during winter. If you visit during the summer, Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark is the place to be. This waterpark touts itself as the ultimate mountain getaway. Here, you will find a lazy river, heart-pounding rides, and hundreds of palm trees.

There is more fun to be had at Big Screen Escapes, where you can try to work your way out of two escape rooms. After a successful escape, you can make your way to Pocono Premium Outlets for some retail therapy. The real fairy tale magic lies in Big Pocono State Park, however. Located on top of Camelback Mountain, you will find beautiful landscapes and eight miles of hiking trails in the park. Stopping at several scenic outlooks, you can enjoy multistate views.

Stroudsburg

Stroudsburg’s downtown area is a big tourist draw. Your first stop here should be the Poconos Mountains Visitors Bureau, where you will get all the information you need to explore the entire town. The historic Stroud Mansion, dating to 1795, and the Paulding Doughboy war memorial are must-sees as you make your way through the charming streets.

If you want to catch a concert, book a ticket at the historic Sherman Theatre. Local artists and international acts regularly hold concerts here. Or you can just take a load off at the newly opened Glen Run Nature Preserve, just a mile south of Stroudsburg. From here, you can catch views of the town and the stunning storybook-like Cherry Valley. You can also explore miles of mountain biking and hiking trails.

Honesdale

Honesdale has its very own Central Park, which was established in 1840 as the town’s public square. Today, locals and visitors participate in community events and celebrations while the kids play in the designated play areas. Everything about Honesdale has a historic tang, especially since it is where the first steam locomotive to run on U.S. commercial tracks was welcomed in 1829.

Honesdale sits in the northern part of the Poconos region and is the quintessential mountain/fairy tale town with its sloped roofs, tree-lined streets, and magnificent views. Things to do here include visiting Prompton State Park, which is a nine-minute drive from town. The park offers the chance to hike up to Irving Cliff for panoramic views of Honesdale, or you can boat, raft, and fish the day away.

If you can, visit Honesdale during the festive season. There is a reason the town was the inspiration behind the enchanting Christmas song, Winter Wonderland. When it snows and the twinkling lights are up, it is a fairy tale come true. And you can enjoy the snow by skiing and snowshoeing while sipping on homemade hot chocolate.

Lehighton

The delightful borough of Lehighton is home to Beltzville State Park. Here, a nearly 1,000-acre lake awaits, where you can swim, boat, and fish. You can also visit the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, a 165-mile trail where you can hike and bike. Remember to take a walk to the Harrity Covered Bridge, a historical landmark built in 1841.

Lehighton lies along the Lehigh River and is also a gateway town to the Lehigh Gorge State Park, where you can do more biking, hiking, and walking. Downtown Lehighton offers 19th-century charm, with Baer Memorial Park hosting events, concerts, and sports activities all year round. At the Lehighton Outdoor Center, you can rent a kayak to explore the nearby waterways. If you visit during the festive season, you can attend the traditional tree lighting ceremony and Christmas in the Park event at Baer or watch the holiday lights reflecting off the Lehigh River.

Jim Thorpe

Located just 10 minutes away from Lehighton, Jim Thorpe is one of the most picturesque small towns you’ll come across in the Poconos. It is often referred to as the "Switzerland of America" because of its breathtaking mountain setting and preserved Victorian architecture. Jim Thorpe is located in the Lehigh Gorge with the river winding through forested hillsides. You can start your trip by visiting the Historic District, where you’ll find the Asa Packer Mansion Museum and the Old Jail Museum. You can also go on a train ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, which is nothing short of magical. Enjoy the views of the river and mountains before heading back downtown to explore The Anita Shapolsky Art Foundation, located in a historic 1850s church.

Milford

Milford, from its position along the Delaware River near the New York border, is about as close as you can get to a fairytale village in the northern Poconos. Founded in 1796, the town’s mountain backdrop and 19th-century architecture create an almost fantasy setting that is clearly historic but also timeless.

Downtown Milford is where you can view contemporary and regional art at the Artery Fine Art and Craft Gallery on Broad Street before heading to the Grey Towers National Historic Site. This site was once the property of conservationist Gifford Pinchot and looks like something from a storybook. The place has stone turrets and formal gardens — as well as great views. Milford also offers easy access to Raymondskill Falls, the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, enchanting visitors with natural beauty and picture-perfect charm.

Where Mountains Mean Magic

Beauty unfolds naturally within the small towns in the Poconos. Here, you can walk snow-dusted streets with the glow of fairy lights guiding your way. You can look out over massive expanses of calm waters or pass a cobblestone lane on your way to a cozy café. Whether you are chasing waterfalls or just want to relax in the pure mountain air, these towns are where you should be. Where history, nature, and a little magic blend into something unforgettable.