7 Cutest Small Towns In The Poconos For 2025

The Pocono Mountains are a stunningly beautiful component of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and anyone travelling through the “Keystone State” will not want to miss out on these natural wonders. Surrounded by picturesque woods and full of lakes and waterfalls, the Poconos are a definite highlight of any trip, and guests of all ages can admire their unique allure.

There are a number of cute and inviting towns nestled right in the heart of the mountain range, and spending time here will not only bring guests closer to the peaks but also expose them to delightfully charming Americana. Here, friendly ambience, cultural wonder, and of course loads of pretty vistas abound, ensuring a most memorable vacation experience. Wait no longer, see the famed Poconos through a stop in these cute towns and experience another side of Pennsylvania!

Honesdale

Founded in the early 1800s, Honesdale is a charming community beautifully situated near the meeting point of the Lackawaxen and Delaware Rivers. Stunning natural surroundings and historic intrigue define any visit to Honesdale. Spend time beside the rivers and enjoy activities like fishing, swimming, rafting, sailing, and biking along the adjacent trails. And naturally, with the beautiful Poconos peaks serving as sentinels, there is never a shortage of great photo opportunities when in town.

Meanwhile, history-minded tourists can also appreciate Honesdale’s offerings, where several buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries continue to attract attention. Visit the Honesdale Residential Historic District and its collection of homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places to get a sense of the America of yesterday. Finally, with cute local eateries like the Twisted Rail Tavern and shops like Maude Alley, a warm snapshot of Americana with a Pennsylvania flavor makes this Poconos town a must-visit.

Walnutport

Scenically located along the Lehigh River, Walnutport is one of Pennsylvania’s youngest communities. It was only formally established in the early 1900s. Home to a humble population of just over 2,000, this is a great stop to enjoy a quieter pace of life in a most natural, alluring ambience. Spend time along the aforementioned River, while chances to hike along portions of the famous Appalachian Trail give guests plenty of stunning mountain vistas to admire. From there, visit the Lehigh Canal (also listed on the National Register of Historic Places), which dates to the 1810s, and enjoy a relaxing outing while learning more about this region’s historic growth.

Finally, browse through Walnutport’s assortment of local businesses, including The Junction Restaurant and the Kushy Boutique Gift Shop. These offer a unique feeling of small-town beauty within a Poconos setting.

Milford

Near the border with New York State, the charming Milford serves as the seat of Pike County, where it was founded back in the 1790s. Today, it is the home of just over 1,100, and a most pleasing and rustic experience can be felt here right in the heart of the Poconos. Located along the mouth of the upper Delaware River, there is never a shortage of stunning natural vistas in Milford, and visiting throughout the year is always a delight. Spend time near the River and enjoy activities including swimming, boating, hiking, and cycling, while the mighty Poconos frame the surroundings.

In addition, with its colonial era history, visitors can explore some of Milford’s preserved 18th and 19th century buildings, many of which are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From architectural styles like Victorian and Federal, one can truly get a snapshot of America’s past through the centuries. Add in unique cultural events like the Black Bear Film Festival and the Milford Music Fest, and there is always something exciting happening in this gem of northeastern Pennsylvania.

Palmerton

Founded at the turn of the 20th century, Palmerton is a delightfully inviting community located at the foot of the Blue Mountains. Home to a population of nearly 6,000, Palmerton is also conveniently located around 80 miles from Philadelphia, making it an ideal Poconos day trip for anyone in the “City of Brotherly Love.” Enjoy scenic mountain views and partake in such popular activities as hiking, cycling, and, of course, skiing and snowboarding at the Blue Mountain Resort. Then head on over to the tranquil Lehigh River and enjoy the quiet sounds of nature, while the chance to trek along a portion of the famous Appalachian Trail is a most unique experience.

Finally, Palmerton’s fine range of local stores and restaurants gives visitors a charming feeling of small-town USA. For great American cuisine, visit the One Ten Tavern and Joey B’s, while finding the perfect memento is easy at the Taking Deeper Roots Gift Shop.

Stroudsburg

Stroudsburg can trace its modern history to the end of the 18th century. Today, home to just under 6,000 inhabitants, this historic and scenic community lies only some 75 miles from New York City and near the Delaware Water Gap. Visit nearby natural delights like Glen Park, Yetter Park, or McMichael Creek, where exciting fishing opportunities await.

In addition, Stroudsburg’s historic character can also be appreciated at the Academy Hill Historic District, where several landmarks are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Stroud Mansion (1795) and the County Courthouse (1890). End or start the day with a tasty locally cooked meal at the Farmhouse Main Street or the Sarah Street Grill, and the charm and beauty of Stroudsburg become apparent to all.

Jim Thorpe

Known as the “Gateway to the Poconos,” the unique and lovely town of Jim Thorpe is indeed one of the finest destinations in the Poconos region of northeastern Pennsylvania. The town was initially established in the early 19th century with the name Mauch Chunk. The community was renamed Jim Thorpe in the 1950s to honor the famous Native American Olympic Gold medalist. Now home to just over 4,500 residents, Jim Thorpe remains a most charming place of discovery, and guests can truly feel the town’s historic character by exploring several landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places. From the County Jail (1870), the Asa Packer Mansion (1861), and the Old Mauch Chunk Historic District, a sense of the past is definitely felt here.

Walking along cobblestoned streets and Victorian-style facades, while the mighty Poconos create a natural frame, and spending time in Jim Thorpe surely creates photogenic memories for the young and old alike. Add in stunning foliage and its changing seasonal colors, as well as a cute array of local shops and eateries like the Marion Hose Bar and the Emporium of Curious Goods, and it becomes clear why the town is also called “Little Switzerland of America.”

Mount Pocono

Just some 15 miles from Stroudsburg, Mount Pocono is also a great place to enjoy quiet reflection time right in the heart of the special Poconos Mountains. Incorporated in the 1920s and home to a modern population of just over 3,000, an old-fashioned feeling can certainly be experienced here. The town's cute Main Street is dotted with welcoming local shops and eateries like the Fork Street Bistro and Bakery and The Olde Village Trader.

With excellent opportunities to cycle, hike, and camp, outdoor adventure is never far away here. Climb the eponymous Mount Pocono and enjoy the views. A pleasant climate featuring hot summers and cool winter temperatures means spending time in this community is a delight no matter the time of year.

Exploring Northeastern Pennsylvania's Hidden Gems

When visiting the great State of Pennsylvania, be sure to include a stopover in its northeastern corner, where the famed Pocono Mountains are always ready to welcome guests. A naturally splendid destination, spending time in this region's cute and charming towns is a great way to see another side of the “Keystone State.” From waterfalls, dazzling wooded surroundings, and, of course, wonderful mountain peaks, the scenic allure of the area and the towns within it are indeed hard to beat. Visit the “Gateway to the Poconos” in the town of Jim Thorpe or enjoy encounters with colonial America in Milford and Honesdale; these and other wonderfully inviting communities in the Poconos are definite jewels of Pennsylvania. So take to the road and come see these special Poconos towns, where all ages will have something to remember for many years to come!