7 Offbeat Poconos Towns To Visit In 2025

For many, the Poconos region comes pretty close to perfection when seeking a break in a beautiful setting. The Pocono mountain range spans four counties in northeast Pennsylvania, and packs in waterfalls, dramatic terrain, winding rivers, and lush woodlands. The all-season region offers highlights in every kind of weather, from winter skiing to summertime swimming, not to mention nearly a dozen state and national parks. As a quintessentially family-friendly destination — and with history galore and a constantly busy calendar of cultural events — the Pocono region warrants exploration in 2025. Here are seven offbeat towns to visit in 2025.

Delaware Water Gap

As its name suggests, Delaware Water Gap stands where the Delaware River rushes through a ridge that is part of the Appalachian mountain range. The town lies at the eastern edge of Pennsylvania; in fact, the Delaware forms the western border with New Jersey here and continues to the Delaware Bay and the open Atlantic.

The local waterfall, Bushkill Falls, holds the nickname of the "Niagara of Pennsylvania" for its majestic, crowd-pleasing height and noise. The falls are actually a series of eight separate drops, and a wooden walkway makes viewing them from up close even more exciting. Delaware Water Gap also features a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, welcoming hikers traveling north or south along the 14-state route. After a day of outdoor fun, head to Deer Head Inn in town, which claims to be the longest-running jazz venue in the United States.

Hawley

In the northern part of the Poconos, the town of Hawley sits beside the Lackawaxen River. The nearby Lake Wallenpaupack draws vacationers from near and far, making Hawley a popular stop, especially in high summer tourist season. Once a lumber and mill town, Hawley has since evolved into a place where tourism takes center stage. Today, boutiques and antique stores line the downtown streets, especially at the Hawley Antiques Exchange, a "multi-dealer antique mall" that gathers furniture, pottery, lamps, and other categories in one place. The site also runs an on-site museum.

For some lively, family-friendly entertainment, summer visitors should seek out Costa's Family Fun Park, a waterpark and games area, as well as the Ritz Company Playhouse, which puts on productions like comedies, musicals, and other live theater.

Honesdale

Calling itself the “Birthplace of the American Railroad,” the town of Honesdale shipped in a British locomotive as early as 1829. The event marked the first time a steam locomotive ran on commercial tracks in the United States, according to the town.

Today, vintage trains move up and down the Lackawaxen River Valley, with special rail service during holidays and peak tourism time. The Wayne County Historical Society, also in town, expands on these and other histories anchored in the region. One of those histories includes the Christmas-music classic, "Winter Wonderland," which is said to have inspired local resident and songwriter Richard Smith nearly 100 years ago. Honesdale hosts a Winter Wonderland tree lighting each Christmas season.

Gouldsboro

Gouldsboro makes for a getaway in a rural setting with plenty of fresh air. Founded in 1871, and once a part of the rail empire of industrialist Jay Gould, the town today offers proximity to a number of nearby lakes, including Gouldsboro Lake, Lake Watawga and Big Bass Lake, so named for the abundant fish and fishing that co-exist here.

Gouldsboro State Park sits west of town, which includes a lakeside beach, boat rentals, and lovely views. For hikers, the Prospect Rock Primary Trailhead lies southwest of the park, offering another way to enjoy Gouldsboro's abundant natural richness. For families and rail buffs, excursion trains pass through Gouldsboro from their departure point in Scranton.

Lehighton

In east-central Pennsylvania, the Poconos town of Lehighton lies along the Lehigh River. The town also features easy access to natural parks, namely Lehigh Gorge State Park, which is popular among hikers, and Mauch Chunk State Park, where cyclists and hikers share the space.

The former silk-making mill town, which later became a coal mining center (and inspired the local name of Carbon County) now welcomes visitors of all kinds. The Lehigh's strong current draws whitewater rafting fans of all skill levels. For a little history, take advantage of Lehighton's status as part of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, which shows visitors the famous canal and, these days, its associated running and cycling paths. The nearby National Canal Museum lays out details of the glory days when the canal offered transportation for goods and people alike.

Milford

On the Delaware River, history and natural interests united in the town of Milford. Many consider the town the birthplace of the modern conservation movement, later championed by President Theodore Roosevelt. The town has a grid street system, inspired by Philadelphia, from where wealthy families came to Milford to escape the summer heat of the city. For nature lovers, the Raymondskill Falls — Pennsylvania's highest waterfall — is found right here.

The castle-like Grey Towers National Historic Site, home of industrialist and conservation advocate Gifford Pinchot, stands in town. Also here is the Columns Museum, whose standout exhibit is the "Lincoln Flag," so named for its stains with the president's blood he lost during the attack that would take his life. Luxury innovations continue at the Delmonico Room, part of the historic Hotel Fauchère, a fine-dining destination for a truly luxurious dinner.

Stroudsburg

In petite Stroudsburg, current visitors can get a sense of the past as it happened here. The Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm displays farm life as it used to be. The Monroe County Historical Association displays more local history with artifacts sourced from the region's longtime residences and farms. Given its historical credibility, some call Stroudsburg the "heart of the Poconos."

The town is likewise an outdoor adventure hub. Families will enjoy the Kettle Creek Environmental Information Center, while the nearby Sherman Theatre delivers lively entertainment of various kinds. The town's numerous festivals, from a popular St. Patrick's Day parade, to its annual WinterFest, and finally to StroudFest, celebrating the town for its own sake, with games, music, prizes to win, and local food and beer on offer. StroudFest takes place at the end of each summer, though exact dates vary.

Some of the Poconos' Best Towns Are a Little Offbeat

As these seven offbeat towns to visit in 2025 show, the Poconos' varied attractions are anything but ordinary. Towns like the Delaware Water Gap and Milford offer waterfalls to thrill and delight anyone who wants to see nature as its most active. Road-trippers out for their next antique gem will want to see Hawley, with extensive antique offerings just for them. Honesdale's distinction as the origin point of a Christmas classic only deepens the Poconos' unusual charms. Outdoors enthusiasts will find their bliss from Gouldsboro and Leighton to Stroudsburg, whether in the mountains or on the water. With so much to see and do, Poconos towns like these hold out plenty for the traveler to keep busy and enjoy on an upcoming vacation.