8 Most Breathtaking Towns In The Poconos
The Pocono Mountains, or the Poconos, are one of Pennsylvania’s most splendid geographic features, and visitors to the northeastern part of the State will certainly not want to miss out on time spent in this awesome region. Featuring stunning vistas, cute local bodies of water, breathtaking woods, and loads of welcoming charm, the Poconos and the great towns found within are definitely treasures waiting to be discovered. Here, something special for all ages awaits, and an abundance of natural beauty and cultural charm are always ready to create special sets of memories. So come visit the Poconos by stopping in these breathtaking towns and experience a unique slice of Americana within the extraordinary ambiance that is the Keystone State.
Milford
Seat of Pike County and located along the border with New York State, Milford is a charming community with a foundational history dating back to the 1790s. With a modern population of just over 1,000 residents, this pleasing and quiet town is a great place to enjoy a slower pace of life in the Poconos. Situated along the upper Delaware River, with cool winters and warm summers, spending time outdoors in Milford is a welcoming attraction at any time of year. Enjoy activities like boating and swimming on the River, while cycling, hiking, and jogging guarantee picturesque views of the Poconos, including the stunning foliage colors in the autumn.
Meanwhile, for the history-minded visitor, Milford’s 18th- and 19th-century character remains present through the many lovingly preserved edifices of the time, some of which are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Marvel at Federal and Victorian style architectural designs and stroll downtown for a true feeling of the Old World with all the amenities of modern life. Finish the day with a meal in the historic Dimmick Inn Restaurant or enjoy a more rustic setting at the Waterwheel Café.
Mount Pocono
One of the Poconos' newer settlements, the town of Mount Pocono, was founded in the 1920s, where today a modest population of just over 3,000 resides. Situated in Monroe County, guests will find a quiet and relaxing place of reflection in Mount Pocono, where stunning views and an old-fashioned charm are always present. Explore the inviting Main Street and browse through many local businesses, including the Water’s Edge Restaurant and The Olde Village Trader Shop, amongst others, while a pleasing year-round climate always invites a visit.
Go hiking, camping, and cycling in a most picturesque environment, while the chance to scale the eponymous Mount Pocono is always a treat. Add in fun events like the Trunk or Treat and Fourth of July celebrations, and a vacation stop in this lovely community will definitely leave all ages with a smile.
Walnutport
Founded in 1909, Walnutport is a picturesque town situated along the Lehigh River in Northampton County. With a modest population of just over 2,000 inhabitants, Walnutport is a great place to visit for those in the Poconos region who are looking for stunning nature and a quiet ambience. Enjoy time spent along the Lehigh River, where pretty hiking and cycling trails abound, and admire the always breathtaking Poconos Mountain views. And do not forget about the historic Lehigh Canal (constructed in the early 19th century), which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers guests special insight into the growth of this region.
Additionally, browsing through Walnutport’s charming array of local shops and restaurants really does create a most special snapshot of small-town USA. Buy something special at the Kushy Boutique, while tasty delights await at Mamas Italian Grill and the Junction Restaurant.
Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg serves as the seat of Monroe County, and its modern foundational history can be dated back to the 1790s. With a population of nearly 6,000 residents and a convenient location about 75 miles from New York City, Stroudsburg is a fantastic place to escape the big city and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere amidst the Poconos. Near the Delaware Water Gap, fine opportunities for fishing, hiking, cycling, canoeing, camping, and rock climbing abound, while other stunning park areas never disappoint. These include the Yetter Park, Glen Park, and the McMichael Creek.
Finally, explore the historic center of Stroudsburg and spend time at the Academy Hill Historic District and its assortment of landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places. Including the County Courthouse (1890) and the Stroud Mansion (1795), these charming attractions give guests a glimpse into the early years of Pennsylvania and its role in young America. To end (or even start) the day, be sure to take in a homestyle American meal at such establishments as the Vault 636 Restaurant and the Farmhouse Main Street, and let the inherent charm of this Poconos town and its residents do their work.
Honesdale
Near the confluence of the Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers, Honesdale is a welcoming historic town founded in the mid-1800s. Seat of Wayne County and home to just under 4,500 residents, there is never a shortage of natural splendor and historic intrigue in Honesdale, and it remains a wonderful Poconos treasure for all ages to enjoy. Admire the always steady Mountain peaks, while activities including swimming, fishing, sailing, rafting, hiking, and biking continue to be ever popular. And with its cool winters and hot summers, a photographic delight that reflects all seasons is never far away.
Additionally, the history-inclined guest can certainly appreciate Honesdale, where architecture from the 19th and early 20th centuries creates a unique landscape. Spend time in the Residential Historic District, where many properties contribute to the National Register of Historic Places. These include the First Presbyterian Church (1868) and the Murray Building, amongst others. From there, explore Honesdale’s cute assortment of local businesses, including Maude Alley Gift Shop and Gretchen’s Grotto Restaurant, for a genuine sampling of Pennsylvania Poconos Americana. And with fun events throughout the year like the Wayne County Fair and the Honesdale Art Walk, guests will quickly come to love this most welcoming town!
Palmerton
Situated at the foot of the Blue Mountains, the humble town of Palmerton was founded in 1912, where today some 5,600 residents call home. Just some 80 miles from Philadelphia, the community is a great place to escape to, featuring stunning views of the Poconos and the Appalachian Mountains. Enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and camping along the Lehigh River, while some of the Poconos' best alpine ski and snowboarding await at the Blue Mountain Resort.
One can even trek along a portion of the famed Appalachian Trail in Palmerton, where summers are hot and winters are cool. Finally, the inviting ambiance and tasty dishes at locally run businesses like the West End Saloon and Joey B’s help create a most charming snapshot of Americana.
Jim Thorpe
One of northeastern Pennsylvania’s finest destinations, the town of Jim Thorpe is also lovingly known as both “The Switzerland of America” and “The Gateway to the Poconos”. Established in the early 1800s with the name of Mauch Chunk, it was later renamed after the eponymous athlete who was the first Native American to win a Gold Medal at the 1912 Summer Olympics. Seat of Carbon County and home to a modest population of just over 4,500, Jim Thorpe is an all-around pleasing place where beautiful forested and mountain beauty come together with fascinating bits of American history.
Explore a number of preserved landmarks also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which give one an intriguing peek into the 19th century. Amongst the sites of note are the Old Mauch Chunk Historic District, the County Jail (1870), the Asa Packer Mansion (1861), and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (1869). And with its wonderful changing colors that reflect the seasons, there is never a shortage of opportunities for photos and to marvel at the mighty Poconos. Finally, be sure to ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for one of the most visually stunning excursions around that truly all ages will be talking about for years to come!
Hawley
Along the banks of the Lackawaxen River, Hawley is a wonderful Poconos community to enjoy fun and relaxation in the outdoors. With a population of around 1,200 residents, a slower pace of life is evident here, where natural beauty comes together with small-town charm in a most welcoming way. Featuring fine chances to go swimming, fishing, kayaking, and even water sports like tubing, fun is always on hand in Hawley. Add in breathtaking biking and hiking trails and the nearby and splendid Bushkill Falls (or the Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania), and a scenic adventure can always be found here.
Meanwhile, exploreHawley’s historic landmarks, including the Bellemonte Silk Mill (1880) and the Ritz Theater, featured on the National Register of Historic Places. End one’s day with fine American dining at The Boat House and The Ridge Restaurants, or delightful gift-shopping at the Hawley Antique Exchange.
One of Pennsylvania’s finest natural attractions, the wonderful Poconos Mountains, will leave a magical impression on all those who visit, no matter the age. Situated in the State’s northeastern corner, spending time in the Poconos and the lovely and breathtaking towns within them is sure to be a holiday experience like no other. From historic intrigue to awesome natural vistas and plenty of small-town charm, the communities within the Poconos offer guests a most extraordinary slice of Americana. Whether it is the “Switzerland of America” in Jim Thorpe or the River delights of Walnutport and Honesdale, these awesome towns are special not just because of their Poconos sentinels but because of the widespread beauty and slower pace of life that is often missed in a big city setting. Wait no longer and come see the Poconos through a sojourn in these breathtaking towns, where the next trip will already be in the works!
