8 Most Welcoming Towns In The Poconos Countryside

The Poconos have been the summer answer for New York and Philadelphia families for well over a century. Lake Naomi in Pocono Pines runs 277 acres of non-motorized water with sandy beaches and a community center built around it. Whitewater Challengers near Weatherly puts beginners and experienced rafters on the Lehigh River, with biking and on-site camping for everything else. Da’s Pub in Blakeslee has been the Reuben-and-beer counter for neighbors since 1925. The Stourbridge Line in Honesdale runs cheese tastings, wine tastings, and a staged train robbery to fill out a Saturday. The Poconos run on places like these, where the community shows up before anyone tells them to.

Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe, founded in 1818, takes its current name from one of the greatest athletes of all time. The town welcomes visitors with its European-style architecture and dramatic mountain landscape. Train enthusiasts will want to see the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, which showcases vintage coaches built as early as 1917 pulled by diesel engines through Lehigh Gorge State Park. The railway pairs train rides with whitewater rafting through outfitters on the Lehigh River throughout the summer. The Jim Thorpe Trolley Tour runs warm-weather routes with locals sharing town history at stops including the Old Jail Museum.

Hawley

A good place to start is the Hawley Trail. The trail invites tourists to learn more about the town through historical signs that offer both educational insights and an outdoor adventure. Hikers may learn about the D&H Canal, the expanding glass industry, and the production of silk and textiles, all of which have contributed to the town’s economy since the 1800s. For another look at local history, visit the historic Hawley Silk Mill. Built in 1880, it reflects the town’s past in the silk industry. Train enthusiasts can also stop by the Hawley Train Station. Built in the 1890s, the train station historically connected the region with coal, lumber, and passengers.

Milford

Right beside the Delaware River and the border of New Jersey, Milford is a great place to relax. Visitors can check out the Columns Museum, home to the Lincoln Flag. The flag was used to cushion Abraham Lincoln’s head when he was shot and assassinated in 1865, a significant piece of American history. Continuing the historic tours, history buffs and outdoor lovers would appreciate a visit to the Grey Towers National Historic Site. The home of Gifford Pinchot, founder of the US Forest Service, the tower was completed in 1886 by his father, James Pinchot, a successful businessman. The surrounding outdoor landscapes extend to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The more than 70,000-acre park provides hiking trails. Raymondskill Falls, often cited as the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, is another highlight nearby.

Pocono Pines

At the heart of the town is Lake Naomi, a good place to swim and enjoy other aquatic activities. The 277-acre, non-motorized lake is surrounded by pine forests and features sandy beaches and docks. Try renting a home in Lake Naomi and apply for temporary membership to check out the Lake Naomi Club. It features access to the lake and a golf course. Other amenities include a 56,000-square-foot Logan Steele Community Center that offers basketball, archery, and other activities. Art lovers can check out Red Run to create their own art with other art enthusiasts.

Honesdale

In the center of Honesdale is The Stourbridge Line Train Excursions. People can enjoy a cheese-and-wine tasting, beer tastings, and even an old-fashioned train robbery. For outdoor lovers, hiking up Irving Cliff is recommended, as you will be rewarded with a view of the town. The cliff was named after Washington Irving, the author of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” who climbed the cliff himself in 1841. For a day of family fun, visit the Wayne County Historical Society and Museum. The society also operates the main museum, an old schoolhouse, a jail, and a farm museum.

Blakeslee

Blakeslee is just minutes away from the Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area. It covers about 130 acres of protected land and features 2.59 miles of walking trails. Photographers can capture Tobyhanna Falls, a highlight of the green space. The Natural Area’s flat terrain and short trails make it easier to navigate with children or older family members than larger state parks nearby. Tobyhanna State Park, a short drive north, opens its sandy lake beach for summer swimming from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September. For a night out, try Da’s Pub and chat with the locals over a Reuben and a beer. The 1925 building has been serving the same favorites for a century, including sandwiches, gravy, fries, and beer.

Weatherly

The borough was founded in 1825 and grew rapidly due to the timbering industry, railroad development, and coal transportation. Visitors can head to Eckley Miners’ Village, just 7 miles north of town. It is a fully preserved 19th-century coal-mining town, complete with miners’ houses, a church, and a museum. On the way to the miner’s village is a mysterious landmark, the Curse Stone Couch. Rumor has it that if visitors sit on the stone couch, they will develop scratches on their backs. For thrillseekers, try your skill and courage at Whitewater Challengers. It also offers biking and on-site camping. For a more relaxing activity, visit Buttermilk Falls, a 50-foot waterfall inside the Lehigh Gorge State Park.

Pocono Summit

Pocono Summit offers a cool mountain climate and is home to Stillwater Lake and Pocono Summit Lake. Both lakes are popular for fishing, boating, and other aquatic activities. The Pocono Summit Railroad Station adds another layer of local rail history to the town. For families, Camp Minsi is a good place to teach your children about the outdoors. The camp offers both family days and children’s camps. It serves Scouts of all ages, and kids will enjoy swimming, boating, natural exploration, crafts, campfires, and hands-on adventures, all supervised by staff. It gives kids a chance to make new friends and build lasting memories.

Why These Poconos Towns Feel So Welcoming

The Poconos are full of small towns that are friendly to strangers, often from big cities. Most of these towns share a common feature, including cool mountain landscapes and clean lakes. Part of the appeal is the setting itself, from Lake Naomi in Pocono Pines to the fresh air around Lehigh Gorge State Park. The air, water, and mountain views are best experienced on a scenic train ride in Jim Thorpe or a day on the lake. These towns also have rich histories, including Milford’s museums and Grey Towers. No matter the reason for the exceptional hospitality, you can feel it when you visit the Poconos countryside.