9 Most Hospitable Towns In The Poconos
Fringed by Lake Wallenpaupack in the north, the Lehigh Valley in the south, the Wyoming Valley and Coal Region in the west, and the Delaware Water Gap and Delaware River in the east, the Pocono Mountains (popularly known as the Poconos) is a highland region spread across Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Monroe, Carbon, Pike, and southern Wayne counties. The verdant hills and valleys have for a long time been a much-loved holiday destination and open-air recreation haven, attracting thousands of residents and out-of-towners seeking unpolluted air and world-class hospitality. Furthermore, the enduring appeal of the plethora of hospitable towns in the Poconos region is predominantly due to their proximity to major Northeastern hubs like New York City and Philadelphia, providing a sheer escape for urbanites far off from the pandemonium of megacities. Flaunting marvelous attractions, homey accommodations, a profusion of thrill-seeking expeditions, fantastic Poconos festivals, and hypnotic colorful foliage in the fall season, the Poconos towns are commendable additions to your East Coast sightseeing plans.
Hawley
Hawley, called after the Pennsylvania Coal Company’s inaugural president, Irad Hawley, is an idyllic Wayne County borough located on the northern edge of Lake Wallenpaupack, near the junction of Middle Creek and Lackawaxen River. Trippers sojourning in this town ought to discover some exclusive points of interest, including the Hawley Silk Mill - the biggest Bluestone building in the world, and presently a peppy shopping destination housing art galleries like Looking Glass Art Gallery, boutique design stores like Art on the Edge, Lake Region Fitness - a 24-hour fitness center, local brewing company like Hopping Eagle Brewing Co., and eateries like Cocoon Coffee House. Conjointly, watch live theaters and musicals at the Ritz Company Playhouse, unwind at the all-inclusive Woodloch Pines Resort, and present oneself at the Wally Lake Fest, an end-of-summer celebration scheduled to be held in various locations of the town and around Lake Wallenpaupack from August 22 to August 24, 2025.
Stroudsburg
Platted by Colonel Jacob Stroud in 1799, this Monroe County government seat sits at the conflux of Pocono Creeks, Brodhead Creek, and McMichaels, more or less 5 miles from the Delaware Water Gap. As a portion of the East Stroudsburg, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area, Stroudsburg flourished over the years as a sunshine sanctuary by virtue of its location amongst the Poconos region’s foliage-covered peaks, valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. Whilst in town, pay attention to the numerous timeless buildings such as the Kitson Woolen Mill (Holland Thread Company Building), the Stroud Mansion, and the Monroe County Courthouse. Downtown Stroudsburg - the lone traditional downtown and commercial nucleus of the abutting area has a wide array of art galleries like Gallery at 530 Main, women’s clothing stores like The Apple Tree, and community theaters like Sherman Theater, aside from hosting the StroudFest annually during the Labor Day weekend with live music at multiple stages, crafts, retail, and food vendors lining the Main Street sidewalks.
Honesdale
Wayne County’s shiretown, labeled after Philip Hone - the first President of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company, is located at the meeting of the Lackawaxen River and Dyberry Creek, precisely 32 miles northeast of Scranton. Regarded as the ‘Birthplace of American Railroad,’ Honesdale is an unmissable destination for all those who wish to be awestruck by the large number of contributing buildings in various architectural styles in the Honesdale Residential Historic District, historically significant buildings like the Wayne County Courthouse, tall church steeples such as the First Presbyterian Church, and a memorial Central Park next to the Courthouse. Spend some time learning about Honesdale’s past and observing a life-sized model of the ‘Stourbridge Lion’ at the Wayne County Historical Society & Museum, trek the 300-feet-high Irving Cliff for an impressive panorama of the surrounding region, and partake in the Honesdale Roots & Rhythm Music & Arts Festival on June 21, 2025 at Honesdale Central Park.
Delaware Water Gap
An enchanting Monroe County borough, Delaware Water Gap sits near its homonymous ‘water gap,’ where the Delaware River maneuvers through a wide ridge of the Appalachian Mountains on the border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. From every corner of the world, excursionists arrive at this ‘Eastern Gateway to the Poconos’ to behold the small-town attractiveness, rural hiking trails, and flabbergasting Delaware River views. Hikers and bicyclists can easily access the trailhead of the famed Appalachian Trail in the summer season, explore the Antoine Dutot Museum & Gallery and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area, relish freshly baked pies at The Village Farmer & Bakery, and watch performances of globally reputed jazz artists, painters, and sculptors at the yearly Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts Festival.
Jim Thorpe
Placed in a picturesque valley by the Lehigh River in Northeastern Pennsylvania, this administrative capital of Carbon County, christened in memory of Jim Thorpe - an American Olympic athlete, is situated about 117 miles west of New York City. Accruing to the storybook charm of this ‘Switzerland of America’ are its thoroughly maintained 19th-century architecture; National Register-listed antiquated buildings such as the Asa Packer Mansion Museum, Jim Thorpe’s Mausoleum & Memorial, and the Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center; churches like the Episcopal Parish of St. Mark and St. John; and the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway that continues its journey through the adjoining hills and proffers mind-boggling views. Have fun during an out-of-doors trolley tour with Jim Thorpe Trolley Company and participate in numerous autumn activities in the first three weekends of October at the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival.
Milford
Milford, the Pike County government seat, is located approximately 70 miles from New York City, on the Upper Delaware River, which separates the Poconos region of Pennsylvania from New York’s Catskill Mountains. A perfect example of small-town America, Milford superbly highlights its colorful past through painstakingly maintained historic sites, including the Grey Towers National Historic Site, the Jervis Gordon Grist Mill Historic District, the Pike County Courthouse, and the Pike County Historical Society Museum. Holidayers should not miss viewing Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall - the three-tiered Raymondskill Falls on the Raymondskill Creek, savor the scrumptious American & Vietnamese fares served by the Waterwheel Café, Bakery & Bar, and be present at the annual Black Bear Film Festival to be held from October 17th to 19th, 2025, at the Milford Theater.
Tannersville
This tiny hamlet in the Pocono Township of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Monroe County, occupying the kernel of the Pocono Mountains, is a family-centric recreation center offering al fresco activities throughout the year. Acclaimed for the stupefying alpine panoramas, comfy accommodations, and first-class gastronomic destinations, Tannersville is a chosen locale for rejuvenation weekends or extended breaks. The warm season is optimal for high-flying ziplines and aerial rope adventure courses, while in the winter season, take part in skiing, snow tubing, and riding activities. Likewise, be amazed by the 360-degree sweeping views across Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey from the summit of Big Pocono State Park, stop by the Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, and purchase branded as well as designer products from the 100+ outlet stores of Pocono Premium Outlets.
Lehighton
Lehighton, a borough in Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Carbon County, located along the Lehigh River shores, boasts a storied past on account of its founding in 1746 on the site of the ‘Gnadenhütten’ mission station of Moravian Brethren. Following Lehighton’s official incorporation in 1866, the town, powered by the copious water power of the Lehigh River and the setting up of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, speedily evolved into an industrial and innovation hub. Travelers visiting this one-time silk-making mill town, and currently a well-known holiday destination, must check out the trails and public lands under the Delaware & Lehigh Canal National and State Heritage Corridor, including the 165-mile-long multi-use D&L National Heritage Trail, the 2,972.39-acre Beltzville State Park, and the nearby 4,548-acre Lehigh Gorge State Park. Also, be there at Country Junction- The World’s Largest General Store for the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival, which runs daily from late September through October.
Bushkill
Situated completely within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, roughly halfway between the towns of Milford and Delaware Water Gap, is the unincorporated Pike County community of Bushkill, considered a most sought-after spot for all nature lovers. The town’s treasured attraction is the Bushkill Falls, a chain of eight privately owned cascades dubbed the ‘Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania,’ and a favored hiking and birdwatching site. Addedly, browse the unique candles, crafts, candy, and collectibles stocked by the Country Kettle Gift Shop, rest at the Echo Valley Cottages, and enjoy various concerts and shows hosted at the 10,000-seat amphitheater of Poconos Park all year long.
From Honesdale - the ‘Birthplace of the American Railroad’ to Jim Thorpe - the ‘Gateway to the Poconos’ as well as the ‘Switzerland of America,’ the picture-perfect towns strewn throughout the Poconos region enthrall wanderers thanks to their one-of-a-kind loveliness. Having dazzlingly beautiful natural settings, captivating historical sites, incredibly exciting outdoor amusements, and energetic seasonal celebrations, the cohesive Poconos communities acknowledge all travel enthusiasts visiting this region from around the planet with a cheerful countenance.
