9 Most Peaceful Small Towns In The Poconos
If you live in a city or a busy urban area, you might find yourself craving the peace and tranquility of the mountains. In this case, a visit to the Poconos Mountains, located in northeastern Pennsylvania, might be just what you need. From calm lake waters to thickets of lush white pine trees and the occasional black bear, the Poconos are a natural oasis. They are the perfect destination for someone looking for a natural oasis or a moment of peace away from city lights. Some of the small towns in the Poconos are remarkably peaceful, featuring tranquil lakes, scenic walking trails, and cozy cabin stays. Here we explore the nine most peaceful small towns in the Poconos in 2025.
Lake Ariel
A small village in Wayne County's Township of Wayne, Lake Ariel is a quiet community renowned for its stunning lakeside views. Lake Ariel is a sparkling, deep-blue lake perfect for an afternoon kayak ride or a relaxing swim. Near Lake Ariel, there are lots of opportunities to immerse yourself in the peace of the natural beauty of the Poconos. Nearby, check out Lacawac Sanctuary, a nature preserve with hiking trails, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and educational programs. There are over nine miles of trails in the sanctuary. Some of the most popular hikes include Big Lake Trail and the Lake Lacawac loop.
Looking for a peaceful stay in the area? Look for one of the cabin rentals available near the lake. The Hideout is a great cabin choice for larger groups. Nestled among the trees and just a few minutes' walk from the lake, the Hideout features three bedrooms, three beds, and two bathrooms, accommodating up to six people. This makes the perfect base for a peaceful weekend by the lake.
Hawley
Hawley is the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy the beauty of the Poconos. The town has picturesque lakes, lush forests, and scenic trails. Anyone looking to enjoy some quiet time at the lake should visit Lake Wallenpaupack. The expansive waters are calming and offer stunning views, especially in autumn when the foliage changes.
The lake is an excellent spot for fishing, boating, and swimming in the warmer months. In the winter, it transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow covering the ground and the lake freezing over. When the lake freezes, it becomes the perfect spot for ice fishing or ice skating. Beyond lake life, Hawley offers numerous opportunities for taking a peaceful walk through the woods. The Hawley Trail is an excellent hike for anyone seeking to explore the area and enjoy the outdoors. The hike has interpretive signs that explain the area's history. If biking is more your thing, try out a Pennsylvania Rail Bike. The bikes are electric-assisted and go along historic railroad tracks.
Jim Thorpe
Tucked away in the Poconos is the hidden gem of a town, Jim Thorpe. The city boasts a diverse range of attractions, from small-town architecture to lush mountains and the scenic Lehigh River. There is something for everyone to enjoy in town. If your idea of a peaceful afternoon is meandering through historic sites and museums, check out the town's Old Jail Museum.
The museum explores a more haunting history of the city. Another historic site in town is the Asa Packer Mansion. This Victorian-era house offers guided tours, allowing visitors to learn about the history of the house and the surrounding area. If you would rather spend a peaceful afternoon enjoying the mountain views outdoors, consider the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. There are train rides that take visitors through the beautiful Lehigh Gorge. This offers gorgeous views anytime of year, but particularly in autumn when the leaves are vibrant colors.
Tobyhanna
Known for its natural scenery of shallow hills, lush forests, and scenic waterways, Tobyhanna is the perfect spot for a peaceful getaway. The town is near Tobyhanna State Park. The park covers 5,440 acres and has a 170-acre lake. There are lots of opportunities for exploring the outdoors here, including hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and boating.
The 5.1-mile Lakeside Trail offers a stunning view of the lake and is suitable for beginners. Another nearby park is Coolbaugh Township Parks. This park has a playground and picnic area. It is the perfect spot for an afternoon lunch or just unwinding in nature. For a break from the outdoors, check out the Tobyhanna Train Station. This museum was once a railroad station and now has vintage trains and railroad artifacts.
Dingmans Ferry
Part of the gorgeous Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Dingmans Ferry is the perfect town for enjoying a peaceful and serene environment. Unwind in the beautiful nature with a hike or canoe ride. Rent a canoe from Kittatinny Canoes and ride down the tranquil Delaware River. If you are feeling more adventurous, take a hike to one of Dingmans Ferry's waterfalls.
Check out the stunning Dingmans Falls, which is 130 feet high. There is a boardwalk leading to the falls, making it accessible. Also near the town is Stokes State Forest. Just a ten-minute drive away, this area offers panoramic views from Sunrise Mountain. There is everything from hiking trails, boating, fishing, and bird watching to camping in the area.
Milford
Milford is known for its small-town charm and beautiful natural scenery. The town boasts stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and a variety of outdoor activities along the Delaware Water Gap. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the woods at Cornelia & Florence Bridge Nature Preserve. The 300-acre oasis will take visitors through landscapes of forests, wetlands, and meadows.
In the warmer months, Milford Beach is the perfect spot for an afternoon of relaxation, with opportunities for swimming and picnic spots. If your idea of a peaceful evening is enjoying a small town atmosphere from the comfort of a hotel, consider staying at Hotel Fauchere. The hotel offers both fine dining and casual dining options and is renowned for its delicious cuisine. Before unwinding in your hotel room, consider some evening entertainment at the nearby Milford Theater.
Lake Harmony
Lake Harmony, a small community in Carbon County, is one of the most picturesque areas in the Poconos. The landscapes are begging to be photographed, especially during sunrise and sunset on the lake. This is the ideal spot for anyone who finds peace through engaging in outdoor activities. In the wintertime, enjoy hitting the slopes at the nearby Jack Frost and Big Boulder Ski Mountains.
They offer opportunities for skiing, snowmobiling, tubing, and snowboarding. In the summertime, enjoy the beautiful views of the forest surrounding the lake. Some gorgeous hikes include the Lehigh Gorge Trail and the Boulder Field Trail. The small town environment in Lake Harmony is refreshing. Experience the local culture at the Poconos Farm Market. This fresh Amish market is a great place to grab local produce in the warmer months.
Stroudsburg
Stoudsburg is a mix of historic charm and natural beauty. Enjoy art galleries, local restaurants and cafés, and explore historic sites. Art enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Frazetta Art Museum, which houses Frank Frazetta's artwork. For a glimpse into the town's past, check out the Stroud Mansion. A unique historic attraction in Stroudsburg is Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm.
The farm is a living history museum showing 19th-century German Pennsylvania farming life. They do historical demonstrations and offer seasonal workshops. A visit to Strousburg would not be complete without enjoying the peaceful outdoors. For a quiet hike, check out the McDade Recreational Trail. Overall, Strousburg is the perfect town for anyone seeking a blend of small-town charm and the beauty of the Poconos for a peaceful getaway.
White Haven
Last on the list is White Haven, a town renowned for its serene natural scenery, making it perfect for anyone seeking an outdoor adventure. For sme time in the forest, head over to the nearby Hickory Run State Park. Enjoy miles of hiking trails, a swimming lake in the summertime, and an afternoon picnic. Lehigh Gorge State Park is also near White Haven.
This is a must-visit for avid hikers. There are 26 miles of beautiful hiking and biking trails that wind through lush forest and beside cascading rivers. Families not looking to go too far to enjoy a green space can enjoy the town's community park. It has playgrounds, picnic areas, and open green spaces. Afterwards, enjoy some quiet time at the White Haven Historical Society Museum. The local gem showcases the rich heritage of White Haven.
Overall, the Poconos are the perfect destination for anyone seeking a quiet and peaceful escape surrounded by nature. The grounding mountains, lush forests, calm lake waters, and charming small-town ambiance of these nine towns are sure to bring more peace to your life. Whether you are looking for a weekend of hiking through the mountains or a weekend getaway in a quiet mountain town, there is a town fit for everyone's preferences. When visiting the Poconos, be sure to consider the time of year you are visiting. The weather and environment will be drastically different in the warmer months compared to the winter months. One of the keys to a peaceful getaway is making sure you are prepared for whatever nature may have in store for you. That being said, these towns make a great getaway any time of year. So pack your bags and get ready to feel rejuvenated from a visit to a peaceful mountain town.
