The 11 Can't-Miss Towns In The Poconos

The Poconos is a wondrous expanse, mostly located in Northeastern Pennsylvania, where nature puts on a showy spectacle that is rarely found anywhere else. Travelers here will be blown away by several misty waterfalls, paddle small, glittering lakes, and explore some of the most epic hiking trails in the Northeast. Speaking of trails, typically, to get to said trail, you will often first find a small town to set as your base, from where you can comfortably explore the nearby attractions. Although beauty means something different to each person, the following are the 11 can't-miss towns in the Poconos that are sure to make anyone's jaw drop!

Jim Thorpe

Quaint as any location can be, Jim Thorpe has long been a popular vacation spot. Named after an individual many consider to be the United States' greatest athlete of the twentieth century, the town's history is a mish-mash of intrigue and epic drama. Today, Jim Thorpe is known as the “Little Switzerland of America” and is ranked as one of the most picturesque places in the United States. Jim Thorpe’s Fall Foliage Festival features a scenic train ride, homemade arts and crafts, delicious foods, a spooky ghost tour, and seasonal specials from local restaurants. Hop aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway and relish unforgettable views of the area's mind-bending outdoor beauty, or hire a two-wheeler from Jim Thorpe Bike Rentals and hit up the town's D&L Trail. Finally, the Old Jail Museum has a terrifying dungeon that's always interesting to explore.

Milford

Milford is recognized nationwide as the birthplace of America’s natural conservation movement. This is due to its association with Gifford Pinchot, the founder and first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service. Pinchot rose to become a close friend of President Theodore Roosevelt and a member of his informal "Tennis Cabinet." Grey Towers, once the summer abode of the Pinchots, is a cradle of the conservation movement and one of the town's most sought-after attractions. The Naked Bagel serves soft, fresh bagels and croissants in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. A meal here should pave the way for a detour at the Columns Museum of Pike County, which displays the flag that was put under President Lincoln's head after he was shot at Ford's Theater. If you love browsing all kinds of interesting antiques, make a stop at Old Lumberyard Antiques.

Delaware Water Gap

Even if you are not a keen history buff, the fact that Delaware Water Gap is the reason the region is called the Poconos should pique your interest! “Pocono” is a Native American word translated as “stream between two mountains,” essentially a water gap. Without a doubt, the eponymous Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is one of the most beautiful locations in the entire state, and perhaps in the country. Start your adventure at the Village Farmer and Bakery, an adorable eatery that makes its mouthwatering pies from scratch. Minisink Park is a swoon-worthy space with peaceful trails to explore, while Deer Head Inn, home of jazz in the Pocono Mountains for more than six decades, is one of the oldest continuously running jazz clubs in the United States.

Hawley

Hawley reclines at the northeastern tip of Lake Wallenpaupack, a focal point for outdoor recreation, especially with its clear waters and scenic surroundings. The town itself is neat, cool, and boasts a streak of the bucolic. Whether you want to enjoy farm-to-table dining, epic outdoor recreation, or all sorts of arts, music, and family fun, Hawley is certainly not to be missed. There's Cora's 1850 Bistro, whose delicious prime ribs can make you travel all the way from Philadelphia. Outdoor lovers have the Pennsylvania Rail Bike, a place of wild beauty, where you can see bald eagles wheeling about in the air, as well as ducks, deer, and electrifying fall foliage. At the Time Machine Antiques, you can buy or admire top-quality pieces from the past at very reasonable price points and lots of other interesting knick-knacks. Lackawaxen River meanders through the town and presents an additional tier of recreational opportunities.

Dingmans Ferry

Suppose you do not love the cool, alpine atmosphere that surrounds Dingmans Ferry. In that case, you will still want to cast your eyes on the picturesque Dingmans Bridge, arguably the last privately owned toll bridge on the Delaware River—and one of the few remaining ones in the United States. SideStreet Bar & Grill is a well-liked location to nibble on delicious food and enjoy karaoke on certain days, while the nearby Dorflinger Factory Museum, which celebrates the history of a company that used to make crystal tableware for U.S. Presidents, governments, and wealthy individuals during the Gilded Age, is a short drive from town. George W. Childs Park is a highly regarded outdoor beauty, featuring sparkling waterfalls and scenic trails. The best part is that some sections of the park are wheelchair-accessible. The Dingmans Ferry History Museum is located on Route 739 and is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., typically on the second Saturday and fourth Sunday of each month.

Stroudsburg

There's always something to ravish your heart in Stroudsburg, a Monroe County jewel with a lively Main Street, a strong arts presence, and beautiful Victorian homes. When exploring the town's well-preserved Colonial architecture, be sure to stop by Sarah Street Grill, especially if you are the type who enjoys good food in a nice, laid-back atmosphere. Movie lovers have the iconic Sherman Theater, which features a full bar and state-of-the-art sound and lighting. People recommend the venue particularly for its historic feel. Otherwise, peruse the decent selection of hiking shoes at Dunkelberger's Sports Outfitters, which also sells top-quality fishing gear at reasonable price points, or Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop, an amazing little spot with tons of fun and quirky candies and trinkets, as well as a wide array of novelty sodas. Just don't miss Glen Park, a favorite riding spot among mountain bikers and endurance racers. It has plenty of drops and jumps, and, hence, will consistently keep you on your toes.

Honesdale

Honesdale may seem small and obscure, but serious history buffs know that it once served as the terminus of the Delaware and Hudson Canal, which, at the time, was arguably the most expensive privately funded venture in American history. Today, Honesdale celebrates its heritage as the “Birthplace of the American Railroad,” especially because it welcomed the first steam locomotive to run on US commercial tracks way back in the 1820s. From visiting the nearby Prompton State Park, which provides access to the 290-acre Prompton Lake, to hiking up to Irving Cliff, particularly for a charming view of the town below, a day here can end like a whisper in the wind. The trick is to first nab a chair at Level Grounds Cafe, a 5-star rated culinary establishment that serves the most delicious honey almond milk iced latte in the world. The Stourbridge Line Train Excursions, one of the most scenic train rides in the region, should never be overlooked, either.

Mount Pocono

With names like Jim Thorpe hogging all the limelight, someone may be tempted to ignore modest players like Mount Pocono, a relaxing escape fine-tuned for a holiday experience. This under-the-radar beauty features several on-the-radar attractions, including the Mount Airy Casino Resort, the first casino resort in Pennsylvania to receive the highly coveted AAA Four Diamond designation. Mount Airy is clean, upscale, and definitely knows how to strut its stuff. The best part is that you can't starve here, especially with culinary overseers like Mamma Maria's, a casual eatery serving classic Italian entrees in a warm yet low-key atmosphere. If you have always wanted to experience an escape room, Big Screen Escapes offers an unforgettable introduction, especially with game hosts giving clues without disclosing the answer. It can serve as a great family bonding experience and a way to reward a child for any milestone or achievement. If you're looking for a panoramic spot with views that extend to the horizon, ask for a place called The Knob.

Tannersville

Like a decent number of its peers in the Pocono Mountains, Tannersville effortlessly caters to the needs of vacationers looking for rest and relaxation, as well as those craving heart-pounding adventure. The environment here is gentle, sweet, and bucolic, with just the right amount of lushness and greenery. Before heading to the slopes of Camelback Mountain to experience the largest outdoor waterpark, you will first want to date your hunger pangs with mouthwatering Indian dishes at Tandoor Palace, then top up with a creamy treat at Gabel's Ice Cream, a favourite hangout with large outdoor seating, a nice play area for kids, and ample parking space. Keep in mind that Jasmine Jewelry is always your go-to place for all kinds of jewelry and jewelry repairs.

Lake Harmony

There is a certain romantic ambiance that bodies of water evoke: glittering lakes, leaping cascades, or vast oceans with endless views. True to its name, Lake Harmony will teleport you from the jangling discords of a noisy location to an oasis of ethereal bliss. Expect your heart to be set ablaze with views of cascading hills, shimmering lakes, and beautiful, lush forests. The air here is clean and crisp, pure and playful. Kickstart your trip at Terra Cottage Cafe and Gifts, a homey eatery that offers on-deck seating and gorgeous waterfront views. Attached is a unique gift shop with interesting knick-knacks. Meanwhile, outdoor lovers have the lake that lends the town its name, as well as similar pleasure spots like Big Boulder Lake and Big Rock Traverse, a cool place to walk through the woods and enjoy nature's soothing melody.

Bushkill

Bushkill is famous for Bushkill Falls, a heart-stirring water wonder billed as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania." It is not a single cascade, but a unique series of several waterfalls, nestled deep in the wooded Pocono Mountains. Bushkill and the surrounding area boast an excellent network of hiking trails and bridges, many of which offer fabulous views of the surrounding scenery. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, considered one of the most beautiful outdoor attractions in the state, offers a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities to suit every taste. There's the well-maintained McDade Trail, an awesome spot for a mid-morning bike ride, and the frothing waters of the Delaware River, a major waterway that has been called the "Lifeblood of the Northeast."

So, although the Poconos is a well-established outdoor playground, whose spellbinding beauty is soft and surreal, don't ever overlook the small, beautiful towns that dot its wide expanse. Next to nature’s most expressive sceneries, you will find cozy cafes serving delicious homemade food, neatly curated museums that offer a glimpse into the area's history and heritage, and intimate theatres that have been entertaining residents for several decades.