Whether you’re tubing down the Delaware River, climbing the neck of a picturesque hill, or simply strolling through the woods while listening to birds chirping and leaves rustling, the Poconos offer an unparalleled outdoor experience. We provide. Find a small, charming town, book a rustic lakeside cabin, and lose yourself in a world of peace and natural beauty. Below are the seven most beautiful towns in the Poconos. Pick your favorite and set it as the basis for a fun-filled weekend.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Jim Thorpe is named after the outstanding Native American athlete whose shoes were stolen hours before his record-breaking Olympic performance. He is one of the most scenic towns in not only the Poconos, but America. Acres of pristine Pocono nature surround the small storybook town centered on Broadway Street. Decades ago, this area was home to the legendary “Millionaire’s Lane.” Today, it’s home to trendy restaurants (Broadway Grill + Underground serves delicious grilled cheese), eclectic art galleries (Studio YNW’s art prints and tapestries are affordable), and other top-notch shopping options. Masu. The Jim Thorpe Memorial Museum tells the detailed story of the town’s namesake athlete. Meanwhile, the must-see Lehigh Valley Plateau Railway offers narrated tours through the vivid and flavorful scenery.
Honesdale, Pennsylvania
Start your journey here at the aptly named Camp Ampie’s Bagels & Stuff. This establishment serves great food, but the bagels are especially top-notch. Located approximately 39 miles from Scranton at the confluence of the Lacawaxen and DeBerry Rivers, Honesdale is often referred to as the “Birthplace of American Railroads.” The first locomotives to run on rails in the United States were first tested at Honesdale. He was known as the “Stourbridge Lion”. Today, a replica of this engineering marvel stands on Main Street, making it one of the town’s signature attractions. Additionally, history buffs will want to spend time at the Wayne County Historical Museum, the area’s best place to learn about local history. First-time visitors may want to hike the 300-foot-tall Irving Cliff from Honesdale for a panoramic view of the city from above. It overlooks the downtown area. Before you end your trip, you’ll want to pick up a unique souvenir at Maude and Main, a quaint and wonderful store on Main Street.
Hawley, Pennsylvania
Just 15 miles from Honesdale, Hawley also deserves a spot among the most scenic towns in the Poconos. She’s located right next to Pennsylvania’s third largest man-made lake, so her rustic charm and outdoor opportunities are big draws. Lake Wallenpaupack boasts over 80 miles of shoreline, beautiful trails, wildlife, and clean campgrounds. A full five-star attraction on TripAdvisor, Masters of the Skies offers a glimpse into the esoteric world of birds of prey, including peregrine falcons and hawks, and should be included in any itinerary. If you want to catch a show in an outdoor amphitheater surrounded by stunning views of the Poconos, the aptly named Harmony in the Woods is convenient. Before that, a hearty breakfast at Lake Wally Café will set you right.
Narrowsburg, New York
When it comes to beauty, size doesn’t matter. Narrowsburg has only about 380 residents. Its primary drag extends for several miles. But Main Street is incredibly picturesque, with delicious cafes and eclectic boutiques, and can easily pack more than a punch. Each shop (and eatery) reflects the personality and style of its owner, offering intimate retail therapy. For example, the laundromat is located along the river and one of the most popular restaurants in town. Alternatively, The Tusten Cup is equally homey and boasts a similar waterfront setting. Additionally, the Delaware River is here in its natural beauty, giving the town a lovely rustic feel. Stylish antique shops like Maison Bergogne, as well as unique discoveries, will make your heart flutter. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Tusten Mountain Trail offers captivating views of the Upper Delaware Valley, especially from the top.
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
It’s a charming downtown area. Access to the Appalachian Trail, Delaware Water Gap, and the nation’s largest snow tubing park. For these reasons and more, Stroudsburg is known as one of the most beautiful towns in the Poconos. Nestled along Broadhead Creek, surrounded by a landscape of wooded hills, lush valleys, and sparkling lakes, Stroudsburg often completely surprises first-time visitors. Just around the corner, the Deer Head Inn is the oldest continuously operating jazz club in the United States. To get your adrenaline and endorphins flowing, Glen Park is a legendary mountain biking spot worth exploring. Featuring a maze of carefully selected bike trails, it’s a wooded, fun place to roll around as picturesque Broadhead Creek winds its way past mesmerizingly.
milford
Milford, once known as the home of James Pinchot, who made his fortune importing (and later creating) Victorian wallpaper, should be on every Pocono adventurer’s bucket list. Another Pocono eye candy to include. James Pinchot’s son, Gifford Pinchot, would later develop a friendship with President Theodore Roosevelt and become a member of his unofficial “Tennis Cabinet.” Gifford Pinchot is today hailed as the nation’s first practicing forester. His home base, Greytowers, is one of Milford’s most popular tourist attractions. Waterwheel Café, Bakery & Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a great meal while listening to the rhythmic sound of water bubbles. Surrounded by unspoiled beauty, this town is home to his three-tiered Raymondskill Falls, the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. It is called “Pennsylvania’s Niagara.”
east stroudsburg
Stroudsburg may tempt and restrain you, but no visit to the Poconos is complete without checking out East Stroudsburg. This city radiates charm in all its forms and will capture your attention within minutes. Home to East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, it’s vibrant and pulsates with an energy you can’t miss. Movie buffs will love visiting the Pocono Cinema & Cultural Center, a town staple for nearly 140 years and the first of its kind in Monroe County. The family-run Pocono Snake & Animal Farm is a compact but great place to see sloths and feed the animals. Additionally, the Frazetta Museum houses the largest collection of works by Frank Frazetta, one of his pioneers of modern fantasy illustration.
Your next Poconos adventure awaits
Whether you’re looking to temporarily escape New York City or escape the concrete jungle, the Poconos serves as a great vacation destination. This vast oasis is filled with numerous outdoor opportunities. For example, in the winter, go snowboarding at places like the top-rated Camelback Mountain Ski Resort. In the summer, you can float on the Delaware River, paddle on Lake Wallenpaupack, or hike one of the area’s many beautiful trails. If you’re looking for a picturesque town to base your adventures on, Thorpe, Milford, and Stroudsburg are the perfect choice. Just grab your favorite, set a convenient date, and throw your backpack over your shoulder.
