Are you looking for the best towns in the Pocono Mountains to visit? If yes, then you have come to the right place.
As someone who grew up close to the area, I loved visiting the Poconos mountains.
If you are wondering where are the Poconos mountain, let me help you with it.
Poconos Mountains are located in Northwestern Pennsylvania and are home to some of the best small towns in PA.
It is a short drive from major cities in the USA such as New York City, Philadelphia, etc., and offers lots of fun activities such as skiing, hiking, and sledding.
Whether you are a nature enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or a history buff, you will find the best towns in the Poconos for the perfect family vacation.
Still confused about the best places to visit in the Poconos?
If yes, keep reading this list of the 12 Best Towns in the Pocono Mountains That You Cannot Miss!
Towns in the Pocono Mountains Not to Miss: 12
For Your Bucket List!
Stroudsburg
If you are an art lover or a nature buff, Stroudsburg is one of the best towns in the Pocono Mountains to visit.
I love that this quaint town is full of art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.
You can easily stroll around and take in the historic charm of this small town in the Poconos Mountains Pennsylvania.
Apart from a bustling downtown and cultural attractions, this city is also a paradise for nature lovers.
Several hiking and biking trails nearby offer a stunning view of the Poconos Mountains.
I loved strolling beside the colorful trees in the city while marveling at the buildings and the art scene here.
Trust me, if you are looking for a location for the perfect Pocono vacation, one of the top places to visit in the Poconos is Stroudsburg.
Tannersvills Is One Of The Cute Towns in the Pocono Mountains
Are you looking for a relaxing yet adventurous trip to the Poconos?
If yes, then Tannersville is one of the best small towns in Pennsylvania to explore.
This quaint town in the Poconos Pennsylvania is a year-round destination.
In the winter it is the perfect place for skiing and snow tubing while in the summer, you can zipline or aerial rope.
I love the indoor waterpark resorts here that you can enjoy with the whole family.
Camelback Resort is one of the biggest indoor waterpark resorts with 36 slides and water rides. Plus, after all that fun and adventure, you can enjoy a relaxing spa here.
So, if you are looking for the top towns in the Pocono Mountains for a fun family vacation, plan a trip to Tannersville.
Hawley Is One Of The Fun Towns In The Pocono Mountains
One of the best towns in the Poconos Mountains for lake lovers, Hawley is located next to Lake Wallenpaupack.
This is another destination in the Poconos Mountains that I love due to the wide range of outdoor activities offered here.
From boating to biking, there is no shortage of fun family activities here.
And guess what? There are plenty of local beaches for you to explore here too!
Apart from the outdoor activities in the Poconos, this town also features lots of quaint eateries, wineries, and boutiques.
This is one of the best towns in the Pocono Mountains for a weekend family getaway.
Milford
If you want the best small Poconos towns to explore, then Milford is for you.
For a little history lesson, you can visit the Grey Towers National Historic Site and learn about the conservation efforts of the Pinchot family.
Apart from that, one of the top Poconos attractions to enjoy here is the Raymondskill Falls, the tallest falls in this region.
I loved the hiking trails to this fall that offer different vantage points.
For adventurers like me, this cute town in the Poconos Mountains Pennsylvania offers water activities and hiking and biking trails.
Whether you are a history buff or a nature lover, Milford is one of the top towns in the Poconos Mountains to visit for you!
Lake Harmony
For skiing, another one of the best towns in the Pocono Mountains is Lake Harmony.
Lake Harmony is one of the top mountain towns in Pennsylvania and is the ultimate family vacation spot.
In the winters, you can enjoy skiing at the Big Boulder Ski Resort, and in the summers, you can go for pony rides in the Daisy Field Farm.
There are plenty of fun family activities here such as paintball, bowling, hiking, biking, and more.
Lake Harmony is one of the best towns in Pennsylvania for a year-round vacation.
Jim Thorpe
Do you wish to visit Switzerland of America? If yes, then Jim Thorpe is one of the top towns in the Poconos Mountains for you!
It is one of the picturesque small towns in Pennsylvania where you can find Victorian architecture beside a beautiful river that paints a fairytale picture.
One of the most interesting things to do in the Poconos mountains is learning the history of this beautiful town that was once a coal mining hub.
Go on a scenic train ride, explore a historic mansion, and more here.
There is no shortage of fun outdoor things to do here, especially in the autumn when the fall foliage makes this town even more charming.
So, if you are looking for a romantic yet adventurous vacation, Jim Thorpe is one of the perfect towns in the Pocono Mountains to explore!
One Of The Top Towns In The Pocono Mountains Is Delaware Water Gap
One of the best small towns in Pennsylvania, Delaware Water Gap is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
This is a gorgeous and quaint town that lies along the Appalachian Trail and is ideal for anyone wishing to hike the Mount Minsi fire trail loop.
That’s not all though, apart from hiking, there are many things to do in the Poconos mountains from this town.
You can indulge in water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, or tubing down the Delaware River.
There are also plenty of lively bars and dining options here that can make your stay in this town quite memorable.
If you want the ultimate adventure trip to the Poconos Mountains Pennsylvania, plan a visit to the Delaware Water Gap.
Honesdale
One of the most charming towns in the Pocono Mountains that you cannot afford to skip is Honesdale.
This famous rail town, known as the ‘Birthplace of the American Railroad’, has a rich history that you can learn at the Wayne County Historical Society.
You can find a replica of the Stourbridge Lion on the main street next to the Wayne County Historical Society.
It was the first steam locomotive brought to the USA to help with coal transportation.
Apart from the history, the town offers a fun Fall Foliage Train Ride with river views on the left and cliff views on the right.
You can also spend a day at the nearby Prompton State Park where you can go hiking, biking, boating, and more.
So, if history or train rides interest you, check out Honesdale in the Pocono Mountains.
Lehighton
Located in Carbon County, Lehighton is one of the top towns in the Pocono Mountains for outdoor lovers.
It is known as the ‘Gateway to the Carbon County’ and is quite popular among tourists due to the stunning Lehigh River.
Here, you can indulge in fun water activities such as jet skiing, swimming, boating, and more.
I also like that it is located close to the 3000-acre big Beltzville State Park which features 15 exciting trails for visitors to explore.
Plus, there is the Beltzville Lake with its 19-mile shoreline that is ideal for swimming, fishing, picnicking, and more.
Trust me, if you are looking for an outdoor vacation town in the Poconos, Lehighton is the one for you!
Gouldsboro
Another one of the best small towns in the Pocono Mountains that you cannot miss is Gouldsboro.
What I love about this quaint town is that it is perfect for relaxing your body and mind on a vacation.
When you first enter here, it looks like a painting with its pristine lakes and lush forests. One of the top attractions in the Poconos Mountains is the Gouldsboro State Park.
This state park is home to a wide range of wildlife and plants. Plus, one can enjoy fun activities here such as hiking, biking, boating, kayaking, and kayaking.
There are plenty of rustic log cabins here for a fun family vacation.
If you want a rustic, outdoor vacation, then Gouldsboro is perfect for you!
Bushkill
For waterfall lovers, one of the top places to visit in the Poconos Mountains is Bushkill.
This small town in Pennsylvania is home to the famous Bushkill Falls known as the ‘Niagra of Pennsylvania’.
Bushkill Falls, one of the top attractions in the Poconos Mountains, is a cascade of eight falls and lies deep in the forest that can be reached via hiking trails.
Bushkill can also be visited in the winter for fun skiing and snow tubing sessions.
If you are looking for one of the top towns in the Pocono Mountains for a year-round Poconos vacation, visit Bushkill.
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
Are you planning an epic winter vacation in the Poconos Mountains, Pennsylvania?
If yes, then one of the top things to do in the Poconos Mountains is stay a few days in the Shawnee Mountain Ski Area.
This family-friendly ski resort in the Poconos Mountains features 23 skiing slopes and trains, a snow tubing park, and 2 terrain parks.
From beginners to experienced skiers, there is something for everyone here. Plus, you can also take lessons and learn skiing.
The trails are generally open till February end only. If you plan to visit anytime after that, chances are that most trails would be closed and you would have limited skiing options or none.
I suggest Shawnee Mountain Ski Area for the perfect winter family vacation!
Packing Tips For Your Trip When Visiting Towns In The Poconos
It is a great idea to pack light using only a carry-on. Read my tips here.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
These RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft.
I was never a fan of packing cubes until I tried them out! Now I am sold. These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.
The replaceable Bobble carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble.
Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium. Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you.
You will want to bring a backpack or daypack to store snacks, water bottles, phone, extra clothes, etc… This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.
We must protect our eyes from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These unisex polarized sunglasses come in numerous lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable.
This world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.
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Where to Stay in Pocono Mountains
Hampton Inn & Suites Stroudsburg Bartonsville Poconos – One of the top places to stay in Stroudsburg is the Hampton Inn & Suites Stroudsburg Bartonsville Poconos.
This amazing restaurant offers rooms with a microwave and facilities such as a hot tub, a business center, and a terrace to make an amazing experience for the guests.
Check Prices Here: Booking.com
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Lehighton-Jim Thorpe, PA – For a comfortable stay in Lehighton, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is a good choice.
From whitewater rafting to touring the Lehigh Gorce Scenic Railway, there are fun activities to enjoy if you stay at this hotel near Jim Thorpe.
You can also relax in the heated indoor pool and work out in the fitness center during your stay here.
Check Prices Here: Booking.com
Mount Airy Casino Resort – If you are traveling with your partner or friends, one of the best places to stay in the Poconos Mountains Pennsylvania is Mount Airy Casino Resort.
This adults-only resort in Mount Pocono features a bar and a casino, a year-round outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and fully equipped comfortable rooms.
If you are looking for a luxury vacation, then this is perfect.
Towns in Pennsylvania: 21 Not To Skip!