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Ahhhhh, the Poconos! Pennsylvania’s playground attracts upwards of 30 million tourists each and every year, all of them drawn to this beautiful corner of the USA for the stunning scenery, the outdoor adventures… and those charming small towns. Dotted across the Pocono Mountains region of northeastern Pennsylvania are several picturesque communities that offer travelers a perfect weekend retreat.

From the historic streets of Jim Thorpe to the scenic lakeside setting of Hawley, and from the Victorian elegance of Milford to the rich cultural vibrancy of Stroudsburg, there's something in each of these small towns in the Poconos for everyone to enjoy a weekend retreat, whatever their passion.

Delaware Water Gap

The borough of Delaware Water Gap is undoubtedly one of the most popular places to visit in the Poconos. Situated on the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, it’s here that outdoors types flock to visit the beautiful Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. One of the top natural attractions in the northeastern United States, this vast park covers over 70,000 acres of stunning topography from rugged mountains and dense forests to the Delaware River itself, which carves through the valley, creating the iconic water gap.

The Appalachian Trail runs through the park, providing hikers with breathtaking views and a variety of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. Dingmans Falls, among the tallest in the state, is another must-see and is accessible via a boardwalk trail that’s suitable for all ages. Great places to stay for a weekend retreat in Delaware Water Gap include Deer Head Inn and The Penn Stroud, Stroudsburg - Poconos, and Ascend Hotel Collection.

Jim Thorpe

Telling friends and family you’re going to visit Jim Thorpe for the weekend may lead to a little confusion on their part, but this picturesque town certainly has a lot going for it. It's so pretty that it’s been dubbed the "Switzerland of America" for its scenic mountain backdrop and charming Victorian-era architecture, and Jim Thorpe is also home to top Pennsylvania attractions like the Asa Packer Mansion Museum. This well-preserved 19th-century mansion offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the railway magnate it’s named after.

Speaking of railroads, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway provides excellent views of the surrounding mountains and river via a 70-minute scenic train ride to Lehigh Gorge State Park. Round off the perfect weekend with a stay at the centrally located Bella Victoria Bed And Breakfast or The Inn At Jim Thorpe.

Honesdale

Honesdale is another great Poconos weekend getaway destination to consider. Located in the northern part of this beautiful mountain region, Honesdale is famous as the birthplace of the American railroad, a fact that can be explored at Wayne County Historical Society attractions, including the Stourbridge Lion, a full-size replica of the first steam locomotive to run on commercial tracks in the United States.

Visitors can celebrate this railway heritage for themselves with a ride aboard Stourbridge Line Rail Excursions, a scenic rail journey from Honesdale that’s especially popular during the fall season. When it comes to booking weekend accommodations, try to get as close as you can to Downtown Honesdale; both Hotel Wayne and the Wayne Inn come highly rated.

Hawley

Hawley’s picturesque setting near Lake Wallenpaupack makes it a must-include on any list of weekend destinations in the Pocono Mountains region. The third-largest man-made lake in Pennsylvania, Lake Wallenpaupack is a hotspot for water enthusiasts with boating, fishing, and water skiing being popular activities. Afterward, spend a little time exploring the old Hawley Silk Mill, a historic building that has been repurposed as a cultural and commercial center boasting everything from art galleries to boutique shops and even fresh, farm-to-table dining experiences.

Weekend entertainment can also be enjoyed at the Ritz Company Playhouse, a historic venue dating from 1933 that offers theatrical performances throughout the year. The nearby Promised Land State Park is fun for outdoor enthusiasts with its miles of hiking trails and wildlife observation opportunities. Need a place to stay in Hawley? Check out the rates at The Settlers Inn and Ledges Hotel, both offering views over the Lackawaxen River.

Milford

Its location on the Delaware River, directly opposite the state of New Jersey, makes Milford a great choice for a romantic weekend getaway. In addition to its handy proximity to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, it’s a great jumping-off spot from which to explore Raymondskill Falls, Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall. Milford's well-preserved Victorian architecture is another big draw and is best experienced at Grey Towers National Historic Site. Once the home of Gifford Pinchot, founder of the American conservation movement and twice governor of Pennsylvania, Grey Towers now serves as a museum and educational center offering a fascinating look into the nation's conservation history.

Try to time your Poconos weekend away to coincide with the Milford Music Festival or Black Bear Film Festival, two annual highlights that attract musicians, filmmakers, and enthusiasts from far and wide in June and October, respectively. Great accommodations in Milford include the centrally located Hotel Fauchère and Historic Dimmick Inn.

Mount Pocono

There’s little need to guess where Mount Pocono is located… yup, it’s in the very heart of the Pocono Mountains. Its location near the intersection of the I-80 and I-380 highways is certainly a plus, as is its proximity to Camelback Mountain Resort, a premier ski resort in the winter and a waterpark in the summer that offers fun and excitement for all ages. The resort's ski slopes cater to both beginners and experienced skiers, while its Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark is recognized as one of the best in the country, providing year-round family fun.

Big Pocono State Park, with its miles of hiking trails, is also close by and offers breathtaking views of three states from the summit of Camelback Mountain. For a quality Poconos weekend stay, check out Comfort Inn Suites and Maurrocks BnB.

Stroudsburg

Last but by no means least, Stroudsburg’s location on the I-80 near the border with New York State makes it an ideal escape from big cities like New York City. Try to book a stay at a hotel close to historic Main Street Stroudsburg, a must-see for its elegant old Victorian architecture, boutique and antique shops, as well as cafés and restaurants. Popular accommodation options here include the boutique-style Penn Stroud, Stroudsburg - Poconos, Ascend Hotel Collection, and Bridge Views Inn.

While here, check out the shows at The Sherman Theater, a restored historic venue built in 1928 that hosts a variety of live performances, concerts, and community events. Also, pop into the Monroe County Historical Association museum with its interesting insights into the region's past, including exhibits and collections that tell the story of Stroudsburg and its surrounding area.

The Final Word

These small towns in the Pocono Mountains offer a diverse and enchanting escape for weekend travelers. From the historic charm and cultural richness of Jim Thorpe to the lakeside calm of Hawley, each community presents unique experiences that are guaranteed to appeal to even the fussiest of travelers. This list of seven picturesque small towns in the Poconos for a weekend retreat is guaranteed to inspire.