Generations of travelers, especially from cities along the eastern seaboard, have vacationed in the Pocono Mountains region of northeastern Pennsylvania. The kitschy honeymoon motels with heart-shaped bathtubs have largely been replaced with big resorts (several with indoor water parks), but the natural grandeur of the Poconos remains. There are also still dozens of small towns tucked away in the Poconos, full of history and charm and just waiting to be explored. Check out our list of eight must-see small towns for 2024.
Lehighton
Coal mining in the Poconos goes back centuries, and Lehighton was long an important coal-shipping town along the Lehigh River and the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Nearly all of the coal mines have long since closed, so Lehighton now thrives on tourists seeking to explore the beautiful outdoors that surround the town. Nearby natural highlights include Lehigh Gorge State Park and the D&L National Heritage Trail. Lehighton also hosts lots of fun community events, such as the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival in October, held at the “World’s Largest General Store,” Country Junction.
Jim Thorpe
Once called Mauch Chunk, the town of Jim Thorpe is named for one of the greatest American athletes of the twentieth century, who is also buried in town. Most of the buildings downtown long predate the 1954 name change and represent an impressive array of architectural styles, making Jim Thorpe perfect for a walking tour. After checking out the Asa Packer Mansion Museum, book a trip on the 16-mile-long Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for some lovely natural sightseeing. Jim Thorpe also keeps a busy community social calendar, with highlights including the Independent Film Festival (April), Fall Foliage Festival (October), and Olde Time Christmas Weekends (December).
Stroudsburg
Stroudsburg (population 6,000) is the largest town in the Poconos, and as a result, it bustles with festivals and community events all year long. To name just a few examples, Stroudsburg hosts the Quiet Valley Farm Animal…
Read More: 8 Cutest Small Towns In The Poconos To Visit In 2024