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 Frolic in May, the Pride Festival and Juneteenth in June, the Pocono State Craft Festival in August, and StroudFest in September. Even if there is not a festival going on in town, Stroudsburg is a great place to explore, with longtime shops such as Dunkelberger’s and historic highlights like the 1795 Stroud Mansion and 1890 Monroe County Courthouse. The fantastic Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is also just a short drive away.

Bushkill

The little community of Bushkill is home to one of the region’s most famous natural features: Bushkill Falls, a series of eight waterfalls known as the “Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania.” Visiting the falls requires some hiking, but the stunning beauty of the natural scenery is more than worth the effort. Bushkill is also home to Poconos Park, a 10,000-seat amphitheater that hosts some of the region’s biggest events. The 2024 calendar includes TacoFest (May), Motorcycle-themed (May), and 1980s-themed (July) music festivals, an Independence Day carnival (July), a haunted house (October), and drive-through holiday lights (December).

Delaware Water Gap

The town of Delaware Water Gap is named for the towering and narrow mountain pass cut through by the Delaware River. The community sits on the valley floor, and the Appalachian Trail leads up Mt. Minsi for an elevated view of the area. Outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy mountain biking on the McDade Recreational Trail, whitewater rafting along the river, and migratory bird watching (and much more) at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The town is also a live music hotbed and hosts the annual COTA Jazz and Arts Festival in September.

Honesdale

Honesdale is called the “Birthplace of American Railroading” and maintains a replica of the nation’s first commercial steam locomotive, the 1829 Stourbridge Lion, at the Wayne County Historical Museum. The Stourbridge Rail Line used to haul coal but now serves as a 25-mile-long scenic railway that is particularly beautiful in autumn. Honesdale’s residents also showcase their lovely little town with fun events all year long, including the Roots and Rhythm Music and Arts Festival in June, Wayne County Fair in August, Harvest and Heritage Days in October, and Winter Wonderland at the end of November.

Tannersville

Tannersville is one of the oldest communities in the region, with a history stretching back more than 250 years, but it is much better known today for its modern tourist amenities. Tannersville is home to a Poconos mega-resort, Camelback Resort, which offers luxury accommodations and year-round activities ranging from skiing to zip-lining, along with a giant indoor water park and events like UllrFest in November. Shoppers also flock to the Poconos Premium Outlets in Tannersville, home to more than 100 outlet shops. For a nature getaway, hike to the summit in Great Pocono State Park to soak in fantastic panoramic views.

Tobyhanna

Like Tannerville and Camelback Resort, the little community of Tobyhanna is home to a mega-resort (Kalahari Resort) that brings in vacationers and convention-goers from near and far. Kalahari’s African flora and fauna theme may not relate much to the Poconos, but the resort has excellent amenities, including a 220,000-square-foot indoor water park. For a more authentic Poconos experience, head to nearby Tobyhanna State Park for boating, hiking, and more. Or, zip over to Pocono Raceway, a famous auto racing track that hosts a NASCAR event each July and other races throughout the season.

The Poconos region of Carbon, Pike, Monroe, and Wayne counties has transformed itself into a true four-season destination. The region’s small towns play their part by hosting fun community events throughout the year, and also simply by being lovely little places to visit. Whether you prefer historic architecture, scenic railways, mountain trails, live jazz, or indoor water parks, you cannot go wrong exploring the small towns of the Poconos. So, make your 2024 travel plans today!