Living in the Pocono Mountains Region of Northeastern PA
Living in the Pocono Mountains region blends mountain scenery with active communities and easy access to outdoor recreation. The area stretches from the New York border south to Blue Mountain and includes lakefront towns, historic boroughs and growing small cities. Forests, rivers and state parks shape everyday life while downtowns provide dining, shopping and community connections.
Residents enjoy a balance of nature and convenience. Major roadways and established town centers make it easy to access schools, healthcare, dining and employment while staying close to hiking trails, lakes and seasonal attractions. Whether visiting for a weekend or settling in long-term, the Pocono Mountains offer a lifestyle rooted in the outdoors with room to explore.
Community Life & Local Connections
Community life throughout the Pocono Mountains centers on town squares, main streets and outdoor gathering places. Local festivals, markets and seasonal events bring residents and visitors together across the region. Downtowns support cafés, galleries, restaurants and entertainment venues that keep each community distinct.
Outdoor recreation is part of daily life. State parks, national recreation areas and trail systems support hiking, biking, paddling and winter sports. The region’s scale allows for both quiet escapes and lively destinations, creating variety across every season.
A Glimpse of Life in the Pocono Mountains
Life in the Pocono Mountains blends expansive natural landscapes with active towns and seasonal adventure. Eight state parks, hundreds of miles of trails and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area create endless opportunities to explore the outdoors.
Spring brings rushing waterfalls, emerging wildflowers and early-season hikes. Summer is marked by lake days at Lake Wallenpaupack, paddling along rivers and time spent in local and state parks. Fall transforms the region with vibrant foliage, farm visits and scenic drives through mountain valleys.
Winter defines the region’s identity, with six ski resorts offering downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing. Towns like Jim Thorpe, Hawley and Honesdale stay lively year-round with walkable downtowns, dining, entertainment and views shaped by the surrounding mountains.
Known For:
Eight state parks
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Hundreds of miles of hiking trails
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania’s “Little Switzerland”
Lake Wallenpaupack
The historic Gravity Railroad in Honesdale
Mount Airy Casino Resort
Hawley Silk Mill
By the Numbers:
Geographical Area: 2,322 square miles
Estimated Population: 342,496
School Districts: Seventeen public school districts serve the Pocono Mountains region across four counties, along with career and technical education options.
Colleges & Universities: East Stroudsburg University, Northampton Community College
Communities: Popular destinations include Bushkill, Delaware Water Gap, East Stroudsburg, Gouldsboro, Hawley, Honesdale, Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Milford, Mount Pocono, Stroudsburg, Tannersville, Tobyhanna.
Hawley, PA is a charming town in Wayne County where outdoor fun and small-town charm go hand in hand. You can pedal the Pennsylvania Rail Bike along the Lackawaxen River, check out local art galleries, or grab a bite at one of the downtown restaurants. It’s the kind of place where you’re always close to nature—perfect for hiking, boating, or exploring nearby state parks.
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Honesdale, PA, known as the birthplace of the American railroad, is a charming small town with plenty to explore. Stroll through downtown to find local boutiques, inviting restaurants and historic spots like the Stourbridge Line train rides. If you love the outdoors, you’ll find plenty of hiking, kayaking and year-round activities in the surrounding Pocono Mountains.
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Jim Thorpe, PA is one of the Pocono Mountains’ most recognizable destinations. Historic architecture, local shops and entertainment venues line its streets, while surrounding trails, river access and mountain views make it a hub for outdoor adventure.
Lake Wallenpaupack is a 5,700-acre lake in the Pocono Lake Region offering year-round recreation like boating, swimming, hiking, and camping. Visitors enjoy kayaking, fishing, fall foliage hikes, and winter activities like ice fishing and skating, making it a four-season destination. With nearby trails, public beaches, lakeside dining, and mountain views, the area blends lake recreation with relaxing getaways in the Pocono Mountains.
Lehighton, PA is a Carbon County borough along the Lehigh River and the D&L Trail, offering direct access to outdoor recreation and nearby Pocono Mountains destinations. A walkable downtown, proximity to Beltzville State Park and easy access to Jim Thorpe and Lehigh Gorge State Park make it a convenient base for exploring the region.
Milford, PA is a Pike County borough along the Delaware River, known for its storybook downtown, rich history and easy access to outdoor adventure. As the gateway to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Milford pairs walkable streets, local shops and cultural sites with nearby trails, waterfalls and scenic river views.
The Pocono Lake Region in Wayne and Pike counties is a scenic escape centered around Lake Wallenpaupack and its surrounding communities. Enjoy boating, hiking, fishing and year-round outdoor fun, plus charming small towns, local shops and lakeside dining. It’s a go-to destination for adventure and classic Pocono Mountains charm.
Learn More10 Outdoor Activities in the Pocono Mountains
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A Peek Into the Pocono Mountains Region’s Past
The Pocono Mountains Region was once home to six major Native American tribes – Delaware, Iroquois, Lenape, Shawnee, Minisink and Paupack. Several centuries later, Dutch, English and German settlers staked out early designs of what would become some of the first towns in the Pocono Mountains. Coal took hold in Carbon County, while the first steam engine clanked along the old Gravity Railroad in Honesdale.
By the mid 20th century, the opening of the interstate highway system made easy work of accessing even the farthest reaches of the Pocono Mountains.
Did you know?
Artificial snowmaking started in the Pocono Mountains. In the winter ski season of 1956-57, John Guresh, an employee at Big Boulder Ski Resort successfully fired up what was believed to be the first snowmaking machine in the U.S. The device ultimately paved the way for the Pococno Mountains to become one of the premier ski destinations in the east.
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