Getting to know the Pocono’s
The Pocono region is very, very large about 2,400 square miles. Knowing what area of the Pocono’s you are in or want to be in is the first step to getting to know the Pocono’s. If you break down the areas there are four basic parts –
Eastern Poconos – The West End – The Mountain – Stroudsburg Area
Eastern Poconos – This area consists of the Delaware Water Gap, East Stroudsburg and the Lehman, Middle Smithfield, Porter, Price and Smithfield Townships. As referred to in the name this area is the eastern most part of the Poconos making it closest to New Jersey & New York along the Delaware River.
The Delaware Water Gap is famous for its panoramic mountain river gap and the Appalachian Trail. President Theodore Roosevelt and the John Philip Sousa band were among celebrity visitors in days gone by. The town was home to band leader Fred Waring’s publishing base. An annual jazz festival each September draws thousands to hear world-renowned performers. This area is also home to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
East StroudsburgDansbury Manor was the borough’s name until 1870 when it became East Stroudsburg for railroad identification purposes. But reminders of Daniel Broadhead, who founded the town in 1738, remain in local names, including Dansbury Park and the Broadhead Creek, which borders the town. Over the years, the railroad has played a key role in East Stroudsburg’s history. The first railroad station still exists but is now the Dansbury Depot restaurant.Another long-lasting reminder of the borough’s heritage is in the Bricktown section of North Courtland Street, where all the buildings are made of bricks manufactured by the Zacharias family, which is still in business as a masonry supply company.
The fast-growing borough features a flourishing downtown district. It is home to East Stroudsburg University and Pocono Medical Center. Many enjoy Dansbury Park with its pool, playgrounds, and athletic facilities, Zacharias Pond Park and Gregory’s Pond Park.
Lehman TownshipThe township has been an established community since 1829. It is a residential community with beautiful scenery, surrounded by the Delaware National Park Service. The Township lies between Porter, Middle Smithfield and Delaware Townships. It is the home of the famous Bushkill Falls.
Middle Smithfield TownshipMiddle SmithfieldTownship was created in 1794 and named for the pioneer Smith family. Today, a popular event is A Day in the Park each June. The township boasts beautiful views of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and a branch of the Pocono Family Y.
Porter TownshipPorter Township has been dubbed the “southern gateway to Pike County” with State Route 402 serving as the main roadway throughout the entire township. At least 70% of the lands are owned and administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and make up District 19 of the State Forest Lands. Small areas of private land exist including Hemlock Farms, containing about 400 residential lots, Spruce Run Creek Farms with 39 properties, all over 2 acres in size and Ness Road area which contains a cluster of small private properties.
Only three commercial properties exist in the Township, namely the Inn at Pecks Pond, the Pecks Pond Store and the Pickerel Inn.
Another vast acreage of land that is privately owned but formed into hunting and fishing clubs includes Porters Lake, Blue Heron Lake, Hunters Range, Camp William Penn and Beaver Run Club. These clubs have remained virtually unchanged since their formation in the early 1900’s.
During the early days logging and tanning were the primary industries. These activities left most of the township desolate and barren of trees. With very poor soil conditions..left little else to accomplish. With numerous waters and woods, outdoor enthusiasts continue to enjoy the rugged beauty and serenity of the area.
Price Township Cool streams and shady woodlands abound in Price Township, named for John Price, who settled here in 1764. The township includes many acres of Delaware State Forest as well as Snow Hill State Park, which was one of the first parks in Pennsylvania. Visitors enjoy picnicking, fishing and hiking
Smithfield TownshipThe annual fishing tournament at Waterfront Park and the Easter Egg Hunt are popular events among local children. The township Park Commission provides the events, in addition to administering use of all athletic fields. Smithfield Township, created as a part of the infamous Walking Purchase in 1737, was established in 1742 as the first township north of the Blue Mountains. The Township offers Delaware River recreation and nature trails, Historic sites and quaint villages, scenic parks, fabulous inns and bed & breakfasts, and creeks, ponds, lakes and waterfalls. Smithfield Township is a wonderful place to spend the weekend or raise your family.
The West End - This area consists of the Ross, Chestnuthill, Eldred and Polk Townships. The West End begins in the town of Broadheadsville which is only 15 minutes from the Delaware Water Gap off of Route 33. The western tip of the Poconos is home to one of the Largest fairs in PA – The West End fair.
Ross TownshipRoss Township grew as settlers passed north through the Wind Gap pass in the 1700’s. Saylor’s Lake, a natural lake, became a summer resort and the location of a winter ice cutting industry. A major brick factory also operated in Saylorsburg in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Ross township is a committed and involved community. Taking great pride in its’ historical sites and buildings as well as giving a hard push for a planned open spaces community park. http://www.rosstwp.com/
Chestnuthill Township Chestnuthill Township was incorporated in September of 1763. Today the township is home to a clusters of small towns including Broadheadsville. The township offers a 34 acre park with sports facilities and Community Center for its’ residents use. ChestnuthillTownship is in partnership with Ross Township to secure additional open space. http://www.chestnuthilltwp-pa.gov/
Eldred Township Offers all of the scenery and outdoor recreation that the Poconos is known for and is also the home of Kunkletown – which has it’s own claim to fame. Kunkletown is named after a Mr. Kunkle who “played” President Lincoln’s “body” double to foil assassination plots. When in Kunkletown, be sure to visit Smiley’s General Store for the best ring baloney in the Appalachian Mountains.
Polk TownshipThe township building is in Kresgeville, named for the pioneer Kresge family whose members over the years have included chain store magnate S.S. Kresge, founder of Kresge’s department stores, which became Kmart. Kresge who donated $25,000 in 1928 to help the local school district. Among points of interest are a nature trail on Route 534, which offers picnicking and hiking, and the Veterans Memorial on Route 209 in Kresgeville that was erected during the sesquicentennial.
The Mountain - This area consists of Mt. Pocono, Coolbaugh, Jackson, Paradise, Pocono, Barrett, Tobyhanna and Tunkhannock Townships. The Mountain is just that – a mountain – the Pocono Mountains are a series of plateaus. The area referred to as The Mountain is the highest elevation of the series of plateaus. Almost all of the Ski Areas in the Poconos are located on The Mountain.
Mt. Pocono A community best described as a rural community that evolved into the commercial hub that it is today. Originally part of Coolbaugh Township Mt. Pocono was formed having been home to a few land owners who each owned large tracts of land used mostly for the lumber trade and Ice Harvesting that supported the New York and Philadelphia markets. Small Guest houses and a few resorts started to pop up then and in the early 1900’s the area was home to many large resorts making tourisimit’s number one economy. the “Second Home Boom”, which began in the 1970’s, reinvigorated the area after the deathof rail service to the area and has since grown Mt. Pocono into a commuter area, witheasy access the Route 80 and 380, with a commercial hub at the center know as the five points for the intersection of Routes 611, 196 & 940.
Coolbaugh Township Still considered a rural area with many tiny towns and small communities the area is home to the larger TobyhannaVillage (not to be confused with Tobyhanna Township) was a major center for ice harvesting many years back. Today, Coolbaugh Township may be best known for the Tobyhanna Army Depot and for a large Wal-Mart distribution center.
Jackson Township Jackson Township was principally a farming and logging community. Some of the state’s most progressive farms of the mid – 19th century were located in Jackson Township. Jackson Township also played a part in the Monroe County ice industry. Most of the ice was harvested on two major lakes in the Township, Trout Lake and Mountain Springs Lake. The prosperity and growth of Jackson Township was increased significantly by the construction of the Wilkes Barre & Eastern Railroad a project of the New York Susquehanna and Western in 1893-94. Jackson Township ice was loaded at the Reeders Depot for shipment to Jersey City and New York. Today Jackson township is a rural wooded area home to many small communities and Bed & Breakfast’s as well as some commercial districts and resorts.
Paradise TownshipParadise Township was carved from Price Township in 1848. Among its villages is Henryville, once known for the HenryvilleHouse fishing hotel visited by such celebrities as Buffalo Bill Cody and four U.S. presidents. Today, you’ll find lodging facilities, attractions and restaurants. The township also hosts Easter, Halloween and Christmas festivities, and the annual Community Day picnic in September, with music, games and food.
Pocono Township Points of interest are Camelback Ski Resort and Camelbeach Water Park, the Cranberry Bog, an 800-acre National Natural Landmark. The Pocono Township Branch of the Eastern Monroe Public Library, on Route 611. Mountain View Park features athletic fields, tennis and basketball courts, pavilions, playground and trails. Pocono Township and Tannersville are probably best known for ski slopes, elegant resorts, the Camelback/Camelbeach ski resort and water park and the Crossings, a large complex of factory outlet stores that draws travelers from far away.
The township is also home to Aventis-Pasteur, world-famous for production of human vaccines and biologicals; to Roadway Express, one of the nation’s largest truck companies and to Northampton Community College’s Monroe Campus.
Barrett Township Barrett Township is a second class township located in northern Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Nestled in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of northeast Pennsylvania, Barrett Township is a growing community of approximately 4,100 full time residents. Withthe presence of several popular tourist destinations, resorts, and a thriving commercial and business community, the population present in the Township on a daily basis can often swell to many times that number. Barrett was formed in 1859 from portions of both Paradise Township and Price Township. The Township is bordered on the south by Paradise Township, Price Township to the southeast, and Coolbaugh Township on the west. Barrett Township is bordered by Greene Township in Pike County to the north, and Porter Township in Pike County to the northeast. Barrett Township consists of 5 villages: Cresco, Mountainhome, Canadensis, Buck Hill Falls, and Skytop. Each village represents the original settlement areas within the Township and is serviced by it’s own United States Post Office. Barrett is close enough to the more populous areas of the county to be conveniently accessible, yet it’s position within Monroe County provides for a more “small town” sense of community and makes it a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family.
Tobyhanna TownshipThe 52-square-mile Tobyhanna Township was incorporated from neighboring Coolbaugh Township in 1830 and takes its name from the stream Tobyhanna, which means a stream lined withalders. It is frequently confused with Tobyhanna Village, located in Coolbaugh Township. Among points of interest are Blanche Price Park, the Clymer Library, Brady’s Lake, state fish and game lands and New Ventures Business Park as well as being home to the prestigous Lake Naomi, Timber Trails and Pincrest Lake Golf & Country Club Communities located in Pocono Pines.
Tunkhannock Township Considered one of the world’s Top 40 “Last Great Places” by The Nature Conservancy, Tunkhannock Township boasts a beautiful landscape and abundant recreational opportunities. For good old-fashioned fun, residents enjoy the annual Tunk Fest in July. The township may be best known, though, as the home of the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, which attracts 150,000 visitors for two NASCAR races.
Stroudsburgh Area - This area consists of Hamilton Township, Stroud Township and Stroudsburgh (East Stroudsburgh is sometimes also included in this area however it is considered part of Eastern Poconos – Please see the Eastern Poconos section for information on East Stroudsburgh) The Stroudsburgh area is easily accessablefrom Route 80 making the area popular with visitors from New Jersey and New York as well as a home to thriving commuter communites.
Hamilton Township – Hamilton Township is home to many historical sites one is particularlly outstanding – Along Business Route 209 in Hamilton Township stands a mill centuries old. Built by Jacob Brinker in 1730, this old mill was originally a log structure. By 1800, the mill had been replaced by the stone structure which stands today. Jacob Brinker and his mill played an early role in the shaping of America. The 2½ story mill houses a large overshot wheel which was used to produce flour. Water from the McMichaels Creek provided power to turn the large wheel and grind corn to make various types of flour and feed. Two millers were needed to operate the mill.
By 1830, the Snyder family took over the mill and operated it over the next 100 years. Will Snyder was the last of the Snyder family to work the mill until he sold the building to Eugene Heller in 1954. Heller eventually sold the mill to Karl Hope. In 1974, Hope generously donated the mill to Hamilton Township with the understanding that the old structure would be used for “historical, cultural, and governmental purposes.”
The mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 13, 1976 and serves as a reminder of Monroe County’s diverse past. The mill offer an annual demonstration and seasonal tours. This township offers one foot in the past withall the lovely stone building and colonial homes and one foot in the present with many residential communities and small comercial areas.
Stroud TownshipStroud Township was named for Stroudsburg founder Jacob Stroud. Among the larger communities within it are Analomink, founded around 1846 by William White and originally named Spraguesville for a type of brake manufactured there. It was later renamed Analomink after a creek now called the Brodhead.
Stroudsburgh- Stroudsburg, the Monroe County seat, was founded by Jacob Stroud who laid out the town in 1799. The house he built on Main Street for his son John is known as StroudMansion, and today hosts the Monroe County Historical Association and museum. The borough is noted for its bustling downtown, filled with restaurants, nightclubs, banks, hotels, retail stores, art galleries, churches and more.
Stroudsburg is a hub of activity year-round, hosting celebrations from the St. Patrick’s Day parade to the Memorial Day parade to Tuba Christmas and community caroling. You’ll also find recreation opportunities at the five municipal parks and community pool. Be sure to visit the flourishing downtown where art galleries are the focus of the monthly “First Saturday” events. Visit the Jacob Stroud Corporation’s Web site, www.stroudsburg.net, for information on downtown events.
Jay AlbertsonPark, at 1211 N. Fifth St., features a playground, a gazebo and a duck pond. Pinebrook Park, on Route 191, is ideal for walking, picnics, fishing and possibly tubing. Big Pines Park, near the StroudsburgMiddle School off Cranberry Road, is a 25-acre park with walking trail, athletic field and pavilion. Yetter Park, off Stokes Road, has walking and jogging trails. Katz Park, at WedgewoodLake and Heritage Drive, encompasses 7.2 acres with a pond, walking trail, picnic tables and benches. Kovarick Lands comprises 13 acres off Glenview and Paula and Michael Drives. Michael Moore Park, on White Birch Street, features playground equipment.
The Appalachian Trail is accessible in the township at Fox Gap at Tott’s Gap Road and on Route 191 South.
This information is widely available on the web but for the purposes of this pages this information was found at www.poconorecord.com – in the Living Here Section.
Please feel free to post questions about specific towns and areas of the Poconos’. We would love to hear from you and are 100% sure we can answer any questions on our region that you may have.