Brilliant for fans of the great outdoors, Hawley is perched close to both beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack and the striking Poconos Mountains. The region attracts guests of all ages throughout much of the year, with summers proving especially popular with families. Accommodation options range from charming inns to a swish luxury resort with heaps of activities, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Hawley also promise spectacular views of lakes, mountains and rivers — ideal for unwinding.
This wonderful corner of north-eastern Pennsylvania will delight keen hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers, who will find myriad trails criss-crossing the foothills of the Poconos Mountains. Lake Wallenpaupack — an impressive 13 miles long — is a hub of activity, with opportunities to sail, fish, swim, kayak, parasail, water ski and wakeboard. Thrill-seekers can also try rafting or canoeing along rivers and waterfalls, or zip-lining amidst the treetops. Families will adore laid-back beach picnics, fun boat trips and the rides at the Carousel Water & Fun Park or Costa’s Family Fun Park, both close to Lake Wallenpaupack.
Once a bustling 19th Century stopping point on the coal shipping route to New York, Hawley boasts attractive Victorian architecture, antique shops and a renovated silk mill — now home to chic boutiques and a spa — as well as art galleries and eateries aplenty. Take some time to stroll around the downtown area for a sense of the Hawley’s industrial past, or enjoy a relaxing wander along the banks of the Lackawaxen River, which winds its way through town.
The best places to stay in Hawley fill up especially fast during the summer months, so book your trip well in advance!