Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
Visiting Hawley, PA
What to know, what to do, and where to stay nearby.
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Hawley is a small mountain town along the Lackawaxen River in the northern Poconos — the kind of place where every other storefront is locally owned and the pace matches the river that runs through it. It is walkable, unhurried, and full of character. For guests staying at Ferncrest Promised Land, just 25 minutes away, Hawley is the perfect afternoon trip when you want a little town energy between days in the woods.
What to Do
Everything Hawley, PA has to offer
Downtown Hawley is compact enough to explore on foot in a couple of hours but interesting enough to fill an afternoon. Start on Main Avenue, where you will find independent shops, antique stores, and locally owned boutiques. The Hawley Silk Mill — a massive restored industrial building on the river — houses a mix of artisan shops and community space worth walking through.
The food and drink scene punches well above its weight for a town this size. Cocoon Coffee House is a go-to for morning espresso. Ledges Hotel, built into the cliffs above the Lackawaxen River, has a restaurant and bar with dramatic waterfall views from the deck. Glass Wine Bar and Settler's Inn offer refined but relaxed dining options for dinner.
The Lackawaxen River runs directly through town and provides the backdrop for much of Hawley's charm. Walk along the river trail, watch kayakers navigate the rapids, or simply sit on one of the overlooks with a drink and take it in. The falls near Ledges Hotel are particularly scenic after a rain.
Hawley also serves as a gateway to Lake Wallenpaupack, with the southern tip of the lake just minutes north of town. Many visitors pair a morning on the lake with an afternoon in Hawley for a full day out.
Why It's Worth the Trip
More than a pin on the map.
Hawley is not trying to be anything it is not. There are no chain restaurants on Main Street, no tourist traps, no manufactured charm. It is a real town with real history that happens to be set in one of the most beautiful parts of Pennsylvania. The combination of river views, good food, walkable streets, and independent shops makes it the kind of place you did not plan to spend three hours in but absolutely will. For Ferncrest guests, it adds a layer to the trip — a reminder that the Poconos are not just forests and trails, but communities worth getting to know.
Seasonal Guide
Best time to visit Hawley, PA
Spring
The river runs high from snowmelt, making the waterfall views near Ledges Hotel especially dramatic. Outdoor patios begin opening up and the town shakes off winter quietly. A great time to explore without crowds.
Summer
Peak season for Hawley. Outdoor dining is in full swing, the river trail is busy with walkers and kayakers, and the shops stay open later. Pair a morning at Lake Wallenpaupack with an afternoon in town.
Fall
Hawley during fall foliage season is exceptional. The tree-lined streets and river corridor light up in gold and crimson. Local events, harvest menus, and cooler weather make this one of the best times to visit.
Winter
Hawley stays open through winter with cozy dining options, warm coffee shops, and holiday events. The quieter pace makes it feel intimate. It is a natural stop before or after a day of skiing at nearby resorts.
Frequently asked questions
Where to Stay
Stay at Ferncrest Promised Land
15 miles from the property
Hawley is the kind of town that makes you want to come back the next day. And when you are staying at Ferncrest Promised Land, just 25 minutes up the road, you can. Spend the afternoon browsing shops and eating well, then return to your dome tent for a fire pit evening under the trees. It is the best of both worlds — small-town charm during the day, nature immersion at night.
