No matter what time of year you visit, there’s no shortage of things to do in the Pocono Mountains, especially in Hawley! With an abundance of outdoor adventures, historic attractions, and fun-filled events, boredom is never an option. Whether you’re planning your vacation itinerary or searching for the perfect getaway destination, you’ll want to take a look at our picks for the top 15 things to do in Hawley PA!
You can’t miss the Hawley Silk Mill! Built in 1880, it’s the largest Bluestone building in the world and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The one-time factory was repurposed into a lifestyle center with shops, an art gallery, fitness center and offices. Make a stop here the cornerstone of any visit to Hawley.
Our Picks for Top 15 Things to Do in Hawley, PA
1. Waterfalls
Our area has an abundance of waterfalls. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is one of best places to view the beautiful cascades in the region, so pack a lunch and spend a day enjoying this free activity! Check out more local waterfall tours in the Pocono Mountains!
2. Boating and Kayaking on Lake Wallenpaupack
It’s easy to spend a lazy day on Lake Wallenpaupack! Wander along its 52 miles of shoreline or rent a kayak or boat and skim across the 5,700-acres of water. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can try water skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, or even jet skiing! Several businesses will rent all the equipment you need for a memorable day out on the water, including the Silver Birches Resort in Hawley!
3. Pennsylvania Rail Bike
Hawley is home to the only recreational railbiking adventure in the Poconos. Pedal on tracks aboard custom built two or four-person rail bikes. The six-mile route along the Lackawaxen River takes approximately two hours. Along the way expect to see plenty of wildlife, scenic views and historical landmarks. Pennsylvania Rail Bike, formerly Soarin’ Eagle Rail Tours, offers several trips are available throughout the day with rides offered every weekend and most weekdays through October.
4. Antiquing
It’s popular year-round but even more so in spring, summer and early fall, the art of antiquing is excellent in the Hawley, PA, area. Several quaint shops are located right here in town, including Miss Elly’s, and the Hawley Antique Exchange.
5. Biking
It’s one of the best things to do in Hawley, PA, and the surrounding areas! Pedal around town to get a little exercise and see the sights! If you’d like a real mountain biking experience, there are great trails right along the Lackawaxen River. Need a bike? No worries! Thanks to the Hawley BikeShare, visitors can borrow bikes from the city completely free of charge! Simply find your bike at any one of the BikeShare locations throughout Hawley, fill out the rental agreement, and off you go!
6. Hiking
Hiking near Hawley, PA, is a very popular pastime and a must for your visit to the Pocono Mountains. You’ll find a wide variety of trails to explore outside of town in the Delaware State Forest, Shuman Point Natural Area, Ledgedale Recreation Area, and Promised Land State Park.
7. Shopping
Enjoy some retail therapy in Hawley, PA! The Potting Shed at The Settlers Inn carries a variety of special gifts ranging from jewelry to pottery and items for your home or garden. Hawley Silk Mill also has several shops to browse. Art on the Edge and the Looking Glass Art Gallery are perfect for finding unique art, gifts, and souvenirs. Lake Lights Candles has handcrafted candles in a variety of vessels and lovely scents. Find a curated mix of houseplants, unique vessels, potted plants, terrariums, and elegant living and dried centerpieces at Gorgeous Floral as well as gift ideas for gardeners and nature lovers alike.
8. Walking Tours
Enjoy a two-mile walk past several quintessential local landmarks. This self-guided tour begins at the perimeter of Bingham Park and continues along the Lackawaxen River, through Riverside Park Natural Area, past several historic buildings and ends at the stores along Main Avenue and Church Street.
9. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
During the winter season, visitors from all over the nation flock to the Pocono Mountains for the incredible snowshoeing and skiing opportunities. Promised Land State Park, located just about 20 minutes from Hawley, is a great place to enjoy winter sports. Gouldsboro State Park, Delaware State Forest, and Ski Big Bear are also great destinations for some of the best snowshoeing and skiing in the nation.
10. Rafting
When the sun is high and the weather is warm, head to the river for a rafting adventure you won’t soon forget! Landers River Trips lets you choose your ideal journey from five launch locations.
11. Live Performances
Looking for some of the best local entertainment? Established in 1973, the Ritz Company Playhouse stages plays and concerts for residents and visitors of Hawley to enjoy year-round. The Settlers Inn hosts Jazz on the Deck every Wednesday during summer and Blues, Brews and BBQ is a signature event at Glass-wine.bar.kitchen Sundays from Memorial Day thorugh Labor Day. Silver Birches is home to Lakeside Live, which features live music on the lakefront weekends from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Harmony in the Woods is an outdoor performing arts venue showcasing a diverse mix of blues, folk, bluegrass, jazz, Broadway, Celtic, country, funk, opera, comedy and dance.
12. Wally Lake Fest
At the end of each August, Hawley celebrates the end of summer with Wally Lake Fest. Thousands of people flock to Lake Wallenpaupack to enjoy the area’s pristine natural beauty, live entertainment and fun activities!
13. Hawley Harvest Hoedown
Each October, the always-exciting Hawley Harvest Hoedown returns to town! Enjoy a range of traditional fall activities including cider tastings, crafts, family activities, plenty of food and lots of entertainment. Be sure you don’t miss the finale concert at The Ritz Theatre on Saturday night.
14. Hawley Winterfest
Held in December, this event kicks off the holiday season with a host of winter activities and delicious holiday fare. Watch as experts carve intricate figures out of ice and participate in the gingerbread cookie decorating. You and your family will also enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, holiday house tours and more!
15. Dining
The options for dining in Hawley are varied and delicious. You can begin the day with coffee and a pastry at Cocoon Coffee House and Bakery. Glass at Ledges Hotel is perfect for an appetizer and a cocktail before heading over to The Settlers Inn for a delicious dinner. The Dock on Wallenpaupack overlooking Lake Wallenpaupack serves a combination of water-inspired foods and culinary twists on classic dishes. All of these establishments focus on providing meals that are prepared with only the freshest ingredients, so you know you’ll be indulging in meals that are as delicious as they are healthy.
We’d Love to See You at Hawley Silk Mill
Our completely renovated and historic silk mill has been a vital part of the community since 1880. We now use the repurposed building as a center for celebrating life in the Poconos. With fresh food, unique options for shopping, a fitness center and an abundance of special events, Hawley Silk Mill is a must for your Poconos itinerary. We hope you will come to see us and experience our vibrant community soon!