The Best Small Towns in Pennsylvania to Visit (or Even Move To)
Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s rolling countryside, Lititz sits about 12 miles north of Lancaster, offering a charming blend of historic charm and modern small-town appeal. Walking through its downtown reveals well-preserved 18th-century architecture and an inviting Main Street dotted with artisan shops and cozy cafes. One highlight is the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, America’s first commercial pretzel bakery, where visitors can dive into the art of pretzel-making through guided tours. The town’s signature event, the annual Fire & Ice Festival in winter, lights up the streets with frozen sculptures and fire pits, showcasing the community’s warmth amid the cold. Spring and fall bring beautiful blossoms and foliage, perfect for exploring the nearby Warwick County Park’s gentle trails and shaded picnic spots.
About 45 minutes southwest of Pittsburgh lies the Allegheny National Forest’s Kinzua Bridge State Park, near the town of Mount Jewett. This park is home to the Kinzua Sky Walk, a dramatic, cantilevered steel walkway extending over the remnants of the historic Kinzua Viaduct. From here, visitors gaze 225 feet down to the forest floor, surrounded by vast stretches of hardwood forest that blaze with color in autumn. The Sky Walk’s glass panels let you feel suspended in midair while absorbing the panoramic views of the Allegheny Mountains. The area’s history is palpable, as the original bridge was once the longest and tallest railroad structure in the world, and the park’s visitor center offers exhibits on both the engineering marvel and the region’s early railroad culture. Summer days are ideal for hiking the park’s trails or kayaking nearby Allegheny Reservoir, while fall’s vibrant foliage is nothing short of spectacular.
In northeastern Pennsylvania, about 40 miles southwest of Scranton, the town of Jim Thorpe captivates visitors with its Victorian architecture and dramatic mountain setting. Known as the “Switzerland of America,” Jim Thorpe offers a picturesque downtown lined with historic stone buildings, galleries, and restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Lehigh Gorge State Park right on the town’s doorstep, where the Lehigh Gorge Trail follows an old railroad bed alongside the Lehigh River. This mostly flat, 26-mile trail is perfect for biking or walking, passing through dense forests and alongside rushing rapids. The nearby Glen Onoko Falls trail, though steep and challenging, rewards hikers with a series of cascading waterfalls, the tallest plummeting about 70 feet. The town’s unique blend of industrial history, natural beauty, and cultural events creates a year-round destination, but the crisp autumn air amplifies its charm with colorful foliage framing the streets and waterways.
About 20 miles north of Philadelphia, the borough of New Hope is a magnet for art lovers and history buffs alike. Situated on the banks of the Delaware River, New Hope’s vibrant arts district pulses with galleries, theaters, and artisan shops. Strolling along the Delaware Canal Towpath reveals peaceful waterside views and a glimpse of 19th-century canal boat history. The town’s historic Bucks County Playhouse has been a creative hub since the 1930s, premiering works by playwrights like Neil Simon. Visitors can also take a scenic ride on the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, experiencing vintage trains winding through bucolic landscapes. Dining in New Hope offers a farm-to-table ethos, with riverside eateries blending rustic charm and fresh local flavors. Spring and summer bring an energetic vibe with outdoor festivals and riverfront activities, while winter’s quieter pace lets visitors savor the town’s cozy inns and galleries.
Farther west, about 30 miles east of Pittsburgh, Sewickley charms with its tree-lined streets and small-town elegance along the Ohio River. The Sewickley Bridge offers more than a crossing; it provides stunning views of the river and nearby hills. The town’s historic district brims with boutiques, cafes, and a weekly farmers market that showcases the region’s agricultural bounty. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the Sewickley Heights Forest Preserve, a peaceful retreat with trails winding through mature hardwoods and gentle hills. For history enthusiasts, the Sewickley Public Library, housed in a 19th-century Carnegie building, serves as a cultural anchor. Autumn is especially magical here, with colorful leaves reflecting in the river and the crisp air inviting long walks along the paved riverfront trails.
Down in southeastern Pennsylvania, about 15 miles northwest of Philadelphia, the town of Doylestown offers a rich tapestry of cultural attractions and historic sites. The Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle stand as testaments to early 20th-century collector Henry Chapman Mercer’s vision. The Mercer Museum’s concrete castle houses thousands of pre-industrial tools and artifacts, giving a tangible look at colonial life and craftsmanship. Nearby Fonthill Castle, with its unique blend of medieval and Arts & Crafts architecture, boasts stunning handmade tiles and a soaring tower offering panoramic views of Bucks County’s patchwork farmland. The town’s lively courthouse square hosts regular farmers markets and outdoor concerts, making it a hub of community life. Spring and fall are prime times to wander Doylestown’s streets, where blooming gardens and autumnal colors enhance the town’s welcoming atmosphere.
In the north-central part of the state, Wellsboro is a gateway to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, about 45 minutes north of Williamsport. This quaint town’s gas-lit sidewalks and Victorian storefronts create an old-world ambiance perfect for exploring after a day outdoors. Pine Creek Gorge, carved over millennia, is an awe-inspiring sight accessible from Leonard Harrison State Park, where rugged overlooks provide sweeping views of the deep gorge below. Hiking trails here range from gentle walks along the rim to challenging descents into the canyon, with vibrant fall foliage drawing visitors from across the region. Wellsboro’s local shops and eateries complement the natural beauty with handcrafted goods and hearty regional fare. Early autumn, during peak leaf change, is the best time to experience the gorge’s breathtaking palette of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Each of these communities highlights a facet of Pennsylvania’s rich diversity, from riverside art enclaves to mountain escapes and living history museums. Whether wandering through centuries-old streets or hiking trails framed by brilliant fall colors, visitors and new residents alike find a unique blend of culture, landscape, and hospitality that feels distinctly Pennsylvanian.