Rural charm meets outdoor adventure in Jackson Township
Originally founded in 1843 as a farming and logging community, Jackson Township has transformed into an outdoor enthusiast haven. While the area maintains its rural roots, the Poconos has had an undeniable impact on the town. Locals can still find seclusion along country roads and pastoral cow fields, including Jackson View Farms. And the township offers two designated State Game Lands, expansive spaces reserved for hunting and fishing. However, as the Pocono Mountain region attracts more seasonal visitors, Jackson Township’s developing industry continues catering to the influx of tourists through cabin rental resorts. Vacationers might choose the Monroe County town for its quieter atmosphere, as lodging accommodations in the Poconos can come with more traffic and crowds. Whether traveling through, staying seasonally or living as a full-time resident, visitors and locals alike can appreciate Jackson Township’s small-town environment and year-round recreation.
Local cabin resorts cater to visiting Poconos tourists
The Pocono Mountain region is a highly visited destination for both day-trippers and weekenders, drawing in a crowd of about 30 million tourists each year. While Jackson Township is just south of the attractions, the northern part of town overlaps with the goings-on of the Poconos. This proximity makes the township popular for second homeowners and short-term rental owners. The Poconos area is known for its hiking trails up scenic mountainsides, swimming lakes, golf courses and winter recreation at Camelback Ski Resort. The outdoorsy region is also a popular honeymoon destination, and many resorts cater to couples with details like heart-shaped hot tubs. Jackson Township features lodgings that are marketed toward tourists, including Pocono Valley Resort, a camp-style hotel with cabin rentals on a small lake. The resort also includes an outdoor pool, a playground and a ropes obstacle course. Mountain Springs Lake Resort offers more upscale cabin rentals, including luxury suites on a larger lake. North of town, the Great Wolf Lodge is a nationally known resort and indoor water park.
Year-round recreation from ski slopes to scenic hiking trails
A favorite amenity in the Pocono Mountain area is Camelback Ski Resort, with winter sports available from December through April and other adventures available all year. When snow covers the mountain, the resort features 166 skiable acres, 39 ski and snowboard trails and 13 chair lifts. Visitors can also ride a mountain coaster, zipline and play mini golf. Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark is open year-round, and Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark opens its gates from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Maintained by Camelback Resort, Big Pocono State Park offers more than 1,300 acres and miles of hiking trails along the mountain that lead to a panoramic summit view of Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.
In addition to the plethora of outdoor activities that the Poconos provides, Jackson Township has several green spaces scattered throughout the community. HJP Park features a dog park and a pirate-themed playground, as well as athletic fields and courts. Jackson Park offers a toddler tot lot and other play structures, and hikers will find trails at Conklin Park, Sherwood Forest and the Preserve at Neola.
Jackson Township has bi-levels, Colonial Revivals and townhomes
Pennsylvania Route 715 is the main thoroughfare through Jackson Township, branching off into narrow country roads shaded with maple, pine and oak trees. Typically, residences sit along these back roads, some tucked behind a wooded canopy and others closer to the roadside. Moreover, some properties are set back amid a farm field clearing, and others appear along circular unmarked lanes, giving those homes a sense of secluded suburbia. “There’s a good mix of bi-levels and colonial-style homes, many with larger lots and nice yards,” says Xander Weidenbaum, a local Realtor with Redstone Run Realty. “Appenzell Creek runs through the township, creating nice natural landscapes and outdoor opportunities for exploring and fly fishing.” Bi-levels and raised ranch homes, many of which include attached garages, typically range in size from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet and cost between $310,000 and $500,000. Larger 2,500- to 5,000-square-foot Colonial Revivals, some with estate-like landscaping and acreage, generally range from $525,000 to $850,000. Buyers, especially those interested in investing in short-term rentals, can find 1,000- to 1,500-square-foot townhome units on the north side of town priced from $220,000 to $315,000.
Shopping at Pocono Premium Outlets and dining at Timber’s
Jackson Township is situated between two commercial shopping areas. Just off the interstate, the Pocono Premium Outlets features both luxury and athletic brands, and Tannersville Plaza next door has Weis Markets. Also located in Tannersville, Our Lady of Victory is a well-attended Roman Catholic Church that welcomes churchgoers into service with a large stained-glass image of the Virgin Mary wrapped in an American flag.
More centrally located in the township, however, is Timber’s Pub & Grill, a family owned and operated restaurant in a former colonial-style home. The establishment includes a main dining area that serves burgers, wings and pasta, and a downstairs pub area that hosts music bingo. The eatery’s main draw is Timber’s Terrace, an outdoor venue with a full bar, frequent live music and line dancing during the summer. Benny’s is another popular local spot that serves pizza and other classic Italian dishes. On the southern end of town, Mountain View Vineyard is a winery, brewery and distillery with both indoor and patio seating. To the north, Barley Creek Brewing Company is a microbrewery with a summertime biergarten.
Summer events and fall festivals at the Pocono Mountains
Being so near the Poconos, residents have a packed calendar of events all year, from outdoor festivals in the summer to seasonal celebrations in the winter. The Milford Music Festival and NASCAR at the Pocono Raceway both take place in June, while Summerfest and an Independence Day fireworks display happen in July. In August, the Wayne County Fair features agricultural stock shows, carnival rides and treats. When the weather cools down and the trees turn from shades of green to vibrant oranges and reds, the Poconos ushers in the season with the help of the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival and Halloween haunted attractions. And in the winter, Christmas festivities include light displays, Santa meet-and-greets and holiday musicals.
Pocono Mountain schools serve Jackson Township students
The Pocono Mountain School District, which receives a B-minus rating from Niche, serves students living in Jackson Township. Learners can begin at Swiftwater Elementary Center before progressing to Swiftwater Intermediate School, both of which also receive a B-minus. Students can then attend Pocono Mountain East Junior High School, which has a B-minus, before attending Pocono Mountain East High School, which holds a B. The high school offers 10 student clubs, including a nationally recognized chess team and a state-winning esports team.
Commuters can access Interstate 80 and State Route 33
Due to a lack of nearby public transit options, Jackson Township is a heavily car-dependent area. Commuters can hop onto Interstate 80, which runs along the northern part of town, or U.S. Route 209, which runs along the south side. The interstate allows for an 85-mile drive into New York City. “The town is also just off Route 33, which is another good route for commuting,” says Weidenbaum. Once on State Route 33, Lehigh Valley International Airport is about a 35-mile drive south, and Philadelphia International Airport is about 70 miles south of there.
Written By
Mary Beth Greene
