This Historic Hotel In The Poconos Overlooks Stunning Natural Scenery And Waterfalls

It can be hard to find the ideal blend of historic vibes and natural scenery when you are looking to plan a long weekend getaway. If you're in the Poconos, though, you'll find both at the Ledges Hotel in Hawley, Pennsylvania. The bluestone building was originally a glass factory that was thoughtfully renovated to become a boutique hotel with modern rooms and a wine bar. They overlook multi-tiered decks and the Paupack High Falls, a waterfall along the Wallenpaupack Creek with the Pocono Mountains in the background. You just found your perfect hotel.

The small borough of Hawley sits along the Lackawaxen River in the northeast corner of Pennsylvania. The borough is part of the Poconos, a 2,400-square-mile area filled with mountains, woodlands, lakes, and rivers – a must-visit if you are looking for outdoor adventures. The area is also home to the largest indoor waterpark in the country. Hawley is just over two hours from New York City and less than three hours from Philadelphia, which are both easy drives when you are looking to escape the city for a bit.

The J.S. O'Connor American Rich Cut Glass Factory was built in 1890 and quickly became one of the largest glass-cutting operations in the entire country. Though the business did not last, its Federalist-style building certainly did. In the late 1980s, the old factory was turned into an inn. With additional renovations, focused on preservation and eco-friendly design, it became Ledges Hotel in 2011. The 21-room hotel is now part of the National Register of Historic Places and is also on the Historic Hotels of America list.

Stuffy is the last word that comes to mind at this historic hotel. When you check in at Ledges Hotel, you will find a Great Room with a fireplace and your first panoramic view of the river gorge. Rooms (starting around $325 per night) are modern and minimalist with queen-sized platform beds, local artwork, and rain showers. Two-story suites (starting around $415 per night) add living areas, wet bars, and spiral staircases.

During the summer, most of your time here will probably be spent on the four decks. The large Great Deck is an excellent spot for a glass of wine. The Serenity Deck has live music on some nights. The Stargazer Deck is hidden near the top of the waterfall. Plus, the Glass Deck is attached to Glass, the wine bar that serves cheese-and-charcuterie boards and small plates. Best of all, you can hear and see the water from every deck.

Now that you have found a relaxing place to stay, it is time to explore the Poconos. Wallenpaupack Creek, where Ledges Hotel is perched, is a tributary of the Lackawaxen River, which is a popular spot for canoeing and trout fishing. If you follow the nearby Wallenpaupack Creek Trail, you will see where the creek's water empties into Lake Wallenpaupack. The lake is surrounded by hundreds of acres of forests and hiking trails. Beaches, boat ramps, and fishing piers line the shore. You can go jet skiing, paddleboarding, and swimming on the lake.

As you head higher into the mountains, you will find ATV rentals, mountain-biking paths, and zip-line courses. Steeper hikes, like Milford Knob and Mount Minsi, offer gorgeous views of the Delaware River Valley. Or you can just take a scenic drive. One of five Pennsylvania road trip ideas for adventure seekers crosses the state near the north border before heading east into New York State. Route 6 goes right through the center of Hawley, so you will be back at Ledges Hotel just in time for the late-afternoon cocktail tasting at Glass.