7 Small Towns In The Poconos That Come Alive In The Fall
Have you ever dreamt of serene meadows, lush, colorful forests, meandering mountains, and towns with Old-time charm? Welcome to the towns of the Pocono Mountains, where all these things are true. The Pocono Mountains are in Northeastern Pennsylvania and overlook the Delaware River. The Poconos are beautiful to visit any time of year, but in fall, with the allure of brightly colored leaves, the region is even more stunning. People have been in the area for over a century, and today, some of the original towns still exist.
Jim Thorpe, for example, is a town that dates back to the 19th century. The town of Tannersville is also famous worldwide for its wide array of colors. There is something special in the fall about the Poconos Mountains, particularly in these small towns that come alive.
Jim Thorpe
One of the Pocono's favorite gems is Jim Thorpe, a quaint Pennsylvania town with the charm of a European village. The European vibe to the village comes from the town's history. During the 19th century, Jim Thorpe, known at the time as Mauch Chunk, was home to several millionaires. The town was also a bustling tourist destination for Victorians. In 1954, the town's name changed, but it retained its old European charm, with cobblestone streets and cute brick homes. The backdrop of the town against the fall trees makes for stunning photos.
Besides its foliage, Jim Thorpe thrives in the fall during the Fall Foliage Festival. This event celebrates the changing leaves and is a tradition dating back 30 years. Attractions at the festival include vendors in Josiah White Park, live music scattered throughout Jim Thorpe, and historic train rides offering spectacular views of fall foliage.
Honesdale
Another town with a history that has influenced its aesthetic today is the charming town of Honesdale. The town is famous as the Birthplace of the American Railroad. The town still takes to the tracks today and has old-style charm. There are fall foliage train tours to enjoy the fiery shades of garnet and gold throughout town. Near the town, there is an outdoor recreation haven, Prompton State Park. When the leaves change color, this park looks stunning. Lush forests surround the 290-acre Prompton Lake. There is a hike up Irving Cliff, where you can get a stellar view of the town below.
Hawley
Hawley is a small and friendly town in the Lake Region of the Poconos. In the fall, with brilliant foliage, the area is particularly gorgeous. Colorful trees surround the Lackawazen River, making for amazing photo opportunities. There are many popular hikes in the area. The Lake Wallenpaupack Trail is a trail following the sprawling Wallenpaupack Lake. It has a beautiful display of an array of warm colors. If you prefer traveling by bike, Hawley has a unique opportunity for visitors to cycle right on the old railroad. Local bike shops have two or four-seater rail bikes for rent, making for a special family adventure.
Lake Harmony
Another great lake community in the Poconos is Lake Harmony, with a small population of around 700. The stunning town is in the hills of Carbon County and features a landscape of serene meadows, lush forests, and glacial lakes. In the fall, the town has a picturesque setting. There are lots of ways to enjoy fall in Lake Harmony. From hiking to boating and biking, Lake Harmony is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. One of the best hikes to check out in Lake Harmony is the Shades of Death Trail. The trail follows a stream through a colorful forest towards a rocky area. It isn't too challenging at 2.2 miles in length, making it the perfect day trip destination to enjoy autumn outdoors.
Delaware Water Gap
A place known by outdoor enthusiasts for its peace and tranquility, Delaware Water Gap is a charming town on the Appalachian Trail. The surrounding Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area covers 70,000 acres of protected area along the winding Delaware River. As the weather gets colder and the leaves change color, the lush forests transform to look like an idyllic painting. The area is famous for its numerous waterfalls, partly due to glaciers moving across the landscape. One of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is Raymondskill Falls. This is the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. In autumn, the waterfall takes on a particularly magical look, surrounded by splashes of amber and gold.
Tannersville
Another unique town in the Poconos that has spectacular fall foliage is Tannersville. The mountain town is near the popular Camelback Mountain Ski Area. When leaves start to change color in October, the town comes alive with amber and gold. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Tannersville has more varied foliage than any other place in the country. This is because of the large variety of tree species. Tannersville has more than 134 different species of trees, enough to satisfy every tree lover. One of the best places to see the changing leaves in Tannersville is at Big Pocono State Park. The area offers panoramic views of foliage at an elevation of almost 2,000 feet.
Stroudsburg
For art lovers, Stroudsburg is the small town to enjoy fall in the Poconos. The best way to appreciate Stroudsburg is by strolling down the main streets with dozens of murals to explore. There are also many trees dotting the sidewalks, making for an alluring walk. If you want to experience more of the town's nature, try venturing on one of the many trails. The Kittatinny Mountain and Lunch Rocks Vista via AT is among the most popular. Although the trail is relatively flat, it offers panoramic views of the town lit up in fall colors.
The Poconos is a region with an abundance of fall activities. There are over 260 miles of trails in the Pocono region, with incredible views of seasonal colors. From hiking around Lake Harmony to biking on the old railroad in Hawley, there is an attraction for everyone to enjoy autumn. With so many small towns to visit, you better start packing and hurry to enjoy the fall season in the Poconos.
