7 Best Places to Experience Fall in the Poconos
The Pocono Mountains region (“the Poconos”) of northeastern Pennsylvania has long been a popular tourist destination, drawing everyone from honeymooners to indoor water park enthusiasts. The Poconos’ natural setting of mountains, 150-plus lakes, streams, waterfalls, and forests is beautiful all year round, but reaches its spectacular peak as the leaves change colors in the fall. Fall foliage excursions—whether by foot, automobile, boat, train, or cable car—are extremely popular, but there are many other great reasons to visit the Poconos in autumn as well. Check out our list of seven great autumn destinations in the Poconos, with festivals, family friendly activities, relaxing excursions, a few scares, and much more!
Delaware Water Gap
While the Poconos region is full of impressive natural features, the Delaware Water Gap stands right at the top of the list. Over thousands of years, the Delaware River cut a deep, thin pass through the mountains, resulting in lookout points on both sides that offer seemingly endless views of the countryside. For one of the best fall foliage views anywhere, take the Appalachian Trail to the top of Mt. Minsi. In addition to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the adjacent town of Delaware Water Gap sparkles with color in autumn. Additionally, in September, the town hosts its annual Celebration of the Arts, a jazz festival that brings in performers and visitors from far and wide.
Bushkill
Bushkill is another community that is adjacent to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the Poconos’ fall foliage mecca. Additionally, Bushkill is the closest community to Bushkill Falls, nicknamed the “Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania.” While not as tall and imposing as Niagara, Bushkill Falls is a spectacular series of eight waterfalls that cascade down a forested mountainside. Soak in the fantastic autumn colors as you access the falls via one of several trails, each suited to different skill levels. And, since any time of year is a good time for sweet treats, finish off your trip to Bushkill Falls with a visit to the excellent Sugar Mountain Sweet Shop!
Lehighton
Due to the water power produced by the Lehigh River and the eventual arrival of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, the town of Lehighton was one of the region’s earliest industrial centers during the 1800s. While those days have long since passed, Lehighton is now notable for hosting one of the Poconos’ fall showcases, the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival. Held annually from late September through the end of October, the festival is more subdued during weekdays but really takes off on weekends. Weekend attractions include hayrides, carnival games, food vendors, live entertainment, and lots and lots of pumpkins! The festival is held at Country Junction, which proclaims itself the “World’s Largest General Store.”
Tannersville
Founded in 1750, Tannersville was a sleepy crossroads village for roughly its first 250 years. These days, however, Tannersville is home to the Pocono Premium Outlets, with 100+ shops that are best browsed during the comfortably cool fall weather. Tannersville also houses another, even bigger draw, Camelback Resort, which offers skiing in winter, the state’s largest outdoor water park in summer, and a huge indoor water park that is perfect for fall. Check out the fall views as you zoom down Camelback Mountain on the Mountain Glowster roller coaster, or take things a bit slower on one of the zip lines. Camelback also offers these and other attractions as “After Dark” activities during October.
Stroudsburg
While having around 6,000 residents hardly makes Stroudsburg a bustling metropolis, it is big enough to be the largest town in the Poconos. Stroudsburg is also one of the few Poconos towns with a classic downtown area, with dozens of active businesses and numerous historic homes and buildings. Stroudsburg is perfect for a walking tour any time of year, but check out “Spooky Stroudsburg” during October to get into the Halloween spirit. Local businesses decorate for the season and sponsor family-friendly events like scavenger hunts, wildlife displays, magic shows, and trick-or-treating. And, if you want to check out some great fall foliage, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is only 5 miles away.
Honesdale
Set in the heart of the Poconos’ coal country, Honesdale was a key transportation hub in the 1800s and early 1900s. Originally, coal was shipped from Honesdale on the Delaware and Hudson Canal to reach New York City, but the 1829 arrival of the nation’s first steam locomotive—the Stourbridge Lion—turned the town into the “birthplace of American railroading.” The town’s history museum displays a replica of the Lion, but Honesdale’s main attraction is the 25 mile Stourbridge Line scenic railway along the Lackawaxen River. Several times each week during the fall, the Stourbridge Line runs the Pocono Foliage Express, a 90 minute rail journey with mesmerizing views of the fall colors.
Jim Thorpe
The former town of Mauch Chunk became Jim Thorpe in 1954, in honor of the famous Olympian who is buried there. No matter the town’s name, it has long contained the most diverse and impressive display of historic architecture in the Poconos, further adding to the beauty of an autumn walking tour. If you prefer some spooky (but family-friendly) stories with your stroll, sign up for an evening “Ghost Walk” on Fridays and Saturdays in fall. While in town, book a trip on the 16 mile long Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. From late September to early November, the railway offers Autumn Leaf Train Excursions that depart from and return to downtown Jim Thorpe.
If you love colorful fall foliage, the Poconos should definitely be on your list of must-visit fall destinations. With its mountain backdrops and abundant forests, the region is truly a sight to behold in autumn. But the Poconos is also full of fun fall activities, from pumpkin festivals to mountain adventures to old-time locomotive excursions. So, when you start to feel that autumn chill in the air, remember to book your trip to the Poconos!
