How to Get the Best Views of the Poconos Fall Foliage
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit the Poconos. With leaves changing comes vibrant hues of red and orange that set the mountains, rolling hills, and ridges ablaze with color. See below for some of the best ways to enjoy the natural spectacle of fall foliage in the Poconos.
If you’re looking for other ways to explore the great outdoors, download our complimentary Pocono Mountains Vacation Guide! I’s filled with local recommendations for the best spots around the area.
The Best Time to See Poconos Fall Foliage
The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau maintains a fall foliage report when the season gets closer, but mid to late October is generally when the colors are at their peak. You can expect crisp, fresh mountain air to accompany the beautiful sights of autumn here.
Scenic Drives
One of the best ways to take advantage of the fall foliage in the Poconos is by taking a drive through the splendor.
Route 507
This drive runs alongside Lake Wallenpaupack, making for breathtaking views as the deep blue of the lake contrasts the blazing red and orange hues of the trees.
Route 447 to 209
Gorgeous oak and hickory trees flank this leisurely route throughout its length.
Route 209
Once you reach Route 209, you can go eastward through the Delaware Water Gap. If you head westward, the road will take you by many picturesque local cities, including Stroudsburg and Jim Thorpe. Make a stop by Betlzville State Park on your way.
It is worth your while to branch off 209 and take Route 903 to drive through Jim Thorpe. The Lehigh Gorge envelopes this quaint town which makes for one of the most stunning views of Poconos fall foliage. In fact, the scenery is so splendid that Jim Thorpe hosts a Fall Foliage Festival for the first three weekends in October.
Summit of Camelback Mountain
Drive up to Big Pocono State Park to take the 1.4-mile drive around the top of Camelback Mountain. This vantage point allows for panoramic views of the vivid colors of the trees, and on days when visibility is good, you can see three states.
Scenic Hiking Trails
If you’d like to take leaf-peeping in the Poconos at a more leisurely pace, hiking is a great alternative (or supplement) to scenic drives. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the panoramic views when you visit one of the state parks or picturesque recreational areas. The major places that offer fantastic hiking trails are listed below.
Horseback Riding
Taking a horseback ride through the pastoral beauty of the Poconos is another great way to see the fall foliage while being close to nature. Each of the following stables offers various experiences year-round that vary depending upon your level of experience.
Fall Festivals
Autumn Timber Festival
Lumberjack competitions, blacksmith demos, and chainsaw sculptures are just some of the unique offerings at the Autumn Timber Festival. Activities for children, food, and live music accompany these festive events. The Autumn Timber Festival takes place from October 6th-7th.
Harvest Festival
2018 marks the 44th year that the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm hosts the Harvest Festival. Bring the whole family along to the festivities on October 6th and 7th. This year’s theme is “Living Off the Land” and promises several new offerings. Learn about heritage crafts and traditional skills and enjoy folk entertainment, hearty country food, wagon rides, and more at this celebration.
Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival
The Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival occurs during the first three weekends of October. You’ll find artisan crafts, kids activities, scenic train rides, live music, delicious food, and even ghost tours during this festival. Local restaurants, shops, and galleries will have seasonal specials available. Historic Jim Thorpe is especially beautiful in the fall with its dramatic backdrop of mountains adorned in fall foliage.
You can also enjoy unobstructed views of the foliage from above with an air tour or zip line, kayak down the Delaware River, navigate a corn maze, go on a hayride—the list goes on and on!
Relax at Mountaintop Lodge
Our cozy lodge is nestled in the heart of the Pocono Mountains alongside the tranquil Lake Naomi. The location of our mountain retreat puts you in a fantastic place to continue enjoying the beauty of autumn here. Brilliantly-colored trees flank the lodge and the lake, so the fall experience won’t have to end when you decide it is time to unwind for the day.
Our aptly named Autumn suite is a great place to stay during your fall vacation. Hardwood floors, a spacious king-sized bed, and warm colors combine to create a comfortable, rustic feel. You can gaze out one of the windows and see the backyard with its 60-year-old apple tree. Wake up in the morning and head downstairs for a delicious breakfast complete with locally roasted coffee. The menu changes seasonally, but no matter what is available, you can rest assured that it will be delectable.
This is just one of the lodgings we have available. We also have cabin suites and several other suites in our main lodge, so be sure to browse all our accommodations before you book your stay in the Pocono Mountains!
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