Poconos is a haven for outdoor activity, gorgeous sceneries and brilliant fall foliage in autumn! All year round the Poconos offers amazing outdoor activities and a lot to explore. In the fall you will see that the region runs ablaze with shades of red, orange and yellow as the foliage carpets the floors of Poconos.
There are endless ways to enjoy autumn in the Poconos, you can always indulge yourself in the many fall activities and seasonal experiences that Poconos has to offer, from tours and outdoor activities to exploring towns and local history.
The Poconos also offers unique experiences in autumn to best enjoy the scenic foliage, like foliage train rides, which is a must-have experience in Poconos! In this blog, I have included over 15 fun things to do in the fall! Gear up for a fun and adventurous autumn getaway!
Glimpse into Poconos Mountains
Poconos’ charm and beauty is best captured during foliage season, a new burst of color, the smell of maple in the air, stepping on crunchy leaves, experience the best of autumn in Poconos! Fall begins in Poconos in mid-September and foliage reaches its peak in mid-October. The weather in Poconos during fall is moderately chilly, followed by a gentle breeze.
Poconos’ landscape is worth mentioning. The views are simply top-notch, you will see the majestic mountain ranges, gorgeous water bodies and of course the bright eye-catching foliage!
How to Get to the Pocono Mountains?
The most attractive fact about the Poconos is its proximity from New York and Philadelphia. It is just a 2 hour drive from both! Which is what makes Poconos a great destination for a weekend getaway! The best and most optimal way to travel from to the Poconos is by road, you can drive down or opt for public transport like buses. There are plenty of buses to the Poconos from both New York and Philadelphia.
For more information check out this blog on four best ways to get to the Poconos.
Fastest way to reach Poconos: The fastest most efficient way to reach the Poconos is to drive down.
Cheapest way to reach Poconos: The cheapest way to reach the Poconos is through bus. A one way ticket from New York costs just $55.
Leaf-Peeping Adventures in the Pocono Mountains
Poconos is filled with fall-fun activities! Enjoy a range of unique activities to take in the beauty of the foliage in the best way possible!
Scenic Drives
A relaxing, scenic drive accompanied by your loved ones is the best kind of activity, especially when you can enjoy the gorgeous views of the foliage covered landscape. The Poconos has been consistently ranked as one of the best fall foliage destinations in America, so hop in your car and cruise through the region along these routes to enjoy the best foliage views in the nation!
- Route 6: Drive through the towns of Honesdale, Hawley and Milford.
- Route 402: Drive along Wayne County, and into the Delaware State Forest
- Route 507: Head into Pike County and travel around Lake Wallenpaupack
Hiking Trails
What better way to enjoy the foliage than to hike your way through it? Hiking in Poconos is one of the most popular activities to do in fall! Poconos offers some of the best hiking trails on the East Coast. Here are some of the best hiking trails to witness fall foliage in the Poconos!
- Promised Land State Park Loop Trail
- Dingmans Falls Trail
- Big Pocono State Park Vista Trail
Lookout Points
Catch some of the best views of the foliage from the best areas around the Poconos, you can enjoy a delightful and romantic time with your partner as you are serenaded by the gorgeous views. Here are the best areas to catch fall foliage in Poconos.
- Camelback Mountain
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Lehigh Gorge and Jim Thorpe
Outdoor Activities in Poconos Mountains
Are you ready for some fun fall activities? Poconos is a heaven for those who love the outdoors! From adventure parks to golfing, Poconos offers something for every kind of tourist that visits!
Adventure Parks:
Poconos is no stranger to adventure, there are plenty of adventure parks and treetop adventures you can indulge in!
- Adventure Center at Skytop Lodge
- Blue Lightning
- Summit Adventure Park at Blue Mountain Resort
Fishing and Boating:
Poconos is home to 150 lakes, where you can enjoy recreational activities including fishing and boating. Poconos is home to many diverse species of fish and is a great place for fishing!
Best Lakes for Fishing and Boating in Poconos:
- Lake Harmony
- Lake Wallenpaupack
- Lake Naomi
Golfing
The breezy and chilly weather during fall makes for the perfect excuse to hit the golf course. Poconos has some stellar golf courses where you can enjoy putting alongside your buddies on your fall getaway!
Best Golf courses in Poconos:
- Mount Airy Golf Club
- Pocono Hills Golf Course
- The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Culinary Delights and Farm Experiences
Your fall activity itinerary must include making your stomach happy as well! Poconos is home to a number of unique culinary experiences and great restaurants with diverse cuisines.
Farm-to-Table Dining- Best Restaurants in Poconos:
- The Barn Door Restaurant
- Berrelli’s Italian Chophouse
- Boulder View Tavern
Apple and Pumpkin Picking:
Apple and pumpkin picking are some of the must-do activities for fall. Enjoy a traditional morning of apple picking with your family in the farms of Poconos! Here are some recommendations for the best apple and pumpkin picking farms in Poconos:
- Pocono Farmstand- Pumpkin Paradise
- Rickard’s Cider Mill- Apples and Cider
- Apple Ridge Farm- Produce and More
Wine Tasting and Brewery Tours:
Fun fact- Poconos is actually known for its breweries! Many pubs and restaurants home-brew their beer and they do it well!
Pocono Beverage Trail
There’s no harm in getting a little tipsy on vacation! And that is why you should hop on the Pocono Beverage trail, it is a beer, wine and spirits trail all in one and is among the most fun activities to do in the fall! The trail will take you across the best wineries, breweries and distilleries throughout the Poconos. The trail is a fun and interactive experience which allows you to taste some of the most unique craft beverages in all of Poconos. Bottoms Up!
Family-Friendly Activities
Spend some quality time with your dear ones in Poconos this fall and enjoy some lovely autumn activities!
Corn Mazes and hayrides
Ritter’s Cider Mill:
The Ritter’s Cider Mill offers corn mazes, hayrides and even pony rides! They also offer apple slingshot, a fun game to enjoy with your family! You can also watch apples being pressed for cider, and feast on some delicious homemade treats like pies, donuts, caramel apples and fresh local honey!
Animal Farms and Petting Zoos
Revel in some autumn fun activities alongside our furry friends! Check out these animal farms in Poconos:
- Poconos Snake and Animal Farm
- Safari Farm Petting Zoo
- Barnes Yard Petting Zoo
Family Friendly Hiking Trails
Spend quality time with your family as you hike through the foliage in some of Poconos’ best family-friendly hiking trails this autumn!
- Shohola Falls Trail
- Wallenpaupack Lake Trail
- Irving Cliff Trail
Experience the Best of Relaxation and Wellness
A vacation is the perfect excuse to relax and pamper yourself with some special treatment. Poconos is home to several spa retreats, yoga retreats and saunas. Relax and revel in luxury treatment during your time in Poconos.
Spa Retreats and Wellness Centers in Poconos
- Woodloch Spa
- Badea & Soul Day Spa
- Spa Kalahari & Salon
Yoga and Meditation Retreats in Poconos
- Himalayan Institute
- Niyama Yoga Shala
- Magnolia Streamside Resort Yoga Retreats
Hot Tubs and Saunas
- Poconos Pool & Spa LLC
- PDC Spa & Pool World
- Royal Sauna
Photography and Art
Poconos’ scenic beauty is worth capturing on a lens, if you are a photographer looking to capture some scenic landscapes and wildlife, Poconos especially in fall is the perfect place! The mountains, lakes and foliage all captured in one frame can make for an award-winning picture! Poconos is also home to several art galleries and several art and cultural attractions.
Insider Tips and Tricks
Not sure what you need to pack or what to expect when you arrive at Poconos? I have got you covered!
- It doesn’t get too cold in the fall, but it is still relatively chilly so make sure you pack scarfs and sweaters!
- Make sure you read up on fall festivals happening in Poconos and plan your trip accordingly, these festivals cannot be missed!
- Explore the region throughout, find tour guides that will help you explore fully so that you don’t miss out on anything!
Where to Stay in Poconos?
It is essential that you do your research and book your accommodation in advance. Organize and plan your trip efficiently. Poconos has a lot of hotels and resorts but if you want ultimate privacy and luxury in one, HolidayKeepers offers luxury properties like mansions, villas and cabins.
All the properties are curated for your comfort and stocked with the best amenities.
Check out properties in the Poconos, before booking your trip!
Wrap Up:
Poconos is abundant with activities to do in the fall! There are plenty of attractions and gorgeous sceneries that are awaiting your visit!
Begin planning your fall getaway early so you can experience the foliage and specialties of autumn in the best way possible.
HolidayKeepers can help you book your stay with ease! So, what are you waiting for? Begin planning your trip to the Poconos now!
Contact HolidayKeepers to book your stay.
FAQs
Does Poconos have foliage during fall?
Yes, the trees of Poconos turn their leaves every autumn and there are three distinct color zones as well.
When does foliage start in Poconos?
The leaves begin to change color in September, but foliage is at its peak in Poconos in mid-October.
How far is Poconos from New York?
Poconos is just a 2 hour drive away from New York.
Paul P, Senior Editor and Travel Planner at HolidayKeepers, brings over 10 years of experience from New York. He expertly combines storytelling with extensive knowledge in travel and hospitality. Known for turning vibrant travel experiences into engaging articles, Paul covers everything from hidden gems to the latest in vacation rentals, resonating with adventurers and leisure-seekers alike.
