The Pocono Mountains in the fall light up with bright reds, golds, and oranges. The season is covering hills and valleys in beautiful colors. The cool air, shorter days, and that fresh and earthy smell make autumn here feel truly special.
Whether you love nature, enjoy festivals, or just want cozy time by a fire, this 2025 guide will help you find the best fall activities in the Poconos.
Enjoy the Beautiful Fall Colors
Seeing the fall leaves is often the main reason people visit the Poconos in autumn. The Poconos fall has three different zones where leaves change color at different times across its 2,400 square miles. Usually, the best colors show up between late September and mid-October. However, the weather, such as rain, wind, and temperature, can change at any time.
Try going early in the morning or late in the afternoon to see the brightest colors. This is when the sunlight is soft and makes the leaves glow. Checking a live fall color forecast is really helpful. It is because different places and heights on the mountain peaks are at different times.
Best Places to See Fall Leaves in the Poconos
Here we have the best things to do in the Poconos in the fall. These spots are perfect for enjoying the fall season and capturing beautiful memories.
- Big Pocono State Park: You get amazing views of hills, lakes, and valleys from the top of Camelback Mountain. It is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
- Promised Land State Park: This peaceful spot has thick forests and calm lakes that reflect the fall colors perfectly. You can walk the trails or paddle on the lake to enjoy the scenery up close.
- Bushkill Falls: Known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” this group of waterfalls looks extra stunning surrounded by colorful leaves. Every waterfall you visit shows a new burst of autumn colors.
- Route 209 Scenic Drive: This road winds through small towns and forests and is an easy way to see lots of fall colors. It takes you past parks and scenic spots where you can stop, take pictures, and explore.
Attend a Fall Festival or Fair
In autumn, the Poconos are full of fun celebrations. There is something festive happening almost every weekend, from pumpkin parties to arts and music festivals.
Top Fall Festivals to Attend in 2025
These festivals show off the Poconos foliage with a mix of cozy harvest traditions and bright, creative fall celebrations:
- Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival: A great event for families, with pumpkin carving contests, hayrides, and lots of fall decorations.
- Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival: This is the best Poconos fall foliage festival to check out. Happening on the first three weekends of October, this festival has crafts, food stands, live music, and scenic train rides through colorful valleys.
- Shawnee Mountain Autumn Timber Festival: Watch lumberjack contests, enjoy tasty food, and take exciting chairlift rides with beautiful mountain views.
- Electrifying Jack-O’-Lantern Experience: At night, thousands of carved pumpkins light up trails, creating a magical mix of art, light, and Halloween fun.
Explore Waterfalls and Scenic Hikes
Fall’s cool weather and colorful leaves make hiking one of the best ways to enjoy the season. The Poconos have many trails that take you through forests, streams, and beautiful spots full of autumn colors.
- Bushkill Falls Trail System: Several trail loops take you past eight waterfalls, all surrounded by bright fall trees. The sound of rushing water and crunchy leaves makes for a true fall experience.
- Raymondskill Falls: It is Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall, set in a steep forest. The short hike gives you amazing views, perfect for photographers and anyone who loves nature.
- Hickory Run State Park: The Boulder Field and Hawk Falls trails mix interesting rock formations with peaceful forest scenes. This park has a little bit of everything, including rocks, small waterfalls, and quiet spots to enjoy the fresh fall air.
- Lehigh Gorge State Park: Great for longer hikes or biking, this park offers dramatic views of cliffs and fast-moving rivers. The trails are perfect for spotting animals and watching the changing colors in the valley throughout the day.
Try to find calm lakes or streams for the best photos. Fall leaves reflecting in the water make the colors look even more beautiful.
Take a Scenic Train Ride
Riding a vintage train is a relaxing way to enjoy fall colors instead of walking or biking. The trains travel through forested valleys and mountain ridges covered in bright autumn leaves. These will give you a peaceful and old-time experience surrounded by nature’s beauty.
- Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway (Jim Thorpe): This 70-minute round trip goes through deep gorges and colorful landscapes. Large open windows and vintage train cars make you feel like you have stepped back in time while enjoying the sea of fall colors.
- Stourbridge Line (Honesdale): This ride follows the Lackawaxen River through forests and historic towns, with stops where guides tell stories. It is a great mix of sightseeing and learning, with new fall colors around every bend.
Train rides fill up fast during peak leaf season. So, it is best to book your tickets early.
Go Canoeing or Kayaking
Paddling on calm water is a peaceful way to see fall colors. The quiet splash of paddles and the clear reflections of red and gold leaves create a calm, beautiful experience.
- Lake Wallenpaupack: This large lake with pretty shores is great for solo paddling or guided tours. At sunrise or sunset, the water reflects the golden colors, which makes every paddle stroke feel magical.
- Promised Land Lake: A quiet and peaceful spot, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. You might see herons flying over the misty water here.
- Delaware Water Gap: This area has calm stretches and gentle rapids, offering both relaxation and a little adventure. The mix of river bends and tall cliffs makes it a stunning place to see fall colors in motion.
Many local rental shops stay open through October and offer guided tours. It is especially true when the weather is nice.
Cozy Up in a Cabin or Lakeside Retreat
After a day of exploring, there is nothing better than relaxing in a warm cabin or a home by the lake.
HolidayKeepers offers a great selection of fall-friendly vacation rentals. You can choose from cozy lakeside houses, rustic cabins, or fancy spots with hot tubs, fireplaces, and mountain views. Many places are close to popular fall spots like Jim Thorpe, Bushkill Falls, and Lake Harmony. So, you are near both nature and fun Poconos fall activities.
Whether you are roasting marshmallows, sipping cider by the fire, or watching the sunset over the colorful hills, these cozy places let you enjoy every bit of autumn.
Conclusion
Visiting the Poconos in the fall is not just about the season. It is a special experience. Every moment feels magical, from bright leaves covering the mountains to glowing pumpkins at night. Plan your leaf-peeping by checking fall color updates for 2025. If you want a cozy, colorful getaway, the Poconos is the perfect mix of adventure, peace, and fall fun.
Don’t wait; book your fall cabin with HolidayKeepers now and enjoy the best of autumn from your own cozy retreat. Contact us for booking assistance.
FAQs
Q: When is the best time to see fall colors in the Poconos in 2025?
A: Most places have their peak colors from late September to mid-October. However, some areas stay colorful into late October.
Q: Can I still do outdoor activities like ziplining and kayaking in the fall?
A: Yes! Many outdoor companies stay open through October. Activities like ziplining, paddling, and chairlift rides look even more beautiful with the fall colors around.
Q: Which fall festival is best for families?
A: The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival and the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival are both great for families, with fun crafts, rides, and shows.
Q: Are cabin rentals available all year?
A: Yes, many HolidayKeepers and other rentals are open year-round. But fall is a popular time, so it’s best to book your cabin early.
