- For travelers coming from New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, or elsewhere in Pennsylvania, a Poconos fall road trip is also an simple way to experience autumn without building.
- From Lake Wallenpaupack to Jim Thorpe and Delaware Water Gap, here rank among the strongest scenic drives in the Poconos to experience this fall.
- Route 903 ranks among the most useful fall drives for HolidayKeepers guests staying around Lake Harmony.
- Bring together one scenic drive with a hike, town, lake, or restaurant instead of trying to cover several routes in one day.
- Instead of packing up every morning for a varied hotel, settle into one vacation home and use it as your base for multiple autumn day trips.
- If you are looking for rentals in the Poconos, choose HolidayKeepers.
Fall changes the way you experience the Pocono Mountains. Forested hills turn shades of crimson, amber, and gold, lakes reflect colorful shorelines, and winding mountain roads suddenly become attractions in their own right.
The Pocono Mountains span roughly 2,400 square miles across four northeastern Pennsylvania counties, with three distinct fall color zones. That geographic variety means Poconos’ fall foliage develops differently across the region, giving travelers multiple routes and landscapes to explore throughout the season.
For travelers coming from New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, or elsewhere in Pennsylvania, a Poconos fall road trip is also an easy way to experience autumn without building an itinerary around strenuous outdoor activities.
From Lake Wallenpaupack to Jim Thorpe and Delaware Water Gap, here are some of the best scenic drives in the Poconos to experience this fall.
Top Scenic Routes to Drive-By During Fall in the Poconos
1. Route 507: Lake Wallenpaupack Fall Drive
Best for: Lake views and photography
Key areas: Lake Wallenpaupack, Hawley, Greentown
If you picture autumn leaves reflected across a peaceful mountain lake, start with Route 507.
This drive follows the Lake Wallenpaupack area and continues toward Greentown, combining forest scenery with views around one of the region’s most recognizable lakes. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau includes Route 507 among its recommended foliage routes and notes that the drive around Lake Wallenpaupack has received national recognition as a fall road trip.
The attraction isn’t simply driving from one end to another. Build time into your itinerary to
Stop around the lake, take photographs, explore Hawley, and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
During peak color, the combination of water and forest makes this one of the most visually rewarding Poconos scenic drives.
Make a day of it: Pair the drive with a visit to Hawley, a lakeside walk, or lunch near Lake Wallenpaupack.
2. Route 390: Promised Land to Skytop
Best for: Forests, lakes, and a peaceful drive
Key areas: Promised Land State Park, Skytop, Mountainhome
For a drive that feels immersed in the forest, take Route 390.
The route runs through the central Pocono color zone, connecting areas around Lake Wallenpaupack with Skytop, Mountainhome, and Cresco. It passes the lakes of Promised Land State Park, surrounded by beech, oak, maple, and hemlock.
That combination makes Route 390 particularly attractive if you want more than roadside foliage.
Stop at Promised Land State Park and stretch your legs beside the water, take a short hike, or spend some time photographing the Pocono Mountains’ fall foliage before continuing.
The changing elevations and forest types also mean the scenery develops continuously rather than feeling repetitive.
Best experience: Allow a few hours and include Promised Land State Park instead of treating the route as a quick drive-through.
3. Route 903: Lake Harmony to Jim Thorpe
Best for: Groups staying in Lake Harmony
Key areas: Lake Harmony, Hickory Run, Lehigh Gorge, Jim Thorpe
Route 903 is one of the most useful fall drives for HolidayKeepers guests staying around Lake Harmony.
The route heads south toward Jim Thorpe and passes near two major outdoor destinations: Hickory Run State Park and Lehigh Gorge State Park. The surrounding forests contain birch, maple, oak, and hickory, creating a varied autumn landscape.
Start your morning around Lake Harmony and make your way toward Jim Thorpe. Depending on your schedule, stop around Hickory Run for hiking or outdoor sightseeing before continuing south.
Jim Thorpe makes an excellent final destination. The historic town sits among forested hills and offers restaurants, shops, architecture, and seasonal activities.
October weekends can become particularly busy around Jim Thorpe, so leave early and allow extra time for traffic and parking during major fall events.
Ideal itinerary: Lake Harmony → Hickory Run → Lehigh Gorge → Jim Thorpe → return to your vacation rental.
4. Route 209: Delaware Water Gap to Milford
Best for: River scenery and outdoor adventures
Key areas: Delaware Water Gap, Bushkill, Dingmans Ferry, Milford
Route 209 gives you a different perspective on the Poconos in the fall.
Rather than driving primarily through mountain towns, the route follows the Delaware River corridor through Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
The National Park Service recognizes US 209 as one of the park’s scenic driving routes, while the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau recommends the stretch connecting Bushkill, Dingmans Ferry, Milford, and Port Jervis for foliage viewing.
This is a particularly good option for travelers who want to combine driving with hiking, waterfall visits, wildlife viewing, and riverside scenery.
Instead of trying to visit every attraction, choose one or two stops and give yourself time to explore them properly.
Best for: Active couples, families, photographers, and groups who want a full-day fall adventure.
5. Route 611: Portland to Delaware Water Gap
Best for: A shorter scenic trip
Key areas: Portland, Delaware Water Gap
If your itinerary doesn’t leave room for a long drive, Route 611 offers a more manageable option.
The official Pocono foliage guide recommends the Portland-to-Delaware Water Gap stretch as one of the region’s specific fall driving routes.
The highlight is Delaware Water Gap itself, where the Delaware River cuts through Kittatinny Ridge. The National Park Service identifies several viewing points along PA 611, including Point of the Gap, Arrow Island, and Resort Point overlooks.
Because this route is shorter, it’s easy to combine with lunch, hiking, or another nearby attraction rather than dedicating an entire day to driving.
Good choice for: Couples, short weekend trips, and travelers exploring the southern Poconos.
6. Route 534: Hickory Run to Beltzville
Best for: State parks and quieter landscapes
Key areas: Hickory Run State Park, Beltzville
Route 534 provides another excellent alternative to the region’s better-known roads.
The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau recommends following Route 534 east through Hickory Run State Park toward Beltzville as a designated foliage-driving option.
This route works particularly well if your idea of a Pocono Mountains scenic drive includes frequent outdoor stops.
Spend part of the day exploring Hickory Run before continuing toward Beltzville. You can then combine forest views with the lake and recreation areas around Beltzville State Park.
It’s also useful for visitors who want to experience fall scenery without centering their entire day around the busier tourism hubs.
Best for: Families, nature lovers, and travelers who prefer parks over shopping and town sightseeing.
7. Route 6 and the Northern Poconos
Best for: A classic fall road trip
Key areas: Milford, Hawley, Honesdale
If you want a longer drive that combines foliage with charming communities, head toward Route 6.
The northern Pocono itinerary promoted by the regional tourism bureau recommends following historic Route 6 toward Hawley, with Route 507 around Lake Wallenpaupack providing another foliage-rich extension.
This is less about reaching one major attraction and more about enjoying the journey.
Stop in Milford, explore Hawley, continue toward Honesdale, grab lunch, browse local shops, and take your time.
For couples and families who prefer small-town sightseeing over strenuous hiking, this can be one of the most enjoyable fall road trips in Pennsylvania.
Tips for Driving Through the Poconos During Fall
A little preparation makes these Poconos fall activities much more enjoyable:
- Start early on popular October weekends.
- Check foliage, weather, park, and road conditions before leaving.
- Download your route in case mobile reception becomes unreliable.
- Keep your fuel tank comfortably filled.
- Bring layers, water, and snacks.
- Stop only at designated parking areas and overlooks.
- Never slow or stop in active traffic lanes for photographs.
- Allow extra time around Jim Thorpe and other busy fall destinations.
- Combine one scenic drive with a hike, town, lake, or restaurant instead of trying to cover several routes in one day.
Most importantly, don’t over-plan. A Poconos fall road trip is much more enjoyable when there’s enough time to stop when somewhere catches your eye.
Stay Close to the Best Fall Experiences with HolidayKeepers
A comfortable home base can make a fall road trip much easier, particularly when traveling with family or a larger group.
HolidayKeepers offers Poconos vacation rentals that can put you within reach of Lake Harmony, Jim Thorpe, state parks, lakes, and some of the region’s most scenic fall routes.
Depending on the property, your group can enjoy amenities such as spacious common areas, private hot tubs, game rooms, decks, and fire pits, which are perfect for relaxing after a full day exploring the mountains.
Instead of packing up every morning for a different hotel, settle into one vacation home and use it as your base for multiple autumn day trips.
Conclusion
The best scenic drives in the Poconos during fall show just how varied this mountain region can be.
Route 507 delivers Lake Wallenpaupack views. Route 390 takes you through forests and lakes around Promised Land. Route 903 connects Lake Harmony with Jim Thorpe, while Route 209 introduces the river landscapes of Delaware Water Gap. Routes 611, 534, and 6 offer even more ways to explore.
Rather than searching for one universally “best” route, follow current Poconos fall foliage conditions and choose the drive showing the strongest colors during your visit.
And remember, the road trip doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down. Return to a comfortable HolidayKeepers vacation home, gather around the fire, and plan where tomorrow’s drive will take you.
For more information about HolidayKeepers properties or help choosing the right place for your autumn getaway, contact us and connect with our team.
FAQs
1. What is the best scenic drive in the Poconos during fall?
A: Route 507 near Lake Wallenpaupack is particularly attractive for combining Poconos fall colors with lake scenery. Route 903 and Route 209 are excellent alternatives for travelers interested in parks, towns, or the Delaware River.
2. What is the best fall drive near Lake Harmony?
A: Route 903 is one of the most convenient options. It connects the Lake Harmony area toward Jim Thorpe and passes near Hickory Run and Lehigh Gorge State Parks.
3. When should I visit the Poconos for a fall foliage road trip?
A: September and October are the main foliage-viewing periods, but peak conditions differ across the northern, central, and southern Pocono color zones. Check the latest foliage report before choosing your route.
4. Can I drive through Delaware Water Gap to see fall foliage?
A: Yes. Route 209 provides scenic driving through the Pennsylvania side of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, while PA 611 offers access to views around the Gap itself.
