{"id":24251,"date":"2022-07-27T02:26:38","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T06:26:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.holidaykeepers.com\/?p=24251"},"modified":"2026-08-26T10:48:44","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T10:48:44","slug":"scenic-drives-to-see-fall-foliage-in-the-poconos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.holidaykeepers.com\/blogs\/scenic-drives-to-see-fall-foliage-in-the-poconos\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Scenic Drives in the Poconos During Fall: 2026 Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

From Lake Wallenpaupack to Jim Thorpe and Delaware Water Gap, here are some of the best <\/span>scenic drives in the Poconos to experience this fall.<\/p>\n

Top Scenic Routes to Drive-By During Fall in the Poconos<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"scenic<\/p>\n

1. Route 507: Lake Wallenpaupack Fall Drive<\/span><\/h3>\n

Best for:<\/b> Lake views and photography
\n<\/span>Key areas:<\/b> Lake Wallenpaupack, Hawley, Greentown<\/span><\/p>\n

If you picture autumn leaves reflected across a peaceful mountain lake, start with Route 507.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The attraction isn’t simply driving from one end to another. Build time into your itinerary to\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Stop around the lake, take photographs, explore Hawley, and enjoy the surrounding landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n

During peak color, the combination of water and forest makes this one of the most visually rewarding Poconos scenic drives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make a day of it:<\/b> Pair the drive with a visit to Hawley, a lakeside walk, or lunch near Lake Wallenpaupack.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Route 390: Promised Land to Skytop<\/span><\/h3>\n

Best for:<\/b> Forests, lakes, and a peaceful drive<\/span>
\n<\/span>Key areas:<\/b> Promised Land State Park, Skytop, Mountainhome<\/span><\/p>\n

For a drive that feels immersed in the forest, take Route 390.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

That combination makes Route 390 particularly attractive if you want more than roadside foliage.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The changing elevations and forest types also mean the scenery develops continuously rather than feeling repetitive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Best experience:<\/b> Allow a few hours and include Promised Land State Park instead of treating the route as a quick drive-through.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Route 903: Lake Harmony to Jim Thorpe<\/span><\/h3>\n

Best for:<\/b> Groups staying in Lake Harmony<\/span>
\n<\/span>Key areas:<\/b> Lake Harmony, Hickory Run, Lehigh Gorge, Jim Thorpe<\/span><\/p>\n

Route 903 is one of the most useful fall drives for HolidayKeepers guests staying around Lake Harmony.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim Thorpe makes an excellent final destination. The historic town sits among forested hills and offers restaurants, shops, architecture, and seasonal activities.<\/span><\/p>\n

October weekends can become particularly busy around Jim Thorpe, so leave early and allow extra time for traffic and parking during major fall events.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ideal itinerary:<\/b> Lake Harmony \u2192 Hickory Run \u2192 Lehigh Gorge \u2192 Jim Thorpe \u2192 return to your vacation rental.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Route 209: Delaware Water Gap to Milford<\/span><\/h3>\n

Best for:<\/b> River scenery and outdoor adventures<\/span>
\n<\/span>Key areas:<\/b> Delaware Water Gap, Bushkill, Dingmans Ferry, Milford<\/span><\/p>\n

Route 209 gives you a different perspective on the Poconos in the fall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rather than driving primarily through mountain towns, the route follows the Delaware River corridor through Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is a particularly good option for travelers who want to combine driving with hiking, waterfall visits, wildlife viewing, and riverside scenery.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead of trying to visit every attraction, choose one or two stops and give yourself time to explore them properly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Best for:<\/b> Active couples, families, photographers, and groups who want a full-day fall adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Route 611: Portland to Delaware Water Gap<\/span><\/h3>\n

Best for:<\/b> A shorter scenic trip<\/span>
\n<\/span>Key areas:<\/b> Portland, Delaware Water Gap<\/span><\/p>\n

If your itinerary doesn’t leave room for a long drive, Route 611 offers a more manageable option.<\/span><\/p>\n

The official Pocono foliage guide recommends the Portland-to-Delaware Water Gap stretch as one of the region’s specific fall driving routes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Good choice for:<\/b>\u00a0 Couples, short weekend trips, and travelers exploring the southern Poconos.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Route 534: Hickory Run to Beltzville<\/span><\/h3>\n

Best for:<\/b> State parks and quieter landscapes<\/span>
\n<\/span>Key areas:<\/b> Hickory Run State Park, Beltzville<\/span><\/p>\n

Route 534 provides another excellent alternative to the region’s better-known roads.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau recommends following Route 534 east through Hickory Run State Park toward Beltzville as a designated foliage-driving option.<\/span><\/p>\n

This route works particularly well if your idea of a Pocono Mountains scenic drive includes frequent outdoor stops.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s also useful for visitors who want to experience fall scenery without centering their entire day around the busier tourism hubs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Best for:<\/b> Families, nature lovers, and travelers who prefer parks over shopping and town sightseeing.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Route 6 and the Northern Poconos<\/span><\/h3>\n

Best for:<\/b> A classic fall road trip<\/span>
\n<\/span>Key areas:<\/b> Milford, Hawley, Honesdale<\/span><\/p>\n

If you want a longer drive that combines foliage with charming communities, head toward Route 6.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is less about reaching one major attraction and more about enjoying the journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stop in Milford, explore Hawley, continue toward Honesdale, grab lunch, browse local shops, and take your time.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tips for Driving Through the Poconos During Fall<\/b><\/h2>\n

A little preparation makes these Poconos fall activities much more enjoyable:<\/span><\/p>\n