9 Activities in the Pocono Mountains You Can’t Miss this Fall (with Insider Tips)
July 16, 2019 By Chris B.
The Pocono Mountains have many fun events and activities based around fall foliage.
Photo by: congerdesign
It may be summer now, but before you know it, it'll be the first official day of the fall season! At that time of the year, the leaves will start to display gorgeous shades of yellow, orange, and red in the Pocono Mountains. Leaf peeping is a practically a pastime in the area, with so many fun events and activities based around the foliage. Below are nine festive activities to experience in the Poconos before the leaves fall this season, including bonus insider tips!
1. Fall Festivals
The Poconos host some of the most spirited fall festivals around! From the Autumn Timber Festival to the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival, seasonal celebrations offer fun for everyone. Enjoy great food, music, merriment and more during famed festivals in the Pocono Mountains.
Insider Tip: Certain events taking place at ski areas allow guests to go up on the ski lifts to view the fall foliage.
2. Scenic Drives
Encompassing four counties, combined equalling about the size of the state of Delaware, the Pocono Mountains has plenty of scenic drives to enjoy the fall foliage from the comfort of your vehicle. Some suggested drives are Route 6 through Hawley and Honesdale, Route 209 from Bushkill on through to Milford, and Route 534 through Beltzville and Hickory Run State Park.
Insider Tip: Rent a Pocono Slingshot and experience the smell of autumn and crisp air in an open cockpit!
3. Bounteous Hiking Trails
What better way to view the fall foliage than to actually immerse yourself in nature? Lace up those sneakers or hiking boots and hit the trails on one of the many hiking trails in the Pocono Mountains. Waterfalls, lakes, and scenic vistas are just waiting to be explored!
Insider Tip: Stay overnight at a campground to get the full outdoors weekend experience.
4. Autumn Boozy Fun
Our breweries and wineries like to indulge in fall fun, too! From Tipsy Tractor Hayrides to Beer Pairing Dinners, our boozy friends in the mountains have a lot of fun planned.
Insider Tip: Mountain View Vineyard is expanding and adding on a brewery! Be a part of the opening celebration on October 8.
5. Fall Foliage Trains
Ride through state parks and small towns like Jim Thorpe, Delaware Water Gap, Honesdale, and Hawley in the Pocono Mountains on a fall foliage train. Take in the colorful scenery while experiencing a rail car ride. Learn some local history along the way!
Insider Tip: Take time to explore the towns between train stops. Many have alluring family-run shops and restaurants!
6. Miles of Biking Trails
Visit one of our state or national parks for an exciting biking adventure. The McDade Trail in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area holds 32 miles of bike-able terrain. The ever-popular D&L Trail cuts through 4,500 acres of dramatic river gorge parkland along the Lehigh River on a former rail and canal route.
Insider Tip: Hop on a bike train in September or November with Pocono Biking to bike one way, and ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway the other way!
7. Mountain Adventures & Zip Lines
Sucker for adventure? Yeah, so are we! Adventure parks in the Pocono Mountains hold tons of fun: treetop ropes courses, a mountain coaster, all-season tubing park, and more. Or, zip line through the cool autumn air surrounded by bright colored leaves.
Insider Tip: Catch Camelback Mountain Adventures’ Fall Fest and Pocono TreeVentures’ Hallowscream Nights for extra adventure!
8. Small Town Vibes
The small towns of the Pocono Mountains are all unique, offering different activities, festivals, and more throughout the season. The historic town of Jim Thorpe will win you over with its charm and fun Fall Foliage Weekends. The town of Hawley hosts the Hawley Harvest Hoedown with cider tastings, brews, contests, demonstrations, family activities, crafts, entertainment, and more. The renowned Black Bear Film Festival can be found in the town of Milford in late October.
Insider Tip: Arrive early at Jim Thorpe’s Fall Foliage Weekends to get a full day of fun. Check out the impressive Lake Wallenpaupack while in Hawley for the Harvest Hoedown.
9. Haunted Attractions and Events
Halloween fun for little monsters, mature monsters, and 21+ monsters. Little monsters can explore the stranger part of Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm with Spooky Days on the Farm. Mature Monsters can take on the terrifying Hotel of Horror. Those age 21 and over can celebrate too, with Boos & Brews at Blue Mountain Resort.
Insider Tip: Easily frightened? Always look into the event prior to get a feel for its fear factor!
About the Pocono Mountains
With 2,400 square miles encompassing Pennsylvania’s Wayne, Pike, Monroe, and Carbon counties, the Pocono Mountains region is home to rolling mountain terrain, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, thriving woodlands, and 170 miles of winding rivers. Winters offer guests the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snow tube, and even snowshoe their way through snowy wonderlands encompassing over 163 ski trails, while summers also cater to the active traveler allowing exploration of 261 miles of hiking and biking trails, over 30 golf courses, whitewater rafting, boating, fishing, and open access to nine state and two national parks.
