Poconos Fall Foliage Forecast

Mt. Maplewood Lodge
Oct 8
7 min read

Home to more than 127 varieties of trees, shrubs, and plants, the Pocono Mountains is a spectacular sight during the fall season. Immerse yourself in fall colors Poconos and discover one of the best places to view fall foliage in Pennsylvania.

Because the region spans 2,400 square miles of northeastern PA, three distinct color zones are present, allowing you to catch Pennsylvania’s peak colors not only once, but three times. Updated every Thursday through the end of October, this forecast will assist you with discovering where, when and how to experience the brilliant foliage in our four-county region. The fall foliage report is also available by calling 570-421-5565.

Plan your fall fun getaway today with our list of 25 Ways to View Fall Foliage highlighting popular autumn activities and our Leaf Peeping FAQs page offering in-depth info, scenic drive ideas, and small towns to visit. Experience the beauty of fall firsthand with our live webcams around the region.

Poconos Leaf Peeping FAQ

Answers to common Poconos fall foliage questions to help you experience Poconos peak fall foliage 2025.

1. Where can we view fall foliage?
See our top 25 ways to view fall foliage to discover outdoor activities, scenic drives, festivals, water recreation and more; or take a look at our list of can't-miss fall experiences in the Pocono Mountains. See our fall foliage forecast for further information on fall colors in the Pocono Mountains.
2. Where can we go hiking and view the foliage?
More than 260 miles of hiking trails wind through the four-county region of the Pocono Mountains. With so many routes to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect leaf-peeping pathway! Check out our list of hiking trails or head to one of our national, state and local parks. You can also see waterfalls with fall foliage around it.
3. What scenic drives can we take to view the fall foliage?
View our geographic map of the Pocono Mountains to see our three fall foliage color zones and find the route that's right for you! You can also view the foliage as you explore our area and discover the unique towns of the Poconos. Find a scenic fall foliage route to take and see beautiful waterfalls along the way.

Ways to View Poconos Fall Foliage

The Pocono Mountains is home to 127 indigenous species of trees, plants and shrubs that illuminate the region come autumn.

One of the most popular times to visit the region, autumn inspires wonderful festivals and activities that celebrate fall foliage and the season's many splendors. Embark on an apple or pumpkin picking adventure and make lasting autumn memories in the Pocono Mountains. Find the answers to your autumn inquiries on Poconos fall colors with our list of FAQs.

From adventure to sightseeing, we've categorized autumn experiences into the following five categories. Here's a list of 25 ways to enjoy the Poconos fall season and scenery in 2025:

Festive Fun
Find a fall foliage train excursion. Experience the excitement of a rail car ride! Fall foliage train excursions are a wonderful way to celebrate autumn in the Pocono Mountains.
Hop on a hayride! Snuggle up to your loved ones and draw in the crisp autumn air. Mountainside hayrides are a must at many of the region's fall activities.
Tours and Sightseeing
Pick a tour! Travel the region and explore the outdoor beauty firsthand with endless sightseeing opportunities.
Attend an environmental education event. Learn about the lush Pocono Mountains landscape and the creatures that call it home. Head out with a naturalist and soak up some Pennsylvania scenes and stories.
Take to the skies ! Get a bird's eye view of the brilliant autumn scenery during a fall foliage air tour of the Pocono Mountains or an exciting skydiving experience!
Take a vineyard tour! Experience the beauty of a mountainside winery in autumn! Vineyard tours allow travelers to drink in the scenery...and flavors of the Pocono Mountains. Cheers!
Take a walking tour. Sightseeing in the Pocono Mountains extends far beyond manmade attractions. Discover the rich history of the region as you stroll beneath the falling leaves.
Explore our area. Scenic stretches of road, such as Route 507 near Lake Wallenpaupack, offer unmatched views of autumn foliage. Hop in the car or Pocono Slingshot Rental for a scenic drive...and be sure to stop for fall fun along the way! Take in the historic and small-town charm of various downtown areas. Find things to do and view maps of activities.
Water Recreation
Go fishing! Enjoy a relaxing day of sport fishing amid the bold colors of autumn.
Take a canoe or kayaking trip! Float along the pristine waters of the Pocono Mountains and enjoy unique views of the changing mountain landscape.
Spend a day sailing or boating. Enjoy a leisurely lake cruise or a speedy sailboat ride. The wooded lakes of the Pocono Mountains offer some of the region’s prettiest panoramas.
Outdoor Adventure
Take a hike! Savor the scenery as you stroll along the wooded pathways of the Pocono Mountains. More than 260 miles of hiking trails wind through the region, revealing scenic vistas, tumbling waterfalls and lush Pocono Mountains foliage. Find the route that’s right for you!
Go for a bike ride! Marvel at the Pocono Mountains' majesty from the seat of a mountain bike! Enjoy an awesome autumn outing on one of many forested bike paths!
Step into the saddle! Hit the trails on horseback for a unique view of the changing mountain scenery. Many of the region's riding stables offer guided rides through scenic wooded trails.
Hit the links! Crisp autumn air and bright fall foliage enhance the allure of Pocono Mountains golf courses. Play a round on one of the region's iconic courses and enjoy breathtaking views of the changing scenery.
Speed down the Mountain Coaster ! Feel the autumn wind in your hair as you glide along this unique Pocono Mountains attraction offering unmatched vantage points for viewing the fall foliage.
Swing through the trees! What better way to see the trees than from the trees? Swing, pull, climb and zip your way through the fall foliage during a run through a treetop adventure course!
Take a railbiking recreational adventure with Pennsylvania Rail Bike . Cycle right on the railroad tracks and enjoy a scenic ride along the Lackawaxen River in the charming town of Hawley.
Try paintball! Experience fast-paced fun and excitement in the great outdoors! A game of Pocono Mountains paintball will leave you (almost) as colorful as the trees!
Go zip lining! Fly through the air above the reds and oranges of autumn! Zip lining experiences are available at many Pocono Mountains destinations.
Give a Stockcar Racing Experience a go! Catch the foliage trackside while traveling up to 160mph at Pocono Raceway! It's an adventure fit for your bucket list!

Fall Day Trips to the Poconos

Interested in taking a day trip this fall to the Pocono Mountains? Here are some great day trip ideas!

Encompassing 2,400 square miles of rolling hills, breathtaking waterfalls, thriving woodlands and 170 miles of winding rivers, the Pocono Mountains of northeast Pennsylvania is an unspoiled nature playground easily accessible from East Coast metropolitan hubs.

The Poconos is ideal for fall day trips from Philadelphia, New York City, Morristown, Elizabeth and Summit, NJ, all within a one to two hour drive. Albany, Syracuse, Long Island and parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maryland are about a three-hour journey. Pack the car and head to the Poconos to experience the beauty of autumn during a day trip or weekend getaway!

Roam the Lehigh Gorge and Jim Thorpe

Morning:

Take a scenic train ride up the Lehigh Gorge for 25 miles, then bike back down at your own pace. Pairing leisure with adventure, this all-day outing is an exhilarating way to see the trees around Jim Thorpe. Bike train events are scheduled select dates in September and November. Just want to relax? The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers round-trip autumn excursions as well.

Afternoon:

Tour and explore! Visit mansions, museums and galleries around Jim Thorpe in the southern color zone. A background of fall foliage makes these beauties stand out. We suggest the Asa Packer Mansion and the Old Jail Museum , perfect for the haunted season!

Evening:

Step back in time and take a guided tour throughout the Victorian streets of the downtown with Jim Thorpe Walking Tours . Enjoy sightseeing, shopping and culture, and browse even more things to see and do in Jim Thorpe to make your fall day trip unforgettable.

Find Fall Thrills around Stroudsburg

Morning:

Get up close and personal with the fall foliage during a visit to an adventure park! Take on treetops ropes courses and ziplines at spots like the Adventure Center at Skytop Lodge and Camelback Mountain Adventures .

Downtown Stroudsburg is the perfect place to refuel after a morning in the fresh air! Whether you're picking up a healthy drink at Quench Cafe and Juice Bar or plan to treat yourself to a cute fall cupcake at Just Like Magic Bakery , you'll find plenty of eateries to choose from in this charming small town.

Afternoon:

Hop aboard The Pocono Historic Trolley Tour to learn about the storied history of the area as you wind along country roads near Delaware Water Gap. Sit back, relax and soak in the flaming leaves all around you.

Evening:

End your day trip with some live music! Book tickets to see a show at the Sherman Theater or listen to legendary jazz at the Deer Head Inn .