Things to Do in the Poconos in the Fall
Things to do in the Poconos in the fall go way beyond leaf peeping — though, let’s be real, the foliage alone is worth the trip.
If you’re craving crisp mountain air, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin-flavored everything, fall in the Poconos is your perfect escape for some family fun.
Imagine hiking scenic trails under a canopy of fiery reds and golds, sipping cider at a local orchard, or hopping on a hayride before diving into a steaming bowl of chili at a harvest festival.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family weekend, or a solo adventure, the Poconos offer a mix of outdoor fun, charming small towns, and seasonal events that make autumn feel downright magical.
Keep reading for the best spots to explore, hidden gems to discover, and can’t-miss activities that will make your fall visit unforgettable.
How to Spend a Day in the Fall in the Poconos
Go Leaf Peeping on Scenic Trails
Let’s start with the obvious: the fall foliage in the Poconos is next-level stunning. Grab a hot coffee and head to places like Big Pocono State Park, Hickory Run State Park, or Bushkill Falls for views that feel straight out of a postcard.
If you’re up for a hike, the Red Trail at Bushkill Falls offers a moderately challenging trek with gorgeous waterfall views and over 1,200 stairs to get your heart pumping.
Visit Fall Festivals & Pumpkin Patches
Local farms and towns go all out in the fall with festivals, hayrides, corn mazes, and more. Check out Roba Family Farms or Mazezilla for family-friendly fun, or head to a cider fest or craft fair to soak up small-town autumn vibes. Don’t forget to grab an apple cider donut (or three)!
Sip Local Wines and Ciders
Cooler temps call for cozy sips! Stop by Mountain View Vineyard or Blue Ridge Winery for tastings with scenic views. Prefer something a little cozier? Warm up with a spiced cider flight or grab a bottle to take back to your cabin.
Take a Peaceful Paddle
While summer gets all the credit for lake life, early fall is a perfect time to kayak or canoe on Lake Wallenpaupack or the Delaware River. The crowds have thinned, but the views are just as incredible—especially with those changing leaves reflected in the water.
Plan a Scenic Picnic
Pack a cozy blanket and some fall snacks (think: cheese, crackers, local apples, and a thermos of hot cocoa) and head to spots like Promised Land State Park or Lehigh Gorge for a laid-back afternoon surrounded by nature.
Go Glamping or Cabin Camping
There’s something extra magical about curling up by a fire when there’s a chill in the air. Book a stay at one of the region’s many rustic cabins, yurts, or glamping tents. Don’t forget the s’mores supplies—trust me, they taste better in the fall.
Stargaze Under Clear Autumn Skies
Fall skies in the Poconos are crisp, dark, and perfect for stargazing. Head out to remote areas like Cherry Springs Overlook or just lay back at your campsite and take in the view.
What is the prettiest town in the Poconos?
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania — often called the “Switzerland of America.” Nestled in a scenic valley with winding streets, charming Victorian architecture, and vibrant fall foliage, it’s a favorite for both photographers and history lovers.
You’ll find cute boutiques, cozy cafés, scenic train rides on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, and access to outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and whitewater rafting. In the fall, the whole town transforms into a postcard-perfect autumn destination.
What is the best time to see fall colors in Pennsylvania?
The best time to see fall colors in is typically from late September through mid-October, depending on the region and elevation.
In the Poconos, peak foliage usually hits the first or second week of October, when the maple, oak, and birch trees burst into shades of red, orange, and gold.
If you’re planning a trip, aim for early to mid-October for the most vibrant colors—especially in higher elevations.
Just keep in mind that peak timing can shift slightly each year based on weather patterns. Check the Pocono Mountains Fall Foliage Forecast for up-to-date information on peak colors.
No matter how you choose to spend your time, there are endless things to do in the Poconos in the fall. From leaf-covered hikes and cider tastings to pumpkin patches and peaceful paddles, it’s the kind of place where autumn truly comes alive.
Planning your trip? Don’t forget your flannel, hiking boots, and a camera—because trust me, you’re going to want to remember this kind of fall magic.
I don’t live all that far from the Poconos, but I have never been there. I have always wanted to go, so I think there is a roadtrip in my near future 🙂
I probably won’t make it to the Pocono Mountains, but it looks like y’all had a really great time. I love doing things like this with my family, and creating memories that we’ll talk about for years to come.
I love where my family lives, but our fall NEVER looks like this! None of our seasons really look what I’ve seen from your Pocono posts. I’m seriously thinking it might be awesome to move there.
That trip to the Poconos had everything for kids and adults. I will consider this for our next fall adventure.
This looks like so much fun! I have never been here, but I do love the mountains. This would be a fun family vacation!
I feel like I’m on vacation and I haven’t even left the house yet! It’s been years since I’ve visited the Poconos. Sounds like such a fun time 🙂
You guys look like you had a great time. I went on a trip by myself to Pennsylvania a few years ago. I want to go back with my family. There is so much do there.
You’re really making me want to get to eh Poconos, like now!!! My kids would love Mazezilla and I would love to just photograph Fall! Those treats though….Mmmm
I have always wanted to go and visit the Poconos! I know it’s supposed to be absolutely gorgeous up there. If I ever get out that way I am definitely going to explore a lot of these places.
Always heard of the mountains but never knew where they were. Thanks fore sharing been wondering what the forest back east look like.I miss living in oregon.
This looks beautiful and fun. Makes me wish I lived closer to the Poconos.
I love the Poconos in the fall. It’s my favorite time of year there. Those desserts look amazing. I think it’s time I plan another trip back.
I would love to visit here for a family vacation! The waterfall looks beautiful and I would love to see it in person.
Wow this looks like such an amazing place to visit! I love the food and the cozy fire
Gorgeous place to visit. The food looks so good. I love a good Chocolate chip cookie.
I’ve never been to the Poconos, but it looks and sounds like such a fun/relaxing place to visit. Also, I hope you had more than your share of those yummy looking pastries while there.
OMG, that is a gorgeous place to live! Thank you for sharing it.
These all look like such fun and exciting activities! I personally love pumpkin patches. They are such a blast! Looks like you all had a real good time.
I love the mountains but I haven’t been to the Poconos. I’ll have to add this to our travel list, it’s not very far!
Wow! It looks like y’all had an amazing time. I’ve never been, but the Poconos are famous for fall. I see why. It’s so beautiful and quaint.
This isn’t too far away for us either! I have only been there with my husband not the kids. This looks like a great trip I’ll have to take!
It looks like you guys had such a fun trip! I’ve never been there but now I want to. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Have always wanted to visit the Poconos. But now REALLY want to visit …. soon! Very inviting photos. Ten, 9, 8, … starting the count down now!
Looks like there is so much to do in the poconos during fall! We’ve never been but I’d love to visit!
The Poconos is such a fun area to visit any time of year but especially gorgeous in the Fall. I need to find that 11 acre corn maze for my family. We always do one or two every year but we are running out of new ones to try.
It would be so nice to go here especially this season and just enjoy everything it has to offer. The pastries are perfect after a day of exploring the town!
I love these ideas. A trip to The Poconos mountains would just be so nice right now. I’d love to explore Milford.
Wow there are so many fun things to do in the Pocono Mountains. I would love to plan a trip there in the new year. We have friends that live close to it.
Those are some amazing photos. This looks like a great place to go in fall. I’m loving all the photos you took. Even the food looks amazing!
I have always wanted to go to the Poconos. It looks so scenic and fun up there.
Looks like a lot of fun things to do. I’ve never been there but definitely putting it on the bucket list.
We love going to the Poconos in the fall! These are great ideas!
This place looks really scenic. I bet my family would really love to head there.
Lots of great things to do for the whole family! I would love to see the waterfall. Honestly any waterfall would be great. I think they are beautiful!
What a great place to visit. So much fun
That sounds like an amazing place to visit and seeing the photos, I totally agree. Never been to this place before but I’d love to go there someday and the food looks delish too.
So many fun things to do! We really need to make a trip back out there. Last time we visited we had a ton of fun.
That looks so fun to try this Halloween! Can’t wait to visit with the whole family!
Looks like such a cute adventure! I love doing waterfall trails, they’re always so rewarding. I’ll make sure to add this to my travel list!
I adore seeing fall outings like this one! It has all the makings of what a good fall activity should be about.
Now pocono mountains looks like an adventure that I can get on board with! I love the sound of pumpkin picking and how delicious does the cakes look. Invite me next time haha!
Mazezilla at Klingel’s Farm looks like the place for me. I would also hit Bushkill falls as I adore waterfalls.
Our family loves the outdoors and we spend a lot of time in North Conway NH. We have never been to the Poconos though. It is def time to put this on our family travel list as it looks like so much fun!
We love going out during the Fall because the weather is so much nicer! And although there are plenty of places to explore here in Colorado, I wouldn’t mind going to Pocono with the kids! It’s going to be so much fun.
There is seriously nothing better than a fall mountain getaway. This spot looks absolutely amazing! I’ll have to add the Poconos to our fall travel bucket list. 🙂
I have always heard stories about how awesome the Poconos are. I will have to find the time to visit up there one day.
This looks beautiful! Especially the water fall! I’d love to go someplace like this or here in the future close to home with my family! Outdoor family outtings are so much fun!
I grew up in Pa and spent a lot of time in the Poconos as a child! I love your beautiful pictures!!
I haven’t been to the Poconos is so long. The last time I went it was during the summer and it was beautiful. Don’t know why we didn’t think to go in the fall to watch the leaves change and experience all those fun activities.
Saving this!! I have never been but I would love to go one day!! Looks like such a neat place
Your pictures have convinced me that the Poconos need to be added to my must visit places. It looks like a beautiful place to visit filled with many places to make memories and enjoy delish treats!
We’ve never visited here but would love to! Fall weather and crisp mountain air makes this the best time for these types of family road trips!
All of this looks like so much fun and a good time. I would love to take a trip!
We are planning on a girls weekend to the Poconos and I honestly didn’t start to think of all the things we could do besides wine at the fireplace. Thanks for the list. Now I can say I have done some homework on it..lol
thrifting diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
I have never been to the Pocono Mountains, but I’d love to visit someday. It looks like a lovely place to visit during this time of year!
We love the Poconos!! My stepfather grew up there so we visit often! The fall is my favorite time because it is seriously so gorgeous!
i went here many years ago. i went by myself to a health resort. it is beautiful country.