5 Best Areas to Catch Fall Foliage in the Poconos in 2026

1. Camelback Mountain Fall Foliage: Hikes & Zipline Views

Fall Foliage Spots

The summit of Camelback Mountain in Big Pocono State Park in Tannersville offers spectacular fall foliage views across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Let the car do the uphill work and park near a picnic area with a panoramic view along Rim Road. Rather work up your appetite first? Big Pocono has 8.5 miles of challenging hiking trails.

Get a treetop view of the leaves from the zip lines or mountain coaster at Camelback Mountain Adventures or stay overnight at Camelback Resort & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark to experience even more seasonal fun like UTV rides, Halloween events, and campfires complete with s'mores.

Dining & Activities Nearby

There's another trail near the mountain waiting to be explored: the Pocono Beverage Trail! Enjoy an autumnal meal and hand-crafted beverages at Barley Creek Brewing Company. Head to the nearby Pocono Premium Outlets to treat yourself to a new cozy scarf or sweater.

2. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Bushkill Fall Foliage: Waterfalls & Riverside Trails

Fall Foliage Spots

Running through the heart of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA), the Delaware River winds between mountains blazing with russet and golden hues at this time of year, offering incredible fall foliage Delaware Water Gap vistas from the water, from hiking trails high on the cliffs above, or deep in the forests, framing mighty waterfalls. Discover the tallest cascades in Pennsylvania, Raymondskill Falls, on the northern end of the recreation area. Plan a visit to see the Bushkill Falls fall foliage framing eight beautiful waterfalls spread across 300 acres just outside of DWGNRA.

The Cliff Trail, not far from Milford, offers a breathtaking overlook of the river. Travel south to the historic borough of Delaware Water Gap to view the season's finery from Mount Minsi along the famed Appalachian Trail. Celebrate the season with Pocono Environmental Education Center, located within DWGNRA, during their annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

Dining & Activities Nearby

There are charming small towns on either end of DWGNRA, full of shops and eateries to explore! Enjoy a hearty meal at Apple Valley Restaurant in Milford and stay awhile afterwards to browse the quaint Village Market of unique boutiques. If you're on the southern end of the park, grab dinner at the Deer Head Inn in the borough of Delaware Water Gap to the sounds of legendary live jazz.

3. Lake Region Fall Foliage: Shoreline Strolls & Autumn Paddling

Fall Foliage Spots

There's magic to be found on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack in the Lake Region in all four seasons, but the flaming colors reflected in the water every autumn are something no lake lover should miss. With 52 miles of shoreline and a surface stretching 5,700 shimmering acres, there are plenty of different viewpoints to discover. See a perfect autumnal sunset from the Wallenpaupack Lake Trail. Local boat rental outfitters like Rubber Duckie Boat Rentals and Pocono Actions Sports at Lighthouse Harbor Marina typically wrap up their season in mid-September, so call to check if rentals are available during your trip or bring your own kayak or boat and launch from public access points like Mangan Cove. Don't forget your life jacket!

Looking for even more fall lakes to enjoy? Discover peaceful scenery as well as environmental programs and guided fall foliage walks at Lacawac Sanctuary on the northern side of the lake or explore the two lakes and miles of hiking trails at Promised Land State Park located about a 15-minute drive south of Lake Wallenpaupack.

Dining & Activities Nearby

Located on the doorstep of Lake Wallenpaupack, the small town of Hawley has lots of great autumn activities to enjoy including an annual fall festival in October, the Hawley Harvest Hoedown. Grab a seasonal beverage or snack at the Cocoon Coffeehouse & Bakery or take a ride on the tracks with Pennsylvania Rail Bike.

4. Lehigh Gorge & Jim Thorpe: Fall Whitewater & Festivals

Fall Foliage Spots

Fall is all about the foliage in Carbon County, where the mountains and rocky outcroppings rising above the Lehigh River in Lehigh Gorge State Park harbor plenty of autumn outdoor adventures. The small town of Lehighton is a perfect base for a fall day trip, offering plenty of parking, and easy access to the D&L Trail for hiking, biking, or fall whitewater rafting trips with outfitters like Jim Thorpe River Adventures.

Located minutes up the road from Lehighton, the Victorian splendor of Jim Thorpe is set off perfectly by the seasonal colors and drifting leaves. Hop aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for an Autumn Leaf Train Excursion running daily throughout October. The popular Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival is held select weekends in October, bringing vendors and fun family activities to the historic streets. Be sure to plan ahead to secure parking: avoid traffic backups by using the shuttles available at Pocono Whitewater and Whitewater Rafting Adventures or reserve a parking shuttle in advance at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.

Dining & Activities Nearby

If the weather's warm enough, sit out on the deck at Thorpe's 903 and enjoy a scratch made meal beneath the leaves. For even more fun in the area, venture into Lansford to journey into the past at the No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum or take the kids to the fantastic festivals and events at Country Junction - World's Largest General Store.

5. Scenic Route 6 Fall Foliage: Road Trip through Small Towns

Fall Foliage Spots

On the northern end of the Poconos region in Wayne County and Pike County, scenic Route 6 has been called one of the top fall drives in the country. Starting from the Delaware River, the road winds west past Shohola Marsh Reservoir before turning north at Lake Wallenpaupack and following the Lackawaxen River.

If your ideal way to view the fall foliage is from a sidewalk cafe with a freshly-brewed coffee, you'll want to make sure you plan a few pit stops! Route 6 connects the charming small towns of Milford, Hawley and Honesdale, and all three communities boast picturesque and historic downtown districts lined with colorful trees plus fun harvest celebrations

Dining & Activities Nearby

See how Moka Origins makes their delicious small-batch chocolate just outside of Honesdale and enjoy the beautiful leaves on the campus of the Himalayan Institute. On the eastern end of Route 6, Milford has tasty eateries like Betterworld Store & Cafe as well as beautiful mansions and museums like Grey Towers National Historic Site.

Peak Fall Foliage in the Poconos FAQ

Fall Colors Poconos

Make sure you consult our fall foliage forecast, updated every Thursday through the end of October, to plan your leaf peeping Pocono getaway for when the trees will be at their peak in the three distinct color zones across the Poconos region. For even more inspiration, check out more than two dozen ways to see the leaves, browse local autumn activities and events and find ideas for fall fun.

The perfect way to end a crisp autumn day soaking in the sights of the season is with a relaxing stay at welcoming Poconos accommodations. Be sure to browse special offers or visit midweek to save on your fall foliage getaway!

Picture Yourself in the Poconos This Fall

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