Looking for a fall getaway destination that has it all? The Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania is a short drive away from major Northeastern hubs like Philadelphia and New York. With dazzling fall foliage, welcoming small towns, lots of outdoor adventure and fantastic accommodations, it's the perfect spot for an autumn escape.
Whether you're dreaming of strolling through a storybook downtown with a pumpkin spice latte in hand, wandering by the water as the colorful leaves drift down around you, attending a harvest festival or sampling the bounty of the season at local restaurants, a visit to a quaint and cozy Poconos small town is a great way to soak in the autumn. Keep reading to discover nine cute towns in the Poconos.
Delaware Water Gap
1. Delaware Water Gap
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is one of the highlights of the Poconos region, encompassing 70,000 acres of natural beauty along the winding Delaware River, including the two tallest waterfalls in Pennsylvania and part of the Appalachian Trail. On the southern end of the recreation area, you won't want to miss a visit to the charming small town of Delaware Water Gap.
For generations, the community and town of Delaware Water Gap have been making visitors feel at home.
For over two hundred years, this historic borough has been welcoming visitors to the region. The Pocono Historic Trolley Tour takes you on a journey back in time through the Minisink Hills and Shawnee, following breathtaking back roads with colorful leaves on every side. Learn more about the legacy of Delaware Water Gap hospitality as you explore the Antoine Dutot Museum & Gallery, take time to Tour the Castle at the storied Castle Inn, or experience a legendary jazz performance at the Deer Head Inn. Restaurants like Joe Bosco Authentic Smokehouse BBQ and Sycamore Grille are waiting when you're ready to eat! Save room for dessert: take home a delicious pie from Village Farmer and Bakery.
The Pocono Historic Trolley Tour
The Pocono Historic Trolley is an elegantly restored trolley the harkens back to a bygone era with…
Antoine Dutot Museum & Gallery
Take a journey through time and relive the history of Delaware Water Gap at the Antoine Dutot Museum…
Tour the Castle
Step back in time and tour the last of the great resorts built in Delaware Water Gap. Tour the…
Deer Head Inn
The Deer Head Inn, home of jazz in the Pocono Mountains for more than 60 years, is the oldest…
Village Farmer and Bakery
In business since 1976, the Village Farmer and Bakery is open every day from 8am to 8pm except…
Joe Bosco Authentic Smokehouse BBQ
Joe Bosco takes great pride in hand-selecting their prime meats. Recognized by Trip Advisor as a…
Sycamore Grille
Serving everything from wings and burgers to steaks and fresh seafood, the Sycamore Grille & Pub…
Hawley
2. Hawley
Located in the heart of the Lake Region of the Poconos, Hawley is particularly picturesque in the fall, with colorful trees lining the meandering Lackawaxen River and sprawling Lake Wallenpaupack showing its fall colors to the south. Looking for a way to get around? Explore the town on two wheels with Hawley's free bike share program.
Head to Hawley, where environment inspires entertainment! Find farm-to-table dining, farm-to-spa-table treatments, outdoor…
For a truly unique biking experience, take a spin right on the railroad tracks with Pennsylvania Rail Bike. Plan a trip with family or friends, and pedal through stunning seasonal scenery in a two- or four-seater rail bike. Once you've worked up an appetite, local farm-to-table restaurants like Cocoon Coffehouse & Bakery, TREE Restaurant and Bar, and The Settlers Inn showcase the fresh flavors of the season in tasty and innovative dishes. Craft beverage connoisseurs can sip vintages on the scenic grounds of Three Hammers Winery or sample one of the best pumpkin ales in the country and some of the best beers in the world at Wallenpaupack Brewing Company. Don't forget to download your free Pocono Beverage Trail digital passport!
Pennsylvania Rail Bike
The Pocono Mountains first and only electric railbiking recreational adventure. Electric railbiking…
Cocoon Coffeehouse & Bakery
What goes better than a cup of Joe and a farm-to-table treat? Cocoon's menu changes daily to take…
TREE Restaurant and Bar
Located at The Lodge at Woodloch, TREE Restaurant and Bar offers a diverse menu that is anything but…
The Settlers Inn
Winner of OpenTable's Diner's Choice in 2018, The Settlers Inn's innovative menus are shaped by the…
Wallenpaupack Brewing Company
Wallenpaupack Brewing Company is a highly awarded 17,000-square-foot craft brewery located in…
Three Hammers Winery
A winery destination located in Hawley, PA. By blending history, scenic ambiance and beautifully…
Honesdale
3. Honesdale
Nestled between rolling Wayne County hills covered in fiery shades of garnet and gold, Honesdale celebrates the harvest and local heritage in style. Back in the 1800s, this small town welcomed the first steam locomotive to the United States and became the “Birthplace of the American Railroad.” Visit the Wayne County Historical Society to see a replica of the first "Stourbridge Lion," then climb aboard yourself for a fall foliage train tour with The Stourbridge Line.
History and culture collide in the scenic Pocono Mountains town of Honesdale. A rich sense of community makes this walkable…
Honesdale's downtown is an ideal place to stroll, shop and eat. Start your holiday gift hunt early at unique boutiques like Maude & Main, Gather and Wallflower. Whether you're looking for lunch or a quick cup of locally-roasted coffee and a snack to go, Camp Umpy's Bagels and Stuff is near at hand on Main Street. In the evening, head to Here and Now Brewing Company to round out your day with dinner and drinks.
Maude & Main
They offer a great selection, from vintage-inspired to a clean, contemporary design aesthetic, with…
Gather
Head down to Gather in Honesdale to find fun gifts for everyone on your list. Located in Downtown…
Wallflower
Wallflower is a destination shopping experience with 4000 square feet of unique merchandise…
Camp Umpy's Bagels & Stuff
Bagels, breakfast, baked goods, and lunch. Camp Umpy's Bagels & Stuff strives to only bring you the…
Here & Now Brewing Company
Here & Now Brewing Company is a restaurant and craft brewery located on Main Street in…
Jim Thorpe
4. Jim Thorpe
In the nineteenth century, the beautiful town of Jim Thorpe (then known as Mauch Chunk) was home to over a dozen millionaires and was a popular destination for Victorian tourists. Renamed after the former Olympian in 1954, the county seat of Carbon County still has its old world charm and elegance, and the brilliant fall trees are a gorgeous backdrop for the cobblestones streets and brick townhouses. The popular Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival celebrates the colors of the season with weekend fun. Maximize your foliage experience and skip the parking traffic: park at nearby spots like Mauch Chunk Lake Park and Pocono Whitewater and take the shuttle, operating weekends throughout October.
Offering both the charms of a European village and the thrills of a mountain sports destination, this historic town is one of the…
To fully immerse yourself in the opulent past of Jim Thorpe, book a stay at one of the area's historic hotels, guest houses or bed and breakfasts to enjoy old-fashioned appeal plus modern amenities. Spend an afternoon learning how turn-of-the-century industrialists lived at the Asa Packer Mansion, then journey deep into the mountainside to get a miner's perspective at the No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum in nearby Lansford. The Jim Thorpe Trolley Company is a great way for visitors to get around while learning about the area, and fall trips with the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway are an autumn classic. Feeling hungry? Grab lunch at Ma's Crepes & Cakes or enjoy the atmosphere at Mad Hatter Winery & Smokehouse.
Asa Packer Mansion
Take a guided tour of this historic Pocono Mountains mansion. Built in the Victorian Italianate…
No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum
The No. 9 Coal mine was opened in 1855, but its origin traces back ten years earlier. The Mine was…
Jim Thorpe Trolley Company
Discover and explore Jim Thorpe aboard an open-air trolley! The Historic Trolley Tour Pass is a…
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Experience a ride the whole family will enjoy! Comfortable, vintage coaches built as early as 1917…
Ma's Crepes & Cakes
Ma's Crepes and Cakes is a charming, faith-based, family-owned creperie in downtown Jim Thorpe, PA…
Mad Hatter Winery & Smokehouse
Mad Hatter Winery & Smokehouse is a family owned and operated restaurant that is a child and…
Lake Wallenpaupack
5. Lake Wallenpaupack
Crunch through the leaves along the 52 miles of Lake Wallenpaupack shoreline and gaze across at stunning foliage reflected in the smooth surface of this 5,700-acre reservoir. For another perspective, take an autumn boat cruise or kayaking trip as the leaves drift on the water around you.
Stunning Lake Wallenpaupack, a man-made lake built in 1926 covering 5,700 acres and 13 miles.
Whichever side of the lake you find yourself on, there are plenty of small town gems to discover. Treat yourself to a sunset meal at The Dock on Wallenpaupack or Gresham's Chop House. Bring home an antique or souvenir from Der Jaeger Unique Arts, Lake Art, or Lake Life Pursuit.
The Dock on Wallenpaupack
The Dock on Wallenpaupack presents a combination of water-inspired foods and culinary twists on…
Gresham's Chop House
Casual family dining overlooking beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack. Treat the family to a delicious…
Der Jaeger Unique Arts
Shop a wide selection of antiques, artwork, fine porcelain, collectibles and militaria at this…
Lake Art
Outfitting your Lake Wallenpaupack lifestyle. Lake Art is owned by a local artist who concepts and…
Lake Life Pursuit
Lake Life Pursuit is nestled in the heart of the Lake Wallenpaupack area. This unique boutique…
Lehighton
6. Lehighton
Set alongside the scenic Lehigh River, Lehighton offers not only easy parking and access to Jim Thorpe along the D&L Trail but also its own downtown area filled with charming shops plus plenty of nearby fall festivals to enjoy. Plan a family outing to Yenser's Tree Farm or Country Junction - World's Largest General Store to enjoy pumpkin patches, hayrides, and much more.
The town of Lehighton offers outdoor adventure, restaurants, shops and more.
Add some fun to your fall outing with a trip to the escape room and retro games corner Jokers Are Wild Game Cafe or test your aim at Archery Addictions. Stroll down First Street to stop in small shops like Within Harmony and Wine & More on 1st. The historic Hofford Mill in Weissport just across the river houses businesses like Bronson EBikes & Trikes, offering rentals for a no-sweat biking trip beneath the leaves along the D&L, and The Gorge Eatery, home to the most delicious cheese curds in the Poconos.
Jokers Are Wild Game Cafe
Jokers Are Wild Game Cafe is a place you can go to enjoy various board games, collectible card games…
Archery Addictions
Archery Addictions has been the area's ultimate archery destination for the past nine years. In July…
Within Harmony
Discover this hidden gem in Northeast PA! Enjoy shopping for hand-selected, ethically-sourced…
Wine & More on 1st
Wine & More on 1st features the wines of Stone Mountain Wine Cellars, a family-owned farm that…
Bronson EBikes & Trikes
The mission of Bronson Ebikes and Etrikes is to provide electric bicycles and tricycles that offer…
The Gorge Eatery
Find The Gorge Eatery inside The Hofford Mill. The Gorge serves a limited menu of hand-made…
Milford
7. Milford
The northern gateway to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, scenic and historic Milford is the county seat of Pike County and has natural wonders close at hand as well as one-of-a-kind shopping and dining. Take a hike up to Milford Knob Trail for a view of the small town surrounded by the red, yellow and orange trees. Explore the grounds of Grey Towers National Historic Landmark to find even more fall colors.
When it comes to Pocono Mountains towns, Milford is a must-see. The town is touched with historical sites, museums and…
The Delaware River is beautiful with autumnal colors rising above it, and it's just a short walk from downtown Milford. Why not take a fall canoeing or kayaking trip with Kittatinny Canoes? After a day in the fresh air, refuel at local restaurants like La Posada and Felix's Cantina or see what beers are on tap at Log Tavern Brewing Co. There are plenty of shops and eateries to explore in town. Stop by Earthly Treasures located in the Historic Upper Mill, then get a bite to eat next door at the Waterwheel Bakery, Cafe & Bar.
Kittatinny Canoes - Canoe & Kayak
Explore the Delaware River by kayak or canoe! Our open cockpit touring kayaks are easy to use and…
La Posada & Felix's Cantina
La Posada is a Mexican restaurant concept that features cuisine from the Yucatan peninsula and…
Log Tavern Brewing Company
Log Tavern Brewing Company is dedicated to high quality craft beer brewed with pride in Milford…
Earthly Treasures
Located at the Historic Upper Mill in lovely Milford, Pennsylvania, Earthly Treasures is a…
Upper Mill
Originally built in the early 1800s and now restored, this water-powered mill is a lively example of…
Waterwheel Cafe, Bakery & Bar
Waterwheel Café, Bakery & Bar, established in 1989, is now celebrating more than 33 years of…
Stroudsburg
8. Stroudsburg
There's no shortage of fall flair and small-town character in centrally-located Stroudsburg. Take some time to stroll along the sidewalks beneath the colorful trees, enjoy the local arts scene including murals and galleries, then stop in the many boutiques, cafes and local businesses within the walkable downtown area.
Stroudsburg shines with a striking mix of small-town glamour, modern appeal and a beautiful, walkable downtown.
Stock up on gear for your next adventure at Dunkelberger's Sports Outfitters, or find vibrant mums and outdoor and indoor fall decor to take home at The Potting Shed. Follow the Stroudsburg branch of the Pocono Beverage Trail at RAW Urban Winery and Hard Cidery, or venture just outside of town to discover beautiful fall views at Mountain View Vineyard and Eagles Rest Cellars.
Dunkelberger's Sports Outfitter
Serving the Pocono Mountains for over 40 years! Located in beautiful downtown Stroudsburg and on…
The Potting Shed
Let The Potting Shed create something special for you! The Potting Shed is a beautiful, eclectic…
RAW Urban Winery & Hard Cidery
RAW Urban Winery & Hard Cidery is the Poconos' first urban winery and hard cidery established in…
Mountain View Vineyard Winery
Visit this locally produced, sustainable, family-owned winery for a seriously fun experience! You'll…
Eagles Rest Cellars
Visit this veteran, family-owned vineyard and winery nestled on a 200-acre farm in Cherry Valley…
Tannersville
9. Tannersville
Northwest of Stroudsburg in Monroe County, the town of Tannersville offers lots of autumn activities both indoors and out. Big Pocono State Park boasts panoramic foliage as far as the eye can see from an elevation of over 2,700 feet. Looking down on the nearby community, you'll also spot some must-visit local businesses.
You're never far from fun in Tannersville! This Pocono Mountains town is packed with places to stay, things to do, and sights…
There's nothing like flying past branches filled with seasonal colors: take to the skies on the zip lines at Tannersville's Camelback Mountain Adventures. PA's biggest outdoor adventure park also includes UTV tours, a mountain coaster and more. Stock up on fall sweaters and scarves at Pocono Premium Outlets, then wind down with a hearty meal at Smuggler's Cove Restaurant or Barley Creek Brewing Company.
Camelback Mountain Adventures
Race a friend down Camelback Mountain on 1,000-foot dual zip lines or the new and improved…
Camelback Mountain Adventures
Update: Treetop Adventures course is currently closed. Your adventure starts here at PA’s biggest…
Pocono Premium Outlets
For shopping that's always worth the trip! The Pocono Premium Outlets feature over 100 designer and…
Smuggler's Cove Restaurant
Come into the Cove...where surf and turf never tasted so good! See what the critics are talking…
Barley Creek Brewing Company
Brewery, distillery and eatery! Visit Barley Creek Brewing Company in the Pocono Mountains for an…
With so many small towns to experience in the Poconos, you'll want to find a place to stay to visit them all! Check out special offers to save on your trip, and don't forget to consult the fall foliage forecast, updated weekly through the end of October, to find out when the local leaves will be at their peak.
Fall Photos of Cute Towns in the Poconos
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