10 Quaint & Cozy Pocono Towns for the Ultimate 2026 Fall Getaway

Best Towns in the Poconos for Leaf Peeping

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.

Fall Festivals

Every September, Delaware Water Gap celebrates its musical heritage during the COTA Jazz and Arts Festival, which features two days of great live performances. In October, nearby Shawnee Mountain hosts The Pocono Food Truck Festival with an abundance of delicious things to eat under the beautiful leaves.

Things to Do

For over two hundred years, this historic borough has been welcoming visitors to the region. 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.

Dining

Restaurants like Sycamore Grille are waiting when you're ready to eat! Save room for dessert: take home a delicious pie from Village Farmer and Bakery. If you're looking for an evening of great food and music, stop by the Deer Head Inn to hear some legendary jazz alongside your meal.

Places to Stay

Book a room at the Deer Head Inn to stay in the heart of Delaware Water Gap or drive 10 minutes upstream to explore beautiful Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, a historic lodging with its own spa, golf course, and brewery onsite.

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.

Fall Festivals

Happening in early October, the Hawley Harvest Hoedown has been a beloved local event for over 30 years. Browse the vendors, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, enjoy kids activities, and admire the pumpkins and hay bales all over town.

Things to Do

For a 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. Explore downtown shops like The Grains Book Store and Gift Shop and check out our list of 50 things to do in Hawley to get even more ideas!

Dining

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.

Places to Stay

Tucked away next to a waterfall near the heart of town, Ledges Hotel offers stunning fall views, with foliage flaming over rushing Paupack Falls. Just 15 minutes from Hawley, renowned Woodloch, Legacy Resort Collection offers tons of activities for families as well as an incredible destination spa for adults.

3. Honesdale

Nestled between rolling Wayne County hills covered in fiery shades of garnet and gold, Honesdale celebrates the harvest season 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.

Fall Festivals

Sip delicious brews and vintages at the Honesdale Beer & Wine Fest in September, hop aboard Pocono Foliage Express train trips with The Stourbridge Line, or see the fall decor all around town and enjoy family-friendly activities during the Harvest and Heritage Day in October.

Things to Do

Honesdale's downtown is an ideal place to stroll, shop and eat. Start your holiday gift hunt early at unique boutiques like Gather and Wallflower. Take a hike up to Irving Cliff to get a picture-perfect aerial view of the town, surrounded by fall foliage on every side.

Dining

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.

Places to Stay

Surround yourself with the Wayne County foliage at places to stay near Honesdale like Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort, located on its own private lake, or Himalayan Institute, offering unique yoga retreats.

4. Lansford

Just west of Jim Thorpe and Mauch Chunk Lake Park in Carbon County, the small town of Lansford recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and has a rich history to discover. The small town streets and old mines are flanked by hillsides of colorful trees every fall.

Fall Festivals

Join the community in late September for Lansford Fall Fest at Grace Community Church on West Ridge Street. Check out the car show, browse food and craft vendors, and listen to live music.

Things to Do

Lansford began as a mining town, and the most popular attraction is still the No. 9 Mine & Museum which offers visitors the unique opportunity to journey deep into the mountainside and experience a real coal mine shaft first-hand. Learn about what life was like for the nineteenth century workers who mined the Anthracite coal that powered the Industrial Revolution.

Dining

Enjoy a throwback meal at The 80's Bar & Grill on Patterson Street or indulge in Italian fine dining at Macaluso's Restaurant in nearby Nesquehoning.

Places to Stay

If a cozy cottage surrounded by autumnal trees sounds like the best place to stay in Poconos in fall, you'll love lodgings near Lansford like The Flagstaff Lodge, a rustic bed and breakfast, or the cabins at Jim Thorpe Camping Resort.

Best Towns in the Poconos for Fall Festivals & Markets

5. 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.

Fall Festivals

The annual Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival celebrates the colors of the season with weekend fun. Keep in mind this is a very popular event, drawing heavy crowds and traffic, so plan your parking ahead of time, consider visiting town midweek to see the foliage but skip the crowds, or take advantage of shuttle parking available at nearby spots like Mauch Chunk Lake Park, Pocono Whitewater, or Whitewater Rafting Adventures, operating weekends throughout October.

Things to Do

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. Spend an afternoon learning how turn-of-the-century industrialists lived at the Asa Packer Mansion to get a glimpse of the town's storied past.

Dining

Feeling hungry? There are plenty of Jim Thorpe restaurants to try! Grab lunch at Ma's Crepes & Cakes or enjoy the atmosphere at Mad Hatter Winery & Smokehouse. The Broadway Grille has everything from steak to salad to seasonal cocktails.

Places to Stay

To fully immerse yourself in the opulent past of Jim Thorpe, book a stay at one of the area's historic hotels like the Hotel Switzerland or bed and breakfasts like The Harry Packer Mansion Inn to enjoy old-fashioned appeal plus modern amenities.

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.

Fall Festivals

Plan a family outing to Yenser's Tree Farm to peruse the pumpkin patch and get lost in the corn maze during Fall Fest at Yenser's Tree Farm. Another great event for the kids is The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival at Country Junction - World's Largest General Store, which features a Wizard of Oz theme this year.

Things to Do

Stroll down First Street to stop in small shops like Wine & More on 1st. Take a few steps down Main Lane to pop in Anthracite Vintage Mercantile & Auctions to see what treasures from the past you can find. Head across the river to the Hofford Mill where you'll find Bronson EBikes & Trikes, offering rentals for a no-sweat biking trip beneath the leaves along the D&L.

Dining

The Gorge Eatery, home to the most delicious cheese curds in the Poconos, is also located in the Hofford Mill, while the Bonnie & Clyde Pub and Grill on 1st Street has 1930s vibes and a menu full of favorites. Even fall days are good for ice cream: stop by Chantilly Goods to enjoy dessert is a vintage soda fountain shoppe.

Places to Stay

From the rustic romance of The Inn at Birch Wilds bed and breakfast to the classic comforts of the Country Inn & Suites, Lehighton lodgings offer you more time to relax and savor the beautiful autumnal colors.

7. 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.

Fall Festivals

Browse fresh flavors at the Monroe Farmers Market, head to Crystal Street in East Stroudsburg for the popular Pickle Me Poconos Festival, or step back in time during the Quiet Valley Harvest Festival.

Things to Do

Check out the upcoming concerts at the historic Sherman Theater and get tickets to see a show! 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.

Dining

From breakfast at The Cure Cafe to dinner at Rare & Rye Steakhouse, there are lots of great eateries in Stroudsburg and its next-door sister borough of East Stroudsburg. Visit one of the Farmhouse Pocono locations on Main Street, Crystal Street, or in Blakeslee to order cute seasonal lattes and fresh meals.

Places to Stay

Book a room in the heart of downtown, just steps from great shops and wineries, at The Penn Stroud. For a more secluded retreat ideal for couples, drive a few minutes outside of town to the Cherry Valley Manor B&B.

Best Towns in the Poconos for Fall Outdoor Adventure

8. 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, embark on an autumn boat cruise or kayaking trip as the leaves drift on the water around you.

Fall Festivals

The charming small town of Hawley is the gateway to the lake, and the Hawley Harvest Hoedown is a great annual autumn festival that takes place every October. The nearby town of Honesdale also hosts a Harvest and Heritage Day every fall.

Things to Do

Take an autumnal stroll along the Wallenpaupack Lake Trail to see the colorful trees hanging over the water. Bring home a little piece of the lake with you! Browse souvenirs at Lake Art or discover an incredible selection of antiques at Der Jaeger Unique Arts.

Dining

Whichever side of the lake you find yourself on, there are plenty of delicious restaurants to discover. Treat yourself to a waterside meal at The Dock on Wallenpaupack or Gresham's Chop House.

Places to Stay

Watch the sunset over the lake then turn in for a good night's sleep at lodgings close to the shore! Sit by the fireplace in your cottage at Loch Highlands or relax in an Adirondack view gazing at the water at Silver Birches Resort.

9. 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, dining, and plenty of things to do in the Poconos in the fall.

Fall Festivals

Explore your artsy side in Milford! Expand your literary horizons at the Milford Readers & Writers Festival in September, discover incredible artisan carvings at the Festival of Wood, also in September, or watch avant garde cinema at the Black Bear Film Festival in October. Happening just outside of town, the Annual Harvest Festival at Pocono Environmental Education Center offers fall fun for all.

Things to Do

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? A hike up to Milford Knob Trail is another great way to spend the afternoon and ends in a view of the small town surrounded by the red, yellow and orange trees. Explore the gorgeous grounds of stately Grey Towers National Historic Site to find even more fall colors.

Dining

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.

Places to Stay

Turn in for the night in the heart of Milford's historic district at charming lodgings like the Hotel Fauchere or the Tom Quick Inn.

10. 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.

Fall Festivals

Check out the food trucks and live entertainers at Mount Pocono HarvestFest, not far from Tannersville, or discover German traditions at Oktoberfest at Pint Size Park at Barley Creek Brewing Company.

Things to Do

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. Looking for a slower pace? Stock up on fall sweaters and scarves at Pocono Premium Outlets.

Dining

Wind down with a hearty meal at Barley Creek Brewing Company, located at the foot of Camelback Mountain, or savor seafood at Smuggler's Cove Restaurant on Route 611.

Places to Stay

Tannersville is the perfect place for fall family vacations at renowned indoor waterpark resorts like Great Wolf Lodge, Camelback Resort and Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, and Kalahari Resorts & Conventions.