7 Eye-Catching Poconos Fall Foliage Scenic Drives 2023

Northern Color Zone

1. Route 6

Route 6 has been ranked among the “Top Scenic Routes in America” by Car and Driver Magazine and was recognized by the Harley-Davidson Company as “Pennsylvania’s Best Tour Road.” This drive is a major access route through many Pocono towns and areas. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery while driving through Honesdale, Hawley, and Milford.

2. Route 402

Along the Wayne County portion of Route 6 just past Honesdale and Hawley, Route 402 branches off southwards into the heart of Delaware State Forest.

On this drive, it's just you and the splendor of the trees: cherry, sassafras, black gum and aspen. Take your pick from the trailhead pull offs by the side of the road to stretch your legs and see the colors up close. This byway stretches past Pecks Pond and Porters Lake into Marshalls Creek.

3. Route 507

Another turn off of Route 6, this time heading into Pike County, Route 507 travels around Lake Wallenpaupack and was ranked one of the "Best Fall Foliage Road Trips" by Travel. Trust us, the foliage around the Big Lake is a must see during the fall! Continue down Route 507 into Greentown to experience fall colors in the Poconos in our central color zone.

Central Color Zone

4. Route 390

Winding from 25 miles from Lake Wallenpaupack in the north down to Skytop, Mountainhome, and Cresco in the south, Route 390 can be accessed from Route 507. This route takes you past lakes, over hills, and through pristine forests.

You'll pass between Promised Land State Park's two lakes surrounded by the stunning hues of beech, oak and maple trees, punctuated with towering, majestic hemlocks. Curve around the mountainside to find the lake and extensive grounds of the iconic Skytop Lodge. Feeling hungry? Stop by Callie's Candy Kitchen to sample their pumpkin fudge!

5. Route 209

Starting from Milford, Route 209 is one of the main thoroughfares through pristine and peaceful Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This stretch of road follows the twists and turns of the Delaware River, passing through Dingmans Ferry and Bushkill before reaching the historic borough of Delaware Water Gap. Named one of the best places to view fall foliage by CNN, Delaware Water Gap is a great place to break up your drive and enjoy the crisp autumn air with a stroll through town.

Southern Color Zone

6. Route 209

There's more autumn beauty to discover on Route 209! Stretching south and west from the central region, this section of road skirts past vibrant Stroudsburg before heading into the rolling farmlands of Monroe and Carbon counties, blanketed in fall hues.

Plan a detour onto Pohopoco Drive to see the foliage reflected in the sprawling and sparkling reservoir at Beltzville State Park. Another must-stop in the area is Country Junction World's Largest General Store which hosts The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival late September through late October.

After crossing the Lehigh River, Route 209 jogs north through the small town of Lehighton. It's the perfect place to stretch your legs and check out local businesses or explore some of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. The D&L is a peaceful path popular with hikers and bikers which follows the riverside route once taken by trains and canal boats. Continue west along 209 to reach Lansford, home of the No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum and the annual Lansford Fall Fest.

7. Route 903

Route 903 takes drivers past two of our area's famed parks, Hickory Run State Park and Lehigh Gorge State Park. This part of the region is home to beautiful birch, maple, oak and hickory trees that light up the landscape with autumn colors.

From Lake Harmony in the north to Jim Thorpe in the south, take in the brilliant shades of autumn during your drive! Jim Thorpe, a historic small town known as the "Switzerland of America," brings live music and seasonal fun for the whole family to town during the community's annual Fall Foliage Festival held select weekends in October.

Check out all the scenic drives throughout the Pocono Mountains for even more inspiration for your fall getaway. Be sure to reference our fall foliage forecast, updated each week through the end of October, to plan your trip when the trees will be at their peak. Rest up at one of our places to stay before embarking on more fall adventures, and don't forget to check out more fall fun and special deals while visiting the region.