Day Trippin'

Encompassing 2,400 square miles of rolling mountain terrain, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, thriving woodlands and 170 miles of winding rivers, the Pocono Mountains of Northeast Pennsylvania is a forest paradise less than two hours driving distance from New York City and Philadelphia.

Stay, explore and experience the beauty of autumn in the Pocono Mountains. 

~ Day One ~ Day Two ~ Day Three ~

Day One: Roam the Lehigh Gorge and Jim Thorpe

Morning: Take a scenic train ride up the Lehigh Gorge for 25 miles, and then bike back down at your own pace. Pairing leisure with adventure, this all-day outing is an exhilarating way to see the trees around Jim Thorpe. Events are scheduled select dates in October and November. Just want to relax? The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers Autumn Leaf excursions on weekends through October.

Afternoon: Tour and explore! Visit mansions, museums and galleries around Jim Thorpe in the southern color zone. A background of fall foliage makes these beauties stand out. We suggest:

While in Jim Thorpe, stop into one of the pubs for dinner. Both the Broadway Grille & Pub and Molly Maguires Pub & Steakhouse feature tasty comfort food with a historic flair.

Evening: Step back in time during a walking tour of Jim Thorpe. Take a self-guided tour throughout the streets with Jim Thorpe Walking Tours and enjoy sightseeing, shopping and culture. Jim Thorpe’s famed Fall Foliage Festival generally set for the first three weekends in October. Events include live music, food and craft vendors, children’s activities and more fall fun for all ages!

Cozy up at a bed and breakfast/country inn. Jim Thorpe is home to charming bed and breakfasts like the:

Day Two: Experience adventure along the Delaware River and Milford

Morning: Take leaf peeping to the next level with fall fun on the Delaware River with Kittatinny Canoes, Inc. Start with a river trip. Canoe, kayak or raft down the Delaware for unmatched views of the autumn leaves. Fly through the trees on a mountain zip line. Ride solo or race a friend on Kittatinny’s 3,000’ zip line. You’ll reach speeds up to 60 MPH!

Afternoon: Celebrate the arts. Milford’s Black Bear Film Festival is scheduled in October—peak fall foliage time! Expect workshops, film screenings, panel discussions and more at the annual celebration.

Grab a bite to eat in downtown Milford. Downtown Milford stands out against a backdrop of autumn leaves. Bar Louis at Hotel Fauchere is a chic spot for good food and drinks.

Evening: Walk to a waterfall! The central color zone is home to many of the Pocono Mountains’ most iconic waterfalls. The trails to Raymondskill Falls are relatively easy and appropriate for children. Bushkill Falls is another top spot for waterfall viewing. Take a look through the Fall Foliage Map to find more waterfalls in the central color zone.

Unwind in a historic home. Just steps from the shops and restaurants downtown, Milford’s Harrington House bed and breakfast is an 1860s charmer. It even has a wrap-around porch!

Day Three: Enjoy the sights and sounds around Lake Wallenpaupack

Morning: Embark on a scenic drive in the northern color zone. Take historic Route 6 toward Hawley for award-winning views of the fall foliage. Route 507 around Lake Wallenpaupack was named one of Travel Channel’s Best Fall Foliage Road Trips in 2013.

Afternoon: Get festive during Harvest and Heritage Day . Honesdale’s annual Harvest and Heritage Days are scheduled usually on Columbus Day Weekend. Ready for fall fun? Highlights include hayrides, children’s activities, vendors, demonstrations, tours, tastings and exhibits at local attractions. 

Indulge in farm-to-table restaurants in the Pocono Mountains. Fresh ingredients enhance handcrafted dishes at:

Evening: Take a stroll through the sanctuary. Encompassing almost 600 acres, the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful place for a fall walk. The preserve is open daily, dawn to dusk, year-round.

Spend the night in a bluestone beauty. If you’re near Hawley, you must visit the Silk Mill. This 75,000-square-foot stunner is home to shops and galleries, and it's just steps from fine accommodations and farm-to-table dining. Explore the Mill Market, and find a bakery, beer garden and grocer all under one roof. Then tuck into the neighboring Ledges Hotel, where tumbling waterfalls complement autumn foliage. In the morning, grab a brew at farm-to-table café Cocoon Coffeehouse & Catering Company.