Fall season in the Poconos is simply spectacular. The colorful fallen leaves carpet the floors of the entire region, providing some truly breathtaking views. The landscapes of the Poconos quite literally turn a new leaf in autumn. The foliage can be experienced through countless ways, but the best way would be through a scenic drive along the stunning landscapes.
An autumn road trip can be a unique and fun way to spend quality time with your loved ones this fall. A scenic drive through the Poconos Mountains is the best way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the region.
So, buckle up and get ready to explore the Poconos!
Understanding the Fall Foliage in Poconos
Crunchy leaves beneath your feet, the smell of maple and cinnamon in the air and gorgeous views of the landscapes of Poconos. Foliage begins around September but peaks in mid-October, the foliage can be enjoyed until the end of October.
Poconos consists of three distinct color zones, which means you can peak the colors thrice! Poconos is a hub for recreational activities, so you can enjoy a myriad of fall activities in Poconos!
How to Select the Perfect Scenic Drive in Poconos
There are certain criteria you should check out before you venture on your scenic drive, make sure that your drive is perfect to the t!
- Scenic Beauty: Make sure the route you choose has the best scenery of all, do your research and find out which routes have the best views!
- Accessibility: Most of the routes for the best fall scenic drives in Poconos are right off the highway which makes them accessible and fun.
Top 10 Scenic Drives in Poconos
Here are the ten best driving routes for fall foliage!
1. Route 507: Lake Wallenpaupack Loop
Route 507 is a great drive alongside Lake Wallenpaupack and offers some truly breathtaking views of the same. The route is considered a must see, and offers some of the best foliage views in the region. As you continue down the route it will take you into Green Town where you can experience the scenic views of the central color zone.
2. Rim Road at Big Pocono Park
The Rim Road is a beautifully paved path to experience the best of Poconos’ fall foliage. The road leads to the Camelback Mountains, providing spectacular landscapes making it a very picturesque and aesthetically pleasing drive. The best part about this route is that you can view the fall foliage of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York all at once!
3. Route 115
Pennsylvania Route 115 is a great drive to view the panoramic sights of foliage in the Poconos. It is 35.7 miles long and stretches into Monroe County and Wilkes Barre, Poconos. This can make for a perfect route for one of the best fall color road trips on the East Coast! You can also plan a weekend getaway from New York or Philadelphia in fall for a 3 day fall foliage tour and explore many sceneries!
4. Route 209: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Route 209 heads towards the east of Delaware Water Gap leads to many quaint towns and stunning views of fall foliage in the Poconos. It is one of the best driving routes for fall foliage. You can also detour into Jim Thorpe and enjoy the beautiful historic streets of the town covered with foliage. Jim Thorpe also hosts the annual Fall Festival, which is worth a visit!
5. Route 390: Promised Land State Park
Route 390 will take you through Lake Wallenpaupack and Promised Land State Park. The route showcases spectacular colors of maple, oak and beech tree leaves. Venture into Promised Land State Park, which is along the route, in Pike County. You can take in the views of the foliage from the state park as well.
6. Interstate 80 at Delaware Water Gap
The Interstate 80 is another route that will take you through the Delaware Water Gap, the route is spectacularly scenic and offers some of the best views of the fall foliage. You will have one of the best fall road trips as you follow the road along the gorgeous Delaware River.
7. Route 611
Route 611 is a state highway in Pennsylvania, from interstate 95 from southern Philadelphia into the Pocono Mountains, it can make for a really scenic fall road trip from Philadelphia to Poconos in October! The road traverses into Delaware Water Gap and heads into the Pocono Mountains. You can catch gorgeous views of railroad tracks, the Delaware river and dense forests. If you are from Philadelphia and are wondering ‘which are the best scenic drives for fall colors near me’ you must venture onto Route 611!
8. Route 423: Tobyhanna State Park Loop
The PA Route 423 begins within the community of Pocono Pines and heads north along the shores of Lake Naomi. It continues through several crosses across Tobyhanna Creek, offering some spectacular views in the months of fall. Detour into Tobyhanna State Park, where you will find some spectacular hiking trails and campgrounds. Enjoy one of the best fall road trips with your loved ones by your side as you cross the communities of Tobyhanna and Warnertown.
9. Route 940: Pocono Lake to White Haven
Route 940 is a 43.2 mile long highway in the Pocono Mountains. It interchanges with 1-80 and ventures into White Haven. The road also goes along White Haven, and crosses Monroe County where it travels through forests and to the northwest of Pocono Lake, where you can click some wonderful pictures of the landscape. The foliage in peak autumn is truly stunning!
10. Upper Delaware Scenic Byway
The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway was voted as the second best autumn drive in the US! The route is 70 miles long, and links to the village of Hancock. The road stretches parallel to the scenic and recreational Delaware river, offering some panoramic and stunning views of the landscape. The drive can make for a perfect fall weekend getaway especially if you are traveling from Upstate New York!
Photography Tips for Capturing the Best of Fall Foliage in Poconos
The fall foliage of Poconos mixed with its evergreen landscapes makes for amazing pictures, whether it is for your Instagram or to further your photographic ventures! Here are some tips on how to capture some unique and beautiful images.
- The best place to witness foliage and capture amazing pictures is from a bird’s eye view, so get up high, above the trees and capture some spectacular images! Poconos has many state parks that have great hiking trails from where you can catch amazing views of the landscape!
- Foggy images can be unique and can capture a unique beauty of the landscapes. Fog helps in diffusing the light and helps reduce the harshness of the sun and can give your image a soft glow.
- Include architecture in your images of foliage! Jim Thorpe can be the perfect destination to do so as well, the town is rich in history and you will find many beautiful architecture in the area, where you can capture the natural beauty as well as the history of the town in one image.
Practical Tips for Scenic Drivers
What do you need to know before you venture on a scenic drive? What should you pack? What are the driving conditions going to be like? If these are all questions you have, worry not. Here are some tips to help you through your journey.
- When it comes to packing make sure you have all your road trip essentials. Make sure your GPS is working, have your phone chargers handy and don’t forget snacks! As for clothes, the weather in fall in Poconos is chilly so pack sweaters and scarves!
- Make sure you check your routes for last minute road closures and weather conditions before you leave.
- Respect Nature, as you make stops along your route to admire the view make sure you do not litter and be respectful to your surroundings.
Local Attractions in Poconos
There are few places in the Poconos that you absolutely cannot miss while you’re there!
Picnic Areas:
- Big Pocono State Park
- Promised Land State Park
- Hickory Run State Park
Hiking Trails:
- Bushkill Falls Trails
- Wallenpaupack Lake Trail
- Irving Cliff Trail
Farm Stands and Orchards for Seasonal Fall Delights:
- Apple Ridge Farm- Apple Cider and other farm and dairy products
- Ritter’s Cider Mill-Apple Cider, Caramel Apples, Peanut Butter, Jams, Pumpkin Roll
- Pocono Farmstand- Local Produce, Fresh Cut Flowers, Honey, Apples and Pumpkins
Where to Stay in Poconos
It is essential that you do your research and book your accommodation in advance. Organize and plan your trip efficiently. Poconos has a lot of hotels and resorts but if you want ultimate privacy and luxury in one, HolidayKeepers offers luxury properties like mansions, villas and cabins.
All the properties are curated for your comfort and stocked with the best amenities.
Check out properties in the Poconos, before booking your trip!
Wrap Up
Poconos is abundant with activities to do in the fall! There are plenty of attractions and gorgeous sceneries that are awaiting your visit!
Begin planning your fall getaway early so you can experience the foliage and specialties of autumn in the best way possible.
HolidayKeepers can help you book your stay with ease! So, what are you waiting for? Begin planning your trip to the Poconos now!
Contact HolidayKeepers to book your stay.
FAQs
Q: Which are some of the best fall leaves driving routes in Poconos?
A: Some of the best routes to view fall leaves and foliage in the Poconos, are Route 507 and Route 209.
Q: When does the fall season begin in Poconos?
A: Fall starts in September but peaks in October.
Q: How long is the drive from New York to Poconos?
A: The drive from New York to Poconos is about 2 hours long.
