As autumn paints the Lehigh Valley in vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, it’s the perfect time to explore the breathtaking fall foliage the region has to offer. From scenic parks to picturesque trails, the Lehigh Valley is a treasure trove of natural beauty just waiting to be discovered. In this blog, we’ll guide you to the best spots to soak in the stunning colors of the season, whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll or a picturesque picnic. Grab your camera and get ready to experience the magic of fall in the Poconos & Lehigh Valley!
Poconos:
Camel Back Mountain:The summit of Camelback Mountain in Big Pocono State Park, Tannersville, provides breathtaking views of fall foliage stretching across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Let your car handle the uphill climb and park near a picnic area that boasts panoramic vistas along Rim Road. Prefer to work up an appetite first? Big Pocono features 8.5 miles of challenging hiking trails to explore.
Want to plan your fall getaway? Click HERE to learn more about Camel Back!
Other places to check out while at Camel Back are listed below:
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Bushkill Falls Fall Foliage: The Delaware River meanders through the heart of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA), flanked by mountains adorned in vibrant shades of russet and gold during this season. Visitors can enjoy stunning foliage views from the river, high hiking trails along the cliffs, or within the lush forests surrounding majestic waterfalls. Explore Pennsylvania’s two tallest cascades, Raymondskill Falls and Dingmans Falls, located at the northern end of the recreation area. Additionally, don’t miss Bushkill Falls, just outside DWGNRA, where you can admire eight stunning waterfalls spread across 300 acres.
Want more information? Click the links below!
Lakeside Leaves and Best Fall Hikes: There’s a special charm along the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack throughout the year, but the vibrant autumn colors reflecting on the water are a must-see for any lake enthusiast. With 52 miles of shoreline and 5,700 sparkling acres, there are countless viewpoints to explore. Rent a boat from local outfitters like Rubber Duckie Boat Rentals to get on the water, or enjoy the sunset from the Wallenpaupack Lake Trail. If you’re seeking more fall beauty, visit Lacawac Sanctuary on the lake’s northern side for serene landscapes, environmental programs, and guided foliage walks. Alternatively, explore the two lakes and extensive hiking trails at Promised Land State Park, just a 15-minute drive south of Lake Wallenpaupack.
Plan your trip to Lake Wallenpaupack HERE!
Best Fall Hikes in Lehigh Gorge and Jim Thorpe: Fall in Carbon County is all about the stunning foliage, with the mountains and rocky cliffs above the Lehigh River in
Lehigh Gorge State Park offering plenty of outdoor adventures. The charming town of Lehighton serves as an ideal base for a fall day trip, featuring ample parking and easy access to the D&L Trail for hiking, biking, or exhilarating whitewater rafting with outfitters like Jim Thorpe River Adventures.
Just a short drive from Lehighton, the Victorian beauty of Jim Thorpe is beautifully enhanced by the vibrant seasonal colors and falling leaves. Take a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for the Autumn Leaf Train Excursion, available daily throughout October. Don't miss the popular Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival on select weekends, which features vendors and fun family activities in the historic downtown. To avoid traffic delays, plan ahead for parking: consider using the Pocono Whitewater shuttle service or reserve a spot at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Scenic Route 6 through the Northern Poconos: At the northern end of the Poconos, in Wayne and Pike Counties, scenic Route 6 is renowned as one of the best fall drives in the country. Beginning at the Delaware River, the route winds west past Shohola Marsh Reservoir, then turns north at Lake Wallenpaupack and follows the Lackawaxen River. If you prefer enjoying the autumn colors from a sidewalk café with a freshly brewed coffee, be sure to plan a few stops along the way! Route 6 connects the charming towns of Milford, Hawley, and Honesdale, each offering picturesque historic downtown areas adorned with vibrant trees and lively harvest celebrations.
Route 507: Another detour from Route 6, this time into Pike County, Route 507 circles around Lake Wallenpaupack and has been named one of the "Best Fall Foliage Road Trips" by Travel. The autumn colors surrounding the Big Lake are truly spectacular! Keep going down Route 507 into Greentown to fully experience the vibrant fall hues in the heart of the Poconos.
Lehigh Valley:
Canal Boat Ride: Step aboard the Josiah White II for a captivating journey through history! Nestled in Hugh Moore Park, this unique mule-drawn canal boat ride is one of the few remaining in the country. Enjoy a 45-minute voyage along a beautifully restored two-mile stretch of the Lehigh Canal, where you’ll be treated to scenic views and fascinating historical insights. Lush trees line the canal, providing a stunning backdrop in summer and a vibrant display of fall foliage. Dressed in period attire, our guides will share intriguing tales from the canal’s golden age during this leisurely tour. The Canal Boat and the National Canal Museum are highlights of the 520-acre Hugh Moore Park, situated between the Lehigh Canal and the Lehigh River in Easton.
Learn more about the Canal Boat Ride HERE!
Bike Ride: Cycle through the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, where the Lehigh Valley features 48 of the 165 miles of multi-use trails. As the central segment of this expansive system, the trail winds through Lehigh and Northampton Counties, crossing the Lehigh River and passing through vibrant urban areas like Bethlehem, Allentown, and Easton. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery while catching glimpses of the region's industrial history, all at your own pace.
Check out the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor HERE!
Walking Tour: Experience Bethlehem’s historic district with an immersive tour from the Historic Bethlehem Museum and Sites. The Colonial Industrial Quarter shines with a golden hue amidst the fall foliage, while the stately brick and stone buildings of the Moravian Historic District create picture-perfect autumn backdrops. For a deeper exploration of the season's essence, consider the Cemetery Tour: Death and Dying. Led by a guide in period attire, this journey takes you through Bethlehem’s oldest cemetery, sharing captivating stories of those laid to rest there.
Train Ride: Hop on the Coalbrookdale Railroad for an unforgettable adventure! The Autumn Splendor Fall Foliage excursion offers a two-hour round trip through the untouched beauty of the Lehigh Valley. For breathtaking 360-degree views, opt for the Secret Valley Explorer Open Car.
Learn more about the train ride HERE!
Blue Mountain Resort: Blue Mountain Resort provides beautiful chairlift rides during the fall, allowing you to enjoy vibrant views of the stunning landscape. For those seeking more excitement, head to the Summit Aerial Park, where you can tackle a challenging high ropes course with three levels of difficulty among the treetops.
Get more information HERE!
