Positive Outlook for Poconos’ Fall Tourism
Fall Foliage Forecast – Autumn Events – Jim Thorpe Parking Pass
Edited by: TJVNews.com
The Pocono Mountains, PA consistently ranks as one of the country’s top fall foliage destinations, with 2,400 square miles and four counties to explore. To help locals and visitors alike plan their ultimate leaf-peeping adventure, the popular Fall Foliage Forecast has returned to PoconoMountains.com.
Operated by the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB), the online report is split into three distinct color zones and updated every Thursday through early November, showing when and where leaves are projected to be at their peak across the region.
“Autumn is one of the best times to visit the Pocono Mountains,” said Chris Barrett, President/CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. “Experts project vibrant views thanks to recent weather patterns, and we look forward to another strong season for tourism.”
From climbing aboard a fall foliage train or chairlift to boarding a historical trolley or strolling a small town, there are so many ways to enjoy the brilliant leaves and colorful landscapes.
The Pocono Mountains hosts plenty of fall-related events such as Fall Fest at Yenser’s Tree Farm, The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival, Quiet Valley’s Harvest Festival, Harvest and Heritage Days, and the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival.
New for 2023, visitors to Jim Thorpe’s Fall Foliage Festival are encouraged to reserve parking in advance on CarbonCountyPA.gov and utilize the shuttle service to avoid issues with limited parking.
Poconos Fall Foliage Forecast 2023
Week of Thursday, September 14, 2023 – Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Home to more than 127 varieties of trees, shrubs, and plants, the Pocono Mountains is a spectacular sight during the fall season. Immerse yourself in fall colors Poconos and discover one of the best places to view fall foliage in Pennsylvania.
Because the region spans 2,400 square miles of northeastern PA, three distinct color zones are present, allowing you to catch peak colors not only once, but three times. Updated every Thursday through the end of October, this forecast will assist you with discovering where, when and how to experience the brilliant foliage in our four-county region. The fall foliage report is also available by calling 570-421-5565.
Plan your fall fun getaway today with our list of 25 Ways to View Fall Foliage highlighting popular autumn activities and our Leaf Peeping FAQs page offering in-depth info, scenic drive ideas, and small towns to visit.
Check back throughout the season as projected dates for peak color are subject to change. For more information about the Pocono Mountains, follow them on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube and like them on Facebook at @PoconoTourism.
Northern: The northernmost color zone encompasses northern Wayne and Pike Counties. Minimal color change has taken place so far. Best areas to see color will be wet areas and around swamps. Colors of red can be seen in Red Maples and Dogwoods in these areas. Spotty colors of yellow can be seen in Black Cherry and Aspen. Some areas the Sugar Maples are starting to turn a dull yellow/brown color, mostly due to environmental stressors and leaf diseases. Full color is at less than 5% with 90% of the leaves on the trees. The projected date for peak color is October 7-8.
Central: The central color zone encompasses southern Wayne, Pike and northern Monroe Counties including Bushkill Falls foliage and more. Some Red Maples are beginning to show reddening around the edges, but most of the trees are still in full summer green. Understory wild Sarsaparilla are in full color; however, the main canopy is still showing mild to no coloration. Full color is less than 5% with 90% of the leaves on the trees. The projected date for peak color is October 20.
Southern: The southern color zone encompasses southern Monroe County and Carbon County, including Jim Thorpe fall foliage. The southern color zone encompasses southern Monroe County, and Carbon County. Start to notice slight changes in Red Maple and Black Gum in higher elevations as the foliage season is just starting to begin. Full color is at less than 5% with 90% of the leaves on the trees. The projected date for peak color is October 29.
Jim Thorpe Fall Festival
Plan a scenic autumn escape to beautiful Carbon County in the Poconos.
Colorful leaves drift across cobblestone streets, charming cafes tempt passersby to stop in and try a special fall drink or snack, local storytellers share haunted legends by lantern light: there’s nothing like fall in Jim Thorpe! Whether you’re planning a midweek overnight escape to see the foliage at its peak or you’re in town for the popular Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival running weekends throughout October, you’ll find plenty of fall fun in Carbon County.
Set in the midst of the stunning Lehigh River Gorge, this historic town is surrounded by the natural beauty of the season, with lots of nearby attractions and outdoor adventures to try, from train excursions to whitewater rafting. Take a look at the Southern Region portion of our fall foliage forecast to find current color conditions for Jim Thorpe fall foliage and check our upcoming events calendar to find more details about fall festivals in the area.
Jim Thorpe is a popular destination, particularly in the fall! Be sure to book your hotel in advance and plan ahead for parking. The Jim Thorpe Visitors Center located in the train station will be open extended hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends from September 30 through November 5, 2023. Stop by to get some inspiration for your trip and enjoy live music performances!
Camelback Mountain
The summit of Camelback Mountain in Big Pocono State Park in Tannersville offers spectacular fall foliage views across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Let the car do the uphill work and park near a picnic area with a panoramic view along Rim Road. Rather work up your appetite first? Big Pocono has 8.5 miles of challenging hiking trails.
There’s another trail near the mountain waiting to be explored: the Pocono Beverage Trail! Enjoy an autumnal meal and hand-crafted beverages at Barley Creek Brewing Company . Head to the nearby Pocono Premium Outlets to treat yourself to a new cozy scarf or sweater. Get a treetop view of the leaves from the aerial obstacle courses and zip lines at Camelback Mountain Adventures or stay overnight at Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark to experience even more seasonal fun including UTV fall foliage tours, fall tubing, and campfires complete with s’mores.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Bushkill Falls Fall Foliage
Running through the heart of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA), the Delaware River winds between mountains blazing with russet and golden hues at this time of year, offering incredible foliage vistas from the water, from hiking trails high on the cliffs above, or deep in the forests, framing mighty waterfalls. Discover the two tallest cascades in Pennsylvania, Raymondskill Falls and Dingmans Falls , on the northern end of the recreation area. Plan a visit to Bushkill Falls , located just outside DWGNRA, to see eight beautiful waterfalls spread across 300 acres.
The Cliff Trail, not far from Milford, offers a breathtaking overlook of the river. Travel south to the historic borough of Delaware Water Gap to view the season’s finery from Mount Minsi along the famed Appalachian Trail. Celebrate the season with Pocono Environmental Education Center, located within DWGNRA, during their annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 14, 2023. (PoconoMountains.com)
