The 7 Best Things to Do in the Poconos in Fall
Autumn is a peak season in the Pocono Mountains. It’s one of the best times to get outdoors and experience the sights, sounds and even flavors of the season. We’ve compiled our list of the 7 best things to do in the Poconos in Fall.
Book a stay at Silver Birches Resort and have a lakeside view. Don’t forget to download our free Northern Poconos Region Vacation Guide. It will help you find the area’s best restaurants, shops, attractions and services.
1. Canoeing or Kayaking
Get out on the water and see the fall foliage from a different vantage point. Take in the sights along Lake Wallenpaupack’s 52-miles of shoreline. If you’re a guest at any of the Settlers Hospitality properties in Hawley, you can visit the Recreation Center at Silver Birches Resort to rent a kayak or canoe. Our friends at Wallenpaupack Boat Rentals also have kayaks available to rent. Spend the day exploring the lake’s many coves and islands. Lake Wallenpaupack has a surface area of 5,700 acres and stretches 13 miles in length so there’s plenty of room to spread out.
2. Horseback Riding
Saddle up for a countryside adventure. Happy Trails Stables offers plenty of woodland trails to explore. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of autumn in the Pocono Mountains. There are rides of varying distance and scenery for riders of every ability. The family owned and operated stable also offers hay rides, carriage rides and pony rides as well as indoor lessons. Rides are offered daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Happy Trails Stable is 12 miles from Hawley in Waymart, PA.
3. Scenic Drives
See the sights. The Poconos offer scenic views year-round, but fall is just a little more colorful. Check out our picks for the best scenic drives in the Pocono Mountains for fall foliage. The routes feature mountain top vistas, small town charm and drives that hug the waterways, be it lake or river. Spend some time cruising the back roads and drinking in the local flavor.
4. Hiking
Get back to nature. There are 2,400 square miles to explore in the Poconos. Much of that green space is preserved through national, state and local parks. There are trails of varying lengths and suitable for every ability level. Scenic trails often feature waterfalls, spectacular vistas, natural wetlands, old-growth forests and abundant wildlife. Take a look at our ultimate guide to hiking in the Pocono Mountains and see how many trails you can check off your list.
5. Biking
Roll with it. Cooler temps and crisp air are ideal conditions for biking. Whether setting off on designated biking path or sharing the road, the Poconos has some of the best bike riding you’ll find anywhere. Find out about our Top 5 Pocono Biking Trails. Our list features routes along the nearby Lackawaxen River and a section of trail in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area that is perfect for families.
6. Pumpkin Picking
Shop farm fresh. Harvest time in the Poconos brings a bounty of fruits and vegetables. Many area farms open the gates to welcome visitors and farm stands overflow with produce fresh from the fields. Visit local growers to get a heaping dose of fall festivities. Take a look at our list of places to find fall farm fun in the Poconos. Many sites offer hayrides and apple cider pressing demonstrations. Navigate the pumpkin patch to make your selections. Don’t’ forget to sample the apple cider doughnuts and bring home some homemade jams and jellies.
7. Fall Foliage Train Rides
Ride the rails. Take a nostalgic trip aboard the Stourbridge Line. There are excursions scheduled throughout fall that depart from the train station in Hawley. The two-hour round-trip ride traverses the Lackawaxen River to its confluence with the Delaware River in Lackawaxen. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the route, as well as remnants of the Delaware and Hudson Canal.
Stay at Silver Birches Resort
There are spectacular views right out your window. See the blazing foliage reflect off the water. Sitting lakeside in an Adirondack chair gives new meaning to the phrase quiet time. Retreat to guest rooms designed with your comfort in mind. Browse the accommodations and check availability. Book a getaway to take advantage of all the things to do in the Poconos in fall.