White Haven, Poconos, PA October 3, 2022 – Welcome fellow leaf peepers to our favorite time of the year, the autumnal equinox! This formal beginning of Fall in 2021 was on September 22 at 3:21 p.m. We are so excited to report that from the reaches of the northern Poconos to our area here in the epicenter of the Poconos, White Haven, PA we are seeing lots of color emerging. The Poconos fall foliage splendor and all it’s glory is getting an early start due to having consistently cold evening temperatures since early September. This year the oaks will usually be their brilliant selves but the sugar maples are being affected in some ways by this early start.
Have you made the trip to see fall color in Pennsylvania yet? The golds, oranges and reds are making their way through the state, and it’s spectacular. Check out our Fall Color Report to find peak color for your next fall adventure. Fall color isn’t hard to find in Pennsylvania it’s right here in the Poconos! And one of our favorite ways to enjoy it is just by hopping on a mountain bike and going for a ride on the world famous Lehigh Gorge Trail. Whether it’s an afternoon excursion or a week-long adventure, a fall road trip to the Poconos in PA always makes for great memories with both family and friends.
Lehigh River Poconos Whitewater Rafting MEGA-RELEASE in Jim Thorpe
The Oct. 8-9 MEGA-RELEASE Weekend is intended to provide a means of releasing any excess water that may have accumulated during the recreation season. The releases in the past have been approx. 2000 CFS on the 7th and 8th and 1200 CFS on the 9th and are super fun!!!
The best valued, most adrenaline pumping, most FUN Poconos whitewater rafting and kayaking adventures on the Lehigh River are with us! In cooperation with the PREMIER VIP whitewater rafting and Lehigh River Outfitter in the Poconos we provide the most satisfying and affordable Pocono whitewater rafting and kayaking experience there is.
Call now to confirm availability and then book online to save money on your Poconos whitewater adventure: 570-899-0400.
We run the most personalized VIP Rafting and Kayaking trips on the Lehigh River in the Poconos. We use a unique format of limiting the trip sizes (average 30 people) and with extra highly trained river guides this allows you, the guest, to be safer, see more wildlife, learn more history and have way more fun! Our competitors run trips with an average size of over 100+ people. Get ready for the best day outdoors you’ll have all year!
2022 - FALL FOLIAGE WHITEWATER RAFTING TOUR -12:00 PM Daily FALL FOLIAGE TOUR -Adult/Youth(5+) $49.95-$59.95 -Midweek, Non-Dam Release Weekend and MEGA-RELEASE October 8, 9 (September thru October, 4 person min.)
These cooler temperatures we have had lately and shorter days, signal deciduous trees to stop producing chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis, it breaks down and exposes other brilliant leaf pigments. They create the yellows and oranges seen in the leaves of yellow poplar, hickory, sycamore, honey locust, birch, beech and certain maples. Trees also produce pigments in their leaves called anthocyanin, which creates the brilliant reds and purples seen in maple, sassafras, sumac, black-gum and scarlet oak.
We’re already a week into the season, but there are still many ways to experience Pennsylvania’s fall to the fullest. Pennsylvania’s varied topography from sea level to over 2,000 feet on the Pocono Plateau, supports 134 varieties of trees that change color. Add in shrubs and vines that also contribute their color palettes, you get to be a part one of the top 3 places in the world to witness the awesome display of autumn color.
Fall Foliage Forecast Pocono Mountains Pennsylvania
Northern Poconos: (northern Wayne and Pike Counties) We took a ride through this area last week and there is lots of change in color but it’s muted. This is due to the summer drought we have had. 90% of the leaves are still on the trees but high winds and colder nights can bring some downfall so check the weather forecast this region could turn quickly.
The Fall Foliage peak color in the Northern Poconos Region will be around the weekend of October 8.
Central Poconos: (southern Wayne, Pike and northern Monroe Counties) If you go for a mountain bike ride like we did this past weekend you will see a lot of color change and 95% of the trees still have leaves on them which makes for an amazing spectacle of light. Some species like Sassafras have exhibited colors of red, yellow, orange and Black Gum are showing shades of red. The Red Maples are varied in color depending on their altitude and nearby water. The Hickory and Ash are briefly displaying some yellowing but quickly become a dull brown.
The Fall Foliage peak color in the Central Poconos Region will be around the weekend of October 15.
Southern Poconos: (southern Monroe and Carbon County) Very little color change if any at all has been witnessed in the forest from our southern Poconos leaf spotter, but be on the lookout for bright yellows of Black Walnut and Goldenrod around farmlands. Black Gum and Sassafras are showing some color. Black Gum will display a deep red and orange while Sassafras will show orange and yellow colors. 99% of the leaves are still on the trees.
The Fall Foliage peak color in the Southern Poconos Region will be around the weekend of October 22.
Pocono Bike Rental Fall Foliage Tours:
These Fall Foliage Bike Tours must be reserved online, in advance, at least 2 days prior to event date. (4 person minimum) Please arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to your shuttle time for bike loading and then return your rental bikes no later than 5:45 PM back to the bicycle concession pickup spot where we met in the AM.
- 11:00am – White Haven to Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Tour – WEEKEND ONLY – $49.95
– All inclusive bike rental and VIP shuttle from Jim Thorpe to White Haven inside the Lehigh Gorge State Park. (with a Sport Bike Rental included) PROMPT VIP Shuttle Service starts in the FREE PARKING Glen Onoko Access Area in Jim Thorpe with a 30 minute VIP shuttle ride to White Haven.
– The ultimate adventure in fun and fitness! Bike up to 25 miles, a marathon of historical landmarks and remnants from the great coal mining industry of America’s past. The bike tour is approximately a 3+ hour ride in which you can take breaks for pictures, food, sightseeing etc. The Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail System is an amazing fall foliage experience like no other bike ride in the world. It is one of the top 100 rail trails in the country. Historical and educational value markers along the way will teach you about the rich local mining history as well guide you safely down the trail. MIDWEEK ONLY with a 4 person minimum!
- 1:00 PM – Rockport to Jim Thorpe – WEEKEND ONLY – Fall Foliage Tour $54.95
– All inclusive bike tour from Rockport to Jim Thorpe, the 15 Mile Lehigh Gorge Bike Trail, Rockport Access to Jim Thorpe has an approximately 35 minute shuttle time (with Sport Bike Rental included). Please call to check availability.
– This is a VIP EXPRESS shuttle from Jim Thorpe to Rockport to the “halfway” point of the world famous Lehigh Gorge Trail This trail section distance takes about 2+ leisurely hours which includes breaks for pictures, food, sightseeing etc. WEEKEND ONLY with a 4 person minimum!
– WEEKEND – Poconos Fall Foliage Bike Tours – Book Below
Discover the beautifully vibrant side of PA’s state parks with a fall camping getaway. The picturesque colors of fall make it the perfect time to get away on an outdoor adventure at a park near you. During the fall foliage viewing season it’s best to plan ahead and make a reservation early to ensure that perfect campsite or bike tour is just waiting for your arrival. Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation! With peak fall colors visible from early October through late November. Check out the resources listed below each week to find out where to go to maximize your leaf-peeping.
Fall Foliage Events and Activities in the Poconos
Fun and educational Haunted Halloween Lantern Tours are back at Eckley Miners Village for more information: www.eckleyminersvillage.com.
A historical farm here in the Poconos, Quiet Valley is a non-profit, living museum dedicated to keeping the 19th century alive through agriculture. Located on over one hundred beautiful acres of nature, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are so many things to do & see at Quiet Valley! Period dressed performers portray daily life on a farm. Coming up on Saturday and Sunday October 9th & 10th, from 10am to 5pm, Quiet Valley’s Harvest Festival will be an enjoyable Autumn event for all ages…Click Here to Read More
Want to stay home and still experience the season? View the virtual Fall Foliage story map, highlighting a few of the great locations to see brilliant fall colors in Penn’s Woods. There’s plenty of opportunities to take part in amazing events, programs and activities centered around the fall season.
Plan ahead by making a camping reservation to experience first-hand how fall is enjoyed across the Keystone State! We are listing here; the best tips and resources to help residents and visitors experience a colorful autumn in a variety of outdoor adventures.
Enjoy Enjoy the great Pocono Outdoors! The leaves are calling: it’s time to start planning that autumn trip to take in the splendor of the fall foliage! Take in the season from beside a sprawling lake, hike to the heights for a panoramic view of the reds, oranges and yellows, or hop in the car to wind along scenic drives that take you to local small towns where fall fun abounds…Click Here to Read More
If you are a person who loves animals, Claws ‘N’ Paws Wild Animal Park is a place you must plan to visit this Autumn. Located in nearby Lake Ariel, in the heart of the beautiful northern Poconos, the animal park brings glorious wild animals and education through hands-on learning jointly to life…Click Here to Read More
Everyone looks forward to the crisp weather, leaves changing into beautiful colors, Halloween approaching, and of course the The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival at Country Junction! Located at 6565 Interchange Road (Route 209) in nearby Lehighton, the “World’s Largest General Store” brings fun for everyone with this annual festival…Click Here to Read More
In Pocono Pines, you will find a gem of a place adjacent to Lake Naomi. Second generation family members bring to you a pleasant atmosphere, delicious foods, good drinks and fun on Thursday and Sunday evenings with their Wing Nights!…Click Here to Read More!
In addition to sit-down dining, many local restaurants offer To-Go, Pickup, and Delivery options. Reservations suggested at most locations. Confirm details, and open dates & times at each restaurant…Click Here to Read More
Rolling hills, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and evergreen forests, the Pocono Mountains offers 2,400 square miles of astonishing natural beauty…Click Here to Read More
Fall Foliage Information Resources:
Penn Woods Fall Foliage Report
