By Tom Williams, Fall Foliage Leaf Spotter for PoconoOutdoors.com

Fall Foliage Peak is Here! The vibrant colors abound, an explosion of sights and scents as the Fall Foliage will be peaking through next weekend since we have the longest fall foliage season in the world! The recent warm temperatures of the Pocono Plateau will be pushing the boundaries of the forest’s fall foliage color palette well into late October. Many species are revealing their inner self; black gums, birches, and maples are igniting reds, oranges and yellows throughout Penn’s Woods. Summer drought conditions throughout the Poconos as expected are shortening a vibrant peak season, however, with a relatively low occurrence of leaf spot diseases will help to keep the fall foliage season going into late October. As of last week’s rain event, some trees have dropped their leaves early, mostly affecting sugar maple.

Northern Poconos: (northern Wayne and Pike Counties): Bursting with color at tree tops, the underbrush is no longer a lush green. The warm yellows of goldenrods and sunflowers with the deep purple of wild asters are alongside the yellowing ferns, wilting fast. Red and sugar maples are well into their fall cycle. Cherry and birch have yellowed and have dropped some leaves due to rainy conditions and high winds last week. The beautiful striped maples, birch, and beech are turning yellow, along with black gums, they are adding some brighter red colors to the landscape. Sassafras and several understory plants like fern, blueberry, huckleberry, winterberry and poison ivy have been changing as well, contributing orange and red to the forest. If you see anything next to goldenrod and purple asters it will be a picture for the front cover of a magazine!

Central Poconos: (southern Wayne, Pike and northern Monroe Counties): A sudden onset of peak color this area of the Poconos is causing some of its best fall color in years. Red and sugar maples are peaking this weekend, but recent wind and rain have dropped many leaves. Remaining are cherry, ash, basswood, and aspen, they are showing awesome bright color. Birches, basswood, walnut, and aspen have been changing rapidly. Many trees are still green in this region like Oaks in lower altitudes, but they are dropping their acorns, so gather them up for crafts! Common along rivers in the Poconos, sycamores, are turning golden browns and yellows. Virginia creeper, a native vine wraps itself around stout trees, is showing shades of red.

Southern Poconos: (southern Monroe and Carbon County): In following step with the Northern and Central Regions, the Southern has changed quickly over the last week and is progressing toward an early peak. Most maples, birches and aspens are showing flaming scarlet, orange, and yellow leaves. Vivid colors of cherries stand out like fire against the deep greens of mixed oaks and beech. Huckleberry and blueberry are reddish. This explosion of sumac, sassafras, cherry, poplar and aspen are painting a wide color palette in the region.

Halloween Fun for Little Ones

Tract-or-Treat Pocono Organics Saturday, October 16 Pocono Pumpkin Festival Country Junction – Largest General Store Open daily through Sunday, October 24 Fright Time Zip & Cimb Blue Mountain Resort Friday and Saturday, October 29-30, 2021 The Electrifying Jack-O-Lantern West End Fairgrounds Open daily through November 7, 2021 Halloween Trick or Treating Hawley Silk Mill Monday, October 31, 2021 Pumpkin Patch Express The Stourbridge Line Saturdays and Sundays through October 30, 2021 The Monster Coaster Camelback Mountain Adventures Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through October 31, 2021 Mazezilla Saylorsburg, PA Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through November 7, 2021

The 2021 Pocono Mountains Fall Foliage Forecast is updated every Thursday through the end of October, the foliage forecast will help you find the best times to see the autumn colors in the four counties of the Pocono Mountains. Thanks to your help, the Poconos was voted third in the nation in the 2021 USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest for Best Destination for Fall Foliage. Start planning your autumn getaway to discover the vibrant leaves, fall activities, harvest festivals and so much more.

Lehigh Gorge State Park Fall Foliage Video – Presented by: PoconoBikeRental.com

Fall Foliage Report Information Resources:

DCNR Fall Foliage Reports

Penn Woods Fall Foliage Report

Pocono Mountains Fall Foliage Report

By Tom Williams, Fall Foliage Leaf Spotter for PoconoOutdoors.com

White Haven, Poconos, PA September 30, 2021 – 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.

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. 

Poconos Fall Foliage Report 9/30/2021

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 9, 2021.

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 16, 2021.

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 23, 2021.

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 Fall Foliage report each week to find out where to go to maximize your leaf-peeping. With Halloween costume planning and

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. Join us at Frances Slocum for the Heritage Day and Fall Fest, or at Prince Gallitzin for the Apple Cider Festival, and many other fun events.  Plan ahead by making a camping reservation to experience first-hand how fall is enjoyed across the Keystone State!

Don’t miss out, supplies are limited this year! Get your 2022 Pennsylvania State Parks wall calendar. Featuring award winning photography from the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation Through the Season photo contest. Plus, as an added bonus there are four extra months so you can start using it now. The cost is $13.99 (shipping included), plus sales tax, per calendar. Sales directly support maintenance of our state parks.

This weekly Poconos Fall Foliage Reports will act as a source for the most up to date Fall Foliage viewing information across the entire NEPA Poconos Region. We will be offering tips and resources to help residents and visitors experience a colorful autumn in a variety of outdoor adventures. Enjoy Enjoy the great Pocono Outdoors!

A Celebration of All Things Fall at Quiet Valley

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

Summerfest… in October

Summerfest in October? Yes! Barley Creek’s annual party returns this October 2 from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, at the Pint Size Park. Enjoy live music from the amazing Maybabies, plus craft beers and cocktails, great food, and fun for thewhole family…Click Here to Read More

5 Best Areas to Catch Fall Foliage in the Poconos

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

Claws ‘N’ Paws Halloween Fun…Boo at the Zoo!

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

Now through October 30th at Country Junction

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

An Amazing Variety of Tastes for All at the Jubilee

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

What’s On The Menu?

This Week’s Area Menu Scene to Choose the Cuisine that Suits YOU! 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

Take A Hike…

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:

DCNR Fall Foliage Reports

Penn Woods Fall Foliage Report

Pocono Mountains Fall Foliage Report

Things to do in the Poconos besides Whitewater Rafting

Since Whitewater Rafting is CANCELLED this Labor Day Weekend due to high water, what’s left to do is still pretty darn AWESOME! The Lehigh River might be closed but the Lehigh Gorge trail is still open for biking and hiking, Hickory Run is still open for playing disc golf and swimming, and all around Jim Thorpe, White Haven and Lake Harmony outdoor and indoor dining is still spectacular! Check out The Powerhouse Eatery in White Haven, Shenanigan’s on Lake Harmony, MYST in Downtown Jim Thorpe and Dom-N-Ali’s 2 miles from the turnpike entrance for Jim Thorpe/Lake Harmony.

Pocono Bike Rentals and Outdoor Adventures – Pocono Bike Rentals is centrally located at the heart of the Poconos, in the historic timber and coal industry town of White Haven, PA. Nestled between the newly minted D&L Black Diamond Rail Trail (10 miles) and what’s nationally recognized as a must see while in PA is the Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail (26 miles). Pocono Bike Rentals is at the epicenter of Poconos Biking and has the lowest price and best bike rentals in the Poconos. Alongside the trail you follow the famous Class III+ Lehigh River. Call now to confirm availability and then book online to save money on your Poconos biking adventure: 570-899-0400. (2 person minimum)

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Starting September 27, 2021 – White Haven Bike Rentals and Shuttle Drop offs for the Lehigh Gorge State Park will be at The Historic Tannery Parking Lot on Tannery Road, White Haven, PA

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Pocono Bike Rental provides White Haven Bike Rentals and VIP Bike Shuttle Service on the Lehigh Gorge Trail in White Haven, PA at the former Tannery Building Parking lot – FALL SEASON ONLY Starting September 27, 2021. . Pocono Bike Rental is centrally located at the heart of the Poconos in White Haven, PA close to all the Pocono Outdoor Adventure Fun! We are a full service bike rentals and VIP shuttle service offering VIP Service now meeting at the former Tannery Building parking lot in White Haven with service to Rockport and Glen Onoko. We meet in Jim Thorpe near the end of what’s known as the world famous Lehigh Gorge Trail at the Glen Onoko Access Point. Call now to confirm availability and then book online to save money on your Poconos Biking Adventure: 570-899-0400

Below: Lehigh Tannery Historic Site, 197 Tannery Road, White Haven, PA 18661 Temporarily White Haven Bike Rentals Location and Shuttle Drop Off

IMPORTANT INFO: We now meet you right inside the Lehigh Gorge State Park at the former Tannery Building parking lot in White Haven, FALL SEASON ONLY! This Lehigh Gorge State Park trail head is located just off of PA State Route 534 on Tannery Road. We will be in a well marked shuttle van with an orange safety cone next to it and a trailer full of bikes. The exact address is: Lehigh Tannery Historic Site, 197 Tannery Road, White Haven, PA 18661.

PLEASE CALL AHEAD for availability and SAVE NOW! Biking in the Poconos with Pocono Bike Rental on the Lehigh Gorge Bike Trail is truly like no other rail trail biking experience! The riding temperature inside the 1000′ walls of the Lehigh Gorge State Park is naturally cooler because you are less exposed to direct sunlight which equals more fun!

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DISC GOLF in the POCONOS

– 1 Day Package – Poconos DISC GOLF & BIKING  – $59.95 Discs and Bag rental included. (2 person min.) with a sport bike rental and bike shuttle from Rockport or to Glen Summit, plus disc golf bag rental for day use at the Linesville Park Disc Golf Course,, Francis E. Walter Dam or Hickory Run State Park courses in White Haven, PA. This is an unguided biking and disc golf event, anyone can participate. (Approx. 4-5 hours, 2 person min. MIDWEEK ONLY)

– 1 Day Event – Poconos DISC GOLF Lesson & Round – $69.95 Discs and Bag rental included. (2 person min.) meet at Linesville Park Course or the Francis E. Walter Dam Course(s), limited availability please call ahead to reserve. This is a guided/instructed event and anyone can participate. (Approx. 2-3 hours, 2 person min.)

– 1 Day Rental Discs and Bag – All you need to play disc golf, rent disc golf gear for $14.95  Bag, Scorecard/Map, Pencil, 3 Discs: (Driver, Mid-range and Putter).

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Fall Foliage Biking in the Poconos

Check this out; Mountain biking with Pocono Bike Rental in the world famous Lehigh Gorge State Park is truly like no other biking experience! Imagine yourself, comfortably riding a modern finely tuned bicycle, over a PA State maintained former railroad bed, inside a green canopy of thousands of acres of untouched nature as mother earth intended for you to enjoy! During fall foliage season having less humidity and lots of sunny days, the Poconos provides the perfect setting for year round Pocono Bike Rental fun!

Poconos Fall Foliage Peak Season Calendar

• September 18-19
• September 25-26
• October 2-3
• October 9-10
• October 16-17
• October 23-24
• October 30, 31

• 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm – White Haven to Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Tour – DAILY – $54.95

– 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 changing seasons offer many opportunities to experience the Lehigh Gorge State Park and it’s unique beauty and history. Fall has great mountain biking beauty with the backdrop of the amazing foliage as well as summer in it’s full bloom! Mountain biking in the Poconos with Pocono Bike Rental is a great year round activity and it is as easy as renting a bike from us and hitting the trail a block away from our shop! To get an idea of the different trails check out our Lehigh Gorge Trail info page. We also carry a large assortment of: Healthy Snacks, Fresh Fruit, Power Bars and Sports Drinks.

Check out the Fall Foliage by way of an all inclusive self-guided tour! The trail head drop-off VIP Shuttle and Mountain Bike Rental Service below is second to none! Come experience the safest most valued VIP Shuttle Service out of Jim Thorpe – The Pocono Outdoors Fall Foliage biking tours! You can bike down the world famous Lehigh Gorge Trail for just $54.95 each! (2 person minimum, see below for more details) Pennsylvania Fall Foliage is some of the best in the world! A Fall Bike Ride is exactly what you need to end summer on a great note! Call us now: 570-899-0400 to check for availability then book online to save money!

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White Haven, PA – One thing we pride ourselves in is our charity, either through; marketing support, donations and volunteering. 2020 we doubled down on our efforts because it was needed, this year was no different. We have calculated it out over the last 3 years of donating roughly 5% of our net profits equals out to about $1 per bike rental which is pretty cool it works out that way!

We are also happy to add the Mary Beth Chacko Golf Tournament to the list of charitable causes we supported this summer. The Latoff MS Foundation Annual Golf Tournament was a huge success this year as well, our second year supporting them. As well this year we came together with St. Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen again to sponsor a week’s worth of meals. More to come on that front as well.

Latoff Foundation President and Founder David Latoff says; “It’s great that the tournament is being held in it’s annual place at the Sand Springs Country Club in Drums, PA, and we are once again happy Pocono Bike Rental can support it.” For more information please goto: http://latoffmsfoundation.org/

Pocono Bike Rental is again sponsoring the turn hole #10 and the T-Shirt to help in this valuable and necessary cause. We help support them to get more awareness to this great foundation helping the Greater Hazleton Area citizens affected by MS. We also got to know some of the key members of the foundation and the tournament volunteers when we helped bag up the player packs with their goodies!

The Latoff MS Foundation is the brainchild of David Latoff, along with several volunteers who strongly believe in the mission of this organization which is to provide assistance to members of the local community that are suffering with MS. David Latoff was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when he was a 19-year-old college student and athlete.  He was able to pursue his career goals of teaching school and coaching football for over 10 years before the negative effects of multiple sclerosis became too great of a challenge. Even though David was unable to continue his beloved duties of teaching and coaching he still maintains a strong desire to be of service to others within the community.  David and other members of the Latoff MS Foundation are passionate in their desire to provide members of the community that are suffering with MS the tools they need for everyday life struggles.

Tom Williams, owner of Pocono Bike Rental stated, “This year it was easy for us to support the St. Vincent De Paul soup kitchen again and build on the relationship we already had with them. They just reopened this week (July 5th) after over a year of being closed to the public and were only serving take out meals which cost a fortune to provide. So they really need our help to bounce back to normal.”

The “Soup Kitchen” operates every day of the year and is staffed almost entirely by volunteers. It has a free food pantry and clothing bank. Donations of money from businesses like Pocono Bike Rental go to fund their nearly $500,000 annual cost of operations.  Mike Cianciotta, Program Director of the Kitchen states, “We thank businesses like Tom’s to now help offset our higher costs such as to-go containers and other safety measures we had and still have to use due to Covid-19 protocols.”

The Mary Beth Chacko Memorial golf tournament at Irem Country Club. with proceeds donated to the Lupus Foundation of PA in memory of Mary Beth Chacko. Tom Williams, Pocono Bike Rental owner states; “We were happy they asked us to be a hole sponsor. We picked the turn hole #10 as we like to do. Hopefully we can make a small difference in some folks lives that weren’t dealt a fair hand.” “Thank you again so much, even though the last few holes got rained out it was a great success” stated Kara Hodorowski, Marketing/Events Manager Chacko’s Family Bowling Center.

Tom Williams adds, “There is no “medical cure” for these charitable causes, whether it’s a disease, homelessness, low income, or helping a food bank, soup kitchen, youth foundation or Habitat for Humanity in South America, these charities have our attention and support, because we can and we should. “ For more information about the Mary Beth Chacko Charity Golf Tournament and how to support it please go to: https://www.facebook.com/chackosbowling/

Poconos Whitewater Rafting and Poconos Biking Adventures

White Haven, Poconos, PA- June 14, 2021 – Things to do in the Poconos like whitewater rafting, picturesque mountain biking and JEEP Hiking Tours are what makes the Poconos so special it’s all the dam fun you can have here! The best valued, most adrenaline pumping, whitewater rafting and kayaking adventures on the Lehigh River are with us! You will have the best service, most value and the thrill of your life! Get ready for the best day you’ll have all year! Click here for our whitewater rafting prices.

The Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail is a downhill, scenic, state-park maintained rail trail, that follows the amazing Class 3+ Lehigh River. You can go on an un-guided mountain bike adventure on the Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail and see spectacular waterfalls combined with our nation’s historical remains! On these tours you will see and learn about the truly amazing local history. These sell out quickly so please book ahead. Call us at: 570-899-0400.

JEEP Hiking Tours – Natural Wonders and Waterfalls

COMING SOON – JULY 2021 – Hike Hawk Falls in the famous Hickory Run State Park, see Boulder Field, Hike to Buttermilk Falls on the Lehigh Gorge Trail and DRIVE OVER The Francis E. Walter Dam all done in a JEEP Rubicon with the top down! All the hiking Trails in the Poconos PA are exciting and fun but we have over 15,000 acres of preserved forest here in White Haven, Poconos, PA! It is truly an amazing waterfall and creek confluence in the Lehigh Gorge and Hickory Run State Parks that is easy to get to for most anyone on a beginner to moderate trail system. For more info go to: Poconos JEEP Hiking Tours.

Learn to Play Disc Golf and Mountain Biking Adventure Combo Tours

Play Disc Golf and bike the new Glen Summit to White Haven/Black Diamond Trail or the White Haven to Rockport section After riding 10 miles of a 2-4% downhill grade with smooth fine gravel surface you then can have lunch at one of the fine restaurants in downtown White Haven. Then check out White Haven’s Brand New Course: Linesville Park Disc Golf Course. For more information go to: Poconos Disc Golf.

Whitewater Rafting and Mountain Biking Adventure Combo Tours

Enjoy Poconos Mountain Biking in the Lehigh Gorge State Park on the world famous Lehigh Gorge Trail, then go Whitewater Rafting or Kayaking on that very same river! You are guaranteed to see spectacular wonders of nature combined with some of our nation’s most cherished historical remains! Over 3 hours of fun on the water and 2-3 hours biking! These sell out quickly so please book ahead. Get ready for the best day you’ll have all year! Click here to learn more.