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:
Penn Woods Fall Foliage Report
Pocono Mountains Fall Foliage Report
