🍁 Poconos Fall Foliage Forecast – September 18, 2025

By: Tom Williams, Fall Foliage Leaf Spotter – Poconos Outdoors reporting from White Haven, PA, the heart of the Poconos Outdoor Adventure Scene The 2025 fall foliage season is officially underway in the Poconos, and early color is already popping across the region. Thanks to a warm, wet summer followed by a cooler first half of September, we’re seeing strong leaf development, healthy canopies, and excellent early‑season vibrancy. This year’s forecast calls for a slightly earlier progression than 2024, with the first meaningful color shifts already visible in higher elevations and wetlands.

🍂 Current Color Status – Week of September 18, 2025

• Early Color (5–10%) in the upper Lehigh Gorge
• Patchy Color (10–20%) near White Haven, Glen Summit, and Hickory Run
• Near‑Green (0–5%) in lower elevations toward Jim Thorpe

The earliest color is coming from the usual suspects: black birch, red maple, swamp maple, witch hazel, blueberry, and young hickory. Oaks remain deep green and healthy — a good sign for a strong late‑season finish.

🌄 Regional Breakdown

Black Diamond / Glen Summit

Early pops of yellow and orange are showing along the ridge lines. Birch and young maple are leading the charge. Expect 15–25% color by the end of next week.

White Haven / Hickory Run

Wetlands and stream corridors are showing the best early color. The boardwalk areas near Sand Spring Lake are already glowing with golds and light oranges.

Rockport

Mostly green with scattered early color. This section typically lags by 5–7 days, and 2025 is following that pattern.

Jim Thorpe

Still predominantly green, but the mountain laurel understory is beginning to shift. Expect noticeable color by late September.

🌳 Tree Species Update

• Birch: Strong yellows already showing
• Red Maple: Early reds in wet areas
• Hickory: Gold tones emerging
• Blueberry: Deep reds in understory
• Oak: Healthy, green, and holding — great sign for October

🚴 Trail & Ride Recommendations

• Lehigh Gorge Trail – White Haven to Rockport Best early color corridor this week.
• Glen Summit / Black Diamond Section Elevated views with early pops of yellow.
• Hickory Run State Park – Shades of Death Trail Excellent understory color developing.

📸 Peak Prediction for 2025

• Northern Poconos: October 3–10
• Central Poconos / Lehigh Gorge: October 8–15
• Southern Poconos / Jim Thorpe: October 12–20

2025 is shaping up to be a strong, vibrant foliage season with excellent moisture and healthy canopy conditions.

Enjoy the great Pocono Outdoors!

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