Best Places for a Fall Drive in Northeast PA
When autumn hits the Poconos, every road feels like it was made for scenic drives. From winding forest lanes to lakeside overlooks, Northeast Pennsylvania offers some of the most breathtaking fall foliage in the entire country — and you don’t have to travel far to see it.
Here are a few of our favorite routes to soak in the season’s colors before winter rolls in.
🍁 1. Route 390 – Lake Wallenpaupack to Promised Land
Start near Hawley and wind your way along Route 390 toward Promised Land State Park. You’ll pass shimmering lake views, towering maples, and cozy small towns along the way. Stop at The Dock on Wallenpaupack for a warm meal with a view before continuing into the heart of the forest.
🏞️ 2. Route 115 – Blakeslee to Wilkes-Barre
A local favorite! From Blakeslee, head north on Route 115 through mountain passes lined with fiery reds and golds. You’ll see quiet farms, rolling hills, and plenty of spots to pull over for photos — especially near Bear Creek Village.
🌲 3. Lehigh Gorge Drive – White Haven to Jim Thorpe
Follow the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway route by car and experience some of the region’s most dramatic landscapes. The road between White Haven and Jim Thorpe runs alongside cliffs, waterfalls, and river bends that glow with color this time of year.
🦌 4. Route 402 – From Marshalls Creek to Lake Wallenpaupack
A lesser-known gem, Route 402 winds through dense forest, hidden streams, and open overlooks. Keep an eye out for wildlife — deer and turkeys are frequent travelers this time of year.
☕ 5. The Backroads of Pocono Lake
Sometimes, the best drives are the unplanned ones. Take the side roads through Arrowhead Lake, Locust Lake Village, or Thornhurst, and you’ll find quiet stretches where the trees meet overhead like a golden tunnel.
🏡 See the Poconos in Full Color
Fall is fleeting, but the memories last forever. Whether you’re a weekend visitor or a lifelong local, the Poconos in autumn remind us why so many call this place home.
Ready to find your own perfect view?
Let Pocono Mountain Lakes Realty help you discover a home surrounded by the beauty of every season.