Northeastern PA State Parks Feature the Region’s Top Fall Foliage Views
By the time that crisp autumn air makes its way to us, NEPA’s state parks are already starting to show off their beautiful fall colors. From hiking forested trails and kayaking across clear mountain lakes to snapping stunning waterfall pics, our state parks offer some of the best ways to capture all the vibrant scenery of the fall season. Experience sweeping overlook views of the rolling Pocono Mountains. Hike deep into colorful river gorges or paddle onto shimmering lakes reflecting the red-orange hilltops of the Endless Mountains.
No matter how you choose to peep those changing leaves, there’s no better place to do it than at our amazing state parks. So, lace up your hiking boots. Pack a sweater. Grab your camera. And get out there to a discover the beauty of fall in NEPA. And, before you go, check out this list of PA state parks with unique features for capturing epic autumn views.
Stroudsburg, PA
Big Pocono State Park in Stroudsburg sits atop Camelback Mountain, offering incredible fall foliage views. The park’s overlooks showcase rolling Pocono Mountain ridgelines that stretch into New York and New Jersey.
Activities include: Hiking, Sightseeing, Mountain Biking
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Wyoming, PA
Frances Slocum State Park in Wyoming surrounds tree-lined Frances Slocum Lake that mirrors the brilliant fall colors of the surrounding forest. View the foliage from 14 miles of wooded trails or hop on a kayak and capture the scenery from the water.
Activities include: Hiking, Wildlife Watching, Boating, Kayaking & Fishing
White Haven, PA
Hickory Run State Park in White Haven shines in autumn with its waterfalls, forested trails and the vast Boulder Field surrounded by golden foliage. More than 40 miles of trails reveal streams, ridges, and scenic overlooks framed by fall colors.
Activities include: Hiking, Wildlife Watching & Fishing
North Abington Twp., PA
Lackawanna State Park in North Abington Twp. features rolling woodlands and vast meadows with stunning fall foliage views around the 198-acre Lackawanna Lake. View autumn colors from 18 miles of trails or from the lake by boat, kayak or canoe.
Activities include: Hiking, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Watching & Fishing
Weatherly, PA
Lehigh Gorge State Park in Weatherly is known for its dramatic Lehigh River Gorge, trailside waterfalls, and steep cliffs lit with vivid autumn shades. Overlooks and trails along the old rail line reveal the gorge at its most spectacular in fall.
Activities include: Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Watching & Fishing
Greentown, PA
Promised Land State Park in Greentown features two sparkling lakes that reflect the glowing fall foliage of the hardwood forest. Catch all the autumn scenery and a few waterfalls along several trails or paddle out to Conservation Island in the middle of the lake.
Activities include: Hiking, Biking, Boating, Camping & Fishing
Benton, PA
Ricketts Glen State Park in Benton is a popular fall foliage spot with its 22 waterfalls cascading through a rocky gorge framed by fiery foliage. Enjoy the autumn sights along trails through old-growth forest or from a kayak on Lake Jean.
Activities include: Hiking, Wildlife Watching, Boating, Camping & Fishing
Montrose, PA
Salt Springs State Park in Montrose is filled with old-growth hemlocks and dramatic waterfalls that create a magical autumn landscape. Its Gorge and Meadow trails reveal spectacular foliage views in a pristine natural setting.
Activities include: Hiking, Wildlife Watching & Fishing
Pine Grove, PA
Swatara State Park in Pine Grove features wooded ridges overlooking the sweeping fall scenery in Swatara Creek Valley. The park features 34 miles of densely-wooded trails and 2.4 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail offering plenty of foliage views
Activities include: Hiking, Biking, Boating, Fishing & Wildlife Watching
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Tunkhannock, PA
Vosburg Neck State Park in Tunkhannock sits along a dramatic bend of the Susquehanna River, with sweeping fall foliage overlooks and ridges. The park’s river views highlight some of the most stunning autumn scenery in the Endless Mountains.
Activities include: Hiking, Boating & Wildlife Watching
Learn MoreConservation Tip
By following these responsible outdoor ethics from our friends at DCNR, we can help keep Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests top-tier outdoor recreation destinations for generations to come.
Leave No Trace
- Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know regulations, prepare for weather and emergencies, travel in small groups, minimize waste, and use a map and compass instead of marking trails.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stay on established trails, camp at least 200 feet from water, and avoid damaging pristine areas.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, use catholes for human waste, and wash dishes 200 feet from water sources with biodegradable soap.
- Leave What You Find: Preserve historical sites, avoid disturbing nature, and prevent the spread of invasive species.
- Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use stoves when possible, keep fires small, burn wood to ash, and fully extinguish campfires.
- Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance, don’t feed animals, store food properly, and control pets to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Respect others by keeping noise low, yielding on trails, and camping away from high-traffic areas.
Top Fall Foliage Hikes & Trails in NEPA
