See the Best Fall Foliage Across Northeastern PA—Without a Hike
October marks the peak of PA fall foliage, when Northeastern Pennsylvania’s hillsides glow with fiery reds, blazing oranges, and shimmering golds. From the Pocono Mountains to the Endless Mountains, the entire region transforms into a landscape of brilliant color that stretches for miles in every direction. The crisp air, bright leaves, and quiet lakes make it the perfect time to slow down and savor the beauty of the season. Luckily, some of the best fall foliage views in NEPA don’t require hiking boots — just a full tank of gas and a sense of adventure.
Whether you’re chasing mountaintop vistas, scenic lakeshores, or hidden backroads bursting with color, these destinations make it easy to take in NEPA’s most colorful season. Each stop offers stunning views that are accessible by car or a short walk, from peaceful parks and countryside drives to historic landmarks framed by golden trees. We’ve arranged the list in a loose northeast-to-southwest route, so you can make the most of your scenic fall road trip through Northeastern Pennsylvania — one brilliant view at a time.
Picture-Perfect Spots for PA Fall Foliage in NEPA
Susquehanna, PA
The historic Starrucca Viaduct near Lanesboro stands tall above the valley as autumn leaves blanket the surrounding hills. Visitors can admire this 17-arch stone bridge from Luciana Park or along the nearby D&H Rail-Trail. Its combination of 19th-century architecture and fiery fall scenery makes it an unforgettable photo stop.
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Nicholson, PA
The Tunkhannock Viaduct in Nicholson is an awe-inspiring industrial landmark framed by the blazing colors of the Endless Mountains. Visitors can pull over along US-11 or PA-92 to see the massive concrete arches rising above a sea of red and orange treetops. It’s one of the region’s most dramatic and accessible foliage viewpoints.
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Lake Winola, PA
In the Endless Mountains, Lake Winola in dazzles with bright reflections of maple and oak trees across its 185-acre surface. Its scenic drive and public access points allow for easy stops to take in the kaleidoscope of fall colors. This peaceful Wyoming County lake is perfect for leaf-peeping and lakeside photography.
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Hawley, PA
The Wallenpaupack Lake Trail in Hawley offers a gentle walk with spectacular fall scenery along Lake Wallenpaupack. Fiery leaves frame the trail, and their reflections ripple across the water in brilliant shades of red and gold. With its paved, level path and lakeside setting, it’s one of NEPA’s most accessible foliage walks.
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Scranton, PA
Nay Aug Park in Scranton is a favorite local spot to enjoy fall foliage without leaving the city. The tree-lined paths and gorge views burst with vibrant color, and the ADA-accessible Dave Wenzel Tree House offers a bird’s-eye view of the changing leaves. With easy parking and paved walkways, it’s an ideal place for a relaxing autumn stroll.
Learn MoreScranton, PA
The Lookout along Route 307 in Scranton offers one of the best panoramic views in the area, especially when the hills are painted in fall color. From this scenic pull-off, you can see the Electric City skyline, Steamtown, and the winding Lackawanna River below. It’s a simple roadside stop that delivers a sweeping view of NEPA’s autumn landscape.
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Scranton, PA
The Lake Scranton Walking Trail loops around a quiet reservoir surrounded by forested hills that glow with autumn color. The paved path is smooth and easily accessible, making it perfect for a relaxing stroll among the leaves. Brilliant reflections on the water create one of the area’s most peaceful fall views.
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Harveys Lake, PA
Luzerne County’s Harveys Lake offers one of NEPA’s most scenic fall drives along its 8.2-mile Lakeside Drive. The road curves around mirror-like waters bordered by steep, colorful hillsides and charming cottages. Each turn reveals a new view of autumn’s reflection across Pennsylvania’s largest natural lake.
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Wyoming, PA
Frances Slocum State Park in Wyoming is surrounded by rolling hills that burst into brilliant color each fall. Visitors can sit lakeside or drive through the park’s scenic roads to admire reflections of orange, crimson, and gold across the calm water. It’s an easy, family-friendly spot to take in the beauty of autumn in Luzerne County.
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Shavertown, PA
The Lands at Hillside Farms in Shavertown comes alive in autumn, surrounded by vibrant foliage that frames its historic barns and pastures. Visitors can enjoy the sights of the season while wandering the farm’s easy paths and open meadows. With mountain views and rustic charm, it’s a quintessential fall stop in the Back Mountain.
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Covington Twp., PA
North Pocono’s Covington Park in Moscow offers a gentle lakeside escape framed by the warm hues of surrounding woodlands. Visitors can take in the scenery from the park’s paved trail or picnic by the calm water. Its accessibility and quiet charm make it a great spot to enjoy NEPA’s fall colors.
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Ross Township, PA
Sylvan Lake in Ross Township offers a secluded vantage point for admiring the season’s fiery hues. The forested hillsides surrounding the lake create a brilliant autumn panorama, especially when mirrored in the glassy water. This tucked-away spot near Harveys Lake provides effortless access to nature’s vibrant display.
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Tobyhanna, PA
Scenic drives and lakeside views at Tobyhanna State Park capture the best of the Pocono Mountains foliage. The trees along Tobyhanna Lake transform into brilliant shades of amber and crimson, mirrored perfectly in the still water. With level walking areas and lakeside picnic spots, it’s a relaxing autumn retreat.
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Wapwallopen, PA
Lily Lake in Wapwallopen is a peaceful retreat surrounded by dense forests that explode with fall color. Visitors can park along the water’s edge to enjoy still reflections of scarlet and gold across the lake. The quiet shoreline and easy access make it a hidden gem for a crisp, scenic drive.
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Tannersville, PA
Big Pocono State Park in Tannersville delivers panoramic fall views from its mountaintop Rim Road. Visitors can pull into scenic overlooks to see a sweeping tapestry of red, orange, and gold across the valley below. It’s one of the Poconos’ most stunning drives, offering breathtaking color without the hike.
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Jim Thorpe, PA
Mauch Chunk Lake Park in Jim Thorpe showcases a lake framed by hillsides that blaze with color each October. The winding park road and shoreline viewpoints offer easy access to some of the Poconos’ most vivid foliage scenes. Visitors can pause by the water’s edge to see the mirrored glow of fall reflected across the lake.
Jim Thorpe, PA
Downtown Jim Thorpe is one of the most picturesque places to see fall foliage in the Poconos. The town’s Victorian architecture and brick streets are framed by steep mountains that glow with shades of red, orange, and gold. Whether you’re driving in or exploring on foot, every corner offers a postcard-perfect view of autumn in NEPA.
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Jim Thorpe, PA
The 100 Mile View on Flagstaff Mountain in Jim Thorpe rewards visitors with unmatched autumn vistas over the Lehigh Gorge. The overlook is easy to reach by car and offers sweeping views that stretch for miles under fiery fall canopies. It’s a must-stop destination for photographers and anyone chasing the peak of Pocono foliage.
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Kempton, PA
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton is one of the best places to see fall foliage framed by soaring mountain ridges. From the easily reached South Lookout, you can take in sweeping valley views painted in red and gold as migrating raptors glide overhead. The short, accessible trail makes this world-famous sanctuary perfect for a quick autumn visit.
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Pine Grove, PA
Sweet Arrow Lake County Park in Pine Grove is a peaceful spot to enjoy fall’s colorful transformation without the need for a long hike. The lake reflects the changing leaves that line its quiet shores, offering postcard-perfect views from every angle. Pull over for a picnic or a leisurely stroll along the accessible paths for an easy autumn escape.
Learn MoreSee NEPA at Its Most Colorful this Fall
You don’t have to go far to enjoy the beauty of fall in Northeastern Pennsylvania. A short drive or easy walk can lead to stunning views of colorful hillsides, quiet lakes, and winding backroads framed in gold. And if you’re up for a little more adventure, NEPA is also home to plenty of fall foliage hikes and unique autumn experiences that offer unforgettable views of the season. However you explore, this is the perfect time to get outside and take in everything that makes autumn in NEPA so special.
Top Fall Foliage Hikes & Trails in NEPA
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Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 10/07/2020.