HOPSKIP HOME

Have you ever taken a fall foliage vacation? Me neither. I’ve never set out specifically to do a fall foliage trek. I’ve heard of people trekking to Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts to marvel at the wondrous autumnal colors. But did you know you can do that in the Poconos? It’s just as beautiful and you don’t have to drive more than 2-3 hours if you’re coming from New York City, New Jersey or Philadelphia.

Shortly after we moved to the Poconos, I accidentally discovered what all the leaf peeping hype is about. We just so happened to take this particular drive during peak fall foliage season. It was a normal drive until we reached this part on Route 209 between Bushkill and Milford, PA. It’s an 18-mile stretch through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. It’s literally just miles of forest and fields with the occasional glimpse of the Delaware River.

Now, of course I’ve seen the leaves change colors every autumn of my life. But I’ve never experienced it quite like this. Suddenly I was on a half-hour journey through an enchanted forest. The leaves were in screaming color.

Oh, so THIS is what the leaf peepers are seeking! I get it now!

It’s this fleeting once a year experience. Soon all the leaves will have fallen and it’ll be stick season. It’s a chance to say thank you and goodbye to the leaves, until we meet again next May.

If you don’t specifically plan the fall foliage trip, you’ll miss this sight to behold. So, if you want to experience the magic of autumn this year like a real leaf peeper, I present my Pocono Weekend Fall Foliage Itinerary. For best results with the itinerary below, start by booking a stay at Hopskip Home Retro Chalet, Designer Chalet or Luxury Chalet.

FRIDAY NIGHT
Check in. Grill up a feast on the BBQ at the house. Cozy up by the firepit with spiced mulled cider. After, hop in the hot tub or play some board games. Settle into vacation time.

SATURDAY
Take that fall foliage drive up Route 209 through the Delaware Water Gap National Rec Area from Bushkill to Milford, PA. Pick out a fall playlist (may I recommend indie folk vibes?). Roll down the windows. For the next 30 mintues, take it all in, all the magical golds, reds, oranges and greens.

Make a quick stop at Raymondskill Falls. It’s an easy (although a little steep) hike to the falls. Become one with the forest. Commune with the colorful trees up close.

Then head to the charming downtown in Milford. For lunch, nab a table on the porch at the historic Dimmick Inn. Then peruse the shops. We love Milford Wine & Cheese Co and Willow for home goods. Grab a coffee or fresh green juice at Better World Café and top it off with a pastry from Locale Mercado.

Keep the fall foliage fun going on Saturday night. If it’s one of those cool, crisp nights, head to Shawnee Craft Brewery for a casual pizza and brew outside. Make sure to route your GPS on River Rd (the back road) to get there for more fall magic. Before you leave, walk towards the historic Shawnee Inn where you’ll be right along the Delaware River. Stop at Llama Ice Cream for a tasty treat on the way home.

SUNDAY
Who says you need to head home right after you check out?! On your way home, you must make a pit stop at Klingel’s Farm. This is a quintessential fall experience. Test your directional skills in Mazezilla, their huge corn maze. Take a hayride. Pick some pumpkins, or better yet, slingshot a pumpkin or fire it out of a cannon. There’s also a play area for the littles, food vendors and a farm market. Stock up on fresh veggies and homemade jams. It’s a fall extravaganza that’s fun for all ages.

AND IF YOU MADE IT A 3-DAY WEEKEND
If you made it a 3-day weekend, start the morning with a drive up to the top of Big Pocono State Park (above Camelback ski area) for a breathtaking 360-degree views of the Poconos Mountains in all of its autumnal glory. Then spend the afternoon sipping and snacking at Mountainview Winery.

Or if you don’t mind a little extra driving, book a historic train ride in Honesdale or electric rail biking in Hawley. Either way, you’ll be riding the rails through the magical forest along the Lacawaxen River.

Tip: if you’re leaning towards the historic train and electric rail biking, consider booking a stay at Lakelyn Lodge instead where you can take a scenic leaf peeping drive on Route 6 and hike to waterfalls in Promised Land State Park.

And those are my favorite ways to leaf peep the Poconos!

Check the official Pocono Mountains Fall Foliage Forecast. Peak fall foliage season near our Hopskip Homes starts at the end of September and peaks mid to end of October. Happy Pocono Fall Foliage Trekking!

-Krista