Celebrate Autumn with Some of NEPA’s Favorite Fall Destinations and Activities
October has arrived in NEPA and that means cool, crisp weather and the majesty of the changing colors of the season are at our door. Don’t waste a minute of it. Fall is where NEPA truly shines. It’s time to revisit some of your favorite annual autumn haunts and explore new places you’ve been meaning to get to. Take a long country drive and find where the road leads you. In NEPA, you’re sure to find splendid views along the way. And, it’s highly possible that all roads lead to a pumpkin patch, apple orchard, train station or hiking trail just waiting for you.
Get out there and discover all that this spectacular season has to offer. And if you’re having trouble coming up with unique things to do, we got you. Check out this convenient, fall fun list.
Whistle Pig Pumpkin Patch – Noxen, PA
This year’s porch-perfect Jack O’Lantern is out there waiting for you. You just have to find him. Set out in search of the right gourd at this Endless Mountain’s gem in Noxen. Enjoy campfires, hayrides, play areas and so much more.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway – Jim Thorpe, PA
Hop on this vintage turn-of-the-century train coach for an unforgettable cruise along the beautiful Lehigh River. Snap gorgeous pics of the rolling river and the Pocono Mountains in all their vibrant autumn glory.
Hike NEPA’s Local, State & National Parks
Fill your Instagram with fabulous fall pics from NEPA’s many hiking trails. Stop by majestic waterfalls. Roll through scenic meadows. Take the trail less trekked and discover that unknown spot for unforgettable photos.
DiscoverNEPA Brewer’s Loop
Autumn is one of the best times of year to be on the lookout for new beers. And, at just about every one of NEPA’s 30+ craft breweries, you’ll discover a new favorite. Sample robust stouts, creamy porters, crisp festbiers and more.
Roba Family Farms – North Abington Twp., PA
Head out to this NEPA favorite and find yourself immersed in a quintessential fall family fun day outing. You’ll be greeted by goats upon entrance, there are pig races, a jumbo jumper and slides for the kids, a corn maze, wagon ride, games, food and of course, plenty of pumpkins.
Knoebels Amusement Resort – Elysburg, PA
Pack up the family for a fall day of fun, food, rides, games and so much more at America’s largest free-admission amusement park. Enjoy Hallo-Fun weekends through October.
NEPA’s Farmers Markets
Load up your basket with farm-fresh produce from right here in our own backyard. All over NEPA, all through the fall, local farms, apiaries, orchards and more gather in town squares and parks to bring you the best the season has to offer.
Lakeland Orchard & Cidery – Scott Twp., PA
Spend the day among seemingly endless rows of apple trees for the pickin’, take a ride on the carousel or cow train express, try your hand at axe-throwing, quench your thirst with apple cider (hard and kid-friendly) and be sure to stay until dark, where you can take a haunted ride on the Lakeland Express while it weaves along a 1-mile track past ghosts, goblins, a haunted castle, and a few spooky surprises.
Creekside Gardens – Tunkhannock, PA
Get lost in a mosaic maze of multi-colored and shaped pumpkins and gourds as part of the Pumpkin Walk. You can even have a little fun playing a game of I SPY as you seek out particular pumpkins along the pathways.
The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort – Shawnee on the Delaware, PA
Rough it in style at this alluring resort situated along the rolling Delaware River in the southern Pocono Mountains. Enjoy a luxurious tent for two on a secluded island in the middle of the river. Sites feature electricity, restrooms and an attendant.
Maiolatesi Wine Cellars – Scott Twp., PA
Head out to the rolling hills of Scott Twp. for a mesmerizing sunset-laden sip of homegrown vino. This local favorite also features a robust menu of wood-fired gourmet pizzas and comfort classics to pair with their sweet whites and full-bodied reds.
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail – Scranton
Don’t pack those bikes away just yet. Get out and cruise along the scenic Lackawanna River on this expansive trail that runs from Pittston to Union Dale. Jump on at any one of the trails 30 convenient trailheads scattered throughout NEPA.
Mazezilla – Saylorsburg, PA
Get lost, or don’t, in this massive 11-acre corn maze within Klingel’s Farm. Every year features a new design, so if you’ve tried it before, you can still try to conquer it again. While you’re there, shoot gourds from a pumpkin launch and race down a 100-foot mountain slide.
Drive-In Movie Theaters
Cool autumn nights make for some of the best memories at the drive-in movie theater. Catch that hot, new blockbuster from the comfort of your car, or snuggle up for a Halloween cult classic at one of NEPA’s vintage drive-in theaters.
Pocono Whitewater – Jim Thorpe, PA
Take on the cool, clear whitewater rapids of the scenic Lehigh River and get an up-close view of vibrant autumn in the Poconos. Bring the family, or a group of friends and combine your rafting excursion with a hike or bike ride.
Electric City Trolley Museum – Scranton, PA
Hop on, take a ride and learn all about the Electric City’s fascinating trolley history. The route runs through the city passing historic sites like the Iron Furnaces and the Crown Avenue Tunnel. After the ride, visit the museum for interactive exhibits.
The Lands at Hillside Farms – Shavertown, PA
Stroll along the tranquil grounds of this 412-acre educational farm in Shavertown. Stop by and visit the adorable farm animals. Check out the antique, working greenhouses. And, of course, don’t forget about the ice cream.
Horseback Riding in NEPA
Experience the seasonal sights of Northeastern Pennsylvania on horseback at one of the region’s local stables. Whether you’re a seasoned rider, or a newcomer, these pros will have you striding along on the trails in no time.
Pennsylvania Rail Bike – Hawley, PA
Experience the beautiful Pocono Mountains with a unique, 6-mile rail bike tour in Hawley. Pedal straight down the historic railroad, along the scenic Lackawaxen River and through Hawley on a 2 or 4-person rail bike.
Rohrbach’s Farm Market, Bakery & Barn Loft – Catawissa, PA
This beautiful working farm is transformed into a fall funday getaway that hosts tons of kids’ activities and family events all season long. Pick the perfect pumpkin and make your way through the twisty, turny corn maze. Don’t leave without trying their famous apple dumplings and apple cider slushies.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 09/16/2020.
