🍁 Mid‑September 2026 – Early Season Fall Foliage Report
Date: September 08, 2026, Location: White Haven, PA – Lehigh Gorge / Poconos Region
The 2026 fall foliage season is officially underway in Northeast PA and the Poconos. As of mid‑September, we’re seeing 5–10% early color in higher elevations and wetland corridors, with most of the region still predominantly green.
A warm, stormy summer followed by slightly cooler nights has set us up for strong leaf health and good moisture, which typically leads to bright, saturated color later in the season.
Current Color Status
- Northern Poconos (Wayne/Pike): <10% color, 95% leaves still on trees
- Central Poconos (Monroe / upper Carbon): <10% color, mostly green
- Southern Poconos (Jim Thorpe / Lehighton): <5% color, 99% leaves on trees
Early changers:
- Red maple in wet areas
- Black birch on ridges
- Blueberry and understory shrubs
- Young hickory and witch hazel
Best Mid‑September Spots
- Lehigh Gorge Trail near White Haven
- Wetlands and boardwalks in Hickory Run State Park
- Higher ridges around Glen Summit / Black Diamond
Peak is still several weeks away, but photographers and early leaf‑peepers will already find nice pops of yellow and red in the understory.
Plan your early‑season adventure now. Book biking, rafting, or assisted camping at PoconosOutdoors.com or call 570‑899‑0400.
🌲 Enjoy the Great Pocono Outdoors!
Try our Poconos Biking with Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking, or Tubing Combo Tours on the Lehigh River in Jim Thorpe, PA. Or explore hiking trails, disc golf at Hickory Run State Park, and our VIP bike shuttle services.
For more adventure options, visit the Pocono Fun page.