Are you thinking about a romantic Poconos getaway with your special someone? Now’s the time to start planning an enchanting autumn retreat. As we transition from summer to fall, the Poconos transforms into a magical place — like a masterpiece with the splendor of autumn dotting the foliage in a palette of yellows, reds, and coppers. Whether looking for a romantic retreat or planning a proposal, vow renewal, or elopement, autumn in the Poconos is brimming with enchantment like no other.
Make your partner swoon with delight with a picturesque adventure for two along one or more of the many scenic hiking and biking trails. We’ve compiled a list of five of the top spots to find the best trails this autumn. Oh, and remember to take along a personalized picnic for an intimate lunch surrounded by nature.
Remember to Leave No Trace and be prepared for your hike. Bring a layer, plenty of snacks and water, and research your trail and the weather before you go. Wear proper footwear as well. Happy trails!
1. Bushkill Falls: The Niagara of Pennsylvania
Imagine a waterfall hike, and you’ve likely just described a hike along one of the four trails at Bushkill Falls. Each of the four trails aligns with different lengths and difficulty levels.
The Green Trail is the shortest and easiest trail at Bushkill Falls — it takes about 15 minutes to hike, and while there is no climbing involved, you can expect some steps. The most challenging trail is the two-mile Red Trail, which is for the more adventurous hiker and includes hiking all eight waterfalls. It can take about two hours to complete.
2. Promised Land State Park
At Promised Land State Park, you can transform your romantic adventure into a day trip with autumn hikes. It has 50 miles of trails spanning the park and surrounding Delaware State Forest. The trails are suitable for all adventurers, from beginners to advanced hikers.
September also begins the fall hunting season, so if you choose to hike, wear hunter orange and sturdy shoes for safety! Remember to take a map with you, stick to the trails, and return to the trailhead before dusk.
Picnic pavilions are available near the lake, or bring a blanket and create your own intimate picnic space. If you need a picnic lunch packed for you, let us know.
3. Big Pocono State Park
Are you looking for something a little more challenging? Big Pocono State Park offers more than eight miles of trails — all with steep grades since this park is also a mountaintop. Some trails are extreme and roughly graded for the most advanced hikers. Bring plenty of water!
Hiking Big Pocono State Park is a truly breathtaking experience with expansive views from the mountain vistas as you explore the scenic trails. Moreover, the serene environment provides plenty of opportunities for tranquil moments together for deep conversations and cherished memories.
While the trails in this park are available to hikers with different experience levels, the trail grades can be steep. So, if you’re less experienced, contact the park office for more information before you hike.
4. Hickory Run State Park
Hickory Run State Park offers a unique and romantic hiking experience with plenty of trails to explore — 44 miles, to be exact. One of those trails — Boulder Field Trail, feels like a hidden gem frozen in time, which isn’t far from the truth.
The expansive rocky field was created when one of our state’s last glaciers melted over 20,000 years ago. So, if you hike this park, especially this trail, bring a camera to capture a memory.
That said, there are plenty of trails to keep hikers of every experience level busy adventuring, and each has enchanting opportunities for quiet moments together.
5. Delaware Water Gap
Finally, the Delaware Water Gap is a spectacular place for a romantic hike for all experience levels. This park even has trails that are wheelchair accessible for those living with mobility challenges.
The Delaware Water Gap blends tranquil charm with rugged beauty along each trail. As autumn transitions, the fall foliage promises impressive views. Stunning panoramas create a spectacular backdrop for a more intimate setting where you can share quiet moments in nature while deepening your connection.
Plan Your Perfect Romantic Fall Hike
Your romantic Poconos getaway awaits, and as with anything else, choosing the right trail to hike is about striking a balance between adventure and intimacy. Considering the trails above, consider what you want in your hiking adventure and romantic retreat. What kind of intimate moments do you want to experience, and what hiking experience level are you and your partner?
With the right destination, a little preparation, a sense of adventure, and reserving the suitable accommodations to return to at the end of the day, you can create an unforgettable hiking adventure perfectly paired with a swoon-worthy romantic getaway.
Photo Credit: © nycshooter via canva.com, © Faraz Khan via canva.com