Jim Thorpe Fall Festival

Plan a scenic autumn escape to beautiful Carbon County in the Poconos.

The 2026 Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival has wrapped up, but there are still plenty of fun activities waiting for you in Jim Thorpe this season!

Colorful leaves drift across cobblestone streets, charming cafes tempt passersby to stop in and try a special fall drink or snack, the Jim Thorpe fall foliage train steams out of the historic station for a trip through the gorge, and local storytellers share haunted legends by lantern light: there's nothing like fall in Jim Thorpe! Whether you're planning a midweek overnight escape to see the foliage foliage Jim Thorpe PA at its peak or you're in town for the popular Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival running the first three weekends in October, you'll find plenty of fall fun in Carbon County.

Set in the midst of the stunning Lehigh River Gorge, this historic town is surrounded by the natural beauty of the season, with lots of nearby attractions and outdoor adventures to try, from train excursions to whitewater rafting. Take a look at the Southern Region portion of our fall foliage forecast to find current color conditions for Jim Thorpe fall foliage and check our upcoming events calendar to find more details about fall festivals in the area.

Jim Thorpe PA in the fall is a popular destination, and the fall foliage festival weekends in particular can be packed! Be sure to book your hotel in advance and plan ahead for parking.

Visitors Center

The Jim Thorpe Visitors Center, located in the train station, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended weekend hours October 24–25 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stop by to get some inspiration for your trip.

Parking & Shuttles

Walking Map

Penn's Peak

325 Maury Road
(610) 826-9000

Penn's Peak brings you the best in national acts from country to rock and everything in between. Catch your favorite big-name…

Asa Packer Mansion

Take a guided tour of this historic Pocono Mountains mansion. Built in the Victorian Italianate architecture style in 1861, this beautiful home…

St. Mark and St. John Episcopal Church

Pocono Biking

Jim Thorpe Trolley Company

Old Jail Museum

Mauch Chunk Opera House

Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center

The Stabin Museum

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway

Wonderland on Broadway

A large bed in a room with a chair, dresser, desk, TV and bathroom.

Hotels

A destination as rich in history as in beauty, Jim Thorpe in the Pocono Mountains has no shortage of comfortable lodging options.

Fall Foliage in Jim Thorpe PA

A beautiful view of the foliage from downtown Jim Thorpe.

Stunning view from Tank Hollow in Lehigh Gorge State Park, just minutes from Jim Thorpe.

The clocktower in Jim Thorpe is located in the heart of downtown.

Porta Potty Locations

In addition to the restrooms inside the Visitors Center, porta potties will be available throughout Jim Thorpe at the following locations:

Outside the Visitors Center
Race Street
West Broadway, next to the Immaculate Conception parking lot

Fall Festival Events FAQ

1.

What makes the Jim Thorpe Fall Festival unique?

Not every town can boast stunning architecture like the mansions of Victorian millionaires that line the streets of Jim Thorpe, PA. The unique blend of historic buildings and the striking scenic natural beauty of the Lehigh Gorge makes for a one-of-a-kind backdrop for colorful fall leaves and fun autumn activities like the Jim Thorpe Fall Festival held the first three weekends in October.

2.

How do I spend a day in Jim Thorpe, PA?

For a fall day in Jim Thorpe, plan ahead for parking and arrive early to secure a spot or take advantage of weekend shuttles. Take a stroll along Broadway and Stone Row, explore the downtown shops and restaurants, hop aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway or Jim Thorpe Trolley Company, visit historic sites like the Asa Packer Museum, and soak in the fresh air and fall foliage with exciting outdoor attractions like hiking, biking, and whitewater rafting in Lehigh Gorge State Park.

3.

Do you have to pay for parking at Jim Thorpe?

There is a fee for parking in Jim Thorpe, PA, and parking spaces in town are limited. Arrive early to find a spot in the Carbon County Parking Lot or take advantage of weekend shuttles in the fall: view our parking page for more information.

4.

Where is the best place to park in Jim Thorpe?

On street parking along Broadway and in the Carbon County Parking Lot are closest to downtown Jim Thorpe attractions, but spaces can be limited, and you may have to wait in traffic to get into town and circle looking for a spot. During busy fall weekends, parking shuttle service is available at nearby locations. Visit our parking page for more information.

Pennsylvania, The Great American Getaway