Blue Mountain Resort may be best known as the country’s largest snow tubing resort, but let’s be honest—we’re not quite ready to hit the lanes just yet.
Luckily, you don’t have to wait for winter to make the trip. As the leaves begin to turn and the Pocono Mountains slip into their most colorful season, Blue Mountain transforms into a completely different kind of playground, with plenty of ways to soak up the scenery without a snowflake in sight.
Just about two hours from NYC, the sprawling mountain resort is packed with fall adventures, from scenic chairlift rides soaring above the changing foliage to high ropes courses and zip lines tucked among the treetops. You can spend the day mountain biking through 30 downhill trails, test your skills at outdoor laser tag, or settle in for a crisp autumn night at one of the resort’s 15 glamping sites or campsites surrounded by colorful Poconos foliage.
Here’s everything you need to know for the ultimate autumn getaway.
🍂 What to Do at Blue Mountain Resort in the Fall
Whether you’re seeking high–adrenaline outdoor sports or a slow-paced afternoon taking in the mountain air, Blue Mountain packs a full seasonal menu of activities:
- Summit Adventure Park: Climb directly into the autumn canopy. The park features high ropes courses, thrilling zip lines, and outdoor laser tag framed by vibrant crimson and gold leaves.
- Downhill Mountain Biking: Experience 30 downhill trails catering to all skill levels. Rentals, lessons, and lift passes are available on-site if you want to speed through the crisp mountain air.
- Fright Time Zip & Climb: For an eerie seasonal spin, visit on select October nights (October 17, 24, and 31). You’ll navigate the high ropes courses after dark complete with glowing lights, Halloween décor, and festive spookiness.
- Fall Events & Oktoberfest: Seasonal celebrations, live music, and outdoor autumn festivals take over the grounds on weekends throughout the season.
🌳 Where to Spot the Best Foliage
The Pocono Mountains put on one of the most magnificent leaf-peeping displays in the Northeast. Here are the top vantage points on the mountain:
- The Comet Quad Chairlift: Board the scenic chairlift ride for an effortless, 360-degree aerial view of the valley ablaze with color as you glide up to the summit.
- Slopeside Patio: Unwind at the summit elevation where you can look out across miles of uninterrupted rolling mountain ridge lines while enjoying lunch outdoors.
- On-Site Glamping & Camping Sites: Stay overnight in one of the 15 canvas glamping tents or pitched campsites. Waking up surrounded by quiet woods illuminated by golden morning light is an unmatched fall foliage experience.
🍻 Where to Eat and Drink
After a long day on the trails or in the treetops, Blue Mountain offers several cozy dining spots to refuel:
- Slopeside Pub & Grill: The crown jewel for mountaintop dining. Enjoy craft beers, warm comfort food, and sweeping views of the Poconos in full fall color from the outdoor dining deck.
- Wood Fired Pizza & Pub: Perfect for a quick, comforting meal featuring artisanal wood-fired pizzas and local brews.
- Tipsy Taco Truck & Summit Scoops: Grab quick bites, tasty tacos, or a sweet treat to enjoy around the outdoor fire pits as the sun sets over the ridge.
🚗 How to Get There from NYC
Located in Palmerton, Pennsylvania (1660 Blue Mountain Drive), Blue Mountain Resort makes for an easy day trip or weekend escape from the city.
- By Car (Recommended): The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from New York City (around 90–100 miles depending on your starting borough). Take I-80 West into Pennsylvania, merge onto PA-33 South toward US-209, and follow the local signs directly up to the resort base. Parking on-site is abundant.
- Weekend Tip: If you’re heading out for peak foliage or Halloween weekend events, set out early in the morning to beat local highway traffic and secure prime parking near the Summit Lodge!
So pack your favorite cozy sweater, grab a hot spiced cider, and get ready to fall head over heels for autumn in the Poconos! 🍂✨