The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival: Your Guide to Fall Fun in the Pocono Mountains
Autumn in the Pocono Mountains is something special. Colorful foliage, crisp mountain air, pumpkin patches, scenic drives, and family-friendly festivals make Pennsylvania's Poconos a wonderful destination for a fall getaway.
One of the region's best-known seasonal events is The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival, held annually at Country Junction in Lehighton, Pennsylvania.
Whether you're planning a family weekend, looking for pumpkin picking in the Poconos, or searching for fun October activities, this festival offers a variety of classic autumn experiences.
Here's what visitors should know about the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival, including activities, admission prices, location, and ideas for turning a festival visit into a full Pocono Mountains vacation.
What Is the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival?
The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival is an annual autumn celebration hosted by Country Junction, a large general store and family entertainment destination in Lehighton, Pennsylvania.
Unlike a traditional pumpkin patch, this festival combines seasonal activities with amusement-style attractions, family entertainment, food, and plenty of pumpkins.
Families can explore themed attractions, enjoy hayrides, take photos surrounded by fall decorations, and experience the beautiful autumn season in northeastern Pennsylvania.
It's especially popular with families looking for things to do in the Poconos with kids during September and October.
Where Is the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival Located?
Location: Country Junction – World's Largest General Store
Address: 6565 Interchange Road, Lehighton, PA 18235
The festival is held in the southern Pocono Mountains region, near major routes connecting the Poconos with the Lehigh Valley and surrounding Pennsylvania communities.
Because of its location, the festival can be incorporated into a weekend getaway that includes hiking, sightseeing, shopping, and time at a mountain vacation home.
For official event information, visit Country Junction's Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival.
Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival 2026 Dates and Hours
The 2026 festival took place from September 26 through October 25, 2026.
The main weekend festival experience operated from 11 AM to 6 PM, with the final ride at 5:30 PM. A smaller selection of activities was also offered on weekdays.
As the 2026 season has concluded, visitors planning a future trip should check the official festival website for new dates, hours, and attractions.
The festival is generally a late-September and October event, making it a natural addition to a fall foliage vacation in the Poconos.
Best Things to Do at the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival
1. Pick Out the Perfect Pumpkin
No fall festival would be complete without pumpkins!
Visitors can explore the festival's pumpkin displays, choose a pumpkin to bring home, and enjoy classic autumn photo opportunities.
For families with young children, selecting a pumpkin can be one of the highlights of the trip.
It's also a great way to bring a little piece of the Pocono Mountains home after your vacation.
2. Enjoy a Scenic Fall Hayride
Hayrides are among the festival's signature attractions.
For 2026, the event introduced the Perfect Pumpkin Hayride, featuring a Wizard of Oz-inspired journey through Munchkinland toward an Emerald City tunnel.
The combination of themed entertainment and seasonal surroundings makes the hayride a favorite for families looking to experience fall in the Poconos.
3. Explore the Tricky Trail Corn Maze
Corn mazes are a classic fall tradition, and the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival added the interactive Tricky Trail Corn Maze for its 2026 season.
Visitors can explore the maze, navigate the twists and turns, and enjoy an outdoor activity together.
It's a fun alternative to the usual sightseeing stops during a Pocono Mountains weekend.
4. Experience the 3D Pumpkin Fun House
The festival's 3D Pumpkin Fun House adds an unusual twist to traditional pumpkin-themed entertainment.
With colorful visual effects and a playful seasonal atmosphere, it's one of the attractions that helps distinguish this event from a simple pumpkin patch.
5. Enjoy Carnival Rides and Family Activities
The festival's weekend entertainment has included carnival rides, pedal karts, laser tag, and play areas for younger children.
Families can also visit the petting farm and explore additional attractions.
Some optional experiences, such as pony rides, the paintball wagon, rock climbing, and gem mining, may require separate fees.
Check the official event website to see which activities will return for future seasons.
6. Try Seasonal Food and Fall Treats
Fall festivals aren't just about pumpkins and rides.
At the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival, visitors can enjoy food trucks, snacks, and seasonal treats.
Country Junction also offers shopping and food options inside its general store, making it easy to combine festival activities with a little browsing.
7. Enjoy Weekend Entertainment
Live music and other special entertainment have been part of the festival's weekend schedule.
Performances and special attractions vary by date, so it's worth reviewing the event calendar before planning your visit.
How Much Does the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival Cost?
For the 2026 season, Country Junction listed the following general admission information:
| Admission | 2026 Price |
|---|---|
| Weekend general admission | $15 per person |
| Children age 2 and under | Free |
| Weekday admission | Half-price promotion |
| Weekend group admission (15+ people) | $12 per person |
The weekend admission included several major festival attractions, while certain premium activities required additional payment.
Prices and inclusions are subject to change in future seasons. Always verify details on the official website before visiting.
Is the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival Good for Kids?
Yes! The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival is particularly well-suited for families with children.
Pumpkin displays, hayrides, themed attractions, play areas, and farm animals give younger visitors plenty to enjoy.
Families traveling with older children may also appreciate attractions such as laser tag, carnival rides, and the corn maze.
Because some activities are outdoors, comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for Pennsylvania's changing fall temperatures are recommended.
Are Dogs Allowed at the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival?
Country Junction welcomed pets during its 2026 festival.
Visitors planning to bring dogs should verify the current pet policy before attending and ensure their pets are comfortable in busy public environments.
For families traveling with pets, the Pocono Mountains also offer numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, along with a selection of pet-friendly vacation rentals.
Other Things to Do in the Poconos During Fall
A visit to the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival can be just one part of a longer autumn getaway.
Here are several additional activities worth considering.
Explore Hickory Run State Park
Hickory Run State Park is known for wooded trails, picturesque natural scenery, and its famous Boulder Field.
Fall can be an especially attractive time to visit, with changing leaves creating beautiful scenery throughout the park.
Visit Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
The historic town of Jim Thorpe is a popular fall destination known for its Victorian architecture, mountain scenery, local shops, and seasonal attractions.
Visitors can explore the downtown area, enjoy local restaurants, and take in the surrounding autumn colors.
Enjoy a Scenic Fall Drive
The Pocono Mountains offer beautiful roads through forests, valleys, and lake communities.
A scenic drive can be one of the simplest ways to experience fall foliage, especially during peak color season.
Relax in a Pocono Mountain Cabin
After a full day of pumpkin picking, sightseeing, and outdoor activities, a cozy vacation rental provides a relaxing place to spend the evening.
Imagine enjoying dinner with your family, sitting by a fireplace, or relaxing in a private hot tub after exploring the Poconos.
For many visitors, that combination of adventure and relaxation is what makes an autumn mountain getaway memorable.
Where to Stay for a Pocono Fall Festival Weekend
If you're traveling from New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, or another nearby area, consider extending your trip beyond a single day.
The Pocono Mountains have a wide range of accommodations, from hotels and resorts to private vacation cabins and chalets.
For visitors who prefer a quieter mountain setting, the Arrowhead Lake community near Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania, can be an appealing choice.
Surrounded by woods and lakes, the community offers an opportunity to experience the peaceful side of the Poconos while exploring regional fall attractions by car.
Serhii Vacation Rentals offers a selection of privately managed vacation homes in the Pocono Mountains, including family-friendly cabins and chalets.
Depending on the home, amenities may include:
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Private hot tubs
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Wood-burning fireplaces
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Game rooms and entertainment areas
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Outdoor fire pits and spacious decks
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Fully equipped kitchens
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Pet-friendly accommodations
For families or groups, a vacation home can provide more space and flexibility than a traditional hotel room.
Explore available properties at Serhii.com when planning your fall trip to the Pocono Mountains.
A Perfect Two-Day Fall Weekend in the Poconos
Want to turn the festival into a weekend getaway? Here's a simple itinerary.
Day 1: Pumpkin Festival and Fall Fun
Start your day at the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival at Country Junction.
Spend a few hours exploring the pumpkin displays, enjoying hayrides, trying the attractions, and sampling seasonal treats.
Afterward, stop for dinner in the region before heading back to your vacation rental for a relaxing evening.
Day 2: Fall Foliage and Mountain Scenery
Begin your morning with breakfast at your cabin.
Spend the day exploring Hickory Run State Park, visiting Jim Thorpe, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains.
If you're traveling with children, choose a short nature walk or family-friendly attraction before heading home.
It's a simple way to enjoy a mix of seasonal activities and quiet mountain time.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival
Where is the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival held?
The festival takes place at Country Junction, 6565 Interchange Road, Lehighton, Pennsylvania.
When was the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival in 2026?
The 2026 festival ran from September 26 through October 25. Visitors should check Country Junction's official website for future dates.
How much are tickets for the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival?
Weekend general admission was $15 per person in 2026, with children age 2 and under admitted free. Certain attractions required additional fees.
Does the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival have a corn maze?
Yes. The 2026 event featured the Tricky Trail Corn Maze, an interactive fall-themed attraction.
Is there pumpkin picking at the festival?
Yes. Pumpkin displays and opportunities to select pumpkins are an important part of the festival experience.
Is the Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival pet-friendly?
Pets were welcome during the 2026 season. Always verify the current rules before attending with a dog.
Can you visit the festival during a Pocono Mountains vacation?
Absolutely. The festival is a great addition to a family getaway that includes fall foliage sightseeing, state parks, local shopping, and other Pocono attractions.
Where can families stay during a fall trip to the Poconos?
The region offers hotels, resorts, cabins, chalets, and vacation homes. Travelers looking for more space and a peaceful wooded setting can explore vacation rentals near Arrowhead Lake at Serhii.com.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Fall in the Pocono Mountains
The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival is a wonderful way to celebrate autumn in northeastern Pennsylvania.
From pumpkins and hayrides to family attractions and seasonal entertainment, it brings together many of the experiences that make fall in the Poconos special.
Whether you're planning a day trip or a longer vacation, consider combining the festival with scenic drives, hiking, local dining, and time enjoying the beautiful mountain surroundings.
For a comfortable place to stay during your next Pocono Mountains getaway, explore vacation homes, cabins, and chalets at Serhii Vacation Rentals.
The best fall memories often come from enjoying the attractions during the day and having a cozy place to relax together at night.