Things to Do in the Poconos in September: Our Perfect Weekend Bucket List
September might just be one of the most underrated times to visit the Pocono Mountains.
The days are still perfect for hiking, the evenings start getting cool enough for fires and sweatshirts, and you can explore waterfalls, Hickory Run State Park, Jim Thorpe and seasonal events before peak fall foliage season arrives.
If you're looking for the best things to do in the Poconos in September, here's the weekend we'd plan.
Actually, it is the weekend we're planning.
We own and host Sojourn Chalet here in the Poconos, and this September we're doing something we don't do very often:
We're booking our own chalet for the weekend. 😂
Here's exactly what we're planning to do.
Steal whatever sounds good.
September in the Poconos at a Glance
Best for: Hiking, waterfalls, scenic drives, seasonal events and early fall atmosphere
Our hiking pick: Hawk Falls at Hickory Run State Park
Don't miss: Boulder Field
Town to explore: Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
September experience: Night Lights at Pocono Raceway
Ideal trip length: 2–3 nights
Our home base: Sojourn Chalet
1. Hike to Hawk Falls at Hickory Run State Park
First stop: Hawk Falls at Hickory Run State Park.
Hawk Falls is a natural 25-foot waterfall reached by a relatively short forest hike, making it a great addition to a Poconos weekend when you want some adventure without giving up your entire day to one trail.
September is exactly the kind of weather that makes us want to lace up our hiking shoes, get outside and spend a morning in the woods.
Our tip: Wear proper hiking shoes, take your time around the falls and always check current trail and park conditions with Pennsylvania State Parks before heading out.
2. Visit Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park
Next we're finally checking something off our own Poconos bucket list:
Boulder Field.
Here's our slightly embarrassing confession.
We've recommended Boulder Field to Sojourn guests countless times...
and somehow we've never actually seen it ourselves. 😂
Apparently it's time we take our own advice.
Boulder Field is a National Natural Landmark within Hickory Run State Park. The remarkable boulder-covered landscape stretches roughly 400 feet by 1,800 feet and has remained largely unchanged for more than 20,000 years.
If you've never seen it either, add it to the list.
3. Spend a Morning in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Jim Thorpe is one of our favorite places to return to in the Poconos.
It's close to the chalet, yet somehow every time we visit, we discover something different—a new shop, a new bite or something we've somehow walked past a dozen times before.
That's part of the fun.
One stop that's become pretty much non-negotiable for us?
Coffee, donuts and ridiculously fun Harry Potter-inspired décor.
Then we'll wander down Broadway and see what we stumble into this time.
That's the magic of Jim Thorpe.
You can keep coming back and somehow it never feels quite the same.
4. Experience Night Lights at Pocono Raceway
And now for the reason we're planning this particular September weekend.
A few years ago, Dima and I went to a sky lantern festival.
Thousands of glowing lanterns rising into the night sky at once.
It was one of those experiences that somehow felt even more magical in person than it looked in the photos.
We've been dying to do it again ever since.
So when we saw that Night Lights returns to Pocono Raceway, we knew exactly what we wanted to do.
Night Lights is a recurring lantern festival held at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, on select dates. The experience includes live music, campfires and s'mores before the lantern launch after dark.
And yes... we're going back. ✨
Before we leave Sojourn, we're grabbing one of our picnic blankets and a s'mores kit from the chalet and making a night of it.
Sometimes an experience really is worth repeating.
Planning to attend Night Lights?
Event dates, tickets, times and weather policies can change from year to year, so always check the official Night Lights website before planning your trip.
5. End the Night Back at the Chalet
And after Night Lights?
Back to the chalet.
Hot tub.
Fire.
Maybe a glass of wine.
And hopefully... absolutely nothing else.
Because we've learned that sometimes the best part of getting away is leaving enough room in the itinerary to actually be away.
That's our kind of September weekend.
Our Perfect 48-Hour September Poconos Itinerary
If you're planning a weekend getaway to the Poconos in September, here's the itinerary we'd steal:
SATURDAY MORNING🥾 Hike to Hawk Falls at Hickory Run State Park
LATE MORNING Explore Boulder Field
LUNCH + AFTERNOON☕ Coffee, breakfast and wandering through historic Jim Thorpe
LATE AFTERNOON + EVENING✨ Night Lights at Pocono Raceway
SATURDAY NIGHT🔥 Hot tub + fire back at the chalet
SUNDAY MORNING☕ Coffee outside, slow breakfast and absolutely nowhere to rush off to
No packed itinerary required.
Just enough adventure, something a little magical and plenty of time to enjoy being away.
Where to Stay for a September Weekend in the Poconos
If you're exploring Jim Thorpe, Hickory Run State Park, Hawk Falls, Boulder Field or Pocono Raceway, staying nearby makes it easy to combine outdoor adventures, small-town exploring and a relaxing night back at your home base.
We're Marina & Dima, the owners and hosts of Sojourn Chalet, our A-frame retreat in the Pocono Mountains.
We created Sojourn to be the kind of place we'd want to come back to after a day like this: throw on something comfortable, get into the hot tub, light a fire and stop looking at the clock for a while.
And apparently we meant it... because this September we're booking it ourselves. 😂
If you'd like to make Sojourn the home base for your own Poconos weekend, we'd love to have you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Poconos in September
Is September a good time to visit the Poconos?
Yes. September can be a wonderful time to visit the Pocono Mountains, especially for travelers interested in hiking, waterfalls, outdoor activities and seasonal events. It falls between the busy summer season and peak fall foliage season, while cooler temperatures can make outdoor exploring especially enjoyable.
What are the best things to do in the Poconos in September?
Some of our favorite September activities in the Poconos include hiking to Hawk Falls, visiting Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park, exploring historic Jim Thorpe, attending seasonal events such as Night Lights at Pocono Raceway and spending cool evenings around a fire.
Is Jim Thorpe worth visiting in September?
Absolutely. September is a great time to explore Jim Thorpe's historic downtown, shops, restaurants and surrounding outdoor attractions before the height of fall foliage season. We visit Jim Thorpe regularly and still seem to discover something new every time.
Where is Hawk Falls?
Hawk Falls is located within Hickory Run State Park in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. The trail leads through the forest to a natural 25-foot waterfall.
What is Boulder Field?
Boulder Field is a National Natural Landmark within Hickory Run State Park. The boulder-covered area measures roughly 400 by 1,800 feet and is one of the park's most distinctive natural attractions.
What is Night Lights at Pocono Raceway?
Night Lights is a recurring sky lantern experience held at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, on select dates. The event typically includes music, campfires and a coordinated lantern launch after dark. Check the official event website for current dates, tickets and event information.
How many days do you need for a Poconos trip?
For a first visit, two to three nights gives you enough time to combine hiking or outdoor activities with Jim Thorpe, seasonal attractions and some downtime without making the trip feel rushed.
A Little About Us
We're Marina & Dima, owners and hosts of Sojourn Chalet in the Pocono Mountains.
We spend a lot of time exploring the area ourselves—from returning to old favorites in Jim Thorpe to finally checking those “how have we still never done this?” places off our list.
This blog is where we share those discoveries, our own itineraries and the places we'd genuinely recommend to friends and guests.
Because the best Poconos weekends aren't always the ones with the longest itinerary.
Sometimes they're simply the ones you wish lasted another day.
See you in the mountains. 🤍
Marina & Dima
Sojourn Chalet
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