IT'S TIME FOR THE POCONO MOUNTAIN'S FALL FOLIAGE HOTLINE

08/21/2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release/August 21, 2009
Alicia M. Quinn / Gillian Moore
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
570.421.5791
alicia@poconos.org / prdept@poconos.org 

 

IT'S TIME FOR THE POCONO MOUNTAIN'S FALL FOLIAGE HOTLINE

POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pa., August 21, 2009 – The Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania will usher in the stunning colors of autumn with the annual Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau's (PMVB) 24-hour Fall Foliage Hotline.  Leaf peepers can learn exactly when and where to catch peak foliage colors throughout the four-county region calling the hotline at 570.421.5565 or logging on www.800poconos.com from September 8 – November 2, 2009.

"Generally, the leaves tend to change colors simultaneously, but with three zones within the Pocono Mountains, the foliage can peak at different times throughout the region," stated PMVB President and CEO Carl Wilgus.  "The fall foliage reports will provide specific information on these zones so people will know exactly where they can view the peak foliage."

Reports include the percentage of full color, estimated time leaves will be at their peak, percentage of leaves on the trees and a description of native tree species at their peak.  Information will be provided by the three regional Bureau of Forestry Offices representing the Northern, Central and Western zones.  The PMVB will update the reports on the hotline and Web site weekly.

A short drive from most major northeast metropolitan areas, visitors to the four-county region will find the Pocono Mountains more convenient than New England and equally awash in color; before traveling, they can call the 24-hour Fall Foliage Hotline (570.421.5565) or go online to www.800poconos.com to learn exactly when and where to catch peak foliage colors. 

About the Pocono Mountains

With 2,400 square miles encompassing Pennsylvania's Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties, the Pocono Mountains region is home to rolling mountain terrain, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, thriving woodlands and 170 miles of winding rivers.  Winters offer guests the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snow tube and even snowshoe their way through snowy wonderlands encompassing over 163 ski trails, while summers also cater to the active traveler allowing exploration of 261 miles of hiking and biking trails, over 35 golf courses, whitewater rafting, boating, fishing and open access to nine state and two national parks. 

Any time of year is a good time to visit the Pocono Mountains, located within driving distance of most major East Coast cities.  This region teeming with history offers year-round cultural tours and art exhibitions, abundant antiquing and brand-name shopping and a full calendar of festivals showcasing the heritage, music and food of the Pocono Mountains. 

Even the most discerning traveler will find comfortable accommodations in the Pocono Mountains, which offers an eclectic mix of resorts, distinctive properties and quaint, country inns and bed and breakfasts.

Comprehensive Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at www.800poconos.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667).  The Pocono Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania.   

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