Fall Wellness Escape: Nourishing Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat in Pennsylvania Mountains

The retreat runs over five days and four nights, from September 27 to October 1, 2026. It takes place at River Mountain Retreat in Everett, Pennsylvania, about two and a half hours from several major East Coast cities. The property includes the main lodge, two yoga dens, an old barn, a greenhouse, and two hot tubs, all set among 150 acres of forest and fields. The idea is that you arrive, get shown to your accommodation, and then don't have to think about logistics again until you leave.

Mornings start with yoga in the dens, which are positioned to catch the rising sun. After a self-serve breakfast, there's meditation and pranayama, and the afternoons are often free for hiking the River Mountain trail loop, exploring Sweet Root Creek, or just resting. Evenings bring restorative yoga, sound therapy, guided meditations, and community time around the fire. There's also a sit-spot practice, the aromatherapy workshop, and an opening ceremony with sounding healing on the first night.

What makes this retreat different is the combination of structure and freedom. The hosts have designed it so you can participate in everything, or barely anything. The location is a big part of the experience — you're surrounded by nature, with state parks and public land bordering the property, so you have access to more than 30,000 acres of wilderness. The fall timing means the colors are at their peak, and the cooler mornings and evenings make the hot tubs and fire pit even more appealing.

The retreat is capped at 16 guests, so it never feels crowded. There are two glamping cabins, each with room for up to eight guests, with shared pods that have queen beds, plus a private yurt that can hold two to four people. The hosts are Jill Izzo and Jenn McConnell. Jill has 500 hours of RYT training plus another 500 hours in Instinctive Meditation, and she runs the aromatherapy workshop. Jenn co-owns The Yoga Hive in Manahawkin, New Jersey, and has led retreats around the world. They're both involved throughout, and they're supported by the River Mountain staff.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation in a shared glamping pod or private yurt - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Snacks and healthy munchies throughout the day - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Welcome drink - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama classes - Specialized workshops (including aromatherapy) - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Hot tubs for soaking - Aromatherapy workshop - Community gathering hour daily - Welcome bag & goodies - Reusable products to use during the retreat and to take home - Pre and post retreat support from our team - Parking - Wi-Fi connection

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Massage/body work sessions - Additional treatments - Additional activities not included in the itinerary