As the air turns crisp and the leaves transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, Pennsylvania becomes a fall wonderland brimming with seasonal activities and stunning landscapes. The state’s diverse regions, from the rolling hills of Amish country to the rugged beauty of the Poconos, offer countless opportunities to experience autumn in all its glory. Whether you’re in search of family-friendly festivals, breathtaking foliage, or outdoor adventures, Pennsylvania has something for everyone during the fall months.
Fall Foliage in Pennsylvania: A Colorful Spectacle
One of the most iconic features of fall in Pennsylvania is the breathtaking foliage that paints the state’s forests, mountains, and valleys. Pennsylvania is home to over 120 state parks and vast expanses of wilderness, making it a prime destination for leaf peepers.
1. Laurel Highlands
Located in southwestern Pennsylvania, the Laurel Highlands is a perfect spot for experiencing fall foliage. The rolling hills, forested valleys, and scenic overlooks in this region create a dramatic backdrop for autumn’s vibrant colors. The area is home to numerous parks, hiking trails, and historic sites that offer stunning views of the changing leaves.
Best Spots to See Fall Foliage in the Laurel Highlands:
- Ohiopyle State Park: Known for its waterfalls and whitewater rapids, Ohiopyle State Park also offers a fantastic display of fall colors. Take a walk along the Great Allegheny Passage or hike the Ferncliff Peninsula Trail for the best views.
- Laurel Hill State Park: Explore the park’s many trails, which take you through dense forests filled with oaks, maples, and birches that turn brilliant shades of red and gold in the fall.
- Flight 93 Memorial: Pay your respects at the Flight 93 National Memorial while taking in the peaceful beauty of the surrounding landscape, which becomes especially stunning during the autumn months.
2. Poconos Mountains
The Poconos is a popular destination for fall activities, offering spectacular foliage as well as a variety of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or driving, the Poconos offers endless opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the season.
Best Spots to See Fall Foliage in the Poconos:
- Big Pocono State Park: Located on the summit of Camelback Mountain, this park offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, which come alive with fall colors.
- Lehigh Gorge State Park: Explore the trails along the Lehigh River, where the trees lining the gorge create a colorful tapestry of autumn leaves.
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: Straddling the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, this area offers miles of scenic drives and hiking trails with stunning fall views.
3. Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Also known as Pine Creek Gorge, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon offers some of the most spectacular fall foliage in the state. This 50-mile-long canyon is surrounded by dense forests that blaze with autumn colors, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Best Spots to See Fall Foliage in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon:
- Leonard Harrison State Park: The park’s overlook provides sweeping views of the canyon and the surrounding fall foliage. Hike the Turkey Path for a more immersive experience.
- Colton Point State Park: Located on the opposite side of the canyon from Leonard Harrison, this park offers equally stunning views of the gorge and fall colors.
Hiking Trails to Explore During Fall in Pennsylvania
Hiking in Pennsylvania during the fall is an incredible way to experience the season up close. With cooler temperatures and brilliant foliage, fall is the ideal time to hit the trails.
1. Glen Onoko Falls Trail – Jim Thorpe
Located near the charming town of Jim Thorpe, the Glen Onoko Falls Trail is a moderately challenging hike that rewards visitors with stunning waterfalls and beautiful autumn scenery. The trail climbs steeply through a gorge, passing several waterfalls along the way, with the vibrant fall foliage providing a stunning backdrop.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 3.7 miles round trip
- Highlights: Waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and a vibrant display of fall leaves.
2. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary – Kempton
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a haven for bird watchers, especially during the fall migration when thousands of raptors pass overhead. The sanctuary’s trails lead to several scenic overlooks that offer spectacular views of the fall foliage and the migrating birds.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Length: Various trails, with the most popular being the Lookout Trail (1.5 miles round trip)
- Highlights: Birdwatching, scenic overlooks, and stunning fall colors.
3. Ricketts Glen State Park – Benton
Ricketts Glen is famous for its network of waterfalls, and the park becomes even more enchanting in the fall when the surrounding forests burst into color. The Falls Trail, which takes hikers past 21 waterfalls, is the park’s most popular hike and is especially stunning in autumn.
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Length: 7.2 miles round trip
- Highlights: Waterfalls, colorful foliage, and rugged terrain.
4. Kinzua Bridge State Park – Mount Jewett
Kinzua Bridge State Park is home to the Kinzua Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway that extends over the remnants of the historic Kinzua Viaduct. The views from the skywalk are breathtaking in the fall, with the surrounding valley filled with vibrant fall colors. For those who want to explore more, the park offers hiking trails that take you through the forest and offer even more views of the foliage.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 1 mile round trip (Skywalk), with additional hiking trails available
- Highlights: Skywalk, scenic views, and fall foliage.
5. Bushkill Falls – Bushkill
Often referred to as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” Bushkill Falls is a series of eight waterfalls located in the Pocono Mountains. The falls are surrounded by lush forests that come alive with color in the fall, making this a popular destination for leaf peepers and hikers alike.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Length: Various trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes
- Highlights: Waterfalls, fall foliage, and well-maintained trails.
Apple Picking and Pumpkin Patches in Pennsylvania
No fall season is complete without a visit to an apple orchard or pumpkin patch. Pennsylvania is home to many family-owned farms that offer seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin picking, hayrides, and corn mazes.
1. Solebury Orchards – New Hope
Solebury Orchards is a beautiful farm located in Bucks County, offering apple picking during the fall season. The orchard grows a variety of apples, from Honeycrisp to Fuji, and visitors can enjoy strolling through the scenic fields as they fill their bags with fresh apples. After picking, be sure to try their delicious apple cider and donuts.
- Best Time to Visit: September through October
- Activities: Apple picking, farm stand, cider, and donuts.
2. Shady Brook Farm – Yardley
Shady Brook Farm is a popular destination for fall fun in southeastern Pennsylvania. In addition to apple and pumpkin picking, the farm offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including a corn maze, hayrides, and a pumpkin festival. Shady Brook is also known for its impressive Fall Fest, which features live entertainment, food trucks, and a beer garden.
- Best Time to Visit: September through October
- Activities: Apple picking, pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, and Fall Fest.
3. Linvilla Orchards – Media
Linvilla Orchards is a family-friendly destination that offers a variety of fall activities, including apple picking, pumpkin picking, hayrides, and a corn maze. The farm also hosts a series of fall festivals, where visitors can enjoy live music, food, and seasonal treats. Linvilla’s market is stocked with fresh produce, apple cider, pies, and other fall goodies.
- Best Time to Visit: September through October
- Activities: Apple picking, pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn maze, and fall festivals.
4. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm – Ronks
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is located in the heart of Amish Country and is one of the most popular fall destinations in Pennsylvania. The farm is known for its massive corn maze, which takes visitors on a fun and challenging journey through the cornfields. In addition to the corn maze, the farm offers pumpkin picking, hayrides, and a variety of family-friendly attractions.
- Best Time to Visit: September through November
- Activities: Corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, and family-friendly attractions.
5. Paulus Orchards – Dillsburg
Paulus Orchards is a charming farm located in central Pennsylvania that offers apple picking, pumpkin picking, and a variety of fall activities. The farm’s Fall Fest features a corn maze, hayrides, and plenty of farm-fresh goodies to enjoy. Paulus Orchards is a great place to bring the family for a day of outdoor fun.
- Best Time to Visit: September through October
- Activities: Apple picking, pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, and Fall Fest.
Fall Festivals and Events in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to many fall festivals and events that celebrate the season with food, music, crafts, and family-friendly activities. Here are some of the top fall festivals to check out.
1. Bloomsburg Fair – Bloomsburg
The Bloomsburg Fair is one of the largest and oldest fairs in Pennsylvania, dating back to 1855. Held every September, this week-long event features agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, live entertainment, and plenty of food vendors. The fair is a great way to kick off the fall season and experience a true Pennsylvania tradition.
- When: Late September
- Where: Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
- Highlights: Agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, carnival rides, and food vendors.
2. Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire – Manheim
Step back in time at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, held every fall at Mount Hope Estate in Manheim. This immersive event transports visitors to a 16th-century village filled with costumed performers, jousting tournaments, artisan vendors, and themed entertainment. The Renaissance Faire runs from August through October, making it a perfect fall weekend activity.
- When: August through October
- Where: Manheim, Pennsylvania
- Highlights: Jousting tournaments, costumed performers, artisan vendors, and themed entertainment.
3. Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival – Jim Thorpe
The picturesque town of Jim Thorpe comes alive during the Fall Foliage Festival, held over three weekends in October. The festival features live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and train rides through the Lehigh Gorge, offering visitors stunning views of the fall foliage. The charming Victorian architecture of Jim Thorpe provides the perfect backdrop for this fall celebration.
- When: October
- Where: Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
- Highlights: Live music, train rides, arts and crafts, and fall foliage.
4. Pumpkin Festival at the Country Creek Winery – Telford
The Pumpkin Festival at Country Creek Winery is a family-friendly event that celebrates all things fall. The festival features pumpkin picking, hayrides, live music, and, of course, delicious wine tastings. The scenic vineyard provides the perfect setting for a relaxing fall day.
- When: October
- Where: Telford, Pennsylvania
- Highlights: Pumpkin picking, hayrides, live music, and wine tastings.
5. Bedford Fall Foliage Festival – Bedford
The Bedford Fall Foliage Festival is a beloved tradition in southern Pennsylvania, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of fall in the Allegheny Mountains. The festival features craft vendors, live entertainment, and a parade, all set against the backdrop of Bedford’s historic downtown. The festival is held over two weekends in October.
- When: October
- Where: Bedford, Pennsylvania
- Highlights: Craft vendors, live entertainment, and a fall parade.
In Short
Pennsylvania is a true gem when it comes to fall activities, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and seasonal fun. Whether you’re marveling at the vibrant fall foliage, hiking through scenic trails, picking apples and pumpkins, or enjoying a local festival, there’s no shortage of things to do during the autumn months. So, grab your flannel shirt, sip on some apple cider, and explore all that Pennsylvania has to offer this fall season.
