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8.30.2018
8.26.2018
22+ Must-See PA Autumn Destinations
An autumn view of the Lehigh Gorge from the Fireline Trail at Hickory Run State Park in the Pocono Mountains
The view from Loyalsock State Forest's High Knob Overlook at sunset |
It is time to start planning some autumn adventures! Since our last fall articles, we have added a few more places that you have to check out during the fall. We have visited places all across the state during autumn, and these are some of our favorites. Whether you open your door and look outside, or if you go to your local state park, you are sure to see some beauty. The following are just a few of our absolute favorite places to check out in autumn, thanks to their exceptional beauty.
For some bonus places, be sure to check out all of the places on our massive guide to some the state's many spectacular scenic overlooks and vistas.
1) Fallingwater, Mill Run, PA, Fayette County
Fallingwater: One of the most famous houses in the world |
This world renowned Frank Lloyd Wright architectural wonder is absolutely stunning to see in autumn. The stark beauty of Fallingwater and the falls that it was built over are highlighted with the spectacular colors of the fall trees. We highly recommend going on a tour of the grounds and the building. For more information on visiting, check out their website at www.fallingwater.org
2) Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, PA, Northumberland and Columbia County
Knoebels is always our favorite place to visit within the state. The fantastic coasters, classic rides, and overall atmosphere of the park are heightened by the crisp autumn air and vivid fall colors. The park, along with Columbia and Montour Counties, also holds a Covered Bridge Festival on October 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th, where the local covered bridges are celebrated, including the ones located within the amusement park. The park also has Phoenix Phall Phunfest on October 7th as a kickoff to the Halloween season, with craft vendors, celebrations, a bonfire in their campground, and more. This kicks off the park's Hallo-Fun Weekends, October 13 – 15, 20 – 22, 27 – 29. We highly recommend taking in America's largest free admission, traditional amusement park as a part of your fall activities. For more information about visiting the park, check out our article and also visit www.knoebels.com
3) Big Pocono State Park, Tannersville, PA, Monroe County
The view from Big Pocono State Park, at the top of Camelback Mountain Ski Area and Resort |
There are a ton of fun sightseeing opportunities and activities going on in the Pocono region of the state. One of my favorite places to check out is Big Pocono State Park, high atop Camelback Mountain Ski Area and Resort. This overlook gives you a wide expanse of view over the Poconos, and to as far out as New Jersey and New York. There are also a ton of different activities to do at Camelback, including an alpine roller coaster, zip lining, and more. There are also a plethora of different places to see throughout the Poconos.
Our fourth stop takes us to Hickory Run State Park, one of the finest of PA's State Parks. The reds and yellows on the trees are fiery, and the contrast of them with the park's spectacular boulder field, especially in the midst of some morning fog, is nothing short of breathtaking. Terrific autumn views can be had throughout the park, especially the boulder field, and up on the Fireline Trail, looking down upon beautiful Lehigh Gorge. Last fall was not our first visit to the state park, but it was our first visit in the Autumn, and it was well worth the four hour drive from Pittsburgh. For more information on some of the many places to see at this huge state park, check out our article about it here.
Heading south from Hickory Run, along the Lehigh River, you will see many tremendous views of the Lehigh Gorge. Once you enter Jim Thorpe, you see the spectacular landscape, joined with beautiful Victorian architecture. Hop onto an excursion train ride along the gorge, or head on a hike up the gorge at Glen Onoko Falls or one of the other many amazing hikes in the area. We were amazed with our visit to the Lehigh Gorge and Pocono Mountains area last fall. For more information, check out this article.
Whether you are lakeside, or checking out the awesome vistas from higher up in the gorge of the Allegheny River, you are sure to see some amazing autumn views at the Allegheny Reservoir. One of the most stunning spots to visit is the Rimrock Overlook, a rock outcropping complete with a large stone stairway that takes you out to a perch high above the Allegheny Reservoir.
7) Strasburg Railroad, Strasburg, PA, Lancaster County
One of the four pristine early 20th century steam locomotives of the Strasburg Railroad. |
Hard work ethic is what makes Pennsylvania what it is. At no place is this more evident in the state than riding through Amish Country on the Strasburg Railroad in the fall. Amish farmers are tending to harvesting the crops they have worked so hard to tend to throughout the year. Around the area, you will find freshly baked goods and harvested crops.
The ride through Amish Country |
The railroad itself is also the result of very hard work. The Strasburg Railroad is part of a collaborative effort to preserve a historic short line railroad and to fully restore equipment from the golden age of railroading. Thanks to these efforts, there is a fine fleet of pristine locomotives, passenger cars, cabooses, and more, that are restored with full accuracy to their original specifications. My parents brought me here when I was little and visiting the railroad brings about great family memories that I've held on to ever since. Going back, I appreciate more and more how amazing this railroad is. This is an awesome place to visit at any time of the year, but especially during the autumn months. For more information on visiting, check out www.strasburgrailroad.com
A pumpkin patch next to the railroad. |
If the call of the wild beckons, Elk Country in the PA Great Outdoors Region in Benezette, PA is where you want to go. Autumn is the time of the rut, when the Elk practice their mating rituals. You will see male suitors duke it out, grunt, stomp, and lock antlers and compete while their potential mate watches. It is a spectacular sight. Couple that with the fall colors, especially at the nearby Marion Brooks Reserve with its amazing grove of birches, and the rest of the attractions in the PA Great Outdoors Region, and you have a terrific place to go in the fall, in addition to the nearby Kinzua Bridge. This region is perfect. Nearby Clarion also holds an Autumn Leaf Festival, complete with amusement rides, vendors, and more.
9) and 10) Worlds End State Park and Loyalsock State Forest, Sullivan County
The views afforded at Worlds End State Park and the Loyalsock State Forest in the autumn are nothing short of incredible. The colors make the trees almost appear as if they are on fire. It is incredible to see. Loyalsock Canyon Vista in Worlds End State Park and the High Knob Overlook in the adjacent Loyalsock State Forest, are stunning places to take in these fall views.
View from High Knob Overlook at sunset |
View from the Loyalsock Canyon Vista at Worlds End State Park |
11) and 12) Marie Antoinette Overlook and Wyalusing Rocks, Route 6 in Bradford County
Similar to the last two, these overlooks are within a few miles of each other. It is also easy to make a beeline 45 minutes northeast from Worlds End to hit these two overlooks. The history at both of these spots is extremely fascinating, and well worth checking out.
The Marie Antoinette Overlook looks out over a stunning bend in the Susquehanna River. French Azilum, a place that was rumored to be an exile point for the ill-fated French Queen. In the fall, the colors in this area are extraordinary.
Just a little bit east of Marie Antoinette Overlook, is the Wyalusing Rocks Overlook, looking over an even tighter bend in the Susquehanna River. This place has been a historic spot for many generations of history in North America and is well worth checking out.
13) Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, PA, Allegheny County
If you live in Pittsburgh, a great place to go spend a weeknight or afternoon is at Schenley Park.
Serpentine Drive in Schenley Park
As one of our nation's largest urban wooded areas, you are bound to find beautiful colors at every corner of the park and throughout the CCC, Great Depression era, infrastructure throughout the park.
14) Route 40 Overlook, Hopwood, PA, Laurel Highlands, Fayette County
The Route 40 Overlook in Hopwood, deep in the Laurel Highlands and near Ohiopyle State Park, Fallingwater, and Laurel Caverns. This overlook looks over a deep crevasse and Uniontown. The colors are especially vivid at this spot, in addition to Ohiopyle State Park.
15) Wine Country, North East, PA, Erie County
Fresh grapes? Need I say more? Between the cool colors, the smell of harvested grapes lingering through the air, and the always awesome views of Lake Erie, North East, PA is an awesome place to sit and relax. Be sure to check out the dozens of wineries and vineyards up and down the shores of Lake Erie.
There is nothing like fresh grapes! |
16) Tunnelview Park, New Alexandria, PA, Westmoreland County
Tunnelview Park, Indiana County |
Tunnelview Park is home to multiple generations of canal and rail history, with three transportation related tunnels, and accompanying bridges. This is a spectacular and often overlooked spot, deep in the Loyalhanna Gorge. Read more about this awesome place from this article about an autumn visit and one from a winter visit.
17) Mingo Creek Park, Finleyville, PA, Washington County
Mingo Creek Park in Washington County is a place that takes its covered bridges seriously. They have two beautiful covered bridges, including one that was moved and saved from demolition. The autumn colors are especially vibrant in this location. For more information on visiting, check out our article on this awesome place.
18) Renziehausen Park Rose Garden and Arboretum, McKeesport, PA, Allegheny County
The Renzie Park Rose Garden in McKeesport is the result of decades of hard work by community members through the Garden Club of McKeesport. The fall roses, coupled with the colors of the trees of the arboretum, make this an exceptional site to take in the sights of autumn.
19) Nockamixon State Park, Near Quakertown, PA, Bucks County
There is nothing quite like the feeling of crisp autumn air when you are out on the water. Lake Nockamixon at Nockamixon State Park is an awesome place to go during the fall months for these reasons. Additionally, the leaves seem to get exceptionally colorful in this location. Horseback riding, hiking, boating, sail boating, and more await visitors to this awesome state park. Nearby, you can also check out the funky Ringing Rocks County Park, home to an exceptional geologic wonder. For more information on visiting, check out our article on Nockamixon.
20) Raystown Lake
While Raystown Lake is beautiful to visit at any time of the year, the Proud Mary Showboat offers special autumn cruises to see the colors on the lake. Be sure to check this out!
21) Forbes State Forest and Linn Run State Park, Westmoreland and Somerset Counties
This area has some incredible hikes and views. It is well worth checking out in the autumn. Here is a guide of the area around Linn Run State Park.
22) Right outside your door!
Autumn is stunning in PA, so get out there and appreciate it!
Autumn is stunning in PA, so get out there and appreciate it!
This list is far from all encompassing, but these are places you should plan to see at least once during the fall months. Have a great time! For further suggestions on places to check out, be sure to explore our Vistas and Scenic Overlooks guide at the following link, all of which are sure to look great in the fall months.
8.12.2018
Susquehanna River Vista: US 15 Overlook Near Williamsport
Today we take a look at the beautiful Route 15 Overlook/Montgomery Pike Overlook on Route 15, just south of South Williamsport. It gives a stunning view of the Susquehanna Valley at the confluence of Lycoming Creek and the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. The overlook is located within Tiadaghton State Forest. The view is roughly 300 feet above the Susquehanna River, atop Bald Eagle Mountain, at a total elevation of 1083 feet. It is only accessible from the Northbound lanes on US 15.
In addition to the confluence, the Williamsport Airport is also within view. The airport gets humming with activity every August for the Little League World Series, ushering in players and media from all over the world. Located just down the mountain from here is the World of Little League Museum, in addition to the stadium.
The overlook is a noted birdwatching site, with this spot being a major hotspot for hawk migrations.
The view primarily faces northwards. There is something awesome about the overlooks of the Susquehanna. The geology and stunning meanders of the river make it extremely scenic.
The glow of the sunset was particularly beautiful with its reflections upon the water. To visit this overlook, be sure to be in the Northbound lanes, just south of South Williamsport. If you are heading southbound, be sure to turn around at your first opportunity to check this out. There is even a picnic area at the overlook, so be sure to bring a picnic lunch with you, along with some binoculars and a camera.8.06.2018
Raystown Lake Region Hiking: Trough Creek State Park and More
Today we continue our adventures around the Raystown Lake Region with a look at a few of the many hiking opportunities throughout the area. On this trip, we hiked throughout the beautiful Trough Creek State Park. This stunning little state park has so much to offer, with one of the finest short hikes in the state. Several of our other visits to this state park can be seen here, and here. Within a half mile of hiking, you will cross a suspension bridge, walk in a creek valley, up to the Rainbow Falls Waterfall, and climb up the side of the gorge to Balanced Rock, a stunning rock outcropping. Additional hikes lead throughout the park.
Copperous Rock is a rock face that has strands of ferrous sulfate that give the rock its copper like streaking.
The gorge is filled with hemlocks.
The areas around the road are filled with these beautiful and heavily forested picnic groves. Just writing about it is making me want to go back there right now.
Balanced Rock, a beautiful rock outcropping, showing from the other side of the gorge. The hike up to it is extremely fun.
The gorge is filled with rhododendrons. I have never seen rhododendrons thrive as much in any other place. The views are absolutely stunning throughout the summer. They are also beautiful to see in the winter as the leaves pull themselves inwards to protect themselves from the cold.
Brit, Dave's parents, and their dog, Niko, crossing the Suspension Bridge.
Trough Creek Gorge is simply serene.
A view of the suspension bridge.
The sides of the gorge rocky and covered with moss, ferns, and some determined trees with their gnarly roots.
Rainbow Falls. In the summer, these falls are little more than a trickle, but they are still very pretty and relaxing to watch.
From this point, you climb up the side of the falls.
And the hike leads you to the beautiful Balanced Rock, a stunning rock outcropping and erosional remnant.
All of us!
Have I mentioned that the forests at Trough Creek State Park are beautiful?
Rhododendron flowers beginning to fall.
Heading down the gorge.
There is nothing quite like seeing rhododendron flowers in the middle of the summer.
The Ice Mine is a remnant from an attempted iron mine. The mine did not work out, but the attempted mine shaft carries nice and chilly air to the surface. In the spring and early summer when the seasonal warmth shows up, the condensation from the warm air freezes on the walls of this cave. By this point, the ice had melted, but the rush of cold air provides some nice and natural air conditioning to cool you down after some hikes.
Some of the other hikes in the region include the spectacular Standing Stone Trail, which is open to distance hikers and day hikers and includes places like the Throne Room and Thousand Steps. There is also the Terrace Mountain Trail, and more. Raystown has so much to offer for those who seek outdoor adventure and hikes for all skill levels.
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