Experience Autumn in PA’s Countryside
Here in the Endless Mountains, stunning fall scenery and rustic, small-town traditions just come naturally. The forests are blazing with fiery fall colors, and the crisp, cool days are perfect for exploring hidden backroads and historic towns.
From corn mazes to fall festivals to leaf peeping, our region offers classic fall fun for the entire family. Experience harvest time at our local farms, where you can pick pumpkins and drink apple cider right from the source. For the best views, look no further than our countless trails, parks, and public lands. And if scenic drives are more your style, get off the beaten path and take a rambling road trip through the country.
Gather the family, bundle up in your coziest flannel, and check out these autumn activities in Northeast Pennsylvania’s countryside.
Admire the Fall Foliage
This time of the year, the Endless Mountains are decked out in deep red, stunning orange, and brilliant gold. Hit the road for a leaf peeping tour around the region.
Rural Sullivan County boasts several vistas that are accessible by car—all the better for fall foliage views! The Loyalsock Canyon Vista at World’s End State Park offers sweeping views of the forest and valley. The vista is accessible via Mineral Spring Road and Cold Run Road. High Knob Overlook near Hillsgrove is another roadside stop that boasts views from over 2,000 feet above sea level.
Depending on the weather, fall foliage normally peaks in early to mid-October in the Endless Mountains. Check out DCNR’s fall foliage report for weekly updates and peak viewing times.
Take a Fall Hike or Bike Ride
Hit the trails this autumn to see Mother Nature’s handiwork at its best. The Endless Mountains are home to hundreds of thousands of acres of parks and public lands that are just waiting to be explored.
Our state parks feature trails for every skill level. At World’s End State Park, the rugged High Rock Trail is a tough climb, but well worth the view of the canyon below. Ricketts Glen State Park is famous for the challenging Falls Trail, while Laurel View Trail and Evergreen Trail offer gentler terrain. Salt Springs State Park in Montrose is another family favorite with excellent views of the gorge. And don’t miss our newest state park, Vosburg Neck State Park in Tunkhannock. Formerly the Howland Preserve, this park boasts over eight miles of flowing single-track trails through the forest.
Go Pumpkin Picking
A trip to the pumpkin patch is a “must” on your fall bucket list. Search for the perfect pumpkin at family-run farms like Brown Hill Farms in Tunkhannock or Whistle Pig Pumpkin Patch in Noxen. In addition to u-pick pumpkins, both farms offer family activities like corn mazes and hayrides, which will keep the kids (and parents) busy all afternoon. Our local pumpkin patches are typically open on weekends from late September through late October.
Attend a Fall Festival
Discover the charm of the Endless Mountains at one of our fall events. Explore our small towns at festivals like the Dushore Fall Festival (October 7) and Tunkhannock’s Hometown Harvest Fest (October 7), which feature fun activities for the whole family. Don’t miss the thrilling Lumberjack and Chainsaw Carving Competition (October 14 – 15) in Forksville, or browse the arts and crafts vendors at the Elk Mountain Fall Festival (October 7 – 8) in Union Dale.
Crisp fall days are perfect for sampling local wine. Gather some friends to celebrate at the Tunkhannock Rotary Harvest & Wine Festival (October 14) and the Endless Mountains HalloWINEfest (October 28).
Old Mill Village in New Milford will host a family-friendly Fall Festival & Pumpkintown (September 16 – 17). You’re sure to get in the spooky spirit with their candlelit Historic Ghost Walks of PA (October 13 – 14 and 20 – 21) and the Witches’ Tea (October 28).
Plan Your Trip to the Endless Mountains
Pennsylvania’s Endless Mountains are full of outdoor adventures and family fun, no matter what season. Request a free guide to learn more about things to do, places to stay, and sights to see!
Originally published: October 20, 2022
Last updated: September 12, 2023