Thanks to Carl Whitehill, of Gettysburg Tourism Works for providing this most helpful information
Foliage.org: What are the projected dates for the area of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and Adams County autumn foliage season?
Peak season in the Gettysburg, Adams County, area is typically the third week in October, with autumn foliage on display several weeks after peak.
Foliage.org: Are there areas, vistas, scenic lookouts or other destinations within Gettysburg that are known for their uniquely beautiful autumn foliage displays?
The Gettysburg National Military Park (the battlefield) is a majestic place to catch a glimpse of the fall foliage. Standing atop Little Round Top – one of the most famous battlegrounds – visitors can overlook several miles over the battlefield, farm land and to the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. North of Gettysburg is Pennsylvania’s Fruit Belt. A drive through our Apple Country and its rolling hills gives visitors many unique views of the colorful fall foliage. The new Hauser Estate Winery sits perched a top one of the highest points in the region and gives a great view over the Adams County landscape.
Foliage.org: What are the local and regional roads or highways that are favorite scenic routes for Fall tourists?
Route 234 is probably the richest for fall foliage. The road runs from one side of the county to the other and run smack-dab through Apple Country. Not only will visitors see beautiful fall colors, but can experience roadside farmer’s markets, pick-your-own fruit and several wineries along the route.
The hills along Route 30 (The Lincoln Highway) also provide unique looks at the autumn leaves as visitors near the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west.
Foliage.org: What festivals or other public events are take place during foliage season?
The biggest event in the Gettysburg, Adams County, area is the National Apple Harvest Festival – which runs two consecutive weekends in October. This event brings in close to 100,000 people and features lots of food, entertainment, demonstrations, crafts and everything apple – apple pies, apple sausage, apple butter, apple sauce, and apple pancakes.
Foliage.org: Are there historic or cultural sites that are popular destinations for Fall foliage travelers? What are they?
The Gettysburg National Military Park is not only a historic and hallowed ground, it’s one of the most scenic in the United States. Come Autumn, the 6,000 acres of preserved battleground are surrounded by the beautiful fall colors. Visitors can tour the battlefield in a variety of ways, including automobile, bus, horseback, bicycle and Segway personal transporter.
Foliage.org: What are some other popular tourist attractions for autumn travelers to Gettysburg .What are some of the less well known, but much loved local attractions?
Few recognize that the countryside surrounding Gettysburg is so rich in fruit and wine. Several orchards and wineries have joined to form the Gettysburg Fruit & Wine Tour, a truly unique experience. There’s also attractions in Adams County such as Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum or the Land of Little Horses Farm Park that give Gettysburg’s 3 million visitors a break from the history.
Foliage.org: Are there favorite destinations for history, literature, architecture buffs, or antique collectors? What are they?
Nearby New Oxford, Pennsylvania, is one of the largest hubs of antique shops in the country. This quaint little town is flooded with antique malls and can keep any level of collector busy for days. Both Gettysburg and New Oxford are filled with eclectic shopping, boutiques and charming restaurants.
Foliage.org: What are some favorite destinations or activities of
Families traveling during the Fall travel season?
Boyds Bear Country, which touts itself as one of the largest teddy bear
stores in the world, hosts its annual Fall Frolic, several weekends of activities for children and families. Fall is also ghost season in Gettysburg, when visitors can explore Gettysburg’s nightlife through ghost tours and candlelight walks.
Foliage.org: What are some helpful resources for discovering local inns, bed and breakfasts, lodges, boutique hotels, and other local lodging and dining?
To find a comprehensive list of places to stay – whether it be historic inns or large hotels visit out website Destination Gettysburg
Foliage.org: Is there anything else you would like to tell visitors thinking about traveling to Gettysburg for the fall foliage season?
Fall is a special time in the Gettysburg area. It’s a great chance to see that Gettysburg is much more than a Civil War battle. For Adams County, it means harvest time and between the cool weather and less-crowded streets and sidewalks, it makes for an enjoyable visit.