Foliage.org: What are the projected dates for Central PA’s Susquehanna River Valley peak foliage season?
Typically, mid-to-late October is the best time to take a scenic drive or bike ride through our country sides to view fall foliage.
Are there areas, vistas, scenic lookouts or other destinations within the Susquehanna River Valley that are known for their uniquely beautiful autumn foliage displays?
There are many scenic vistas, but two excellent overlooks are located at:
- Shikellamy State Park Marina and Overlook
- RB Winter State Park Overlook
Many of our Top 20 Scenic River Views provide excellent views of the Susquehanna River and fall foliage, as well.
What are the local and regional roads or highways that are favorite scenic routes for Fall tourists?
The Susquehanna River Valley is easily accessible from Interstate 80 from the east and west and Routes 11 and 15 from the north and south.
The region is approximately 1 hour north of Harrisburg (60 miles), 1.5 hours from Gettysburg (100 miles), 2.5 hours from Philadelphia (165 miles), 3.5 hours from NYC (200 miles), 3 hours from Washington DC (175 miles), and 1.5 hours from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (80 miles).
Favorite routes include the Route 45/192 Loop, Route 104, Route 304, Route 54, Route 522 and many others
What Pennsylvania festivals or public events are taking place during the Fall foliage season?
The region offers countless opportunities to pick pumpkins, go on a hayride through the countryside, or navigate through a corn maze. Ard’s Corn Maze is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday September through November 1. There are many harvest and heritage festivals throughout October and November, including:
- Mifflinburg’s Oktoberfest (October)
- Warrior Run-Fort Freeland Heritage Days (October)
- Shade Mountain Winery’s Harvest Festival (October)
- Woolly Worm Festival
- Fall Harvest Festival at Shikellamy State Park (October)
- Three Ponds Fall Harvest Wine Festival (October)
- Stroll Through the Arts Weekend
- Heritage Day at Priestley House
Are there historic or cultural sites that are popular destinations for Fall foliage travelers? What are they?
The region offers five Museums: Packwood House Museum, Slifer House Museum, Joseph Priestley House Museum, Dale/Engle/Walker House, and the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum. The region also has five wineries, located along the Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail.
More info about these historical sites, wineries, and much more, can be found at VisitCentralPA.org
What are some other popular tourist attractions for autumn travelers to the Susquehanna River Valley. What are some of the less well known, but much loved local attractions?
Knoebels Amusement Resort, America’s largest free-admission Amusement Park, will host family-friendly Halloween activities in October.
Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland in Allenwoodwhich has a Butterflies exhibit and a “Dinosaurs Come to Life” exhibit through mid-October, and an Art Deco movie palace called the Campus Theatre.
Ard’s Corn Maze,Route 45 in Lewisburg,is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday September through November 1. They also offer hayrides to the pumpkin patch and dozens of kids activities.
Are there favorite destinations for history, literature, architecture buffs, or antique collectors? What are they?
The region offers dozens of antique shops – some are located in historic downtowns, and others in grist mills or restored barns.
What are some favorite destinations or activities of families traveling during the Fall travel season?
The region offers countless opportunities to pick pumpkins, go on a hayride through the countryside, or navigate through a corn maze. This is also the perfect time of year to visit our 17 covered bridges.
What are some helpful resources for discovering local inns, bed and breakfasts, lodges, boutique hotels, and other local lodging and dining?
VisitCentralPA.org breaks down lodging options by hotels, bed and breakfasts, cottages, houses, cabins, and campgrounds.
Visitors can also request a free Official Guide that outlines lodging options.
Is there anything else you would like to tell visitors thinking about traveling to the Susquehanna River Valley for the fall foliage season?
Dense woodlands surround much of this beautiful region, making it home to some of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful old-growth forests. Our highways and byways are ideal for glorious autumn afternoon drives or bicycle rides. Our peaceful country roads, mountains, valleys, and pastoral fields are sure to inspire you.
Foliage.org would like to thank Lisa Leighton of VisitCentralPA.org for this thorough guide for planning a PA fall foliage trip.