Thanks to Alison Smith of the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau for providing this most helpful information.
Foliage.org: What are the projected dates for York County’s foliage season?
Generally “peak” arrives in the last two weeks of October with the broader season affected by summer weather and annual variations in temperature. Penn State’s Cooperative Extension, York may offer greater details.
Foliage.org: Are there areas, vistas, scenic lookouts or other destinations within York County that are known for their uniquely beautiful autumn foliage displays?
The towns along the Susquehanna River, such as Wrightsville, PA, offer stunning views from the historic Wrightsville Bridge. Also Highpoint Scenic Vista and Sam Lewis State Park. The towns of Seven Valleys in Southern York County – home to a fantastic winery that is one of 13 on our UnCork York Wine Trail, serenity-station, where you can dine al fresco, rent a bike or get a facial!
Foliage.org: What are the local and regional roads or highways that are favorite scenic routes for Fall tourists?
Rt. 624 – scenic drive along the Susquehanna River
Rt 216 – beautiful drive thru Hanover, PA – and takes you thru Codorus State Park.
Foliage.org: What festivals or other public events are taking place during the 2009 Fall foliage season?
Flinchbaugh’s Fall Harvest Fest.
Brown’s (North) Orchard Fall Fest.
Spoutwood Farm’s Annual Mother Earth Harvest Fest.
Foliage.org: Are there historic or cultural sites that are popular destinations for Fall foliage travelers? What are they?
Cider-Fest at Wallace-Cross Mill. Sample fresh York County cider and scrumptious fall fare while you tour this historic mill.
Zimmerman House -home to the Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Region – tours and NEW Heritage Lands Trail
https://www.lyhr.org/
Shank’s Mare Outfitter’s – grab a nosh at the lock 2 cafe after you’ve paddled out to the Conejohela Flats where you spotted bald eagles and river otters!
Foliage.org: What are some other popular tourist attractions for autumn travelers to York County? What are some of the less well known, but much loved local attractions?
Shank’s Mare Outfitters along Rt. 624 near the Susquehanna River offers paddle experiences for all ages and levels. Great guides and reasonably priced! Codorus State Park – Lake Marburg’s 26-miles of shoreline makes Codorus State Park a must-see for paddlers, wind-surfers and bird watchers of all stripes. Sam Lewis State Park – Soak in spectacular views of the Susquehanna River at Sam Lewis State Park. From Mt. Pisgah’s 885-foot high ridge you’ll stand where Washington considered our nation’s strategy for independence.
Foliage.org: Are there favorite destinations for history, literature, architecture buffs, or antique collectors? What are they?
Downtown York’s architecture is always a draw, but even more so as the leaves change. The tones of the victorian era homes take on new hues against the changing trees.
Annual Oyster Festival & Colonial Day Celebration Enjoy a feast of good eats and spirits that would make our nation’s founders proud. (York County Heritage Trust runs numerous historic sites)
Foliage.org: What are some favorite destinations or activities of families traveling during the Fall travel season?
Paddle your way to adventure on the majestic Susquehanna River. Discover a vast array of wildlife, from ospreys to tundra swans, along the Conejohela Flats, a major migratory bird stopover on the Atlantic flyway.
FREE Factory Tours are always a great family-friendly and value-added vacation perk! visit www.yorkpa.org and click on factory tours for details.
York County Heritage Rail Trail in 21 miles of fun, history and a chance to unwind with nature. Pedal your way thru history on York County Heritage Rail, which runs north from the Mason-Dixon line terminating at York City’s Colonial Courthouse. Cruise along the Rail Trail and discover off the beaten path historic sites including the Howard Tunnel, New Freedom and Hanover Junction train stations. Each station offers a distinct perspective on York County’s pivotal role in transforming America. Make a pit stop off the Rail Trail at Serenity-Station for garden-fresh al fresco fare.
Foliage.org: What are some helpful resources for discovering local inns, bed and breakfasts, lodges, boutique hotels, and other local lodging and dining?
www.yorkpa.org view an online clickable version of our 2009 Visitors Guide for all ways you can stay and play!
Foliage.org: Is there anything else you would like to tell visitors thinking about traveling York County for the fall foliage season?
Autumn on the Susquehanna – must see – yorkpa.org/river