As the fall season progresses, central Pennsylvania is witnessing a vibrant display of autumn colors. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources reports that the region's foliage is nearing its peak, offering stunning views of red, orange, and yellow hues. Recent cooler temperatures and rainfall have helped enhance the colors, providing a picturesque landscape for leaf-peepers.
According to state foresters, areas such as Rothrock State Forest in Huntingdon County and Bald Eagle State Forest in Union, Mifflin, and Snyder counties are currently showcasing a mix of vibrant colors. In Rothrock, birch and beech trees are displaying the most color, while Bald Eagle State Forest features colorful birch, red maple, and sassafras. The peak color is expected to continue into mid- to late October.
🍁 Top Fall Foliage Trails in Berks County
1. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
- 📍 Location: Kempton
- 🥾 Trail Options: Lookout Trail, River of Rocks Trail
- 🌄 Highlights: Sweeping views of the Appalachian Mountains, vibrant foliage, and raptor migration viewing from August to December.
2. French Creek State Park
- 📍 Location: Elverson
- 🥾 Trail Options: Boone Trail, Lenape Trail, Mill Creek Trail
- 🌳 Highlights: Dense forests, lakeside paths, and colorful hardwoods. Great for both short walks and longer hikes.
3. Monocacy Hill Recreation Area
- 📍 Location: Amity Township
- 🥾 Trail Length: ~2 miles loop
- 🌲 Highlights: Wooded trails with rocky outcrops and panoramic views of the valley.
4. Gring’s Mill Recreation Area
- 📍 Location: Wyomissing
- 🥾 Trail Type: Easy walking paths
- 🏞️ Highlights: Scenic bridges, water features, and tree-lined paths perfect for a relaxing stroll.
5. Appalachian Trail (Berks County Section)
- 📍 Location: Near Hamburg and Port Clinton
- 🥾 Trail Type: Moderate to challenging
🍁 Cumberland County Fall Foliage Trails
1. Waggoner’s Gap Hawk Watch
- 📍 Location: North of Carlisle
- 🥾 Trail Type: Short but steep
- 🦅 Highlights: Hawk migration viewing and panoramic views of the valley’s foliage.
2. Kings Gap Environmental Education Center
- 📍 Location: Near Carlisle
- 🥾 Trail Length: Over 16 miles of trails
- 🌲 Highlights: Wooded trails, scenic overlooks, and a historic mansion surrounded by fall color.
3. Appalachian Trail (Boiling Springs Section)
- 📍 Location: Boiling Springs
- 🥾 Trail Type: Moderate
- 🏞️ Highlights: Lakeside views, farmland, and forested paths with brilliant leaf displays.
4. Opossum Lake Trail
- 📍 Location: Near Carlisle
- 🥾 Trail Length: ~4 miles
- 🌅 Highlights: Lakeside loop with reflections of fall foliage on the water
🌳 Dauphin County Fall Foliage Trails
1. Wildwood Park Loop
- 📍 Location: Harrisburg
- 🥾 Trail Length: ~3 miles
- 🌿 Highlights: Easy, accessible loop around Wildwood Lake with boardwalks and wetlands bursting with color.
2. Detweiler Park Trails
- 📍 Location: Near Harrisburg
- 🥾 Trail Length: Multiple loops, up to 4.6 miles
- 🍁 Highlights: Forested paths with scenic overlooks and diverse tree species.
3. Peters Mountain Ridge Trail
- 📍 Location: Halifax area
- 🥾 Trail Length: ~3.6 miles
- 🏞️ Highlights: Ridge-top views of the Susquehanna River and sweeping foliage vistas.
4. Fort Hunter Conservancy Trail
- 📍 Location: Fort Hunter Park
- 🥾 Trail Length: ~2.2 miles
- 🏰 Highlights: Historic buildings, river views, and colorful trees.
🍁 Top Trails for Fall Foliage in Lancaster County
1. Ralph Goodno Trail at Clark Nature Preserve
- 📍 Location: Pequea, PA
- 🥾 Trail Length: 1 mile round trip
- 🌄 Highlights: Leads to House Rock Scenic Overlook with panoramic views of the Susquehanna Valley. Expect rocky terrain and a 200-foot elevation change.
2. Mill Creek Falls Nature Preserve
- 📍 Location: Airville, PA
- 🥾 Trail Type: Smooth crushed stone, universally accessible
- 🌊 Highlights: Gentle walk alongside Mill Creek with vibrant foliage and waterfall views.
3. Speedwell Forge Lake
- 📍 Location: Near Lititz, PA
- 🥾 Trail Type: Lakeside paths and wooded trails
- 🍂 Highlights: Fallen leaves blanket the ground, and the lake reflects the fiery hues of the season.
4. Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve
- 📍 Location: East Earl, PA
- 🥾 Trail Length: Multiple loop options
- 🌳 Highlights: Quiet forested trails with rich color and peaceful surroundings.
5. Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve
- 📍 Location: Martic Township, PA
- 🥾 Trail Type: Rugged and scenic
🍂 Best Walking Trails for Fall Foliage in Lebanon County
1. Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area
- 📍 Location: Kleinfeltersville
- 🥾 Trail Options: Explorer, Elder’s Run, and Middle Creek Trail Loop
- 🌄 Highlights: Lakeside views, gentle hills, and vibrant foliage. Also a prime spot for birdwatching during migration season.
2. Swatara State Park
- 📍 Location: Near Lickdale
- 🥾 Trail Options: Swatara Rail Trail, Bear Hole Trail
- 🌳 Highlights: Wooded paths along Swatara Creek, historic canal locks, and colorful hardwoods.
3. Governor Dick Park
- 📍 Location: Mount Gretna
- 🥾 Trail Options: Multiple loops including the Tower Trail
- 🏞️ Highlights: Climb the observation tower for panoramic views of the foliage across the valley.
4. Union Canal Tunnel Park
- 📍 Location: Lebanon
- 🥾 Trail Type: Easy walking paths
- 🏰 Highlights: Historic canal tunnel, peaceful wooded areas, and scenic water views.