We are lucky to live in a state with a change in seasons. Pennsylvania is the perfect place to be in the fall and has so much to offer its residents and visitors. In no particular order, we’ve completed a list of our five favorite things to do in the fall in Pennsylvania. Take a look, then take a ride to check them out!
Highland Orchards Fall Apple Festival, West Chester
Fall apples and pumpkins take the spotlight at Highland Orchards Fall Apple Festival in West Chester. The farm market and bakery are open daily, and 200 acres of crops are growing here, so you can either pick your own or shop at the store. The pumpkin patch opens in mid-September for picking in the field, and this is also when the fall festival weekends kick off with apple picking, hayrides, a cow miler, and a kid maze.
Fall Foliage at Big Pocono State Park, Tobyhanna
The Poconos Mountains is a premier destination for viewing the fall foliage, and you don’t want to miss the colors this year. Local groups publish Fall Foliage Forecasts online so you can determine where the best leaf-peeping areas are during your visit. Big Pocono State Park spans 1,306 acres of rugged terrain and offers scenic views of three states. This is a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, and hunting. About 8.5 miles of hiking trails have steep grades and are only recommended for experienced hikers. If you visit before Columbus Day, you can hop on the ski lift to reach the Summit House restaurant at Camelback Resort for a meal.
Strasburg Railroad – Lancaster County
The prize for the most entertaining scenic railway in the state goes to Strasburg Railroad. It is the oldest continuously operating railroad in North America and a kind of retro amusement park carried by the original steam locomotives. Overall, a fantastic day trip idea for a family. Offering various thematic rides, giving diverse train class options, and operating the wonderful 100-years-old train cars, it’s an ultimate Pennsylvania rail experience during autumn. There is a special Halloween program for children, the full-scale Thomas the Tank Engine, the train ride with a cabaret on board, and a Murder Mystery trip. October and November are when all this train fun is accompanied by the fall foliage, so book your ride and enjoy the vintage railroad entertainment to the fullest.
Covered Bridge and Arts Festival in Elysburg
Now in its 40th year, don’t miss the Covered Bridge and Arts Festival at the Bloomsburg Fair Grounds. This festival highlights the beautiful covered bridges in Columbia County and the colors of fall.
Visitors can also browse the nearly 350 vendors set up on the fairgrounds during the event. The event will also feature live music, kiddie rides, wagon rides, and guided bus tours to some of the most beautiful covered bridges in the county.
Field of Screams in Lancaster County
If you are looking for scary things to do in Pennsylvania in October, don’t miss Field of Screams in Lancaster County.
Voted the #1 haunted attraction in the United States, this Lancaster County institution is back again for its 30th year.
There are four haunted attractions here, including a haunted hayride, two haunted mansions, and a haunted field, all sure to give you the Halloween frights you expect at Field of Screams.
We’d like to point out that Bates Motel in Glen Mills is a great alternative if you don’t want to drive to Lancaster. Do yourself a favor and prepurchase your tickets. You won’t be disappointed!
Enjoy the crisp air and these great outings as the weather cools down. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed with any of these attractions as they offer something for everyone!