10 Autumn-Ready Pennsylvania Towns For A Weekend Retreat
Pennsylvania is pleasant any time of the year, but it can be pretty special when autumn comes around. The outdoors transforms into a wonderland as forested mountains adopt vibrant shades of orange, red, and brown. This is the perfect time to get out and explore the state's diverse summer scenery, whether via a scenic drive through the forest, a stroll in the park, or a harvest-themed event. The crisp air and seasonal charm create the ideal backdrop for a weekend escape, especially in the state’s cozy small towns.
From historic streets lined with fall décor to farmers' markets brimming with cider and pumpkins, these towns offer postcard-perfect experiences that bring out the season's cheer. Whether looking for peaceful nature in Marienville or festive events in New Hope, here are autumn-ready Pennsylvania towns for a weekend retreat.
Wilkes-Barre
This beautiful borough along the Susquehanna River puts on a dazzling show when the autumn season comes around, with its serene outdoors exploding with energetic reds, vibrant browns, and warm yellows. Kirby Park beckons leefpeepers to take in the adorable scene on a 52-acre playground, dotted with mature trees and a pristine pond as the focal point. Meanwhile, guests can take advantage of the crisp air to go for a gratifying walk in the Seven Tubs Recreation Area. Spread across 400 acres, this serene space rewards with picture-worthy landscapes at every turn, including massive rocks, wood bridges, and waterfalls.
On the other hand, a family-friendly kids' show at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts is the perfect pursuit for those who appreciate the indoors, providing a unique cultural and educational experience for all ages. Wilkes-Barre will also host the Fallfest on October 11, a fun event where participants enjoy day-long live music, games, and bounce houses.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe is right in the middle of the Pocono Mountains, surrounded by forested mountains and other lush landscapes, making it one of the most autumn-ready Pennsylvania towns for a weekend retreat. This comes into perspective for tourists riding the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, who can enjoy a time-lapse of dazzling fall foliage as the train crawls through Lehigh Gorge State Park. Mauch Chunk Lake Park is another beautiful spot where you can take in crisp air while relaxing on a sandy beach and watching the changing foliage reflecting on the clear waters of Mauch Chunk Lake.
The Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival highlights the fall events in the community, featuring everything from train rides and carriage tours to horse-drawn carriage excursions to welcome the season. Lastly, the Inn at Jim Thorpe offers rustic and cozy accommodations just two blocks from the beautiful Flagstaff Mountain Park.
Galeton
This tiny village in Potter County invites travelers to experience the magic of fall in seclusion, surrounded by pristine natural beauty. The open spaces beckon with various recreational opportunities, and visitors can find numerous trails cascading through Lyman Run State Park. This is a nice spot to take a laid-back stroll amid transitioning foliage or watch the bright hues reflecting dramatically on the 45-acre Lyman Run Lake. Meanwhile, a scenic drive along Pennsylvania Route 6 offers a unique way of witnessing fall during an excursion through the Pennsylvania countryside.
The annual Galeton Fall Festival helps spread the season's cheer around the community as members come together at the John. J Collins Memorial Park for various family-centric events, featuring handcrafts, fresh produce, and more.
Kennett Square
Autumn in Kennett Square brings a lineup of exciting festivals and events that allow tourists to experience the season in style. However, the highlight for many locals is the Kennett Brewfest, which celebrates the region's beer scene, with over 80 breweries serving participants at least craft beers in a vibrant atmosphere with live music and delicious food. Meanwhile, vacationers also get the chance to witness the transitioning leaves in real time at the Anson B. Nixon Park. This 100-acre sanctuary houses trails, picnic areas, and open spaces with mature woodlands that put on one of the best color shows.
Alternatively, you can tour the expansive Longwood Gardens and inspect over 1,000 acres of woodlands, gardens, meadows, and fountains that come to life with contrasting colors when fall kicks in. The Bookhouse Hotel is a short walk from the garden and is convenient for tourists who want to lodge in Kennett Square.
New Hope
New Hope is a charming little village along the Delaware River, known for its wealth of art venues and parks. Its idyllic open spaces are riddled with lush vegetation that enhances aesthetically once the foliage changes. Guests can enjoy the scenery while lazily strolling down gentle pathways at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve. This 134-acre oasis houses almost 700 native plant species, woodlands, meadows, and a pond. Solebury Orchards invites guests for fun activities to welcome the harvest period, allowing them to pick apples, peaches, blackberries, and blueberries.
One of the most anticipated fall festivals in the town, the New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival exposes newcomers to the area's thriving art scene. Several juried artists display their works, which attendees can examine and indulge in fun activities. Out of the numerous B&Bs you can find in the town square, the New Hope Lodge ensures excellent value for your money.
White Haven
White Haven is a picturesque borough in Luzerne County, set along the Lehigh River and surrounded by the flourishing wilderness of the Pocono Mountains. It is famously home to Hickory Run State Park, where leaf peepers can savor an incredible scene. This 15,000-acre park presents over 40 miles of trails that let you inspect a dazzling blend of reds, oranges, and browns in the vegetation. But with so much ground to cover, adventurers can explore the park and its colors more comfortably on horseback courtesy of Deer Path Riding Stable.
While outside, you can also discover fascinating local history at the Lehigh Tannery Historic Site. The area provides a window to the peak of America's once-largest tannery during its peak in the 1860s. Finally, travelers can book a room at Comfort Inn Pocono, next to Hickory Run State Park.
Ohiopyle
Ohiopyle puts on one of the most satisfying shows when fall comes around, with its vast wilderness area turning into a kaleidoscope of fiery gold, crimson, and brown. Home to the 20,000-acre Ohiopyle State Park, visitors have adequate room to immerse themselves in the great outdoors and explore the region's rugged beauty in the fall. Bring comfortable walking shoes to hike the numerous trails traversing the park, especially the one leading to Ohiopyle Falls. This 20-foot cascade looks stunning against rock outcroppings and dense vegetation.
Meanwhile, Baughman Rock Overlook is one of the best spots to soak in the changing foliage. From the pedestal, adventurers can enjoy sweeping views of the Youghiogheny River and the surrounding forests. Finally, the Ohiopyle Suites is a pocket-friendly, worthwhile accommodation near the park.
Honesdale
This small town in Wayne County invites vacationers to slow down and experience the wonders of fall at a slow pace, away from the crowds. Honesdale is known for its beautiful outdoor scenery and vibrant arts. Newcomers will relish the ride on the Stourbridge Line Train, which offers an unmissable fall foliage excursion exploring the pristine beauty of the Pocono Mountains region. The Wayne County Farmers Market is an excellent way to spread the autumn spirit through friendly interactions with the locals while supporting their businesses.
For indoor enthusiasts, a trip to the Wayne County Arts Alliance lets you inspect a delightful selection of creative works by regional artists, including sculptures, paintings, and photographs. When it comes to spending the night, consider doing it at the historic Hotel Wayne.
Gettysburg
Gettysburg is often recognized for its Civil War heritage, and visiting the town during autumn allows guests to kill two birds with one stone. At the Gettysburg National Military Park, guests discover the site of an iconic Civil War battle and experience the fall foliage as it changes from green to red, orange, and brown. Furthermore, you can do this at the Gettysburg Recreation Park, which has tranquil picnic spaces and trails from where you can enjoy the crisp autumn air.
Gettysburg also hosts the annual National Apple Harvest Festival during the first two weekends of October, inviting guests to indulge in local food flavors, artisanal crafts, and a range of free entertainment. During your stay in the town, you can find a comfortable place to sleep at the historic Inn of Gettysburg.
Marienville
Small-town charm collides with autumn allure in the tiny borough of Forest County to grant tourists one of the best fall weekends in rural Pennsylvania. Home to the sprawling Allegheny National Forest, Marienville promises visitors front-seat views of the changing foliage as deciduous trees turn from rich green to lively orange, yellow, and red. There is no better way to experience this than to drive leisurely through the dazzling forest.
However, you can do it on the comfort of a horse's back by booking a tour with Summers Allegheny Trail Ride. If you love festivals, the Marienville Oktoberfest is a highlight of the season, incorporating crafts, food, live music, contests, and pumpkin decorations to entertain the community. You can also spend the night inside the forest at the Forest Lodge & Campground.
Final Thought
As the leaves fall and the air turns brisk, there's no better time to escape to one of these autumn-ready Pennsylvania towns for a weekend retreat. From exploring vibrant foliage in Ohiopyle to savoring seasonal flavors in Honesdale, these destinations capture the essence of fall in the United States. With their warm hospitality and scenic beauty, each town offers a unique way to embrace the season. Whether visiting alone or with family, they all promise to leave you with colorful and lasting memories.
