When it comes to Fall leaf-peeping, Pennsylvania’s colorful seasonal display is the longest and most varied in the entire country. Central Pennsylvania leaves are starting to transition, expect the peak of color to occur sometime between October 5th through 21st. Each zone’s colors reach their peak at different dates during October, but with colors changing as we speak, there’s no wrong time to come see for yourself. Any trail will be especially beautiful this time of year, putting on full display the wonders of Autumn. View the 2020 fall foliage predictor map here.
When venturing on a fall foliage tour, there’s no better place. Our region is known for a spectacular Autumn show and the colorful driving routes teeming with charming towns, local breweries and wineries, and outdoor adventure. So, hop in the car and start exploring!
Where to catch a glimpse of the fall foliage before it falls.
The Susquehanna Riverlands vibrant foliage comes to life across the region, creating an outdoor playground that is ablaze with bright reds and oranges just waiting to be explored!
Want to experience the colorful Fall foliage up close and personal? Discover all things Fall with adventurous hiking trips and numerous opportunities to view the foliage along the way. Hike among the colors and ascend to the top of the region’s best scenic overlooks for breathtaking views of the Susquehanna River.
Chickies Rock County Park
Breezy View Overlook
On the southwest edge of Chickies Rock County Park, Breezyview Overlook offers a panoramic view of Chickies Rock and the Susquehanna River. The gazebo at Breezyview is a perfect place to take in the fall color show. If you are feeling more adventurous, try hiking through the foliage on the Breezyview trail. Breezyview trail is a moderate to difficult footpath that connects Breezyview Scenic Overlook to the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail below or vice versa.
Breezyview Drive, Columbia, PA 17512
www.co.lancaster.pa.us/262/Chickies-Rock-County-Park
(717) 299-8215
Chickies Rock Overlook
The most notable feature in Chickies Rock County Park is Chickies Rock, a massive outcropping of quartzite rock towering 100 feet above the river. There is about a one-mile hike ascending through the colored leaves to the overlook itself. The vista offers impressive Autumn views of York County, the borough of Marietta, and farmlands of northwestern Lancaster County.
PA Route 441, PA
www.co.lancaster.pa.us/262/Chickies-Rock-County-Park
(717) 299-8215
NW Lancaster County River Trail
Immerse yourself in the season’s colors on The Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. The trail is a multi-purpose, public recreation trail approximately fourteen miles long, spanning five municipalities and runs along Chickies Rock County Park at the northwestern edge of Lancaster County.
The trail follows the route of the historic Pennsylvania Mainline Canal and uses some of the original towpath that remains along the corridor. This provides ample opportunities to interpret the numerous industrial archaeological remains and informational panels along the way. As well as provide a spectacular scenic river route through part of the Susquehanna National Heritage to enjoy the feeling of Autumn in the riverlands.
The trail also connects the historic river towns and villages of Columbia, Marietta, Bainbridge, and Falmouth. Use the TRAIL MAP to plan your visit!
Highpoint Scenic Vista & Recreation Area (Trail)
Highpoint Scenic Vista & Recreation Area is 79 acres of scenic meadowlands in Lower Windsor Township that offers visitors a spectacular 360° view of the Susquehanna River and surrounding hills to take in the fleeting Fall colors. The Highpoint Heritage Trail is a half-mile ADA accessible walking trail that leads to the summit along with six waystops for resting and absorbing the seasonal beauty and history of the river.
Trinity Church Road and Hilt Road, Wrightsville PA 17368
Mt. Pisgah Overlook in Samuel Lewis State Park
The 885-foot high Mt. Pisgah Overlook located in Samuel S. Lewis State Park is the highest point in the area and offers the perfect panoramic view of the Susquehanna River and the towns and fertile farmlands that it borders during Autumn. This is the spot to be during the peak of the seasons color! A wayside panel is on the summit of Mt. Pisgah near Pavilion C and identifies various points of interest along the river valley. Explore the landscape of Fall colors with the coin-operated binoculars that are available.
6000 Mt. Pisgah Road, York, PA 17406
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/samuelslewis/index.htm
(717) 252-1134
Turkey Hill Overlook & Nature Preserve (Trail)
The Turkey Hill Overlook offers a breathtaking panorama of Autumn colors on the Susquehanna River. The overlook features a wooden observation deck along with interpretive panels and historical exhibits. The site also offers an up-close look at the adjacent Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority’s energy-producing wind turbines.
River Road, Conestoga, PA 17516
www.lancasterconservancy.org/preserves/turkey-hill/
conserve@lancasterconservancy.org
(717) 392-7891
Enola Low Grade Rail Trail
This scenic trail follows the Atglen and Susquehanna Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad is partially finished. A beautiful riverfront section, perfect for enjoying the fall colors in Manor Township is complete for 5.25 miles. More scenic hiking can be found in the Conestoga Township section then gravel begins again in Providence Township near the little town of Quarryville, both sections are perfect for taking in the colorful nature of the season.
Explore the Trail Map to start your Low Grade Adventure!
Rte 441, Manor Township, PA
House Rock Overlook in House Rock Nature Preserve
House Rock Nature Preserve is comprised of 95 acres of cropland and woodland along the eastern slopes of the Susquehanna River. It is a perfect fall hiking destination. The woodlands include a mixture of healthy, mature dry oak, maple, tulip and beech trees creating a great mix of color! Two beautiful river hills streams, tiny Brubaker Run, and the larger Reed Run, flow through the woods of the preserve with many small waterfalls as the streams descending to the Susquehanna River capturing the beauty of the region and the season.
The preserve is managed by the Lancaster County Conservancy. Visit the Conservancy website at www.lancasterconservancy.org to learn more about hiking, hunting, and parking conditions and any restrictions.
House Rock Road, Pequea, PA
www.lancasterconservancy.org/preserves/house-rock/
conserve@lancasterconservancy.org
(717) 392-7891
Susquehanna State Park
Hawk Point and Wisslers Run Overlook
Hawk Point and Wisslers Run Overlooks located in Susquehannock State Park offer panoramic Fall views of the lower Susquehanna River and the surrounding area. Ascend the trails through the park and enjoy hiking through the fall colors on your way to a scenic overlook! The Conowingo Reservoir, Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Muddy Run pump storage hydroelectric plant, Holtwood dam, and the Norman Wood Bridge can be seen from the overlooks.
State Park Road, Drumore, PA 17518
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/susquehannock/index.htm
(717) 252-1134
Pinnacle Overlook
Pinnacle Overlook is a satellite site of the Susquehannock State Park Complex that offers sweeping views of the Susquehanna River’s Lake Aldred and provides a good place to access the Kelly’s Run Trail System and the Conestoga Trail System to stretch your fall foliage viewing time. Colorful panoramic views of the Susquehanna River can be seen from the 380 feet high overlook of the park complex for your fall viewing pleasure.
Pinnacle Road, Holtwood, PA 17532
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/susquehannock/pinnacleoverlook/index.htm
(717) 548-3361
Urey Overlook
Urey Overlook is another satellite site of the Susquehannock State Park Complex that provides spectacular Autumn views of the Susquehanna River’s Lake Aldred, Weise Island, and the Safe Harbor Dam. The overlook is located on the Mason-Dixon Trail. Hop on the Mason-Dixon trail and see what colorful fall adventure lay ahead!
PA 425, Airville, PA 17302
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/susquehannock/ureyoverlook/index.htm
(717) 252-1134