Fall Foliage Adventures in the Susquehanna River Valley

When the leaves begin to turn, the Susquehanna River Valley comes alive with shades of red, orange and gold. Fall is the perfect time to get outside and experience the scenery at your own pace, whether you're hiking a forest trail, pedaling a rail trail, paddling the river or taking a leisurely drive through the countryside.

From scenic overlooks and covered bridges to quiet country roads and colorful downtowns, there are plenty of ways to experience fall foliage throughout the Susquehanna River Valley.

Hit the Hiking Trails

Lace up your hiking boots and head into the woods for a closer look at fall color. The Susquehanna River Valley offers trails for a variety of experience levels, from easy walks to more challenging hikes with scenic overlooks.

Explore the forests and trails of Bald Eagle State Forest, take in the views at Shikellamy State Park or wander the trails surrounding the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art. For a longer adventure, explore the waterfalls and wooded trails at R. B. Winter State Park.

Take a Scenic Drive

Sometimes the best way to experience fall foliage is simply to get in the car and follow the road. Wind through rolling farmland, forested hills and small communities where the scenery changes around every turn.

Plan a short afternoon drive or make a day of it by combining fall color with local attractions, covered bridges, shopping, dining and stops in our welcoming downtowns.

Discover Historic Covered Bridges

Fall foliage and covered bridges make a classic Central Pennsylvania combination. Travel along quiet country roads to find historic wooden bridges tucked into wooded valleys, alongside streams and surrounded by colorful autumn scenery.

The Susquehanna River Valley is home to 17 historic covered bridges, giving you plenty of opportunities to build your own fall foliage road trip.

Red covered bridge on a leaf-covered road surrounded by autumn trees.

unPAved bike racers riding through forest.

See Fall Color on Two Wheels

Cooler temperatures and colorful scenery make autumn a great time to explore the Susquehanna River Valley by bike.

For an easy ride, follow the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail between Lewisburg and Mifflinburg. Looking for a bigger challenge? Explore more cycling on quiet country roads, forested routes and gravel roads that wind through the region's farms, hills and small communities.

Paddle Through Autumn

See the changing leaves from a different perspective when you get out on the water. The Susquehanna River and area lakes offer opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding during the fall season.

Paddle along the shoreline, watch for wildlife and take in the colorful forests reflected on the water.

Find a Scenic View

For a bird's-eye look at the changing landscape, make your way to one of the region's scenic overlooks. From mountain ridges to river views, these spots offer a chance to pause, take in the scenery and capture a few fall photos.

At Bald Eagle State Forest, head to one of the area's scenic overlooks for expansive views across the forested landscape. R.B. Winter State Park offers another beautiful perspective, with mountain and lake views surrounded by colorful hardwoods in the fall.

For a panoramic view of the Susquehanna River and surrounding valley, visit the Overlook Section of Shikellamy State Park. With several scenic viewpoints throughout the region, there's no shortage of places to see autumn from above.

Take Your Adventure Off Road

Looking for a little more excitement? Fall foliage provides the backdrop for off-road adventures throughout the region.

At the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA), riders can explore thousands of acres of wooded terrain by ATV, dirt bike, side-by-side or full-size vehicle.

Make a Day of It

Fall foliage is even better when you don't have to rush. Pair your outdoor adventure with a stop in one of the Susquehanna River Valley's welcoming downtowns for local shopping, a meal, coffee or a locally made drink.

Spend the morning on the trail, take a scenic drive in the afternoon and finish the day with dinner in town. However you choose to experience autumn, there's plenty to see and do throughout the Susquehanna River Valley.

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