10 Coolest Towns in Pennsylvania for a Fall Vacation in 2024
Pennsylvania is lauded as the 'land full of trees,' and this fall, travelers can explore some of the coolest towns in Pennsylvania, perfect for a fall vacation in 2024. Discover a state bountiful with Amish traditions and an unending Native American heritage. From delicious towns like Hershey and Lititz to war-traumatized settlements like Gettysburg, these towns have breathtaking sceneries from the summits of the Poconos all the way to Civil War battlefields.
Johnstown
Johnstown is a 57-mile-away getaway from the city of Pittsburgh. Originally called Conemaugh after the Conemaugh River by its former inhabitants, the Shawnee and Delaware, the little village beside Stony Creek and its eponymous river was eventually resettled by Joseph Johns. The town’s founder was of Swiss Amish descent who transformed Johnstown into a major epicenter of transportation in the Allegheny Portage Railroad and the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal. Johnstown’s fall foliage adds vibrant colors to its history, and the Johnstown Flood National Memorial offers a peaceful and reflective visit amid cooler temperatures.
There is also the Grandview Cemetery, which houses the many victims of the aforementioned dam spillage. After exploring the rich fall history of Johnstown, relax in one of the town’s cozy retreats like the Sleep Inn Johnstown, Econo Lodge, or Comfort Inn & Suites, perfect for unwinding after a day of crisp autumn air.
Ohiopyle
The wide plateaus of the Laurel Highlands host Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania’s highest town. As fall settles in, Ohiopyle’s Youghiogheny River is a serene backdrop for fall hikes, and Baughman Rock Overlook offers spectacular views of autumn leaves. Roam about in the Ohiopyle State Park and traverse the 150-mile length of the Great Allegheny Passage, which connects Pittsburgh to the Laurel Highlands. The nearby nature reserve of Ferncliff not only has grand views of the Youghiogheny River, Cucumber Falls, and Ohiopyle Falls from Baughman Rock Overlook, but it is also an ecological haven for many of Pennsylvania’s magnificent wildlife.
After a day of fall hiking and taking in the vibrant colors, settle into the Heart of Ohiopyle Vacation House or Stay In Ohiopyle, offering a warm and inviting retreat from the autumn chill.
Doylestown
As a borough an hour away from Philadelphia, Doylestown offers a quaint and tranquil reprieve from the bustling metropolis. In the fall, Doylestown’s historic inns are perfect for a cozy getaway, with autumn walks around the borough and visits to Fonthill Castle framed by vibrant fall foliage. Aside from taverns and hostels, Doylestown also contains a number of world-class architectures, such as the Fonthill Castle and the Mercer Museum, all of which were constructed by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 1900s. The Mercer Museum, specifically, is a six-storied concrete castle containing relics from pre-Industrial Revolution times.
The Michener Art Museum, on the other hand, may not have anything to do with Mercer, but it is still a grand and beautiful structure that houses artifacts from the Delaware Valley. For your fall getaway, escape to Doylestown’s charming inns, where the cozy warmth of autumn complements the borough’s historic ambiance.
Wilkes-Barre
Wilkes-Barre is sheltered within the Wyoming Valley and deep in the Pocono Mountains, also known locally as the Poconos. Bear Creek Preserve and the Pinchot State Forest offer stunning fall hikes through the Pocono Mountains, surrounded by the warm hues of autumn. When it comes to local art, the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts offers numerous performances year-round, though the historic Fine Arts Fiesta occurs each May.
Back in its beginnings in 1770, Wilkes-Barre was a prominent coal-mining town whose quarries still remain around the Susquehanna River, and whose history can best be reviewed at the Luzerne County Historical Society Museum. More insights into the old-school attitudes of Wilkes-Barre can also be appreciated at the Frederick Stegmaier Mansion. After a day of hiking the vibrant Poconos, retreat to the Mohegan Pennsylvania or The Woodlands Inn & Resort, offering all the comfort you need for a crisp autumn evening.
New Hope
The enthusiastic town of New Hope promises an array of attractions, new and old, near the state borders separating Pennsylvania from New Jersey. Along the Delaware River, several historic structures such as the Locktender's House—the modern headquarters of the Friends of the Delaware Canal which has been in operation since the 19th-century—serve as mementos and keepsakes of New Hope’s founding days. Other abodes like the Parry Mansion—home of Benjamin Parry, one of New Hope’s founders—is more avant-garde than it is ancestral.
The Bucks County Playhouse remains a popular venue for seasonal fall productions and has hosted renowned performers like Grace Kelly and Dick Van Dyke. Complete your fall getaway in New Hope with a stay at the charming New Hope Lodge, Aaron Burr House, or Logan Inn.
Gettysburg
In fall, Gettysburg transforms into a picturesque town, perfect for exploring its historical sites amid crisp air and colorful foliage. Throughout the history of the American Civil War, few battles are as renowned and popular as the Battle of Gettysburg. In the unassuming and quotidian town of Gettysburg, one might find it hard to imagine President Abraham Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address in honor of the fallen soldiers still interred at the Gettysburg National Cemetery. It is also hard to imagine President Lincoln staying in the David Wills House, a pleasant and ordinary domicile that can still be toured.
The proof of the matter can be best reviewed at the Gettysburg Museum of History, while the remnants of artillery and other weapons can be found at the Gettysburg National Military Park. The Jennie Wade House—similar to the Gettysburg National Cemetery—honors the unfortunate civilians who became casualties during the Battle of Gettysburg. For a cozy fall retreat steeped in history, stay at one of Gettysburg’s splendid accommodations like the Federal Pointe Inn, Gettysburg Hotel, or The Gaslight Inn, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring Civil War sites.
Hershey
Ever wonder where the popular chocolate-making company called Hershey originated? Naturally enough, the company started from the small town of Hershey in Pennsylvania. It was in 1905 that a man named Milton S. Hershey established his chocolate-producing company, which inspired many Hershey-themed attractions in Hershey. Hershey Gardens is a peaceful retreat with beautiful autumnal colors in the fall, while Hershey Park offers seasonal treats and Halloween events. Curious consumers can learn all about Milton S. Hershey and the history of his company at the Hershey Story Museum. Last but not least, head over to the Giant Center to catch lively fall events in this delectable small town. Savor your fall treats and unwind at the Hershey Lodge or The Hotel Hershey, where the warmth of autumn pairs perfectly with this chocolate-laden getaway.
Lititz
Approximately 26 miles from Hershey, the town of Lititz acts as a close competitor to the Hershey Company. Lititz is perfect for fall, with visits to the Wilbur Chocolate Company and the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, which are complemented by seasonal events like the Lititz Craft Beer Fest and the family-friendly Fall Festival. Aside from snacks and delicacies, Lititz happens to be the former home of the Nanticokes, and much of these indigenous peoples’ relics can be seen in Lititz Spring. You might also be interested in exploring the Moravian structures in town such as the oldest all-girl boarding school in the US, Linden Hall. Enjoy the rich fall traditions of Lititz and retreat to the Lititz Springs Inn, The Wilbur Lititz, or The Alden House for a cozy stay.
Stroudsburg
About an hour from Wilkes-Barre in the Poconos lies the small borough of Stroudsburg. Stroudsburg offers scenic fall hikes along the Levee Loop Trail and the colorful surroundings of the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, which offers its own network of trails and educational programs. The military base of Fort Hamilton stands abandoned near the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, where you can learn Stroudsburg’s military history and admire the modern majesties of the Poconos’ woodlands. More views and perspectives of the past can be gleaned at the Stroud Mansion, Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, and Pocono Arts Council. After a day of exploring the Poconos, unwind with a relaxing evening at the Pocono Plaza Inn or The Penn Stroud.
Wellsboro
In the fall, Pine Creek Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, is a must-visit for its breathtaking autumn views. It contains innumerable areas of interest, such as Colton Point State Park and Leonard Harrison State Park. There is also the Tioga State Forest, which derived its namesake from the Seneca phrase "Tioga," meaning the “meeting of two rivers.” Walking along Wellsboro’s gaslit streets will make one feel like they are stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting. Touring the Robinson House Museum, on the other hand, will give one a better glimpse of Wellsboro’s beginnings. Enjoy a relaxing stay at the Penn Wells Lodge, La Belle Auberge Bed & Breakfast, or the Ski Sawmill Family Resort.
Plan Your Perfect 2024 Fall Getaway in Pennsylvania’s Coolest Towns
Pennsylvania used to be one of the original thirteen colonies which split apart from the British Empire. Since then, the state, whose name means “land full of trees,” has been filled with some of the coolest towns worthy of a fall vacation in 2024. Whether you’re marveling at the fall colors in the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania or hiking through the vibrant forests of the Poconos, these towns are perfect for a cozy and scenic getaway.
