The Least-Crowded Towns In Pennsylvania To Catch Fall Foliage
One of the best leaf-peeping destinations for being a meeting point for the various environments of local northern trees that are exclusive to mountainous areas trees like the Pignut hickory, Flowering Dogwood, and more. Thanks to the state's history that goes back over 300 hundred years, Pennsylvania offers more than just a trip through nature, from a range of museums that travel with visitors back in time to ghost tours of Pennsylvania's most haunted town. While the lush Anson B. Nixon Park, Jim Thropes Autumn Leaf Train, and Wellsboro's Hill's Creek State Park are some of the most agreed upon destinations to catch the foliage, follow along to learn more about Pennsylvania's best small autumn towns.
Jim Thorpe
Opening the list of the least crowded towns in Pennsylvania to catch fall foliage is one of the most festive destinations in Pennsylvania. Despite being one of the more popular tourist towns on this list of the least-crowded towns to catch fall foliage, its distinctive mountainous setting and stunning vistas of the Pocono foothills make it a must-see destination for those looking to witness the fall at its finest in Pennsylvania. Train excursions through the city’s foliage with the Autumn Leaf Train that departs daily starting September 30th, along with Halloween special spooky ghost tours and Jim Thrope fall festivals, are a few other reasons to head out and explore Jim Thrope this fall season.
New Hope
The Bucks County Town of New Hope adds a twist to things, adding elements of thrills and excitement to the standard lea-peeping experience, with hot air Balloon rides, hiking paths, and picturesque cruiseable routes dedicated to the leaf-peeping experience like Bucks County’s Covered Bridge. In addition, New Hope also offers visitors the option to stay amidst the colorful ambiance at isolated nature-centric places in classy places like The Inn at Bowman’s Hill. Visit Lancaster Baloon Rides to book your scenic tour to view New Hope from High up, stroll the cobblestone walkways of Peddler’s Village to support New Hope’s small businesses, and catch the October fest there on the 21st and 22nd of the month.
Wellsboro
Wellsboro town is renowned for its vibrant foliage. Wellsboro was ranked the 9th best city in the U.S. to witness foliage, according to Country Living Magazine. The small town sits in the Potter and Tioga region, encompassing over eight different lakes, including Tioga, Hammond, Cowanesque, Hills Creek Lake, and more. Wellsboro is a recognized nature-centric destination among hikers, climbers, and campers. Despite being a slightly more popular destination than other uncrowded small towns catch the foliage, it remains home to some of the best parks and recreational outdoors destinations in The Oil State. Leonard Harrison State Park, Colton Point State Park, and Hills Creek State Park offer some of the best vistas in the area, located 10 mi from the center of Wellsboro. For those seeking a rewardful challenge, Rail Trail in Pine Creek offers stunning views of Clear River and stretches from the Wellsboro junction to Jersey Shore over 62 mi long.
Howard
Howard in Pennsylvania is a Victorian jewel that blends vibrant foliage with historic charms in an abundant natural environment surrounded by the Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir and Bald Eagle State Park. Howard is fun for everyone and makes the perfect family-fun trip with unusual events like the pumpkin Chukin Fall Festival at Bald Eagle State Park. Although you can witness foliage on Howard’s residential streets decorated with hickory, maple, and oak trees that extend in front of the lush forests, the more adventurous foliage seekers can venture out to the lush surrounding areas and hike the lakeside trail, the waterfront West end park. This underrated town in Pennsylvania defines what a mind-calming leaf-peeping experience should be like.
Doylestown
Enhancing the leaf-peeping experience in Doylestown is the historical architecture of the area. Generally, all of Bucks County in Pennsylvania is an excellent destination to experience the American Autumn season. Still, places like Fonthill Park and its movie-like sceneries of Fonthill Castle take things a few steps further, adding to the season’s allure. Downtown Doylestown also contributes to the town’s historic charm with destinations like The Bucks County Civil War Library and Museum and Mercer Museum, which are attractions to behold during your visit to the town. With its many attractions and rich environmental setting, the town is also home to a booming agricultural scene with places like the farmers market on Hamilton St., Fordhook Farm, and more.
Kennett Square
While most of the least crowded small towns to catch fall foliage are located far out in the middle of nowhere, Kennet Square and Doylestown balance things with being an easily accessible small town for city dwellers. Kennet Square is a suburb of Philadelphia and Delaware. Visitors can embrace the foliage in Kennet Square through scrolling Longwood Gardens and the lush Anson B. Nixon Park that stretches over 106 acres, offering trails, ponds, picnic spots among the foliage, and more. Kennett Square also holds a reputation for being the mushroom capital of the world for its annual Mushroom festival, which takes place in September and attracts thousands of fanatics from around the world.
Franklin
Home of the annual historic Applefest that began as a Pie baking contest in downtown Frankiln, this small town stands out for its prime location near French Creek and the Allegheny River and its breathtaking architecture. Historic buildings like the St. John’s Episcopal Church and galleries like DeBence Antique Music World that stand as a testament to the town’s history make the leaf-peeping trip even more exciting. Riverfront Park, which sits along the Allegheny River, and the two adjacent parks of Bandstand and Fountain Park are ideal destinations to witness the balance of small-town coziness and foliage without leaving the lively town. However, those seeking an adventure can head to Two Mile Run County Park, 8.5 mi from the center, overlooking Justus Lake and its freshwater Crosby Beach.
Slippery Rock
Finally, completing the list of the Least-crowded towns in Pennsylvania is Slippery Rock, one of the most naturally abundant small communities to catch fall foliage on this list. Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area, Slippery Rock Creek, located 2.8 mi from the main street, and its nearby ARMCO park are a few destinations where visitors can catch breathtaking foliage in Slippery Rock. Better yet, Spillway Falls, Alpha Falls, and more hidden natural gems are a rewardful splendor that awaits those venturing out to Slippery Rock Creek seeking a hikeable challenge. Treat yourself to some delicious comfort foods to complement the cozy fall feeling at Camelot Restaurant and B&J Coney Island Bar and Grill for authentic American grub.
Experience Autumn's Palette in Pennsylvania
Finally, the least crowded destinations to catch the fall foliage in Pennsylvania also make a peaceful escape from bustling cities and a rejuvenating spiritual getaway for their serene, untouched nature and various trees. Don't miss out on what will possibly be one of your most colorful outdoor adventures, and visit Pennsylvania's small towns this fall season.
