Fall for Pennsylvania
This autumn, you’ll have plenty of reasons to fall in love with Pennsylvania. Nearly 60% (17 million acres) of the states’ 28 million acres are forested – so it’s no surprise that Pennsylvania means ‘Penns’ Woods’! This provides the picture perfect reason to experience a bolder, bigger and brighter fall season in the US. Offering an exploding tapestry of vibrant red and gold colours, autumn provides a phenomenal background to view PA’s stunning landscapes, enjoy seasonal activities and experience unforgettable wildlife encounters.
The Pennsylvania Wilds (pawilds.com) offers more than two million acres of public land used for recreational enjoyment, including hundreds of miles of backpacking trails, bike paths, trout fishing streams. The Wilds are home to natural wonders such as the 1000ft deep Pine Creek Gorge, the Allegheny National Forest, and the dark skies of Cherry Springs State Park, ideal for star gazing.
The Pennsylvania Wilds is also known as ‘Elk Country’ home to the largest free roaming elk herd in the east. Over 500 elk roam the county and September and October, the mating season, is the perfect time to observe or photograph these naturally shy creatures in their majestic splendour. The Pennsylvania Game Commission (pgc.state.pa.us) lists a series of safe public viewing sites.
What better season for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of the Allegheny National Forest? Veteran photographer, Ed Bernik of Forest Press invites photographers of all capabilities to develop their skills and embark on a unique travel experience through 513,000 acres of Eastern United States most primeval forest. Join 30 participants for a guided two day, one night photographic tours, alternatively tour length and itineraries can be customised upon request. For further information log on to Theforestpress.com.
The more active holidaymakers will revel in over 1,000 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails to view the awesome seasonal display, provides a challenging and beautiful way for enthusiasts to see the spectacular scenery.
The Pocono Mountains region (800poconos.com) is home to rolling mountain terrain, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, thriving woodlands and 170 miles of winding rivers, and is an ideal destination to revel in the fall foliage. Visit 800poconos.com for a schedule of fall events including a 4 1/2 hour vintage rail coach ride along the shimmering Lackawaxen River. Serenaded by merry musicians, step back in time as you visit the Victorian village of Lackawaxen and tour the Zane Grey Museum, and marvel at the engineering masterpiece of the Roebling Aqueduct Suspension Bridge. Tickets are; $27/adults, $26/seniors, and $17/ under 13.
Celebrate the harvest season with hot apple cider, delicious farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and mouth watering baked goods! Honesdale rolls out pumpkins, hay bales and fall colours for its annual Harvest & Heritage Fest in October. Honesdale’s historic Main Street comes alive with street music, craft vendors, old-fashioned horse-drawn hayrides and the smell of good food, guaranteed to leave you ravenous.
Taste the fruits of summer on a winery trail or roadtrip – there is one is located within a forty-five minute drive from anywhere across the state! As the grape harvest season usually ends mid-late October, experience tastings, tours and events available – a perfect way to toast the season!
For more information about visiting Pennsylvania during the fall visit fallinpa.com or for general travel information log on to Visitpa.com/uk.
