One Pennsylvania state park has 22 named waterfalls, and they’re spread across more than one corner of the park. That was enough to make me curious, but the surprises didn’t stop there.
There’s a glass-floored observation deck at Kinzua Bridge State Park, where visitors can peer into a gorge from the remains of a once-record-setting railroad viaduct. Then there’s Hickory Run’s Boulder Field, a vast stretch of rocks that looks almost too unusual to be real.
Come autumn, these places become even more tempting. Forests turn gold and crimson, apple cider appears at farm stands, and corn mazes invite a little friendly wandering.
In other corners of the state, scenic train rides wind through river valleys painted in fall colors.
The best part? You can enjoy these memorable escapes in a single day and still sleep in your own bed.
Grab a jacket, fill the gas tank, and see which Pennsylvania adventure calls your name first.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Most parks brag about one good waterfall. This one counts 22 named falls, which feels a little like showing off.
Spread across 13,193 acres in northeastern Pennsylvania, Ricketts Glen State Park combines dense forests, quiet lakes, and scenic hiking trails. In autumn, the surrounding woods burst into color, turning a walk through the glen into a memorable seasonal escape.
The Falls Trail System is the big draw. Ganoga Falls is the headliner, while the routes through Ganoga Glen and Glen Leigh showcase more of the park’s impressive waterfalls.
Plan for wet rocks, steep sections, and plenty of climbing along the waterfall routes. Good shoes matter here more than good selfies, though you’ll get plenty of both.
Need a breather after all that hiking? The park has a beach at Lake Jean, picnic tables, grills, and restrooms for a relaxed lunch break.
Bringing the family pup? Dogs are welcome on permitted trails, and designated pet-friendly campsites offer an option for turning a day trip into an overnight stay.
Kids can enjoy the playground and easier walking routes, while fishing and camping give visitors more ways to spend time outdoors. For a quieter experience, consider arriving earlier in the day.
Address: 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814
Kinzua Bridge State Park
Back in 1882, the Kinzua Bridge was the longest railroad viaduct in the world. Today you can stroll out on what’s left of it and peer straight down through glass.
The Skywalk sits on the remaining towers of that huge historic bridge. At the very end, a thick glass floor lets you look into the gorge below your sneakers.
Brave? Great.
Nervous? The observation deck still delivers sweeping views without the toe-curling part.
Fall is when this northern Pennsylvania gorge really earns its keep. The valley fills with color, and the steel towers make a striking frame for it.
Want a closer look at history? A trail leads down toward the fallen sections of the bridge, where you can explore the ruins up close.
Interactive displays explain the bridge’s story, so curious kids get answers before they ask a fifteenth question. There’s a playground with slides and swings, too.
Picnic tables and grills make lunch easy, and dogs are allowed.
Weekend afternoons draw the biggest crowds. A weekday trip gives you more room on that glass.
Address: 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740
Leonard Harrison State Park
Yes, Pennsylvania has its own Grand Canyon. And this park sits right on the edge of it.
Leonard Harrison covers the east rim of Pine Creek Gorge. That spot gives you one of the best vantage points for soaking in the canyon’s size.
Come autumn, the gorge walls light up in reds, golds, and oranges. The creek winds far below, looking like a silver ribbon someone dropped by accident.
Overlooks make the view easy to reach, even if your hiking ambitions stop at the parking lot. More adventurous visitors can follow trails for a deeper look.
Hiking is just the start. The park also offers camping, fishing, and hunting, so outdoor folks of many stripes find something to do.
Families get a playground and kid-friendly hikes. Grills and picnic tables mean you can pack sandwiches and eat with a view most restaurants would envy.
Dogs are allowed, so your four-legged buddy can admire the scenery too. Or at least sniff it thoroughly.
Saturday afternoons get the busiest. Weekday mornings are among the quietest times, which is handy if you want the rim mostly to yourself.
Address: 4797 PA-660, Wellsboro, PA 16901
Longwood Gardens
Twenty indoor gardens. That’s the count inside Longwood’s heated greenhouses, before you even step outside.
Those greenhouses cover about 4.5 acres. Outdoors, the property stretches across 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, and open fields.
The outdoor spaces range from formal designs to looser, natural-style landscapes. You can wander past ornate fountains one minute and a huge grassland the next.
Fall is a smart time to go in southeastern Pennsylvania. Cooler days make long walks easier, and the trees add their own color show.
Don’t skip the conservatory. Its flower displays give you a burst of blooms no matter how chilly it gets outside.
Fountain shows are another big reason people visit. Look for the lily pond on your stroll, too.
Tickets should be bought ahead of time, so plan before you hop in the car. Families with babies will find changing tables and a nursing room.
Check the hours carefully. Longwood closes on Tuesdays and stays open until 9 PM Friday through Sunday.
Weekend afternoons are busiest. A Monday or Wednesday evening visit can feel far calmer.
Address: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Linvilla Orchards
Apple cider and a pumpkin patch at the same stop? That’s basically fall’s greatest hits album.
Linvilla Orchards lets you pick your own apples and pumpkins. Afterward, the farm store waits with cider, seasonal local produce, and baked goods.
Picking your own fruit turns a simple errand into a memory. Plus, apples you plucked yourself somehow taste like a reward.
Hungry while you shop? The store also carries prepared foods and has a salad bar, along with organic products.
The produce gets high marks here. If you want to bring home ingredients for pie, this is the spot to stock up.
Located in Media, the farm is an easy outing from the Philadelphia area. Free parking makes arrival less of a puzzle.
Hours run long, too. The farm opens at 8 AM daily and stays open until 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Sundays close earlier, at 6 PM. Weekend afternoons draw the biggest crowds, so a weekday evening may give you more breathing room.
Restrooms include a gender-neutral option. Delivery is available, though grabbing your own pumpkin is half the fun.
Address: 137 W Knowlton Rd, Media, PA 19063
Ohiopyle State Park
A natural rock water slide inside a state park sounds made up. At Ohiopyle, it’s real.
Known as the gateway to the Laurel Highlands, this southwestern Pennsylvania park spans 20,500 acres. Woodlands, waterfalls, and a rushing river fill the map.
Cucumber Falls is a crowd favorite and worth the short trip. In fall, colorful trees frame the falling water like a painting.
Whitewater boating is a signature activity here. Hikers and bikers get plenty of trail options too, and cycling lanes help riders roll along.
The water stays clean and clear, which adds to the appeal on warmer early-autumn days. Swimming spots and those slides draw families when the weather cooperates.
Picnics come easy with grills and tables. Kids get a playground and gentler hikes so nobody runs out of steam too soon.
Dogs are allowed, and some of the natural slides even welcome pups. Bring a towel for them, trust me on that one.
The park stays open 24 hours a day. Weekend afternoons are busiest, so an early weekday arrival is your best bet for quiet.
Address: 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470
Bushkill Falls
Eight waterfalls on one property makes choosing a favorite tough. Good thing you don’t have to pick.
Bushkill Falls is a privately owned, forested park in the Pocono Mountains. About 2 miles of trails connect the series of falls.
Wooden bridges and viewing platforms line the routes. They let you get close to the rushing water without scrambling over slick rocks.
The trails stay clean and well kept. That makes the park friendly for casual walkers and seasoned hikers alike.
Autumn adds a bonus layer. Golden and red leaves around the falls turn simple photos into frame-worthy shots.
Planning a picnic? There are picnic areas on site, so pack a lunch and make a day of it.
Dogs are welcome here, too. Your furry hiking partner gets the full waterfall tour.
Since the park sits in Lehman Township, it pairs nicely with other Pocono stops. You could easily build a full fall loop around it.
Each fall has its own personality, from wide splashy drops to narrow plunges. Bring a camera, a snack, and shoes with decent grip.
Address: Lehman Township, PA 18324
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
Getting lost on purpose is the whole point at this Lancaster County farm. Its corn maze covers 5 full acres.
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm sits in Ronks, surrounded by farm country. The maze is the star, and families have come back year after year for it.
Once you find your way out, the fun keeps going. A pumpkin patch lets you pick out a future jack-o’-lantern.
Wagon rides roll across the farm for a laid-back view of the fields. Slides give kids a fast way to burn energy.
The petting zoo wins over animal lovers of any age. Kids’ festivals add even more activities during the season.
Parents of little ones will appreciate the changing tables and nursing room. Parking is free, which leaves more money for pumpkins.
Check the schedule before you go, since hours are seasonal. The farm opens Monday and Thursday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Fridays and Saturdays stretch until 10 PM. A corn maze after dark sounds like an adventure worth trying.
It closes Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday. Plan around that so nobody ends up staring at a locked gate.
Address: 150 Cherry Hill Rd, Ronks, PA 17572
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway: Trademark of the Reading & Northern Railroad
Seventy minutes. That’s how long you get to sit back while a train does the hiking for you through the Lehigh Gorge.
The ride starts in Jim Thorpe, a mountain town full of character. From there, the train follows the river into Lehigh Gorge State Park.
Fall might be the best time to ride. Mountain slopes blaze with color, and the river runs right alongside the tracks.
Dome cars offer large windows and air conditioning. Some trips feature a steam engine, which adds old-school charm to the scenery.
Narration helps explain what you’re seeing along the way. The staff knows the route well, so questions are welcome.
Kids enjoy discounted fares and plenty to look at. It’s an easy outing for grandparents, too, since there’s no steep climbing involved.
Grab tickets ahead of time, especially on autumn weekends. Saturday afternoons draw the biggest crowds.
The station is open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. There’s a restaurant and restrooms on site.
Parking is paid, both in the lot and on the street. Budget a few extra minutes to find a spot before boarding.
Address: 1 Susquehanna St, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Shady Brook Farm
Strawberries, peaches, corn, apples, pumpkins. Shady Brook Farm’s pick-your-own list reads like a grocery run with better scenery.
Located in Yardley, this Bucks County farm stays busy across the seasons. Autumn brings apples and pumpkins into the spotlight.
Hayrides are a seasonal favorite here. They’re a relaxed way to take in the fields without walking every row.
The farm market carries fresh seasonal produce. A deli and a nursery are on site too, so you can shop for lunch and plants in one stop.
Got kids? There’s a playground and a play area to keep them busy.
Ice cream is also on hand for anyone who earned a treat.
Later in the year, the farm switches gears for a holiday light show. It includes both drive-through and walk-through displays.
Some events need tickets bought in advance. Check ahead before you load up the car.
The farm opens daily at 9 AM.
Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons are busiest. Weekday mornings are much calmer for a slower pace.
Address: 931 Stony Hill Rd, Yardley, PA 19067
Hickory Run State Park
An entire field made of boulders sounds like a giant forgot to clean up. At Hickory Run, it’s a landmark.
The Boulder Field is the park’s most famous feature. Rocks stretch out across the ground in a scene that looks almost unreal.
Beyond that, the park covers 15,990 acres in eastern Pennsylvania. More than 40 miles of hiking trails wind through the forest.
Fall is prime time for those trails. The paths stay clean and well marked, so you can focus on the leaves instead of your map.
Trout streams run through the park for anglers. A small fishing lake offers another spot to cast a line.
Want something different? Try the disc golf course for a playful break between hikes.
There’s also a beach, changing rooms, showers, and a snack bar for warmer days. Families get a playground with slides and swings.
Grills and picnic tables make lunch simple. Dogs are welcome, so the whole crew can come along.
Saturday afternoons and evenings get the busiest. A midweek visit gives you a quieter shot at those famous rocks, and maybe a little more room to keep exploring.
Address: 3 Family Camp Rd, White Haven, PA 18661
