September in Pennsylvania means strolling under tree canopies that seem straight out of a storybook. The leaves are turning, painting the streets in warm shades of gold, amber, and red.
Each step feels cozy, with crunching leaves beneath your feet and crisp air around you. It’s the perfect time to slow down and enjoy nature’s September magic.
1. Jim Thorpe’s Historic District
Nestled in the Lehigh Gorge, this Victorian town transforms into a fall paradise. Maple and oak trees line the narrow streets, creating tunnels of amber and crimson above the historic architecture.
Locals call it the “Switzerland of Pennsylvania” for good reason. The combination of mountain views, historic buildings, and vibrant foliage makes September walks here truly unforgettable.
2. Ridgway’s Clarion River Walk
Morning fog drifts through towering hemlocks and maples along this charming river town’s walkways. The interplay of light through September’s changing leaves creates dancing patterns on the water’s surface.
Pennsylvania’s lumber heritage is visible in the surrounding forests that burst with color. Wooden benches along the path invite visitors to pause and watch the river flow beneath the colorful canopy.
3. New Hope’s Canal Path
Artists have flocked to this Bucks County gem for generations, drawn by September’s spectacular light filtering through ancient sycamores. The Delaware Canal towpath offers a perfect vantage point for nature’s autumn showcase.
Water reflects the fiery canopy, doubling the visual impact. Pennsylvania’s most bohemian town combines charming architecture with natural splendor, creating an atmosphere that feels almost European.
4. Wellsboro’s Gas-Lit Main Street
Famous for its vintage gas lamps, this northern Pennsylvania town becomes magical when September transforms its mature elm canopy. Golden light filters through yellowing leaves, creating a warm glow even on cloudy days.
The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania lies nearby, but locals know the real show happens right downtown. Maple trees line the Victorian streets, creating a perfect autumn tunnel for memorable September strolls.
5. Ligonier’s Diamond Park
Revolutionary War history meets natural beauty in this Laurel Highlands town. The diamond-shaped central park becomes a cathedral of color when its ancient oaks and sugar maples reach peak September splendor.
Pennsylvania’s mountain air adds crispness to autumn walks here. Gazebo concerts beneath the colorful canopy create the perfect soundtrack for leaf-peepers enjoying the small-town charm and historic architecture.
6. Milford’s Grey Towers Path
Hemlock and beech trees create a stunning natural corridor leading to the historic Grey Towers mansion. Early morning walks reveal spider webs jeweled with dew, suspended between branches of crimson and gold.
The Delaware River provides a backdrop to Pennsylvania’s most elegant autumn display. Forest paths wind through the grounds where conservation pioneer Gifford Pinchot once walked, now preserved for September’s colorful spectacle.
7. Lititz’s Litbrook Path
Chocolate-scented air mingles with autumn’s earthy fragrance in this Lancaster County haven. The stream-side walking path becomes a tunnel of gold when sycamores and willows reach their September peak.
Pennsylvania Dutch country offers few scenes more picturesque. Historic mills and covered bridges dot the landscape, while the overhanging branches create dappled light patterns that photographers travel miles to capture.
8. Ohiopyle’s Ferncliff Trail
Rushing waterfalls provide the soundtrack to this southwestern Pennsylvania gem. The protected peninsula creates a microclimate where ferns carpet the forest floor beneath a canopy of maple, oak, and birch trees.
September transforms the Youghiogheny River gorge into a painter’s palette. Pennsylvania’s most dramatic natural area becomes even more spectacular when viewed through the filter of autumn’s golden hour light.
9. Eagles Mere’s Laurel Path
Nicknamed “The Town Time Forgot,” this mountain lake retreat shines brightest in September. The century-old laurel path encircles the lake, creating a natural archway of mountain laurel beneath towering hemlocks and maples.
Pennsylvania’s most exclusive hidden gem dates to the 1800s. Victorian cottages peek through the colorful foliage, while the cool mountain air preserves the autumn colors longer than in lower-elevation towns.