Where to See the Best Fall Colors in Pennsylvania

Fall plants are the stars of this magical season! As Pennsylvania’s forests burst into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, it’s time to throw on your favorite cozy sweater, grab a pumpkin spice latte, and go out searching for inspiration to fill your garden with the beauty of the season. In this guide, we’ll take you to our favorite spots for soaking in those stunning fall colors, set you up with a local leaf-peeping tour, and help you bring that autumn glow home with vibrant plants from our garden center!

 

The Best Places for Fall Leaves Near Glenside, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania isn’t just the home of cheesesteaks and the Liberty Bell; it’s also a prime destination for leaf peeping. If you’re ready to be illuminated by Fall’s finest, here are some of the best spots to check out—each one guaranteed to leave you seeing red, gold, and every autumn hue in between.

 

• Fairmount Park, Philadelphia
  Just a hop, skip, and a hot cocoa from Glenside, Fairmount Park is a kaleidoscope of colors this time of year. Wander along Kelly Drive, where maples and oaks are showing off their fall coats, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a painting. Pack a picnic or just take a stroll through stunning scenery pulled straight out of a fall Hallmark movie montage!

 

 

• Gettysburg National Military Park
  While history is front and center at Gettysburg, the battlefield’s rolling hills come alive with a rainbow of colors thanks to their many maples, sassafras, and black gum trees. Blend an outing of leaf peeping with an educational tour through this important piece of American history!  

• Washington Crossing Historic Park
  Another must-see for history buffs, this historic locale, where George Washington famously crossed the Delaware River, is also a magnificent spot to admire Fall’s natural giants. Expect stunning reds and yellows from maples, dogwoods, and tulip trees. Trust us, even George would’ve paused for a selfie if he’d had the chance!

• Rothrock State Forest
  Feeling adventurous? Rothrock State Forest is like a treasure chest of fall color, packed with oaks, maples, and birches just begging for you to hike beneath them. It’s the perfect spot if you want to earn your pumpkin pie with a bit of outdoor cardio. Lace up those boots, hit the trails, and let the colors do the rest!

• York County Heritage Rail Trail
  Take a leisurely bike ride or a brisk walk down the York County Heritage Rail Trail, where the scenery shifts from leafy greens to golden yellows and fiery reds in mid-October. It’s a hidden gem where fall foliage meets fresh air—no extra charge for the natural beauty.

 

Don’t Just Look, Get Involved!

Leaf peeping is all about getting out there and soaking it all in. For those who want to elevate their peeping game, guided tours are available that take you right into the heart of Fall’s finest displays. Local groups and guides offer everything from bus tours to walking adventures, giving you a VIP pass to the season’s biggest show.

If you’re more of a do-it-yourself type, don’t be afraid to grab your favorite travel mug, fill it with something warm and cinnamon-y, and chart your own course! Explore the winding roads and scenic overlooks at your own pace, or plan your own leaf-peeping hunt with your friends and family.

Know Your Trees: The Stars of Fall

 

Pennsylvania’s trees are the true artists of autumn, each one a masterpiece that brings the magic of the season to life. As the air turns crisp, these magnificent giants transform, painting our landscapes with breathtaking hues. Let’s honor these stars of Fall, each one unique in its splendor and worthy of admiration:

 

• Maple: The Fiery Showstopper

The maple stands as a symbol of Fall’s fiery brilliance. Its leaves blaze with shades of scarlet, orange, and gold, lighting up our forests and streets. A canopy of maples in full autumn glory is nothing short of a living flame, illuminating the landscape with warmth and passion, truly a sight that captures the heart and lingers in memory.

• Oak: The Bold and Noble

Oaks are the stalwart guardians of the forest, displaying deep, rich tones of bronze, amber, and russet. Their leaves cling longer than most, providing a slow, deliberate transition that reminds us of the steadfast strength and enduring beauty of these majestic trees. In their quiet dignity, oaks teach us to appreciate the gradual unfolding of nature’s splendor.

• Birch: The Bright White Beacon

With its distinctive white bark and fluttering yellow leaves, the birch is a beacon of light in the autumn landscape. It stands out against the darker tones of the forest, its delicate leaves catching the sunlight like drops of gold. The birch’s elegance lies in its simplicity, a gentle reminder of the quiet beauty that often goes unnoticed this time of year.

• Sassafras: The Colorful Enchanter

The sassafras tree is a wonder of form and color, with leaves that shift from green to a patchwork of orange, purple, and red. Its uniquely shaped leaves, some like mittens and others like dinosaur tracks, add an eccentric touch to the fall show. The sassafras embodies the playful side of autumn, enchanting us with its ever-changing beauty.

 

Each of these trees contributes to Pennsylvania’s fall tapestry, a living work of art that unfolds before our eyes each year. They are not just trees; they are storytellers, memory-makers, and keepers of the season’s spirit. 

 

Bring the Colors of Fall to Your Garden!

Why let all that autumn glory stay in the wild when you can bring it back to your backyard? We’re rolling out the red (and yellow and orange) carpet this Fall with a stunning selection of fall plants for Glenside that’ll keep your garden looking like an autumn wonderland! Here are just some of our favorites:

 

• Mums: The Classic Fall Bloomers

Mums are the undisputed queens of the fall garden. Bursting with bold colors and a hearty disposition, they’re perfect for adding those classic autumn vibes to your garden beds or containers. Place them around your landscape in clusters or containers, and boom—instant fall fabulousness!

• Asters: The Starry-Eyed Beauties

Asters are little bursts of joy that keep your garden buzzing with life due to their prolific, long-lasting, bee-attracting blooms. Available in shades of purple, pink, and white, these pollinator magnets are your garden’s answer to twinkling stars on a crisp fall night. Plant a few, and watch them steal the show.

• Ornamental Grasses: The Soft Fall Touch

If your garden needs a little movement, look no further than ornamental grasses. With their feathery plumes swaying in the breeze, grasses like Fountain Grass and Miscanthus add texture, height, and a touch of drama that’ll keep things interesting in your landscape long after the flowers have gone.

• Heuchera: The Foliage Hero

Also known as Coral Bells, this shade plant is the unsung hero of any fall garden. With its seemingly endless selection of jewel-toned foliage in shades of green, red, and purple, it adds a pop of color that’s just as captivating as any flower. It’s the perfect choice for gardeners who want to keep the color coming, even when the leaves are long gone.

 

Need some more autumn gardening tips? Come see us any time at Primex Garden Center to get your fall garden popping! Whether you’re looking for expert advice or locally sourced seasonal plant picks, we’re packed with everything you need to make your fall garden dreams come to life!