October is the best month to experience bright fall foliage in Central Pennsylvania. Guests staying with us can set out on scenic drives through nearby State Forests and State Parks. On these foliage tours, you come face-to-face with colorful landscapes, trails, and sites worth remembering. Each stop feels like a breath of fresh air, and a picnic makes the day even sweeter.
Pennsylvania enjoys one of the world’s longest and most diverse fall foliage seasons. There are three main regions worldwide that showcase forests with autumn color: Eastern North America, the British Isles, and parts of northwestern Europe. Northeastern Asia also displays this wonder.
Pennsylvania stands out because of its unique geography. The state’s latitude, between 40° and 42° north, combines with elevations from sea level to 3,000 feet. This variety supports 134 species of trees, countless shrubs, and vines that create breathtaking foliage.
Pennsylvania is also where northern and southern tree species meet, offering visitors an extraordinary mix of colors. Northern trees like gray birch, mountain maple, and quaking aspen add vivid tones. Southern trees such as black gum, hickory, and dogwood brighten the forests.
Guests may also see persimmon, pawpaw, buckeye, and bur oak thriving in the Allegheny Plateau.
Rolling hills and winding rivers make this route through central Pennsylvania a refreshing change of pace. Starting in Bloomsburg, these driving directions will take you past small towns, overlooks, and stretches of forest before circling back again.
Seven Mountains and Bald Eagle State Forest
- Start at the Inn in Bloomsburg and drive to Danville, then take Route 11/15 to Selinsgrove.
- Continue on Route 15 to Duncannon for views along the Susquehanna River.
- Follow Route 322 to Lewistown and Milroy; stop at Laurel Creek Reservoir for an overlook of the Seven Mountains.
- Detour through Bald Eagle State Forest for scenic ridges, streams, and hiking trails that vary in length and difficulty.
- Return via Mifflinburg and Lewisburg to Bloomsburg.
- Driving time: 4 hours, 200 miles.
Scenic Susquehanna River & Loyalsock Canyon Vista
- Leave the Inn and take Route 487 South to Route 61 toward Shamokin.
- Continue on Route 225 to Trevorton, then follow Route 3006 to its junction with Route 147 north of Herndon.
- Drive north on Route 147 along the Susquehanna River to Montandon. Continue on Routes 405, 220, and 3009 to World’s End State Park in the Loyalsock Creek valley.
- Visit the ADA-accessible Loyalsock Canyon Vista for outstanding fall views.
- Hike one of the park’s challenging trails. Canyon Vista Trail is a 4-mile loop rated difficult, with steep climbs up the surrounding mountains.
- Return via Routes 154 and 42, stopping in the Victorian village of Eagles Mere, home to three museums: Eagles Mere Museum, Auto Museum, and Air Museum.
- Driving time: 3.75 hours, 160 miles.
Loyalsock State Forest and Ricketts Glen State Park
- From the Inn in Bloomsburg, take Route 42 north to Route 220 at Beech Glen.
- Follow Route 220 through Loyalsock State Forest to Dushore.
- Turn south on Route 487 to reach Ricketts Glen State Park and its hiking trails.
- Stop at Lake Jean for foliage views across the water and a picnic.
- Choose a short hike to Adams Falls or the longer Falls Trail; guided hikes are also available on select dates.
- Return to Bloomsburg via Route 487.
- Driving time: 2.25 hours, 100 miles.
End Your Journey with the Perfect Foliage Drive
Nothing beats a Pennsylvania fall foliage drive in peak season. Travel along the Susquehanna, climb the Seven Mountains, or hike to waterfalls. Pair your drive with a stay at our Inn to enjoy the season’s colors.
At this time of year, there’s no better way to end your day of foliage touring than relaxing in one of the Inn’s rooms. Unwind in a two-person whirlpool tub and enjoy the warmth of a gas fireplace. Afterward, visit Turkey Hill Brewing Company Pub and Grille for a casual dinner and a beer (or two). Book your stay now and let your adventure take root!
Photo Credit: © Reid Carter via canva.com, © Stephen Meyers from Pexels via canva.com, © Comstock via canva.com
