If you're planning a trip to York, Pennsylvania, this fall, or you're lucky enough to live in the area, you can't miss the beautiful weather and foliage this season brings. Whether you're looking for a way to relax and unwind or spend quality time with your loved ones, it's the perfect season for a stroll through the colorful leaves. Here's a list of the seven best places to see fall foliage in and around York.
York County Heritage Rail Trail
Image by John Jennings is licensed with Unsplash License
The next time you're in York in the fall, make sure to take a hike, jog, or bike ride along York County Heritage Rail Trail. This beautiful 21-mile path takes you from downtown York to the Mason-Dixon Line and is a great way to explore the area while taking in the autumn leaves.
If you prefer to check out the foliage as you relax, climb aboard the Northern Central Railway William H. Simpson No. 17. This steam engine allows you to check out the beauty of the season. Ride along the same rails that carried President Lincoln when he was heading to deliver the Gettysburg Address. The train follows the York County Heritage Rail Trail, making it a must-visit if you're in the area.
Codorus State Park
If you're looking for a beautiful place to check out fall foliage and spend time with your loved ones, make sure to visit Codorus State Park. Just a quick drive up Route 216 and into Hanover, Pennsylvania; this state park includes Lake Marburg. Here, you can gaze upon 26 miles of tree-covered shoreline, making this a great place to visit as the leaves change.
If you visit during October, you can take advantage of their boat rentals, bring your kayaks, and get out on the water. You can also bring a tent and pitch it in the park's campground for an overnight getaway.
Samuel S. Lewis State Park
Stop by Samuel S. Lewis State Park for a captivating view of the stunning Susquehanna River and the surrounding trees and foliage. You'll find mature woods in the western section of this 85-acre state park. The highest point in the area is the picturesque Mount Pisgah, an 885-foot-high ridge that separates Kreutz Creek Valley from East Prospect Valley. Many kite-flying enthusiasts visit this area, making it a fun place to spend an afternoon with your friends and family while enjoying the beauty of the season.
Rocky Ridge Park
If you want to explore the woods, head to Rocky Ridge Park. Out of this vast 750-acre park, 90% is mature oak forest, making it a breathtaking place to check out the changing autumn leaves. There is an endless amount of foliage, and this park also sits on a rocky hilltop where you can gaze across the stunning Susquehanna Valley.
Before your visit, pack a lunch and some sunscreen because you'll be sure to want to spend the day hiking, picnicking, and taking in the beauty of this area. For the best view of the fall leaves, venture to the park's northern end, where you'll find a scenic overlook and a great place for a photo op.
Highpoint Scenic Vista and Recreation Area
Highpoint Scenic Vista and Recreation Area is a beautiful place to come and take a stroll, chat with your loved ones, and check out the fall foliage. Here, you'll find 79 acres of breathtaking meadowlands situated on top of a hill that overlooks the Susquehanna Valley.
This high point also offers an incredible 360-degree view of the Susquehanna River and the surrounding towns, including Columbia and Wrightsville. There are several mowed trails in the area, so it's easy for you, your friends, and your family to enjoy the surrounding meadows. There's also a paved hiking trail if you're looking for a more adventurous outing.
Seven Valleys
Just a short drive from York, you'll find the town of Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania. Still, in York County, this quaint town offers visitors beautiful views of the autumn foliage. You can take advantage of the Northern Central Railway and hop aboard their PRR GP9 Diesel Locomotive, built in 1959. It stops in Seven Valleys and takes you on tour through southern York County to check out the red, yellow, and orange-leaved trees lining the train tracks.
The entire excursion is about two hours and 45 minutes, and it allows you to learn about the history of Seven Valleys and the surrounding area, making it a great trip whether you're visiting from out of town or a local who wants to know more about the place they call home.
Chickies Rock County Park
Only a short 20-minute drive outside of York, you'll find Chickies Rock County Park in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It's the second largest regional park in the county and includes several breathtaking vistas and geological features. However, the natural attraction of this park is the impressive outcropping of quartzite rock, which looms 100 feet over the river.
Chickies Rock County Park is a great place to visit to check out the changing colors of the leaves, and some of the best dates to visit are between late October and early November because of the abundant fall foliage. Here, you can also take in astonishing views over York County, northwestern Lancaster County, and the borough of Marietta. If you want to learn more about the area, you'll also enjoy the variety of historical treasures and artifacts this park offers.
Well, there you have it, the seven best places to check out the fall foliage in and around York, Pennsylvania. The eye-catching hues and crisp weather are perfect for a morning jog or afternoon walk with your loved ones, so make sure to get out there and take it all in. Let us know if you visit the places on our list, and feel free to contact us if we forget your favorite spot to enjoy the season. We'll be happy to update our recommendations so more locals and visitors can enjoy this area's beauty.
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