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From Rustic Festivals to Brilliant Foliage, the Endless Mountains Region Showcases Fall at Its Finest
Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit the Endless Mountains, and it’s easy to see why. The NEPA countryside embodies everything iconic about fall, from family trips to the pumpkin patch to nights sipping apple cider and hot cocoa around the campfire. Scenic trails and sweeping vistas are prime spots for leaf peeping as the mountains turn blazing shades of red, orange, and gold. And every weekend, there’s no shortage of fall festivals and events to keep you busy all season long.
Located just north of the Valley Cities, the Endless Mountains region makes a perfect day trip or a long weekend adventure. Check out these ideas to plan your fall fun.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
In the Endless Mountains, you’ll find lots of farm stands and markets to stock up on pumpkins, mums, and other harvesttime décor. But the real fun is heading out to the pumpkin patch to pick your own.
At Brown Hill Farms near Tunkhannock, you can hop on the wagon and take a ride out to the patch to pick the perfect pumpkin. Stick around to explore the corn maze, meet the adorable farm animals, and try their incredible apple cider donuts. The farm offers plenty of kids’ play areas, and families can easily spend several hours there. Pumpkin season begins the last weekend of September. Check their website or Facebook page for hours and ticket information.
Whistle Pig Pumpkin Patch in Noxen is another great spot to find the perfect pumpkins, gourds, and fall décor. The entire family will love the corn maze, while kids will enjoy fun activities like the hay jump. Whistle Pig opens for the season on September 28. Check their website or Facebook page for hours.
View the Fall Foliage
With a name like the Endless Mountains, you can bet that the region boasts great views of the fall colors. Our vast parks and forests become leaf peeping destinations, especially around the peak in early to mid-October.
If you love the great outdoors, then hit the trail to take in the fall foliage. Ricketts Glen State Park is stunning all year round, but sites like Valley View Vista (located on Old Bulldozer Trail) and the famous Falls Trail are all the more breathtaking as the leaves change. These trails are challenging, but worth the epic views. For a moderate, family-friendly option, try Vosburg Neck State Park near Tunkhannock. One of Pennsylvania’s newest state parks, it features eight miles of trails through the forests and along the Susquehanna River.
For drivable options, try one of our many roadside vistas. At High Knob Overlook, you’ll get a sweeping view of the Loyalsock State Forest and about 90,000 acres of woodland. On a clear day, you can see 20 miles into the distance. Another favorite is the Loyalsock Canyon Vista at Worlds End State Park, which offers a dramatic view into the valley. It is accessible via Mineral Spring and Cold Run roads, or you can hike to it via the Canyon Vista Trail.
Attend a Fall Festival
Our charming small towns sure know how to celebrate the season. On October 5, the Hometown Harvest Fest brings downtown Tunkhannock to life with art, music, and vendors. Then on October 12, the Dushore Fall Festival is a day of family fun, including pumpkin carving, cookie decorating, scarecrow decorating, hayrides, a chili cookoff, and more.
On October 12 and 13, Elk Mountain Ski Resort in Union Dale hosts their annual Fall Festival. This ever-popular arts and crafts show features dozens of fine artisans and live entertainment.
The 43rd Annual Lumberjack/Chainsaw Carving Competition returns to the Forksville Fairgrounds on October 12 and 13. The weekend celebrates our lumber heritage with thrilling competitions, beautiful craftsmanship, and family activities.
To get into the spooky spirit, head to Old Mill Village Museum in New Milford. This historic site has hosted several paranormal investigations and allegedly has ghostly activity on the grounds. This year, they’re holding two great events just in time for Halloween. On the Historic Ghost Walks of PA, you’ll listen to chilling tales as you take a guided candlelit tour of the property. The tours will be on October 13, 14, 20, and 21. Then on October 28, they’ll host the annual Witches’ Tea with wickedly delicious treats.
Take a Fall Wine Tour
Crisp autumn days call for a trip to one of our local wineries. The weather tends to be cool and comfortable—perfect for taking a drive out to the country and relaxing with a glass of wine. You might even squeeze in one last afternoon al fresco.
Fall wine fests are also in full swing. On October 12, the Tunkhannock Rotary Harvest & Wine Festival returns to Lazybrook Park for a day of local wine, beer, food, and music. For a frighteningly good time, visit the Endless Mountains HalloWINEfest at the Wyoming County Fairgrounds on October 26—and make sure to come in your best costume!
For more attractions and activities in the Endless Mountains, check out our visitors guide. You can download a digital copy or request a free copy by mail on our website. You can also call 570-836-5431 or stop by our visitors center at 5405 SR 6 in Tunkhannock for additional information.
Don’t forget to share your fall photos! Our annual photo contest continues through December 31, 2024. Entry rules and a submission form are available online. Winners will receive a cash award and be featured in the 2025 visitors guide.
Sullivan County. Photo courtesy of Harriet Smith.
Featured image (top) Worlds End State Park. Photo courtesy of Dennis Kowalewski.
*Article updated from its original version published on 9/14/2023.
