Fall in Full Color: Lackawanna County’s Best Foliage Views
There’s nothing quite like fall in Lackawanna County. The trees burst into every shade of red, orange, and gold, and the familiar trails and parks we love take on a whole new glow. It’s the season for slow walks, cozy layers, and stopping every few steps just to take in the view. From morning hikes to chasing that golden-hour light, this time of year never fails to impress.
Stroll through the waterfalls and forest paths at Nay Aug Park, take in the sweeping views at McDade Park, or circle the calm shoreline along the Lake Scranton Walking Trail. Over at Hillside Park and South Abington Recreational Park, the trees glow brighter by the day, wrapping every trail in color.
Whether you’re chasing waterfall hikes in Northeastern PA, exploring the top fall foliage trails, or checking off your NEPA fall bucket list, now’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy nature’s best performance.
Explore Fall Foliage Destinations in Lackawanna County
Scranton, PA
Nay Aug Park in Scranton is at its most stunning in the fall, when every trail and overlook bursts with color. Wander along tree-lined paths to the roaring waterfalls and gorge overlooks, or pause on the pedestrian bridge for a sweeping view of fiery treetops reflected in the water below. The David Wenzel Treehouse peeks through a canopy of red and gold, offering one of the best views of the season. From the covered bridge to the quiet trails winding along Roaring Brook, every corner of the park feels like a perfect snapshot of autumn in NEPA.
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Scranton, PA
When the leaves start to turn, McDade Park in Scranton becomes one of the best spots to take in the season. The wide open hills glow in the afternoon sun, while winding trails lead past quiet ponds that mirror the reds and golds of the trees above. A stroll through the park offers views in every direction—bright bursts of color near the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, peaceful paths lined with maple and oak, and benches perched perfectly for taking it all in. McDade is the perfect place for a crisp walk, a scenic photo stop, or a picnic under the fall canopy.
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Scranton, PA
Few places capture the calm beauty of fall like the Lake Scranton Walking Trail. Just minutes from downtown Scranton, this 3.5-mile loop circles the water with views of rolling hills wrapped in red, orange, and gold. The paved path winds through quiet stretches of forest before opening to sweeping scenes across the lake—perfect for an afternoon walk or a golden-hour run. On still days, the colorful treeline reflects across the surface, creating one of the most peaceful fall views in NEPA.
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South Abington Township, PA
A local favorite, Hillside Park in South Abington Township glows in autumn with its mix of open meadows, walking trails, and calm lake views. The trees surrounding the water light up in every shade of red, gold, and orange, their reflections rippling gently across the surface. Anglers cast a line from the fishing pier, while walkers and families take in the quiet beauty from the shore. It’s one of those perfect NEPA fall scenes—peaceful, colorful, and easy to enjoy at your own pace.
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South Abington Township, PA
South Abington Recreation Park blends family fun with the peaceful beauty of NEPA’s fall season. A stroll along the trail by Leggetts Creek leads past golden trees and the park’s charming covered bridge, where the leaves glow in the afternoon light. The sound of the water and the crunch of leaves underfoot make it the perfect spot to slow down and soak up the season. Whether you’re out for a walk or snapping a few fall photos, this park captures everything we love about autumn in NEPA.
Learn MoreBlink, and you’ll miss it—that quick stretch of days when the hills glow and every drive has a stunning view, gone too soon but impossible to forget. The colors come and go fast, but that’s what makes them so special. One windy afternoon and the leaves shift, the trails change, and suddenly it all feels different again. So take the detour, pull over for the view, and make time to chase those last bursts of color while they’re still here.
No matter where you wander, autumn in Lackawanna County is a season of pure magic and fleeting color — so get out there and see why NEPA shines brightest in the fall!
Experience the Best PA Fall Foliage in NEPA — No Hiking Required
