Explore Scenic Trails & Fall Hikes Across Northeastern PA
Fall in Northeastern Pennsylvania offers some of the best hiking of the year. The crisp air, vivid foliage and golden light transform every trail into an unforgettable outdoor experience. Rolling hillsides glow with fiery reds, brilliant yellows and deep oranges, creating perfect backdrops for every adventure.
Forests, state parks and winding hiking trails become natural galleries filled with seasonal beauty. From quiet lakeshores to rushing waterfalls, autumn paints the landscape in bold strokes. Each step reveals something new — a canopy of color, the crunch of leaves underfoot or a wildlife sighting along the trail. Scenic overlooks offer sweeping mountain views blanketed in brilliant fall foliage. From the Pocono Mountains to the Endless Mountains and through NEPA’s vibrant valleys, fall hikes here are unforgettable.
Whether you want a short stroll or a challenging climb, fall hiking trails across the region bring a fresh way to reconnect with nature. Lace up your boots, grab a camera and experience another incredible season outdoors in NEPA.
Bear Creek, PA
Natural Lands’ Bear Creek Preserve in Bear Creek contains miles of hiking trails. During fall, Shades Creek and surrounding woodlands glow with color. The 2.3-mile Parcel Yellow Trail leads to a scenic overlook. Visitors enjoy its quiet atmosphere and seasonal views.
Equinunk, PA
Browning Beaver Meadow Sanctuary in Equinunk features 2.5 miles of scenic hiking trails. In autumn, the mountaintop landscape fills with colorful foliage. Visitors can enjoy peaceful views around the pond and through hemlock forest. The quiet setting makes it a relaxing choice for casual fall hikes.
Bushkill, PA
Head to Bushkill Falls in Bushkill, known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania.” Fall brings vivid foliage around eight waterfalls and four hiking trails. Boardwalks and bridges provide easy access to the streamside scenery. Both beginners and seasoned hikers can enjoy the trails during autumn.
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Union Dale, PA
The D&H Rail-Trail in Union Dale stretches 38 miles along a historic railbed. In fall, the trail offers wide views of colorful forests and valleys. Visitors can hike or bike shorter sections with access from 11 trailheads. The flat surface makes it suitable for all skill levels.
Jessup, PA
The Dick and Nancy Eales Nature Preserve in Jessup is located on Moosic Mountain. In autumn, foliage spreads across the unique scrub oak barrens and ridgelines. The 3.4-mile Blueberry Trail offers clear valley views. Its easy access makes it a popular fall hiking spot.
Hazle Township, PA
The Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails in Hazle Township is a flat, multi-use path. In fall, colorful forests and meadows line the trail. A reservoir provides bright seasonal views along the way. Its accessible surface is suitable for walkers, runners and cyclists.
Hazle Township, PA
The Hazle Township Community Park in Hazle Township features paved trails around Lake Irena. Autumn brings colorful reflections across the 26-acre lake. The trail loops through peaceful wooded areas and open fields. It’s an easy option for a short fall walk.
South Abington Township, PA
Hillside Park in South Abington Township covers 100 scenic acres. Autumn foliage brightens the lake and wooded trails. The property also includes a dog park and community pavilion. Its flat paths make it a convenient choice for fall outings.
Scranton, PA
The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in Scranton stretches roughly 30 miles. During autumn, the trail is lined with colorful foliage along the Lackawanna River. With 26 trailheads, users can explore both urban and rural sections. Its flat path is ideal for walking, running or biking.
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Tunkhannock, PA
Lazybrook Park in Tunkhannock offers trails along Tunkhannock Creek. Fall scenery brightens the wooded paths and open spaces. A historic 19th-century bridge adds interest to the route. The easy loop makes it a popular spot for autumn walks.
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White Haven, PA
The Lehigh Gorge Trail in White Haven runs 26 miles along the Lehigh River. Autumn fills the gorge with colorful scenery on the steep canyon walls. Hikers also pass waterfalls and remnants of historic canals. Its flat gravel surface makes it suitable for hikers and cyclists alike.
Factoryville, PA
Little Rocky Glen Preserve in Factoryville covers 26 wooded acres. Fall foliage frames the trails along Tunkhannock Creek Gorge. Visitors encounter waterfalls, natural rock formations and scenic overlooks. Short paths make it a quick but rewarding fall hike.
Milford, PA
The McDade Recreational Trail in Milford stretches 30 miles through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Fall foliage brightens ridges, valleys and riversides. Scenic overlooks and Delaware River views make this trail especially beautiful in autumn. Multiple trailheads allow for both short and long hikes.
Greenfield Township, PA
Merli-Sarnoski Park in Greenfield Township includes trails around a 35-acre lake. Autumn brings colorful foliage across the mountain ridges and forests. The 8-mile Bike Trail provides a complete tour of the park. Hikers and cyclists enjoy the peaceful setting in fall.
Scranton, PA
Nay Aug Park in Scranton provides a fall escape within the city. Bright foliage surrounds paved walking trails through wooded areas. The David Wenzel Treehouse overlooks Roaring Brook Gorge with colorful views. Its accessibility makes it a convenient fall hiking destination.
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Pinchot State Forest’s Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Wilkes-Barre features unique rock pools and rushing streams. Autumn foliage brightens the wooded paths and waterfalls. The Main Loop and Audubon Loop highlight the terrain with seasonal color. Its short trails make it perfect for a quick fall hike.
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South Abington Township, PA
A paved walking trail winds through South Abington Recreation Park in South Abington Township. In fall, colorful foliage brightens the banks of Leggetts Creek. Two covered bridges add charm to the seasonal landscape. Its easy path makes this a family-friendly autumn destination.
East Stroudsburg, PA
The Thunder Swamp Trail System in East Stroudsburg covers 26 miles in Delaware State Forest. Autumn colors brighten streams, bogs and wooded paths. Lake Minisink reflects the season’s foliage for a striking view. Rugged terrain makes this system a rewarding fall hike.
Dunmore, PA
Top of the World in Dunmore provides one of NEPA’s best fall views. The 4.2-mile loop climbs to a sweeping overlook. Colorful forested valleys stretch below in every direction. The moderate trail rewards hikers with unforgettable seasonal scenery.
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Beach Lake, PA
The Van Scott Nature Reserve in Beach Lake covers 144 acres. Autumn foliage brightens its wetlands, meadows and forests. The Explorer Trail showcases most of the reserve’s seasonal scenery. Its peaceful setting makes it a pleasant fall hike in Wayne County.
Plan Your Next Fall Hike in NEPA
Fall hikes in NEPA combine crisp air, colorful foliage and unforgettable scenery. From easy park strolls to rugged mountain climbs, every outing delivers autumn beauty. Whether chasing waterfalls, exploring forests or walking lakeside trails, Northeastern Pennsylvania offers the season’s best outdoor adventures. Don’t miss the chance to experience the region’s stunning fall foliage this year.
Experience Fall at NEPA’s State Parks
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 10/14/2020.
10 Fall Hikes
