It is finally autumn in Pennsylvania, the leaves are changing and the air has a delightfully cool breeze blowing through it. Because of the mild weather, this is definitely one of the best times of the year to go exploring - which means you totally need to get in your last bit of adventure in before winter hits. With so many holidays coming up and so many people to see, you should make it a point to take a minor detour on your upcoming road trips so you can knock these spectacular spots all across the state off of your fall bucket list. Bon Voyage!
@7springspaPine Creek Gorge
Where: Pine Creek Gorge, Wellsboro
@uncoveringpaIf you want unbeatable views of the Pennsylvania fall foliage, you must visit Pine Creek Gorge; often hailed as the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania" it offers some of the most spectacular natural scenery in all of the state.
@blueridgeoutdoorsSeven Springs Mountain Resort
Where: 777 Water Wheel Dr, Champion
A mountain coaster, ski lift, zip lines, spa - this is the place for the ultimate autumn adventure. Not to mention their annual Autumnfest, featuring live entertainment and music as well as crafters, artists, food vendors, and much more, but it's better if you just went and found out for yourself.
Centralia
Where: Centralia
@noahlovasIf you are looking to add something a little eerie to your bucket list, Centralia should be it. You have probably already heard all about this abandoned town that inspired Silent Hill, but if you haven't seen it in person then you're totally missing out.
Jim Thorpe
Where: Jim Thorpe
@sarah.sewellThe quaint little Victorian town of Jim Thorpe transforms into an autumn paradise during October. Not only does the fall foliage surround and compliment the old city buildings, but they host their annual fall festival - considered one of the best in the entire state.
@codymo_photoMütter Museum
Where: 19 South 22nd Street, Philadelphia
@dear.darklingFull of historical medical displays and equipment, including bits of the genius, Albert Einstein's brain, the skeleton of the nation's tallest man to date, and much more, the Mütter Museum is one of those must-see unusual museums located throughout the nation.
@pyretta_blaze666Eckley Miners' Village
Where: 2 Eckley Main Street, Weatherly
@aronymousboschWalk back in time to an old miners' village, still kept in considerably good original condition. If that alone isn't exciting enough, every October they host Haunted Lantern Tours, featuring a guided walking tour and of course, haunted tales.
@visitluzernecountyFrick's Lock
Where: 495-501 Lower Fricks Lock Rd, Pottstown
@superbucketsIf you are enjoying the abandoned town vibes, you should consider giving Frick's Lock a visit. Although unguided exploration is prohibited, the East Coventry Historical Commission runs regular tours of the ghost town.
@susurrusdinRehmeyer's Hollow
Where: Rehmeyers Hollow Rd, Stewartstown
@thisisdanbellLocally known as the "Hex House," Rehmeyer's Hollow has a dark history. In the early 1900's this was the home of Pennsylvania Dutch “Pow Wow Doctor” Nelson Rehmeyer until he was beaten to death in it in 1928 over accusations of black magic sorcery. While the house typically isn't open to the public, the local fire department uses it in their haunted hayride every year in October - so this is your chance to get an exclusive look.
Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival
Where: 2775 Lebanon Road Manheim
@kateglantonThe Pen Ren is the state's largest Renaissance Festival running from the end of August to the end of October. It features dozens of shows, music, food, jousting, turkey legs, and medieval cosplay - basically, whether you've never been to a renaissance festival or you're a regular, you need to check this one out at least once, but twice is better because it's hard to see it all in one go!
@travylonglegsEdgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
Where: 532 N. Seventh Street, Philadelphia
@ludwika_azamarIt doesn't get much more Halloween-y than anything Edgar Allan Poe related, meaning the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site really tops the cake. This museum is totally free to visit and is actually set up in a building he once called home during his residency in Philly. Pretty cool, huh?
@m.j.fineFallingwater
Where: 1491 Mill Run Rd, Mill Run
@fallingwaterwpcAs one of the nation's most iconic houses, it is almost a crime to not visit Fallingwater when you live so close. With that being said, make this the year you finally go and see this spectacular home. You won't regret it.
Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike
Where: Interstate 70, Breezewood
@thekommandoblogSituated alongside the new turnpike, this abandoned one has become an urban explorer's dream. You are free to stroll along the road without guidance, but if you'd like a more in-depth tour and history of the highway then you can schedule a guided tour.
@angaiePlaythings Etc.
Where: 2483 William Flynn Hwy, Butler
@imastan5711Planning on doing some Black Friday shopping for those rugrats in your family? Consider going to Playthings Etc., "the world's coolest toy store," located in Butler County. They claim to have something for everyone of all ages, and judging by these photos, it sounds pretty accurate.
@carawearsglassesAmerican Treasure Tour Museum
Where: 422 Business Center, Norristown
@michaelakarasAdd this to the list of odd museums in Pennsylvania - the American Treasure Tour Museum is full of toys and gadgets from before the ages of modern technology. The area is so large that the majority of the tour is taken via tram ride!
Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia
Where: 2008 Delancey Pl, Philadelphia
@clrcflpThis isn't your typical library. Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia holds some of the world's rarest collection of books including James Joyce’s manuscript for Ulysses, Stoker’s hand-written notes for Dracula, and original copies of the William Henry Ireland Shakespeare forgeries.
Ohiopyle
Where: 124 Main St, Ohiopyle
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There's no place like Ohiopyle, especially in the fall. With several natural waterfalls, miles of trails and an adorable small town, Ohiopyle is a great place to spend time with nature this season.
@ohio_photosLehigh Millennium Folk Arch
Where: Lehigh University campus, Upper Sayre Park Rd & Mountain Dr N., Bethlehem
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The artistic vision of a Lehigh University class in 1999 still stands today in the form of sculptures on campus, offering visitors an interesting insight into the curriculum and history of the university's creative art students.
The Church Brew Works
Where: 3525 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh
@steven_prz87Let's face it, you are going to get hungry at some point during your bucket list adventuring, and if you happen to be passing through the western side of the state you should make it a priority to eat the one-of-a-kind Church Brew Works - an old Pittsburgh church that has been restored with much of the original interior into a unique restaurant and bar.
@unusualusa.fbKinzua Bridge
Where: 1721 Lindholm Road, Kane
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Once considered by many the "8th wonder of the world," when built in 1882 the Kinzua Bridge stood at over 300 ft high and 2,053 ft long - making it the longest at the time. Visitors would come as far as New York just to view the impressive railroad. The tracks were used up until 2002, and in 2003 an F1 tornado destroyed a portion of the tracks. Tourists can still walk along the 300-foot restored portion of the bridge, which leads to an observation deck with stunning views of the Kinzua Creek Valley and the wreckage below. Can you imagine how beautiful the fall foliage would look from that height?
@nosingglassWharton Esherick Museum
Where: 1520 Horse Shoe Trail, Malvern
@craftnowphlIf you like the smell of natural pine you're going to love this museum. Wharton Esherick was an early 1900's woodworking artist who used his home as a canvas. Since his passing, his home has been turned into a museum to immortalize his work and talent. Seriously, you won't believe what he did with this home.
@nicolecarrinoHarrisburg's Mini Statue of Liberty
Where: US-322, Harrisburg
@landonwisephotoThis 25 ft statue was erected as a prank but has turned into a local icon, drawing hundreds of curious visitors to view it every year. After it mysteriously appeared in 1986 as a patriotic prank to commemorate the centennial of the original Statue of Liberty, no one has ever stepped forward to take the credit for sculpting or placing the statue.
Lackawanna Coal Mine
Where: 1 Bald Mountain Rd., McDade Park, Scranton
@nick_hightowerDescend 300 ft into one of Pennsylvania's retired coal mines. The Lackawanna Coal Mine in Scranton offers visitors a rare inside view into one of America's biggest booming industries over a century ago. Tours for the year end on November 30, so you will want to make this a priority this fall season!
Mount Davis
Where: Mount Davis
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Stand at the highest point in Pennsylvania at Mount Davis. Not only does this nature park hold the record for being the highest point in Pennsylvania, but it also has two beautiful blue-green natural springs that you totally need to check out before they start to ice over.
@bobtvHorseshoe Curve
Where: 1300 Ninth Avenue, Altoona
@rillest75A dramatic horseshoe-shaped railroad curve is situated on top of a steep hill in the Allegheny Mountain area of Altoona. While the museum is absolutely fantastic, the best part of is perhaps the views from atop of the mountain.
@bobexplores