The seasons are changing and that means that leaf peeping season is almost among us in Philadelphia and the areas beyond. For those looking to take a scenic trip from the City of Brotherly Love (perhaps all the way to New Hampshire anyone?), or for those who are looking to make the most of the scenic areas in the city, here are some of the best fall foliage destinations around Philly.
Fairmount Park
Fairmount Park is home to some of Philly’s most beloved attractions including the zoo, historic mansions, the Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse, and the Shofuso Japanese House and Gardens. Spanning 2,050-acres, the historic and famous park is home to over 50 miles worth of hiking trails where you can get the best views of beautiful fall foliage in 2023.
Tamworth Distilling
You might as well make the trip to this remote New Hampshire destination for two reasons—the leaves and the spirits. This craft distillery is located close to both the historic Pickering House for lodgings, and plenty of hikes along the extensive trails of the White Mountains, which is full of leaf peeping.
While on-site at Tamworth Distilling after a day of hiking, guests can enjoy tours of the distillery space (including the custom-built, 250-gallon copper still and outdoor grounds), as well as tastings of their notable spirits, including the Crab Trapper Green Crab Flavored Whiskey, Deerslayer Venison Whiskey, infused with real venison; White Mountain Gin or White Mountain Vodka, and more.
15 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth, New Hampshire, tamworthdistilling.com
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites
Historic Bethlehem not only offers visitors the opportunity to check out three centuries of American history, it also is a prime leaf-peeping destination for travelers who want to head outside of the City of Brotherly Love. The area offers visitors the chance to check out its scenes through a self-guided tour featuring 19 historic buildings, 20 acres of land and two National Historic Landmarks. If that wasn’t enough to sell you on this destination, the area was also nominated to the U.S. Tentative List for World Heritage Designation just a few years ago.
505 Main St., Bethlehem, historicbethlehem.org
Franklin Square
This square offers just as much history (William Penn laid his original plan of the city in 1682, and it included Franklin Square) as it does fall foliage. While admiring the colors of the season, Philadelphians can also grab a burger, ride a carousel and play some mini-golf—or rather soon, spooky mini-golf. Later in the fall, the course will be decked out in Halloween finery, with spooky music, lights, smoke and special effects.
200 N. 6th St., historicphiladelphia.org
Morris Arboretum
Imagine walking through a gorgeous Victorian-era garden while admiring the colors, sights and sounds of fall. That is precisely the experience you will get when you take a trip to Morris Arboretum this season for fall foliage. Known as the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the public garden and grounds offers its own take on the great outdoors to ultimately, “bridge an understanding of the relationship between plants, people and place through education, research and horticultural display.”
Everywhere you turn, you’re not quite sure what to expect, with gardens, beautiful buildings on the ground, and unique fixtures (such as their own fernery), it’s definitely a venue like you’ve never seen before. And that idea is made apparent when looking at perhaps the most eye-catching display on the grounds, the Garden Railway. Everything Morris offers acts as a perfect backdrop for some autumn adventures in Philadelphia.
100 E. Northwestern Ave., morrisarboretum.org
Independence Hall
There is something magical about Old City. Stepping into the past with the cobblestone streets, old taverns, and revolutionary timed attractions is always enjoyable, and being at the epicenter of our nation’s existence is the best place to be when you’re in the mood for some fall foliage.
520 Chestnut St., nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/independencehall
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Hawk Mountain has plenty to see, and once here, visitors will get a charming view of the wild bird sanctuary located along the Appalachian flyway. Typically, the sanctuary is a hotspot for hikers, birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts alike and that sentiment is elevated even more in the fall season. The 8-mile trail system there is open for everyone through the new accessible trail through the South Lookout. The official trail map is also located on Discover Lehigh Valley’s website.
1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton, discoverlehighvalley.com
