Best Fall Hiking in South Central Pennsylvania
South-Central Pennsylvania comes alive with color each fall, making it a perfect time to explore its scenic trails. For hikers seeking easy to moderate paths near Harrisburg, Carlisle, Lancaster, and surrounding counties, here are the top spots that combine beautiful autumn foliage with enjoyable terrain.
1. Wildwood Park Trail (Harrisburg)
Why It’s Popular: Located just minutes from downtown Harrisburg, Wildwood Park offers a peaceful escape with its 6-mile network of mostly flat trails circling Wildwood Lake.
Scenic Highlights: In fall, the lake reflects vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows from surrounding trees. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting waterfowl migrating through the area.
2. King’s Gap Environmental Education Center (Carlisle, Cumberland County)
Why It’s Popular: This state-managed nature preserve has over 20 miles of trails, many of which are easy to moderate. King’s Gap is a favorite for families and casual hikers.
Scenic Highlights: The Mansion Overlook Trail offers sweeping views of the Cumberland Valley, which is stunning when the fall colors peak. Forested paths here are filled with golden leaves and crisp, fresh air.
3. Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area (Harrisburg Area, Dauphin County)
Why It’s Popular: This quiet, 1,025-acre preserve is perfect for hikers who want a nature-focused, less crowded experience. Trails range from 1 to 5 miles, with gentle inclines.
Scenic Highlights: The preserve is known for its towering mature trees that transform into rich fall hues. The Lower Spring and Pond Trails provide peaceful woodland scenery and occasional wildlife sightings.
4. Lititz Springs Park and Warwick-to-Ephrata Rail Trail (Lancaster County)
Why It’s Popular: This converted rail trail is an easy, mostly level path connecting charming small towns. It’s ideal for leisurely walks or casual bike rides.
Scenic Highlights: In autumn, the trail is lined with colorful trees and rolling farmland views. Lititz Springs Park is a lovely starting point with a picturesque spring-fed stream and historic features.
5. Conewago Recreation Trail (Elizabethtown Area, Lancaster County)
Why It’s Popular: This 5-mile crushed-stone trail is flat and family-friendly, perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. It connects with the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail for a longer adventure.
Scenic Highlights: The trail meanders through open farmland and light woodlands, offering brilliant panoramic views of fall foliage in the countryside.
6. Chickies Rock County Park (Lancaster County)
Why It’s Popular: Just outside Columbia, Chickies Rock offers short, moderate hikes with rewarding vistas over the Susquehanna River.
Scenic Highlights: The Chickies Rock Overlook provides a breathtaking view of the river and surrounding forest, especially when the hillsides glow with autumn colors.
7. Little Buffalo State Park Trails (Perry County)
Why It’s Popular: This park near Newport provides several easy to moderate hiking options, including the Mill Race and Blue Ball Trails, which pass historic sites like Shoaff’s Mill.
Scenic Highlights: The park’s Holman Lake becomes a mirror for the surrounding autumn colors, and the forested trails are gorgeous in peak foliage season.
8. Pine Grove Furnace State Park – Mountain Creek & Rail Trail (Cumberland County)
Why It’s Popular: Nestled in the northern part of Michaux State Forest, this park features moderate trails with great access to the Appalachian Trail. The flat Rail Trail is perfect for families.
Scenic Highlights: Hikes here are framed by vibrant hardwood forests, and the reflection of autumn trees in Laurel and Fuller Lakes creates postcard-worthy scenes.
9. Gifford Pinchot State Park Lakeside Trail (York County)
Why It’s Popular: This easy-to-moderate loop circles Pinchot Lake, making it an excellent choice for lake views and wildlife watching.
Scenic Highlights: The 8.7-mile trail provides panoramic lake vistas, brilliant reflections of fall foliage in the water, and occasional sightings of herons and eagles.
10. Samuel S. Lewis State Park (York County)
Why It’s Popular: Known for its open meadows and a prominent hilltop, this park is perfect for a short, scenic hike or picnic.
Scenic Highlights: The park’s summit offers sweeping views of the Susquehanna River Valley and surrounding farmland, which are spectacular during peak fall color.
Tips for Enjoying Fall Hikes in South-Central Pennsylvania
- Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
- Bring layers, as fall temperatures can shift quickly.
- Don’t forget your camera: the foliage peaks in mid-to-late October.
Whether you’re strolling along peaceful lakeshores, exploring rail trails, or taking in valley overlooks, these easy to moderate hikes in Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, Lancaster, and York counties will help you fully embrace the beauty of fall in Pennsylvania.