11 Scenic Fall Road Trips In Pennsylvania Where The Food Is Half The Fun
I set out on a quest to prove that the best way to experience Pennsylvania’s fall colors is with a fork in one hand and a steering wheel in the other.
Along 11 winding routes, I’ve discovered that the real “leaf‑blowers” are the sizzling grills and bubbling stews waiting at every turn. From smoked trout by a river that mirrors the crimson canopy to a doughnut shop shaped like a giant beet, each stop is a culinary postcard.
So roll down the windows, let the scent of cinnamon and burnt rubber mingle-adventure awaits!
1. Endless Mountains Fall Foliage Loop
This 126-mile loop through northeastern Pennsylvania delivers jaw-dropping views that’ll make you want to pull over every five minutes. Ricketts Glen State Park alone features 22 waterfalls cascading through forests ablaze with autumn colors, while Worlds End State Park offers vistas that feel plucked from a postcard.
Pack a cooler with local cheeses and fresh bread from Sullivan County farmers markets along the way. The winding roads take you past family farms selling homemade jams, apple butter, and pumpkin pies that taste like childhood memories.
Plan for a full day since you’ll spend half the time stopped at scenic overlooks snapping photos. The relatively light traffic makes this route perfect for leisurely exploration without fighting crowds.
2. Gettysburg To Lancaster County
History buffs and foodies unite on this journey from Civil War battlefields to rolling Amish farmlands. Starting in Gettysburg, you’ll witness where America’s fate was decided before cruising through Hanover and York, towns that take their German heritage seriously.
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery in Lititz holds the title of America’s first commercial pretzel bakery, and yes, you can twist your own. The hands-on experience beats any history lesson, plus you get to eat your handiwork fresh from the oven.
Lancaster’s farmers markets overflow with shoofly pie, fresh-baked bread, and homemade drinks that puts chain restaurants to shame. Plan to arrive hungry because leaving without a dozen treats is practically impossible.
3. Laurel Highlands Scenic Drive
Routes 30, 381, and 711 wind through southwestern Pennsylvania like ribbons through a gift basket of natural beauty. Rolling hills give way to river valleys, and covered bridges pop up when you least expect them, begging for photo ops.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater sits along this route, proving that architecture and nature can dance together beautifully. After touring the iconic house, nearby restaurants serve up comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
I remember stopping at a roadside stand here that sold the crispest apples I’d ever tasted, straight from the orchard that morning. The region’s mom-and-pop diners dish out homemade soups and pies that make chain restaurants look like sad jokes.
4. Pocono Mountains Fall Drive
Winding roads through the Poconos feel like driving through a kaleidoscope as forested mountains explode with color. Every turn reveals another postcard moment, making this drive dangerous for anyone trying to keep their eyes on the road.
The Settlers Inn in Hawley practices farm-to-table dining before it became trendy, sourcing seasonal ingredients from nearby farms. Their autumn menu features butternut squash soup and roasted root vegetables that taste like the earth itself decided to show off.
Lake Wallenpaupack offers waterfront dining options where you can watch boats glide past while munching on locally caught fish. The combination of mountain air and fresh food creates memories that stick around long after the leaves have fallen.
5. Route 6 Through Pennsylvania Wilds
Stretching over 400 miles through the Pennsylvania Wilds, Route 6 ranks among America’s most underrated scenic highways. Dense forests, rushing rivers, and actual wildlife sightings make you feel like you’ve stepped into a nature documentary.
Small-town diners dot the route, serving breakfast all day because they understand what road trippers really need. Elk Country Visitor Center offers a chance to spot Pennsylvania’s elk herd, which can number over 1,000 animals during peak season.
Local general stores stock venison jerky, maple syrup tapped from nearby trees, and homemade fudge that defies physics with its creaminess. Budget extra time because this route demands frequent stops for both scenery and snacks.
6. Bucks County Covered Bridge Tour
Bucks County’s covered bridges transport you back to simpler times when craftsmanship mattered more than speed. Twelve historic bridges remain standing, each with its own personality and Instagram-worthy charm.
Charming river towns like New Hope and Peddler’s Village offer boutique shopping and dining between bridge visits. I once stumbled upon a tiny bakery in Lahaska that sold pumpkin scones so good I bought a dozen for the road, then ate half before leaving the parking lot.
Riverside restaurants serve fresh catches alongside locally brewed drinks that pair perfectly with crisp autumn air. The relatively compact tour area means you can hit multiple bridges and eateries without feeling rushed or exhausted.
7. Allegheny National Forest Loop
Half a million acres of protected wilderness make Allegheny National Forest Pennsylvania’s premier escape from civilization. Dense forests give way to pristine lakes where wildlife outnumbers humans by comfortable margins.
Small towns on the forest’s edge serve hearty meals designed to fuel outdoor adventures, from venison stew to berry cobblers. The Kinzua Bridge State Park features the remains of a once-mighty railroad viaduct, now a skywalk offering vertigo-inducing views of the gorge below.
Pack a picnic because some of the best spots lack restaurants but offer lakeside tables where nature provides the entertainment. Fall fishing peaks during this season, with several lodges offering fresh-caught trout prepared however you like it.
8. Lancaster County Amish Country Tour
Rolling farmlands dotted with traditional barns and horse-drawn buggies create scenes that belong in history books rather than modern America. Lancaster County’s Amish communities maintain centuries-old farming traditions while welcoming visitors to experience their way of life.
Roadside farm stands overflow with produce so fresh it practically jumps into your basket, from crisp apples to pumpkins perfect for carving. Central Market in downtown Lancaster operates year-round, offering everything from homemade noodles to sticky buns that redefine breakfast standards.
Covered bridges punctuate the landscape, providing perfect photo opportunities between food stops. Budget time for the Amish Experience theater and farmhouse tour, which explains the culture without exploiting it for cheap entertainment.
9. Lehigh Valley Harvest Trail
Agricultural areas of Lehigh Valley burst with activity during autumn harvest season, when orchards invite visitors to pick their own apples and pumpkins. Quaint towns like Bethlehem and Easton offer historic downtown areas perfect for stretching your legs between farm visits.
You-pick farms let you gather apples straight from the tree, ensuring maximum freshness and minimum travel time from branch to mouth. Many orchards feature cider mills where you can watch apples transform into liquid gold, then sample the results while still warm.
Farm markets sell everything from honey to handmade crafts, supporting local artisans alongside agricultural producers. The relatively compact area means you can visit multiple farms and towns without spending your entire day behind the wheel.
10. Susquehanna River Valley Tour
Following the Susquehanna River means constant companionship from one of America’s oldest waterways, which has witnessed centuries of history. Riverside towns like Harrisburg, Columbia, and Sunbury offer dining options with water views that enhance every meal.
Fall foliage reflects off the river’s surface, doubling the color show and making photographers weep with joy. Historic sites dot the route, including Native American petroglyphs and Colonial-era settlements that remind you how long humans have treasured this valley.
Riverfront restaurants serve fresh catches alongside locally sourced vegetables, creating menus that change with the seasons. I particularly love stopping at small-town ice cream shops that somehow taste better when eaten while watching the river flow past.
11. Erie Shoreline Drive
Lake views stretch to the horizon along this northwestern Pennsylvania route, where beaches and lighthouses create coastal vibes unexpected in a landlocked state. Presque Isle State Park juts into Lake Erie like a crooked finger, offering miles of shoreline perfect for autumn walks.
Fresh perch and walleye dominate local menus, caught from the lake that morning and fried to golden perfection by dinner. Erie’s brewing scene has exploded in recent years, with craft breweries offering seasonal pumpkin ales and Oktoberfest lagers that pair beautifully with lakefront sunsets.
The relatively mild autumn weather along the lake extends the season, making this drive pleasant even into November.