As a resident of the Harrisburg area, I’m always on the lookout for great spots to visit to enjoy the region’s natural beauty. That also means that I’ve had a chance to explore many great spots near Harrisburg during the fall.
While this region might lack the majesty of the waterfalls in the Poconos and the breathtaking autumnal beauty in the Laurel Highlands and in the Pittsburgh area, there are still a lot of great places to see fall foliage near Harrisburg.
Here are some of my personal favorites.
Capitol Complex
Right in downtown Harrisburg, the Capitol Complex might not appear at first to be a great fall foliage destination. However, the trees and other landscaping around the Capitol really add to the beauty of this already gorgeous building, making it a great spot to see fall colors (See the photo at the top of this article).
Really, all sides of this building are gorgeous in fall, but the backside is a personal favorite with the many trees in Soldier’s Grove. Plus, the fountain on this side of the Capitol is colored pink in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it adds another layer to the beauty.
Michaux State Forest
Michaux State Forest is an 85,000-acre parcel of public land that’s about a 30-minute drive southwest of Harrisburg. It then extends nearly all the way down to the Maryland border and is one of the best places to see fall foliage in Pennsylvania.
There are some great hikes in the forest, but one of my favorites is hiking to the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail and onwards to Tom’s Run Shelter. Camp Michaux, an abandoned World War 2 POW Camp is another great place to explore, as is Hammonds Rocks.
Probably the best fall views can be found at the Pole Steeple Overlook.
Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Pine Grove Furnace State Park is surrounded by Michaux State Forest in Cumberland County.
While there are only four miles of hiking trails in the park (plus connections to the aforementioned Pole Steep Trail and the Appalachian Trail), there are two lakes the provide incredible views of the fall colors.
If you’re visiting during the third weekend in October, check out Fall Furnace Fest, one of PA’s best fall festivals. It features historic demonstrations, vendors, live music, and tours of the Appalachian Trail Museum and the Iron Masters Mansion.
Wildwood Park
Wildwood Park is a 229-acre park just north of downtown Harrisburg in Dauphin County.
Within the park, you’ll find six-miles of hiking trails around the 90-acre lake. These trails provide excellent falls views of both the beautiful forest and the large, shallow lake. It’s also a popular spot to see birds.
If you look closely, you can even find the ruins of the Pennsylvania Canal, which once ran through this land.
Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area
Boyd Big Tree Preserve is located north of Harrisburg on the side of Blue Mountain. This land is actually a state park, but as a conservation area, it is less developed than many other state-run parks.
This 1,000-acre park features twelve miles of hiking trails, some of which climb to the very top of the mountain with great views of the surrounding land.
I personally love the pond in the middle of the park as it is both a beautiful and serene setting.
Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg National Military Park is one of the most historic places in Pennsylvania. And, while it was the site of immense suffering and destruction during the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, today it’s quite a beautiful spot t0 visit.
Not only does visiting during the fall mean fewer visitors (outside of Dedication Day on November 20, which is worth visiting on its own), but it also means that the park is awash in incredible colors.
Take a drive through the park to learn about this battle and see the beauty of the season. Make sure to stop atop Little Round Top for incredible views.
The Greenbelt
The Greenbelt is a 20-mile trail that encircles Harrisburg and is open to both bicycles and pedestrians.
Much of the trail is wooded, passing through several of the municipalities bordering Harrisburg (including Wildwood Park), and offering fantastic chances to see fall foliage. The trail also travels along the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park.
Whether you do a complete loop on your bike or walk a portion, this is a great trail to get out and explore the beauty of the region in the fall.
Gifford Pinchot State Park
York County’s Gifford Pinchot State Park is a nearly 2,400-acre park that is a great spot to visit in any season, but really comes to life in the fall.
That’s largely because the park’s trails pass through an incredible forest and along the largely wooded shores of the 340-acre Pinchot Lake.
One of the best hikes in the park is the Lakeside Trail, which does an 8.5-mile loop around the lake offering great views and even some cool rock outcroppings.
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center is a beautiful spot to see fall foliage in Cumberland County.
The 2,500-acre park features 25 miles of hiking trails with the Forest Pools Trail and the Scenic Vista Trail being two favorites.
The highlight here, however, is the view from the mansion at the top of the hill. The patio of the stone mansion (which serves as the park’s office and event space) offers stunning views to the west over the Cumberland County.
This is truly one of the best vistas in PA and a great spot to see fall colors.
Fort Hunter Mansion and Park
Fort Hunter Mansion and Park is a beautiful parcel of land surrounding a historic home along the shores of the Susquehanna River north of Harrisburg.
In addition to great river views (including the historic Rockville Bridge), this 40-acre park features several historic buildings that make great backdrops for fall photos, including one of the two covered bridges in Dauphin County.
While there, take the time to tour the Fort Hunter Mansion to learn what life was like in the past.
Swatara State Park
Located half an hour northeast of Harrisburg in Lebanon County, you’ll find Swatara State Park.
This beautiful park is long and narrow, following the course of the Swatara Creek, one of the region’s most beautiful waterways. Hiking and biking trails can be found on both sides of the creek.
One highlight is Bordner Cabin, which is sometimes called the “Fallingwater of Eastern PA” because of its location next to Aycrigg’s Waterfall. This is a spot best visited after a heavy rain, but is quite scenic if you can catch it flowing well.
Downtown Carlisle
There are many charming small towns in the Harrisburg area, but none are more beautiful, in my opinion, than downtown Carlisle.
Situation southwest of Harrisburg is Cumberland County, Carlisle features a vibrant downtown with many historic buildings that are great for fall foliage. The Old Courthouse even has a chunk taken out of it by a Confederate cannonball, which can still be seen, and the Old Public Graveyard is the final resting place of Revolutionary War heroine Molly Pitcher.
For more fall colors, take a walk along the Letort Spring Run Trail or head over to the beautiful campus of Dickinson College.
Little Buffalo State Park
Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County is worth a visit in any season, but is especially beautiful in the fall.
Hike the loop around the 88-acre Holman Lake, check out the many historic buildings (including one of Perry County’s covered bridges), or enjoy one of the park’s other great trails.
What are your favorite destinations near Harrisburg for fall colors? Let us know in the comments below.
Looking for more things to do in the region? Check out the best breweries near Harrisburg, my favorite things to do in Hershey, and the best fall foliage spots near Philly.
"
