Bucks County leaf peeping: When and where to spot the best fall foliage

It's still early, but the leaves here in Bucks County will soon change to a colorful canopy. The oranges, reds and yellows of fall enhance the county's rich natural scenery, making the season the perfect time to get out and explore.

Experts, however, warn that the dry and humid conditions from the summer may dull leaf-peeping season as the leaves may go brown faster, skipping their time in their full fall colors.

Peak fall foliage in Bucks County is expected in mid-October. Here are some suggestions on the best leaf-peeping spots, courtesy of Visit Bucks County.

More:Bucks County fall festivals: Catch all the fall feels in these towns

Take the Covered Bridge Driving Tour

Spend an afternoon visiting Bucks County's 12 remaining covered bridges in a self-guided driving tour.

The tour consists of two loops, both between Washington Crossing Historic Park in Upper Makefield and Perkasie.

Head east to visit locations such as the Van Sandt Covered Bridge in New Hope and the Frankenfield Covered Bridge in Erwinna. The western loop includes the South Perkasie Covered Bridge — damaged but still standing following the remnants of Hurricane Ida — and the Schofield Ford Covered Bridge in Tyler State Park — another prime destination for enjoying the changing seasons.

Beyond Bucks:Fall 2022 in the Poconos includes harvest fests, alpacas, pumpkins and more

Take a drive down River Road in Bucks County

View the foliage with a scenic drive along River Road/Route 32. "Stop by the eclectic bunch of restaurants and shops sprinkled along the way and enjoy the afternoon taking in the crisp autumn air with wading sounds of the Delaware River in the background," Visit Bucks County suggests.

See the leaves at Washington Crossing Historic Park

Take one of six outdoor tours daily of the 500-acre park from which Gen. George Washington and his Continental soldiers crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Night 1776 to attack Hessian mercenaries in the Battle of Trenton, a turning point in the Revolutionary War. Tickets available online.

The park is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park offices are closed on holidays. The Visitor Center is located at 1112 River Road.

And, don't forget the annual Fall Brewfest, to be held this year from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 29. Get tickets at WashingtonCrossingBrewfest.com.

Explore PA:Fall foliage in the Poconos should start to peak in early October

Ride the New Hope Railroad's Fall Foliage Excursion Train

Enjoy a fall excursion on an early 1900s passenger train. The two-hour round trip departs from the railroad's 1891 Witch’s Hat Train Station in the center of New Hope. Travel along the scenic “New Hope Branch” route of the North-East Pennsylvania Railroad, later the Reading Railroad.

A narrator will share interesting historical facts and stories of significant locations along the route, which ends in Buckingham before turning around to return to New Hope.

Visit newhoperailroad.com/ for schedules and ticket information.

Stroll Peddler’s Village

Not only will you get a great fall view at this retail and dining destination, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate the season at Peddler's Village.

Check out the popular Scarecrows in the Village through Oct. 31; OctoberFeast, with food trucks and a beer garden, on Oct. 15 and 16; and Apple Weekend, Nov. 5 and 6, for for hot cider and apple pies. There is also the pumpkin-carving contest Oct 25-30 and a ghostly graveyard gathering on Oct. 28.

See all the fall fun to be had at peddlersvillage.com.

Get a bird's-eye view at Bowman’s Hill Tower

What better way to get an eyeful of Bucks County's fall colors than from high atop Bowman's Hill Tower?

Located on the grounds of Washington Crossing Historic Park, the tower provides visitors with breathtaking views across 14 miles.

Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, off River Road near Aquetong Road in Solebury, is the only accredited museum in the country dedicated to native plants. With over 4.5 miles of trails to explore as well as guided tours, a native plant nursery, visitors center, gift shop and a year-round series of educational programming, the preserve is the nation’s premiere destination for native plant immersion.

On Sept. 21, join a walk in Penn's Woods with seasoned preserve naturalists from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

The preserve is open Wednesday to Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Tuesdays. Admission is $10 for adults; children under age 5 are free. Discounts for students, military members and seniors.

Bike or hike along the scenic towpath in Delaware Canal State Park

The 60-mile tree-lined towpath along Delaware Canal State Park provides some of the best foliage viewing in all of Bucks County. Pack a picnic and take in picture-perfect views while enjoying lunch along the canal, which was named Pennsylvania’s 2022 Trail of the Year.

“The Friends of Delaware Canal are proud to celebrate Delaware Canal Towpath as Pennsylvania’s 2022 Trail of the Year,” said Michael Ginder, executive director of the Friends of Delaware Canal. “The towpath has much to offer with a rich history and has seen an increase in visitors the past couple of years as more and more individuals spend time outdoors. The Trail of the Year recognition will allow the Friends to build on that increased visitor momentum as well as bolster the work we do to ensure the towpath trail is usable over its entire length.”

The Towpath is part of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, which is 165 miles long and traverses five counties in eastern Pennsylvania. The Towpath is also in the Lehigh Valley Greenways and Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape.

Take in the views at Bristol's waterfront

Relax along Bristol's waterfront while taking in views of fall foliage on both sides of the Delaware River. Check out Mill Street businesses while you are in town.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Best bets to see fall foliage in Bucks County