These Pennsylvania places offer some of the best fall foliage in the US, magazine writes
A pair of Pennsylvania locales recently appeared among a collection of spots across the country that offer the best fall foliage.
The list, compiled and published by Country Living magazine, recognizes the 55 best U.S. small towns for fall foliage. Nominees stretch from the California coast to New England and tend to offer a pleasant mix of colorful foliage and fall-themed fun for the whole family.
Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts, cracked the top spot on this year’s list, but the Keystone State is represented well in its own right. Here’s a brief look at the Pennsylvania towns featured among Country Living’s favorites for 2023.
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania
Serving as the county seat of Tioga County in north-central Pennsylvania, this borough earned the No. 9 spot among Country Living’s rankings of the best U.S. small towns for fall foliage. Wellsboro, settled in the early 1800s, has a population of about 3,472 people, according to 2020 U.S. Census estimates.
Country Living says natural tourist attractions in the area make it a great spot for viewing the autumn colors.
“Considering the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania lives here, Wellsboro is an absolute must-see when covered in beautiful foliage,” Country Living wrote in its synopsis.
Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon, officially named the Pine Creek Gorge, became a National Natural Landmark in 1968. Visitors to the Wellsboro area can also hike along the 62-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail, stargaze in nearby Cherry Spring State Park and explore Wellsboro’s downtown, which is known for its iconic gas lamps.
“The Potter-Tioga region’s spectacular vistas and quaint mountain towns have long been a popular destination for those seeking to enjoy the fall colors in Pennsylvania. It’s exciting to see Wellsboro and the PA Grand Canyon recognized on this list,” Colleen Hanson, the executive director of Visit Potter-Tioga PA, said in a statement. “This area has so much to offer, with the leaf-peeping season just one attraction among the many trails, shops, events, and amenities that keep visitors returning here year after year.”
Head to visitpottertioga.com to learn more about events and attractions in the Wellsboro area this fall.
Milford, Pennsylvania
Recognized as the county seat of Pike County in northeastern Pennsylvania, Milford ranked No. 28 among Country Living’s best small towns for fall foliage. The borough, established in the late 1700s, is home to roughly 1,103 people, according to 2020 U.S. Census estimates.
Milford is located within the Pocono Mountains near the upper limit of the Delaware River. Country Living says it’s a great spot to view fall foliage in a unique setting.
“To see the Pocono Mountains come alive with fall color, book a trip to this scenic town for a weekend in October or November,” the magazine wrote.
You can formally celebrate the autumn season when Milford’s annual fall festival returns from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Highlights include costume contests, “pooch parades” and more, according to an event page.
Visitors to the Milford area this fall might consider embarking on a guided tour of the Poconos, shopping at a local farmers market, hitching a ride on a historic railway or hitting the trails for a hike beneath the fall foliage. Head online to poconomountains.com/things-to-do to get a better idea of entertainment in the area if you hope to make the trip.
Country Living’s best small towns for fall foliage
Here’s a look at the top picks among Country Living’s best U.S. small towns for fall foliage this year. The full list features 55 towns across the country.
Pioneer Valley, Mass.
Montpelier, Vt.
Saranac Lake, N.Y.
Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Stowe, Vt.
Breckenridge, Colo.
Harpers Ferry, W.Va.
Jefferson, N.H.
Wellsboro, Pa.
Munising, Mich.
Cherokee, N.C.
Camden, Maine
Calistoga, Calif.
Kent, Conn.
Parkville, Mo.
Galena, Ill.
Oakland, Md.
Fish Creek, Wisc.
Park City, Utah
Keene, N.Y.
Fayetteville, W.Va.
Bristol, R.I.
Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Buckhannon, W.Va.
Mountain Lakes, N.J.
Sugar Hill, N.H.
Jasper, Ark.
Milford, Pa.
Clayton, Ga.
Manchester, Vt.
Lilydale, Minn.
West Glacier, Mont.
Ontonagon, Mich.
Weaverville, N.C.
Estes Park, Colo.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Vale, Ore.
Taos, N.M.
Abingdon, Va.
Woodstock, Vt.
Bayfield, Wisc.
Charlestown, R.I.
Naches, Wash.
Natchez, Miss.
Ridgway, Colo.
Nashville, Ind.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Mount Shasta, Calif.
Bardstown, Ky.
Defiance, Ohio
Bar Harbor, Maine
Lenox, Mass.
Hudson Valley, N.Y.
Mystic, Conn.
New Paltz, N.Y.
You can read Country Living’s full feature on the best U.S. small towns for fall foliage by visiting countryliving.com/life/travel/g2566/best-leaf-peeping-in-america.
