Best Places to View Fall Foliage in Montgomery County
Fall is a magical time in Valley Forge and Montgomery County. As the leaves change colors, the county is at its most picturesque. But don’t just view the fall foliage, experience it. Here are 20 of our favorite ways to enjoy the beauty of fall in Valley Forge and Montgomery County, Pa.
ON A BIKE RIDE ALONG THE PERKIOMEN TRAIL
The 20 mile Perkiomen Trail is one of the longest trails in the county, and in fall, it is also one of the most beautiful. You can watch the leaves fall as you make your way along the trail, right up next to Spring Mountain.
RIDING THE RAILS ON THE COLEBROOKDALE RAILROAD
Immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn during a ride through the Secret Valley on the Colebrookdale Railroad. Rides are offered every weekend beginning in October.
TOUR VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
Discover the history of Valley Forge National Historical Park as you take in the colors of fall. Purchase a downloadable audio driving tour from The Encampment Store, open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FROM THE TOP OF THE GLENCAIRN MUSEUM
The Glencairn Museum, home to one of the largest collections of religious art in the world, is one of the county’s most impressive arts and culture attractions. Though the art inside this historic home is a sight to be seen, the top of the tower offers breathtaking views of the changing leaves and the Philadelphia skyline.
HIKING MOUNT JOY (OR MOUNT MISERY)
Valley Forge National Historical Park offers it's patrons numerous ways to view fall foliage. Aside from a scenic stroll, visitors can hike up Mount Joy or Mount Misery for optimal and stunning views.
PADDLING ON THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER
The mighty Schuylkill River is a vital part of Montgomery County, and when the leaves begin to change, it is also unmatched in its beauty. Port Providence Paddle offers canoe and kayak rentals and tours to make it easy to spend an afternoon on the water.
FROM A HOT AIR BALLOON
Autumn leaves look even more spectacular from hundreds of feet in the air, so why not try a hot air balloon ride this fall? The U.S. Hot Air Balloon Team takes off from Pottstown and carries riders across the countryside of western Montgomery County for an unforgettable experience.
WHILE ENJOYING A ROMANTIC DINNER
Montgomery County has over 1,600 dining options, many of which offer outdoor seating to enjoy the fall leaves.
STROLLING THROUGH SKIPPACK VILLAGE
Montgomery County has many bustling Main Streets that come alive when the leaves turn. Skippack Village is one of the best places to explore in fall. Discover the unique stores, restaurants and businesses as you stroll the streets of this small town.
ON A DRIVE THROUGH THE COUNTRYSIDE
The backroads of Montgomery County offer peeks at the foliage that you can’t get anywhere else. Whether driving around the Main Line or in the western countryside, beautiful views are never far away.
BOATING ACROSS GREEN LANE RESERVOIR
During the last two weeks of October, take a fall foliage boat ride across the Green Lane Reservoir in northwestern Montgomery County. These guided pontoon boat tours include amazing views and a narrated history of the region and lake.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN EVANSBURG STATE PARK
Experience the season as George Washington did more than 200 years ago... by horseback! Explore 15 miles of trails in Evansburg State Park. Red Buffalo Ranch offers guided horseback rides into the park tailored to riders of all skill levels.
DURING YOUR ROUND OF GOLF
Montgomery County’s 50+ golf courses provide a quiet escape year-round, but there is something special about playing a course when the leaves begin to change and there’s a cool breeze in the air.
EXPLORING A HISTORIC SITE
Many of the historic homes and locations along Patriot Trails are not just museums, but true recreation destinations. Walk the 42 acres of Graeme Park or stroll the Governor’s Trail at Pennypacker Mills. The vibrant foliage at Hope Lodge during the annual Whitemarsh Encampment provides a real treat.
FROM THE OBSERVATION DECK AT FORT WASHINGTON STATE PARK
The 495 acres of Fort Washington State Park offer hiking and biking trails, disc golf, fishing and scenic picnic areas, but the best way to experience the foliage is from the observation deck. The ADA-accessible deck overlooks the park, Montgomery County and all the scenic beauty of the region.
EXPLORING THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER TRAIL
Connecting Montgomery County with Philadelphia, the Schuylkill River Trail is a recreation destination. The trail runs uninterrupted from Phoenixville to the city with some on-road sections between Pottstown and Phoenixville. But the whole trail offers incredible views of the foliage along the water.
RIDING THE JOSEPH PLUMB MARTIN TRAIL IN VALLEY FORGE
The five-mile loop of the Joseph Plumb Martin Trail connects many of the most historic and scenic points at Valley Forge National Historical Park. Take a ride (or walk) along the trail and see the park’s monuments framed in the colors of autumn.
BIRD WATCHING AT MILL GROVE
Seven miles of trails wind through the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, the first American home of the namesake artist, author and naturalist. It is one of the county’s best bird watching locations and a great place to experience the fall foliage along the Perkiomen Creek.
DURING YOUR WEEKEND GETAWAY
No matter how you enjoy the fall foliage, enjoy it at your pace and make it a weekend with a stay at one of more than 80 hotels in Valley Forge and Montgomery County, Pa.
