Where to see fall foliage in the Lehigh Valley
As the temperature begins to cool, nature’s colorful chemical reaction begins.
Trees — once uniformly green — take on new vibrant hues of red, purple, orange and yellow.
The spectacular show of foliage is an annual joy for anyone who lives in the Lehigh Valley. And experts on leafpeeping say that this year may be the best foliage show since 2007.
The Valley is full of fantastic spots to enjoy the display of fall color. And if you’re up for more of a drive, you can find great foliage-watching spots nearby.
Here are the 10 best places in the Valley and nearby. Please note that this is just a list of suggestions and is not meant to be a comprehensive catalog. The list is in no particular order.
Covered bridge tour Seven sites in Lehigh, Northampton counties
If you’re new to the Lehigh Valley or just want to stretch out to parts of it you don’t typically visit, this is a great tour to take any time of year.
But in the autumn, this journey is exceptional.
This self-guided, driving tour takes you on a 50-mile trip around the Valley to see seven historic covered bridges. Pennsylvania is fortunate to be home to 200 remaining spans.
The bridges, gorgeous on their own, are even more amazing when against the backdrop of colorful fall foliage. Several bridges are adjacent to park areas where you can enjoy a picnic lunch or take a hike.
The tour is hosted by Discover Lehigh Valley. You can read more about the bridges, get details and a guide on how to take the tour: discoverlehighvalley.com/things-to-do/tours/ covered-bridge-tour/.
Trexler Nature Preserve
Game Preserve Road, Sch
bird watching and more.
Info: lehighcounty.org/Departments/Parks-And-Recreation/Our-Parks/Trexler-Preserve
Hawk Mountain 1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton
Like the Covered Bridge Tour, this is another annual autumn trek everyone should make.
You can visit Hawk Mountain any time of year but the fall is the best for two reasons. One, Hawk Mountain is one of the best places to see the autumn migration of hawks, eagles and falcons. And secondly, you simply can’t beat the almost aerial views of fall foliage.
And a bonus: It’s also a great place to hike for everyone, regardless of ability.
A few notes: The trails are all open but the visitors center is closed due to the pandemic. Masks are required. Restrooms are limited but available. October is also the best time of year
for the sanctuary so you may want to consider going during a weekday.
Parking isn’t a guarantee on the weekends.
Trail admission: hawkmountain.ticketleap.com
How much: Adults: $10; Seniors (65+): $7; children (6-12): $5; and children 5 and under: free
Go to the trailhead gate and wear a mask. If you bought your ticket in advance, show your printed receipt. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay with cash.
Info: hawkmountain.org
Bake Oven Knob
7705 Bake Oven Road, Germansville (best address for parking)
If you enjoy hiking, here’s a spectacular spot to see the foliage along the Appalachian Trail. Note it’s a challenging area to hike.
Info: alltrails.com/trail/us/ pennsylvania/bake-oven-knobvia-appalachian-trail
Karl Stirner Arts Trail
524 Bushkill Drive, Easton Now for something completely different: The Karl Stirner Arts Trail. It’s arguably one of the most unique walking trails in the Lehigh Valley, filled with sculpture and art around every turn.
The Karl Stirner Arts Trail follows the historic Bushkill Creek for 1.75 miles. Walking the trail in the fall gives you the opportunity to enjoy the sculptures in a foliage-filled setting. It’s very easy to walk this trail too.
Info: karlstirnerartstrail.org/