Four Fall Foliage Road Trips Through Greater Philadelphia

Route 32 (or River Road) winds along the Delaware River along the eastern border of Bucks County, offering plenty of opportunities to check out antique shops, art galleries, major historic sites and upscale restaurants. Your first stop is Washington Crossing Historic Park, where General George Washington and his troops made their famous crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776. Here, you’ll have a vantage point to admire the foliage on both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey sides of the river. You’ll also pass the Thompson-Neely Barn, one of many beautiful old stone barns on Visit Bucks County’s Barn Voyage self-guided barn driving tour.

Save your appetite for lunch: You’ll have plenty of options in New Hope, after driving five miles northwest to climb the 125-feet-tall Bowman’s Hill Tower, offering a 14-mile bird’s-eye view of beautiful foliage. Extend your nature immersion with a walk through the glorious Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, a treat for nature lovers that’s located just five minutes from the tower.

Next, it’s on to New Hope — a quaint town full of art galleries, boutiques and shops geared toward mystics and motorcycle riders. Eat an early lunch at The Deck Restaurant & Bar, located behind the famous Bucks County Playhouse, on the patio at The Landing Restaurant or at Stella, overlooking the Delaware River — then spend some time shopping and people-watching in town.

Surround yourself with vibrant trees, water and eclectic riverfront homes once again, by getting back on River Road going north. Soak in the sights until you reach Lumberville, where you’ll want to enjoy some tea or toss back a pint at the Black Bass Hotel. Built in 1745 and home to an inn, tavern and fine dining restaurant (with a water view), the landmark is chock full of memorabilia of the British royal class. If you’d prefer a quick grab-and-go bite to eat, duck into the Lumberville General Store instead.

Once you’re finished, keep going north on scenic River Road. When you get to Erwinna, detour off the path to drive under the historic covered bridges scattered in the vicinity or stop for a glass of wine at the architectural delight that is Sand Castle Winery.

Keep navigating toward Ringing Rocks County Park, seven acres of rocks that literally ring like bells when you gently hit them. (You’ll need to bring a hammer if you want to partake in this phenomenon.) The park is located in a 120-acre forest that’s resplendent when the leaves are at their peak.

Alas, it’s time to call it a night. Head an hour back to New Hope, known for its charming B&Bs, including Wedgwood Inn, Logan Inn, Inn at Bowman’s Hill and Fox & Hound.

Before leaving town in the morning, relax and soak in the views from the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad “fall excursion” route. As you ride along in a restored vintage passenger coach from the early 1900s, a narrator points out the sights and the history behind them.

With its lively towns and pre-19th century wood and stone structures, Chester County has all the makings of an idyllic fall drive and overnight stay. Start your road trip in Kennett Square, the mushroom capital of the world. Visit The Mushroom Cap and The Woodlands at Phillips to learn all about the mushroom industry, or just grab coffee and some breakfast at Philter before setting out for the open road. But first, don’t leave Kennett without packing a cooler full of treats from the legendary Talula’s Table.

Once you secure your provisions, meander north on Route 82 through Coatesville, a newly re-energized former steel stronghold. On the way there, drive by Speakman Covered Bridge, a 75-foot-long bridge with a distinctive Burr arch truss design. Stretch your legs in the Lukens Historic District along the Brandywine River.

Continue northbound on Route 82, where you can admire the trees, farmland and (if you’re lucky) deer. Eat your lunch by the lake at Hibernia County Park, decked out in fall colors, or detour farther north to French Creek State Park, site of Hopewell Village National Historic Site, where a preserved “iron plantation” tells the story of America’s early industrialization efforts.

Next, it’s off to multi-hued hiking trails at Marsh Creek State Park, with trails that wind through forest, field and wetlands. Open sunrise through sunset, the park offers hands-on activities and guided walks through November. Contact the park office for more information.

Shopping opportunities abound in bustling, yet quaint downtown West Chester, home to fantastic boutiques like Kaly, Green Eyed Lady, Tish, Malena’s Vintage Boutique and Eclat, an internationally recognized chocolatier.

Before dinner, check into your hotel: The Hotel Warner or historic Faunbrook Bed & Breakfast Inn. West Chester dining options include Limoncello, Teca and Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant.

On day two, visit the magnificent Longwood Gardens, one of the world’s most renowned public gardens. Situated on 1,077 acres, Longwood features 20 indoor gardens, as well as 20 outdoor gardens and a breathtaking conservatory. Plus, your fall visit may line up with the attraction’s annual Chrysanthemum Festival, featuring a rainbow of chrysanthemum blooms grown in extraordinary ways.

For this scenic drive, start at Ridley Creek State Park, located just 16 miles from Center City Philadelphia. The park offers bountiful options for activities to pair with leaf peeping: guided trail rides on horseback, fly fishing in Ridley Creek (well-stocked with trout) or strolls through the park’s 2,600 acres of woodlands and meadows.

Next stop: Linvilla Orchards, a farming fantasyland that hosts apple and pumpkin picking. Be sure to hit the market for fresh fruit, vegetables, honey, milk, cheese, bread, pies and fudge — all grown or made right on the premises. But hold on, it’s not time to eat yet!

Picnicking opportunities abound at nearby Rose Tree Park. Alternatively, head north to Tyler Arboretum, home to 650 acres of horticultural collections, ideal for viewing at this time of year.

After lunch, get on the road to “Wyeth Country,” a picture-perfect landscape portrayed in many of N.C., Andrew and Jamie Wyeth’s paintings. First hit the renowned Brandywine Museum of Art,  overlooking the Brandywine River in Chadds Ford. It encompasses N.C. Wyeth’s house and studio and an extensive collection of the family’s art. You can also see and purchase the works of the Wyeth greats and those inspired by them at the Barbara Moore Fine Art Gallery in the Chadds Ford Barn Shops.

Wine lovers will want to stop at Penns Woods Winery to take in the picturesque views of the vineyard and sample some of their wines. For under $20, enjoy a tasting flight with five pours and a souvenir glass on the enclosed patio.

Next up: dinner and dessert on Media’s State Street, home to a wide variety of crowd-pleasing restaurants. Options include: Azie, offering Asian-fusion fare; Pinocchio’s, a casual pizzeria and beer garden; and Dos Gringos Mexican Kitchen, serving up classic Mexican. Then settle in for an overnight stay at The Gifford-Risley House, an 1877 Gothic Revival-Chalet-style B&B, or the Inn at Grace Winery in nearby Glen Mills.

Before heading home, start your day with breakfast at Bittersweet Kitchen for creative comfort food and small-batch baked goods, the family-run Country Deli or the Main Line classic Minella’s Diner.

Eat breakfast in the city before heading out of town on a scenic route that begins on Kelly Drive and eventually leads to Church Road/Route 73. Follow Route 73 for about five to seven minutes until you get to the Fort Washington State Park observation deck. It’s located on or near the spot where General George Washington built his fort during a 1777 encampment and a great place to take in the park’s 493 acres of forest.

From there, take a quick drive on Route 73 to The Highlands Mansion & Gardens, a Georgian mansion dating back to 1796. Here, formal gardens are surrounded by grandiose trees. (Note that visits are by appointment only.) Proceed onto colorful and tree-lined Route 73 West to Peter Wentz Farmstead, a preserved historic farm where Washington stayed while planning the Battle of Germantown.

At this point, you’re probably getting hungry. Luckily, Skippack Village is just five minutes away. In this shopping village where stores are tucked into restored original 18th- and 19th-century buildings, you can choose from many restaurants for lunch. Among them: Brothers Kershner Brewing Co., Cabbage Vegetarian Cafe and Parc Bistro. After lunch, it’s time for a little shopping. Consider hitting up The Wooden Duck gift shop, Le Butler’s Pantry for kitchen wares and Accent on the Rocks for jewelry and accessories.

Continue west on Insta-worthy Route 73 until you reach Schwenksville. For those craving still more history, there’s Pennypacker Mills, the Victorian country estate of former Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker.

When you’re ready to leave, follow Perkiomenville and Fagleysville Roads south to Ridge Pike until you reach Trooper, where you take Park Avenue going south to conclude the leaf-peeping part of your day in an extremely appropriate place: John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove. It was the home of the late naturalist John James Audubon, who lent the Audubon Society its name.

After a long day feasting your eyes on nature’s beauty, you’ll be ready to check into your hotel. The Crowne Plaza Philadelphia – King of Prussia and the Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia Valley Forge are both nearby, as are dining options such as Chadwicks’s Restaurant & Bar, Creed’s Seafood & Steaks and Peppers Italian Restaurant and Bar.

After a good night’s rest, spend time on your second day driving, walking or biking through Valley Forge National Historical Park, where the fall colors are sure to be on fire. In addition to having beautiful trails and picnic areas, the park is an essential stop for history buffs who want to learn more about George Washington’s pivotal experience here with his troops.