You will love fall in Philadelphia as soon as you see its neat tree-lined streets and quiet parks with stunning views on the city skyline. A variety of state parks stretching near Philly boast magnificent fall foliage too. The options for leaf-peeping are abundant.
When does fall foliage start in Philadelphia
Fall foliage in Philadelphia usually pops in late October, with the prime viewing time lasting into mid-November. However, the neighboring areas typically see the change of seasons already in early October. Anyway, each year differs, so always check the forecast beforehand to capture the finest fall colors.
Best places to see fall foliage in Philadelphia
Philadelphia's cozy Old City is incredibly splendid in the fall. Thus you could start your colorful leaf-peeping journey from this point. One of the most picturesque locations across the city is Fairmount Park. It offers 30 mi (50 km) of trails and is home to Philly's zoo, Japanese gardens, historic mansions, and museums. Other popular places to stroll among fall foliage include Schuylkill Banks, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Locust Walk on Penn's campus, picture-perfect Independence Hall, and Bartram's Garden.
Best fall foliage near Philadelphia
All of the city's countryside regions have wonderful fall foliage places worth seeing. The best idea would be reserving a separate day for Bucks, Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery counties. But if you can't afford such a lasting getaway, plan on visiting at least some of the most noted destinations. Hop in the car and hit the scenic Route 32, the road meanders next to the Delaware River. Or uncover the bucolic scenery of Ridley Creek State Park. Alternatively, wander the forest trails of Marsh Creek State Park. Also, you might want to gaze at fall colors in Fort Washington State Park and the nearby Morris Arboretum. Besides, you could climb aboard the Wilmington and Western Railroad in northern Delaware and have yourself a one-of-a-kind fall foliage train ride near Philadelphia. The trips run from early October through early November.
The best trips are those planned ahead. We suggest that you opt for a spot where you'd like to spend the most time and book a hotel nearby for convenience. See the map of fall foliage in Philadelphia below.
Practical info
When is the best time to see fall foliage in Philadelphia?
The peak season to witness the beauty of fall foliage in Philadelphia usually ranges from late October through mid-November. Keep in mind that nearby spots may experience the season's change earlier, sometimes even from the beginning of October. To get the full experience and not miss out any beautiful colors, it is essential to research and plan ahead for the best viewing times since it differs each year. Show more
What are the best places to see fall foliage in Philadelphia?
Old City and Fairmount Park are two of Philadelphia's most beautiful and picturesque spots to see fall foliage. There are also several other popular locations for leaf-peeping, including Schuylkill Banks, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Locust Walk in Penn's campus, Independence Hall, and Bartram's Garden. These locations provide a perfect getaway to immerse yourself in Philadelphia's scenic beauty during the autumn season. Show more
What are the best locations near Philadelphia for leaf-peeping?
Bucks, Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery counties are the ideal countryside regions near Philadelphia to go leaf-peeping. Furthermore, Route 32, Ridley Creek State Park, Marsh Creek State Park, Fort Washington State Park, Morris Arboretum, and Wilmington and Western Railroad's northern Delaware are worth visiting to witness the scenic beauty of fall foliage. Proper planning is crucial to enjoy the full experience of these locations, as it is impossible to cover everything in a single day. Show more
What is the Wilmington and Western Railroad's autumn leaf train ride, and when does it run?
The Wilmington and Western Railroad offers a unique journey during the fall seasons, with a 1.5-hour autumn leaf train ride running from the first few days of October to early November near Philadelphia. Passengers can board the train at Greenbank Station and enjoy the picturesque view of the historical Red Clay Valley. Along with the autumn leaf train ride, there are other special events, including Halloween Express and dinner trains, making it an incredible experience on the journey of witnessing the fall foliage view. Show more
What types of trees contribute to fall foliage in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia's autumn foliage is rich in red, orange, and yellow hues, a fantastic blend of deciduous trees, including beech, oak, dogwood, maple, and birch. Philadelphia's parks and forests preserve a unique collection of flora, offering visitors the best scenic experience during the fall. Besides, it is also possible to see milder colors from other tree species, including evergreens, providing a charming balance to the area's autumn foliage. Show more
