Fall is a beautiful time to explore Lancaster County. The changing leaves, crisp temperatures, harvest activities and small-town events make it easy to fill a weekend with things to see and do. From covered bridges and corn mazes to scenic hikes and spooky adventures, there’s something for just about every kind of fall traveler. And when you’re ready to slow down after a day of exploring, B.F. Hiestand House Bed and Breakfast in Marietta makes a cozy home base for your Lancaster County getaway.
1. Take a Covered Bridge Drive
Pennsylvania has more covered bridges than any other state in the country, with more than 200 scattered throughout the commonwealth. Lancaster County has 29 of them, more than any other county in Pennsylvania. Fall is an especially pretty time to see these historic bridges, with colorful leaves adding to the scenery.
One worth seeking out is Shenk’s Mill Covered Bridge, which dates to 1847 and is one of Lancaster County’s oldest surviving covered bridges. After a storm destroyed the original bridge in 1854, it was rebuilt the following year. Its horizontal sideboards make it especially distinctive, as only three covered bridges in the county have this feature.
Forry’s Mill Covered Bridge is another local favorite. Built in 1869 by Civil War veteran Elias McMellen, the 103-foot bridge is the last covered bridge on Chiques Creek before the creek reaches the Susquehanna River. The historic Forry family stone house still overlooks the charming red bridge.
2. Pick Apples and Pumpkins
Fall and apple picking go hand in hand, and Lancaster County has plenty of places to get outside and enjoy the harvest.
At Kauffman’s Orchard in the heart of Amish Country, plan a visit around the Apple Fest in mid-October. Along with fresh apples, cider and baked goods, the festival features hayrides, a corn maze, cider press demonstrations, food trucks and pumpkin picking.
Flinchbaugh’s Farms and Orchard is another great stop for a fall day. Pick your own apples and pumpkins, then stick around for the Harvest Fests on Fridays and Saturdays, featuring food trucks, farm activities, entertainment and seasonal treats. This year, be sure to check out their new Harvest Bloom Trail, where colorful flowers, harvest decorations and seasonal displays create plenty of photo-worthy spots.
3. Get Lost in a Corn Maze
If you think you’re pretty good at finding your way around, fall is a great time to put that skill to the test.
At Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, the corn maze features more than 2.5 miles of paths winding through the corn. If you find yourself completely turned around, don’t worry. Maze Masters are on hand to help visitors find their way out. The farm also hosts special fall events, including flashlight mazes, the Cider Donut Fall Festival and Pumpkin Madness.
Oregon Dairy offers another impressive maze, covering about 13 acres. Explore it during the day or try the nighttime version with a flashlight. Admission also includes activities such as a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch and the farm’s entertaining Punkin Chuck’r.
4. Enjoy a Fall Festival
Fall festivals are a great way to experience Lancaster County’s history, food, music and local traditions.
In Marietta, the Marietta Blues, Brews & Boos Music Festival takes over Front Street on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. The free open-air festival features live blues music on four stages, local brews and seasonal cocktails, food trucks and an artisan market with more than 50 local creators. Front Street closes to traffic for the afternoon, making it easy to wander from one activity to the next.
On Oct. 3, 2026, head to Maize & Snitz Fest at Mennonite Life’s 1719 Museum for a look at traditional crafts and Pennsylvania history. Artisans demonstrate skills such as blacksmithing, apple butter making, beadwork, bobbin lace and pottery. You can also explore the historic grounds, learn about hard cider making and experience living-history demonstrations.
Another fall favorite is Harvest Days at Landis Valley Museum, taking place Oct. 10–11, 2026. The two-day festival celebrates Pennsylvania German agricultural traditions and 19th-century rural life with traditional crafts, seasonal foods, music, hayrides and hands-on activities.
5. Celebrate Oktoberfest
You don’t have to travel to Germany to enjoy a proper Oktoberfest.
Lancaster Liederkranz in Manheim hosts Lancaster’s oldest traditional Oktoberfest, a three-day celebration held in mid-September. Expect Bavarian music and traditions, along with plenty of German food, including bratwurst, schnitzel, potato pancakes, sauerkraut and giant soft pretzels.
And, of course, there’s beer. You can sample German selections from breweries such as Weihenstephan and Hofbräu while taking in the festive atmosphere. For those feeling competitive, try your hand at Masskrugstemmen, a traditional beer stein-holding competition.
6. Step Back in Time at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire takes over the grounds of Mount Hope Estate in Manheim for 11 weekends from late August through the end of October.
The 35-acre medieval village is filled with costumed characters, musicians, performers and plenty of things to watch. You’ll find more than 90 stage shows, along with jousting, dancing, magic, Shakespearean theater, stunt performances, singing minstrels and even a human chess match.
It’s easy to spend an entire day wandering through the faire, sampling food and drinks and enjoying the feeling that you’ve stepped into another time.
7. Get Spooked
Fall wouldn’t be complete without a little Halloween fun. Lancaster County has plenty of options for those who enjoy their autumn with a healthy dose of fright.
Ghost Tours of Lancaster and Strasburg take visitors into nearly 300 years of local history, sharing tales of curses, mysteries, star-crossed lovers and Pennsylvania Dutch folklore. The candlelight walking tours offer two different settings: historic Lancaster or the quaint town of Strasburg.
For a more intense experience, head to Field of Screams in Mountville. With a terrifying hayride, two haunted houses and a creepy trail through the woods, it has been frightening visitors for more than 30 years. Or check out Jason’s Woods in Lancaster, offering five haunted attractions, including a gruesome hayride, horror shows, a crazed cornfield and immersive experiences packed with special effects.
8. Take a Fall Train Ride
Climb aboard the Strasburg Rail Road, America’s oldest operating railroad, for a scenic ride through the Pennsylvania countryside. The railroad dates back to 1832 and originally carried freight and passengers. Today, it’s a popular attraction that gives visitors a chance to experience the countryside from the comfort of a historic train.
Fall is an especially fun time to ride, thanks to special seasonal excursions. Depending on the schedule, you might find a Wine and Cheese Train Ride, Pumpkins in Paradise or a murder mystery excursion such as The Brakeman’s Curse or Haunting of Pumpkin Junction.
9. Hike to Chickies Rock
For some of the best fall scenery in the area, head to Chickies Rock County Park, located between Marietta and Columbia. The 422-acre park is the second largest in Lancaster County and includes a section of the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. The trail leads to Point Rock Tunnel, an old railroad tunnel with a spooky reputation.
The main attraction, though, is Chickies Rock itself. The massive quartzite outcropping rises about 100 feet above the Susquehanna River, providing sweeping views of the river, York County and the farmlands of northwestern Lancaster County. The hike to the Chickies Rock overlook is only about a half-mile, making it a manageable way to enjoy some impressive fall scenery.
You can also spend time hiking or biking along the 14-mile Northwest Lancaster County River Trail, which follows the Susquehanna River through the historic river communities of Columbia, Marietta, Bainbridge and Falmouth. The trail is flat and a little more than half paved, making it a nice choice for a leisurely fall ride or walk.
10. Sip Your Way Through Lancaster County Wine Country
After a day of exploring, settle in with a glass of wine and enjoy the fall scenery at one of Lancaster County’s wineries.
Grandview Vineyard, in the rolling hills of northwestern Lancaster County, offers a relaxed setting overlooking its five-acre vineyard and surrounding farmland. Stop by the tasting deck to sample dry and sweet wines, including the estate’s flagship Grande Rouge. Seasonal events such as Autumn Uncorked add even more reason to visit in the fall.
Continue west toward the Susquehanna River and you’ll find Nissley Vineyards, a picturesque property set beside an 18th-century mill and winding creek. The winery has been producing wine since 1977 and offers tastings of six wines of your choice. In September and October, its Capturing Fall weekends combine wine, live music and autumn scenery.
Plan Your Fall Getaway
With colorful scenery, historic sites, harvest festivals, outdoor adventures and plenty of seasonal food and drink, Lancaster County gives you plenty of reasons to plan a fall escape. You can spend one day exploring covered bridges and hiking along the river, then fill the next with apples, pumpkins, a train ride or a little Halloween excitement.
After a full day of exploring, come back to B.F. Hiestand Bed and Breakfast in Marietta and settle into the comfort of your cozy accommodations. It’s a relaxing place to unwind, recharge and enjoy a slower pace before heading out for another day of Lancaster County adventures. Book your fall stay and make the most of the season in Lancaster County.
