The D&L Blog

Your Guide to Leaf Peeping Along the Corridor

Written by Alice Wanamaker and Dan DiBella

The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and fall is drawing closer with each passing day – when it comes to autumn color, Pennsylvania stands out. With one of the longest and most diverse fall foliage seasons anywhere in the world, the Keystone State offers a spectacular display of reds, oranges, and golds that stretch across its varied landscapes.

At DLNHC, we celebrate Pennsylvania’s breathtaking autumn season by helping you experience it firsthand—whether you’re hiking, biking, or otherwise exploring the D&L Trail. Spanning over 165 miles from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol, the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor offers countless opportunities to enjoy the vibrant colors of fall. It’s the perfect place to go “leaf peeping” and soak in the beauty of the changing season.

In fact, only three regions in the world support deciduous forests that produce such vibrant fall color—and Eastern North America is one of them. Pennsylvania’s unique geography and climate make it a prime location for leaf-peepers and nature lovers alike.

This fall, we’re celebrating the season by showcasing five of our favorite “must-see” views along the D&L Trail. These stunning spots are easily accessible from a trail near you and offer stunning views of the fall foliage.

DLNHC’s Must-See Fall Views Along the D&L Trail

Luzerne County – The D&L Trail from the Black Diamond Trailhead to White Haven is a staff favorite—and for good reason. This remote section, 9-mile stretch of trail offers hikers and bikers a peaceful escape into nature, especially stunning during peak fall foliage. Along the way, you’ll also pass ponds, bogs and towering trees providing a good view of local wildlife. This section of trail is also close to the Francis E. Walter Dam as well as Nescopeck and Hickory Run State Parks – each providing excellent opportunities for leaf peeping and outdoor adventures.

Carbon County – Carbon County’s stretch of the D&L Trail between Weissport and Jim Thorpe is beautiful year-round, but it truly comes alive in the fall with vibrant foliage and stunning natural beauty.Nestled between the Lehigh River and the Lehigh Canal, the Weissport to Jim Thorpe section provides so many opportunities to enjoy the fall colors and nature.  Parking in Weissport (or Lehighton) allows you to enjoy Jim Thorpe without the traffic. While there you can take a fall train ride into Lehigh Gorge State Park or enjoy additional hiking on the Switchback Trail.

Lehigh County – The D&L Trail from Slatington (92.5) to East Penn Township just over the Carbon County border is full of views and history – it may be hard to take it all in in one day. This 3.5-mile section provides views of the Lehigh River and the dramatic slopes of the Kittatinny Ridge, as well as diverse habitats including bogs, ponds, and abundant wildlife. Feeling adventurous? Explore some of the trails at Lehigh Gap Nature Center, these mountainside footpaths link the D&L Trail to the Appalachian Trail. You can even complete a loop using the D&L Trail and Lehigh Gap Nature Center’s LNE Trail. The views are unbelievable

Northampton County – The section of D&L Trail throughout Northampton County offers a stunning backdrop for fall adventures, with vibrant foliage and scenic views that make autumn unforgettable. For those looking to extend their journey, the Nor-Bath Trail is a perfect companion route. This picturesque trail connects directly to the D&L Trail, offering a quieter, tree-lined path ideal for hikers, runners, and cyclists. As the leaves begin to turn, the Nor-Bath Trail becomes a colorful corridor through nature—perfect for soaking in the season’s beauty while staying active

Bucks County – Washington Crossing to New Hope is a great opportunity to experience autumn’s vibrant colors along the D&L Trail. As you explore the many quaint towns around the trail, you’ll be treated to great views of the changing foliage. We suggest checking out Bowman’s Hill Tower at Washington Crossing Historic Park for an even better view or stopping on a bridge along the Delaware River to see the changing leaves frame the water below.

While you are out enjoying the views, be sure to check out the many awesome Trail Towns and Trail Friendly Businesses. You can find a complete list on our website or Discoverer App!

Looking for more places to take in the beauty of the season?

Miles of adventure await this fall along the D&L Trail and throughout the Corridor. Explore these scenic spots and discover your next favorite destination along the Corridor. For more highlights, check our interactive map at www.delawareandlehigh.org/map.