Fall Activities & Things to Do in Lackawanna County
Your Guide to Fall Fun
Fall brings colorful scenery, crisp weather, and plenty of reasons to explore Lackawanna County. From pumpkin patches and apple orchards to fall festivals, haunted attractions, and scenic train rides, find autumn activities throughout Scranton and the surrounding communities of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Take in the changing leaves along local hiking trails and scenic drives, spend the day at a family-friendly farm, or experience the season aboard a fall foliage train excursion from Steamtown National Historic Site. When the sun goes down, embrace the spooky side of the season with haunted attractions and ghost tours, or celebrate autumn with local harvest events, wine festivals, and other seasonal favorites.
Celebrate autumn by enjoying Lackawanna County’s bountiful fall harvest at local farms, pumpkin patches, and apple orchards. Kids love the Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Roba Family Farms, complete with games and rides, pumpkin picking, seasonal treats, and a mega corn maze. Lakeland Orchard & Cidery is known for its Apple Harvest Festival, where families can pick their own apples and enjoy fresh treats like apple dumplings and apple cider donuts. At Ritter’s Cider Mill, enjoy fresh-pressed apple cider and then let the kids explore the hay barn. If you’re craving more time on the farm or want to stock up on the bounty of the season, browse our farmers markets and U-pick farms. And don’t miss our agritourism experiences, where you can connect with nature and animals while learning about local rural life.
Take in the beauty of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s fall foliage on scenic hikes, leaf-peeping drives, and historic train rides, plus historic tours like The Dunmore Cemetery Tour. Leaves typically begin changing in late September, with color peaking around mid-October. Discover the top spots to view fall foliage on foot, including trails and parks across the Greater Scranton Area, or watch the colors pass by the window as you take a scenic drive along popular routes. You can also take in the colorful countryside by train! Our fall foliage train excursions leave from Steamtown National Historic Site in Downtown Scranton and are extremely popular for their spectacular views and the nostalgia of riding in a historic railcar.
Celebrate the season with fall festivals, live performances, local flavors, and craft beverages throughout Lackawanna County. Experience the creativity of the Scranton Fringe Festival, which brings an eclectic lineup of performing arts and entertainment to venues throughout Scranton. October is also Pennsylvania Wine Month, making it a great time to explore the Lackawanna County Wine Trail. At Montage Mountain Resorts, enjoy seasonal favorites like the Fall Wine Festival and Rhythm & Brews, where drinks, food, and live music come together for a festive fall experience.
Plan your 3-day weekend getaway with the help of our Fall Weekend Itinerary. From spooky fun to dining in Downtown Scranton to catching our breathtaking scenic vista views, there are plenty of reasons to visit Lackawanna County, PA!
Fall Foliage Trail – Drive or hike to the most vibrant leaf‑peeping spots across the county. In NEPA, fall colors begin shifting in late September, with peak hues arriving around mid-October
Scenic Hikes – Walk trails bursting with autumn colors up close and personal.
Fall Foliage Train Rides – Enjoy Steamtown National Historic Site’s enchanting excursions surrounded by fiery fall views.
Roba Family Farms – Pick pumpkins, sip apple cider, and savor warm cider donuts. Explore the corn maze, feed the farm animals, and cap off your visit with the dazzling Glowing Pumpkin Trail, a nighttime walk through thousands of illuminated pumpkins.
Other Fall Farm Fun – Visit local favorites like Ritter’s Cider Mill, Pallman Farms, and other seasonal farm markets for even more autumn flavors and family activities.
Stunning foliage, spooky Halloween chills, family-friendly fall festivals, and outdoor adventures at our parks, wineries, and farms make fall one of the best times to visit Lackawanna County — and one of the most popular too! It’s best to plan ahead so you don’t miss out on the fun. Be sure to check all the details of your favorite fall activities before you arrive.
Leaves begin to change in late September with peak color in mid-October, but late-season color often continues into early November. Pair your fall foliage getaway with a Halloween event or two while you’re here. We’ve got lots of cozy places to stay, from familiar brands to boutique hotels. Book your accommodations today and start planning your fall getaway to Lackawanna County!
