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FALL IN PHILLY HIDDEN GEMS - Philadelphia Travel Guide

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Fall Foliage in Philadelphia

Across the city, the green leaves of summer have begun to turn into fiery reds, yellows, and oranges of fall. With one of the largest urban parks systems in the country, Philadelphians have a unique opportunity to explore and view fall foliage from a number of unique and impressive locations throughout the city.

Philadelphia Skyline, 2013 - James J. Kelly

Below are some of our favorite parks, trails, and paths to view the beautiful Philadelphia foliage:

Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Benjamin Franklin Parkway - Adam Shane

Take a few steps out of Center City and enter into a canopy of fall colors as you stroll down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The beautiful tree-lined parkway sets a dramatic background of vibrant red, orange, and yellow fall foliage for the fountains, statues, and numerous historic institutions that line the boulevard. Consider a stop at a museum or a run up the “Rocky Stairs” as you make your way down the picturesque parkway. 

Belmont Plateau

Belmont Plateau, 2008 - Bradley Maule

Why not take in the fall foliage from a picnic blanket set up under the turning leaves of a maple tree? Sitting atop a high hill, nearly four miles out of the center of Philadelphia, Belmont Plateau provides one of the best views of the city skyline, as well as West Fairmount Park. As the trees of Fairmount Park take on their rich autumnal colors, the skyline of the city takes on the warm glow of surrounding colors and creates a picturesque scene that cannot be missed.  

Boxers’ Trail

Boxers’ Trail, 2014 - Young Involved Philadelphia (YIP) Running Club

Set within the woods overlooking the Schuylkill River in East Fairmount Park, the 3.8-mile trail winds through the woods, immersing you within the changing colors of the surrounding foliage. Once the training grounds of Philly boxing legend Joe Frazier, the trail is still used today for running, walking, and hiking. Though gaining in popularity with Philadelphians, the trail is still a relatively quiet location to soak in the fall colors.

Schuylkill River Trail

Schuylkill River Trail, 2014 - Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

Recently awarded the Best Urban Trail in the United States, the Schuylkill River Trail is a multi-use path that follows the winding Schuylkill River for 26.5 miles. Walk, run, or bike your way through a plethora of fall foliage as you travel through the city hitting vantage points unique to each leg of the trail. With the warm autumn colors reflecting in the water, the Schuylkill River Trail provides a distinctive view of fall foliage in Philadelphia. 

Pennypack Park

Pennypack Park - Allen M. Aisenstein, Friends of Pennypack Park

Located in Northeast Philadelphia across nearly 1,600 acres of woodlands, meadows, and wetlands, Pennypack Park provides Philadelphians the opportunity to hike, bike, and even horseback ride through the natural lands surrounding the Pennypack Creek. The rambling park boasts miles of both paved and unpaved trails, allowing for uninterrupted viewing of fall foliage and an escape from the surrounding city.

Wissahickon Valley Park

Wissahickon Valley Park, Stone Arch Bridge - Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

Once home to dozens of mills and factories throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the Wissahickon Valley Park is now recognized as a national Natural Landmark and a favorite Philadelphia location for both recreation and relaxation. Covering 1,800 acres, the park is crisscrossed by 50+ miles of trails, but most commonly known for Forbidden Drive, a wide gravel trail that follows the path of the Wissahickon Creek as it winds its way towards the Schuylkill River. Follow this trail for an unprecedented stroll through the woods, or make your way onto a side trail for a unique vantage point of the fall colors.

Washington Square

Washington Square Park - Allan James Pearson

As picturesque as Rittenhouse Square, but much less crowded, Washington Square is lined with shade trees that provide respite from the sun in the summer months and a unique colorful canopy as the season turns to fall. Home of the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary Soldier and steps from Old City, the square is as much historically intriguing as it is aesthetically pleasing. With plenty of benches and grassy space to spread out a blanket, spend your Saturday in the quiet historic square reveling in the rich history and warm autumn colors.

Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

Fall in Shofuso, 2015 - Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

A place of silence, harmony, and tranquility, Shofuso Japanese House and Garden provides a unique location to view fall foliage. A world within its own, the garden at Shofuso provides fiery colors and reflections in the pond that flanks the traditional Japanese house. Located in West Fairmount Park, Shofuso Japanese House and Garden provides an opportunity to step outside of Philadelphia, while never leaving the city.  

Your Neighborhood Parks

Sometimes the greatest beauty is in your backyard! Perhaps it’s the large shade tree you find yourself passing each day or the local park full of after-school play and fiery autumn colors. Take a walk through your neighborhood and you’ll see that autumn colors are painted throughout all of Philadelphia.