AUTUMN Itinerary
|
Day 1
Lawrence County It's scary or not-so-scary fun during the Fall in Lawrence County. Enjoy agritourism pick-your-own events such as apples, pumpkins and sunflowers at local farms right off or close to Route 422. Fall pumpkin and harvest festivals are happening every weekend. Fall Foliage is a must during this time of year. The ever beautiful McConnells Mill State Park, Cleland Overlook makes a perfect backdrop for your next photo. Hike the many trails, including the North Country National Scenic Trail, and chase waterfalls along the way. Home to six breathtaking waterfalls, all natural wonders and range from easy to moderate hikes. Four are located inside the beautiful McConnells Mill State Park; Alpha Falls, Breakneck Falls, Hell’s Hollow and Kildoo Falls. While Quaker Falls and Big Run Falls stand alone. The Amish Countryside is also a picturesque backdrop to leisurely drives to view the fall foliage. Get spooked at Haunted Hill View Manor, home to those who previously lived there and still reside. In September and October visit their Scare Manor; it consists of a Haunted House and grass maze field behind Historic Haunted Hill View Manor. Keep the jumps coming with Cheeseman’s Fright Farm, for a haunted hayride, corn maze, and multiple walkthrough attractions. Get up close and personal Living Treasures Wild Animal Park, Night at the Zoo every Friday and Saturday nights. This non-scary family event takes you on a walk in the dark through torch-lit walkways and to view the wild and interesting behaviors that many animals have at night. All guests are invited to come in non-scary costumes! While exploring, dine at one of many family-run ethnic restaurants. Local hotels, B&B’s and Campgrounds will make sure you are rested up in style to continue your adventure! Our “Build Your Own Suitcase” feature on our website will make it easy to plan your stay in Lawrence County. Be sure to check out the events page, which is updated daily. Day 2 Butler County As the season changes and the colors become bold, 422 provides a beautiful gateway into Moraine State Park at a time when Butler County shines bright. As you drive, you’ll cross part of the park’s Lake Arthur and that should inspire you to see its beauty and surrounding fall foliage aboard Preston’s Pearl, a handicapped accessible, enclosed double-decker passenger boat. You might want to start the day at Brown’s Country Kitchen in Portersville for a homemade breakfast (but make sure to get some pie to go!) It’s just west of Prospect on 488. If you’re looking for something quick to take to the lake, stop at Pizza Joe’s for a different type of pie. If you’re into the Spooky Season that only October can provide, Butler County is the spot for you! After all, our very own Evans City was the spot where George Romero’s horror classic "Night of the Living Dead" was filmed! But there’s lots of “boo-tiful” happenings here all autumn long. Cheeseman Farm’s annual Pumpkin Festival is a family friendly event with a petting zoo, pumpkin picking, hayrides, and other activities. Beware though, at night there’s quite a haunted and frightful experience designed for those ages 13-and up! Did we scare you too much? If the ghosts and goblins leave you wanting a little more peaceful experience, then head West Park Road from Portersville to visit with some furry friends at West Park Alpacas and pick up some alpaca apparel in their shop to commemorate your trip! Alpaca socks are the best. After your visit, get on Route 422 east toward Downtown Butler, where you’ll find more treats – and maybe some tricks, too! If you’re a theater junkie, plan your visit around one of the shows at Butler Little Theatre, which has been entertaining the community since 1941. If it’s a brisk day, try out one or more of the great coffee shops like Vintage, Roosters, and Cummings Coffee and Candy, which offers a Pumpkin Spice Latte or Tea to warm up. Fall is also when they make their delicious peanut brittle. Make a fall visit more special by visiting Mystique Moon Antiques and Artisans, which often hosts "Moon Markets" and "Witches Day Out". Relax and spend the night at Fairfield Inn and Suites Butler or one of three B&Bs on Washington Street; Sweet Thyme, Suite Retreat or the Urban Nest. Day 3 Armstrong County Head east on 422 to “The Heart of Western Pennsylvania,” Armstrong County, where your adventure awaits! Admire the fall foliage on the Roaring Run Trail in Apollo with a peaceful hike with your canine pal or challenge yourself with some intense mountain biking right along the beauty of the Kiski River. Hunt down some treasure on the Armstrong County GeoTrail. Armstrong County contains a plethora of history, and each cache along the way visits the sites that help to tell our county's story. Stop by Experience Armstrong in downtown Kittanning for a passport! Some other Armstrong County must-sees are the beautiful Allegheny River, our miles and miles of extensive trails, Crooked Creek State Park, and so many more! So much activity is sure to work up an appetite. Armstrong County has become quite a "foodie" area in recent years, so check out some of our best local restaurants, wineries, ice cream shops and more here. You won't be disappointed! Having a good time? Stay with us! Turn your trip into an overnight stay or a long weekend. Our hotels, motels, charming B&Bs, and serene campgrounds will welcome you with open arms and make it a stay to remember. But this is just the beginning! Visit armstrongcounty.com for more! Day 4 Indiana County Complete your Route 422 excursion in Indiana County and experience the beautiful fall foliage that blankets the scenic countryside. Enjoy a hike or bike ride on the 64 miles of rails-to-trails or stop by any of the 5,452 acres of parks that showcase a recreation haven for the outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can make a stop at the Jimmy Stewart Museum (which was updated and renovated in 2020) in his hometown of Indiana. Artifacts from his childhood, military and movie eras are on display and a life-size statue is a great place for a family photo. In the Smicksburg Amish area, visitors can shop for primitive crafts, furniture, pottery and local wine, and share the road with horse-drawn buggies. If you enjoy entertainment, Indiana County is the place to be with a variety of festivals and fairs throughout the year. History buffs will enjoy a stop at one of the 24 attractions listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including four covered bridges. Stay overnight in a charming B&B, full-service hotel, or campground. Discover all of this in the Christmas Tree Capital of the World! Call each county’s tourism bureau for a free visitors guide. There’s so much to do on Route 422! |
Cleland Rock overlook at McConnells Mill State Park, Lawrence County.
Butler County's Moraine State Park gives you so many opportunities to enjoy the autumn colors.
Harmon covered bridge in Indiana County.
|
