Good to Know: 5 fall hikes near and far from Philadelphia

Every year, summer seems to last a little longer, bullying its way into October with humid afternoons as our sweaters wait in the wings. Then, just like that, it’s the dead of winter and you hate the world. Rather than walk around at festivals where vendors are selling gutter protectors and superabsorbent squeegees, hit the pumpkin spice hard on a Saturday morning, grab a nice flannel and hiking boots, and hit the trails. Here’s a wide mix of five hikes in Pennsylvania, plus where to eat and drink nearby.

Wissahickon Valley Park

The Wissahickon is a Philadelphia treasure, if not a hidden one. About seven miles from City Center, it’s a three-season destination that’s crowded on weekends. A handful of trails, from easy to moderate, will quickly make you feel like you’re far from the city. In fall, a simple walk down the stone path of Forbidden Drive will put you directly beneath a canopy of fluttering trees. Just remember to avoid the cyclists.

The Wissahickon’s upper trails can be rocky and are often wet, and you shouldn’t just tie on a pair of Vans and think you’ll be fine. You might need to scramble in a few spots. The Wissahickon Gorge’s North Loop trail is 4.7 miles and, according to the popular hiking app AllTrails, it’s considered a moderately intense hike that should take about two hours and 15 minutes.

There’s food at the quaint Valley Green Inn or at Dalessandro’s cheesesteaks, in nearby Roxborough.

Accessibility: The Forbidden Trail is the only accessible trail at the Wissahickon. Parking: Free; located throughout the park, including near the ADA-accessible Valley Green Inn.

Franklin Parker Preserve

If you want to avoid crowds, New Jersey’s Franklin Parker Preserve, about 36 miles from City Center, is a 11,379-acre nature preserve in the heart of the pine barrens. The hiking, almost entirely on soft sand roads and trails, is considered easy, but don’t discount what long walks in loose sand can do to your thighs.

In the fall, Franklin Parker explodes with color, the pines standing out among the reds and oranges and tall grasses that line the former cranberry bogs. Remarkable sunsets make it a choice location for photographers.

The trails at Franklin Parker Preserve are broken down by color, with the white trail being just a three-mile loop that should take about an hour; you can string the trails together to make a day of it. Print a color map before you go, or download AllTrails, to help navigate the flat geography.

On the way in, pick up breakfast at Red Barn Cafe on Route 206; or grab a Penza’s pie on the way home.

Accessibility: There are wheelchair-accessible options, like Bald Eagle Valley Trail, a roughly six-mile loop with beautiful views and good bird-watching. Parking: At the preserve's entrance.

Hawk Mountain

Hawk Mountain Loop in Berks County is a great trip that will take up a Saturday or Sunday, just about 80 miles northwest of Philly. It’s considered a hard hike, with lots of rocks that lead to breathtaking vistas and some of Pennsylvania’s best bird-watching. Hawk Mountain is a gathering point for raptors (the sanctuary tracks the various species on a daily basis), so bring binoculars.

Hawk Mountain’s website lists multiple trails, including the Golden Eagle, which includes "ankle bending rocks" and a "rigorous climb on large jagged rock formations." Good boots, with ankle protection, are a must.

And, because you’ll deserve it afterward, head over to Eight Oaks Farm Distillery in New Tripoli for whiskeys and live music.

Accessibility: Many portions are wheelchair accessible, including a new trail from the parking area to the amphitheater, visitor center and native plant garden. Parking: $10 admission; there is parking throughout, including at the visitor center and amphitheater.

Ricketts Glen Falls Trail

The Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park, about 135 miles from City Center, is a dream. It’s a 3.3-mile loop, but for most of the time, you’re walking up narrow, rocky staircases that may be wet. Throw in dead leaves on the trail, and you have to pay close attention. And if it’s late fall, check the weather because ice on the trails may close them.

The trail has 21 waterfalls, an Instagrammer’s heaven. Just don’t fall off the trail taking a selfie.

A longer version of the falls trail is 7.2 miles long. Ricketts is about 2½ hours from Philly, so you might as well pitch a tent. Bring warm clothes. If you want a hot meal, head to Ricketts Glen Hotel, a mile west of the park on Route 118.

Accessibility: This trail is steep and can be slippery, meaning it isn’t very accessible; call ahead to plan your trip. Parking: Three lots provide access to the falls.

West Rim Trail in Colton Point State Park

The 27.8-mile, point-to-point, West Rim Trail in Colton Point State Park (about 235 miles from City Center) has been described as the "definitive trail for Pennsylvania backpackers" by the outfitter that drives people to and from the trailheads for a fee.

This trail can be your graduation to ultimate backpacking. With climbs and elevation changes, it requires good boots, a tent, sleeping bag, food and a way to boil or purify water. Pine Creek Outfitters of Wellsboro rents most of that stuff. They’ll even take you back to your car, or drive your car to the terminus because you’ll be doing the trail in multiple nights.

Reviews on AllTrails mention different animals you can see, including bald eagles, porcupines and even bears. The vistas are among the best in Pennsylvania, particularly in the fall.

After the West Rim Trail, head into downtown Wellsboro, where dining options abound.

Accessibility: West Rim is not recommended for wheelchair users; call ahead about accessible accommodations among the other trails. Parking: Free; several lots can be found around the park for day use; overnight hikers should park by the campground.