Fall in the Juniata River Valley: Foliage, Festivals & Small-Town Charm
As the air turns crisp and the mountains trade their summer greens for fiery reds and golds, the Juniata River Valley comes alive with the magic of fall. Whether you love wandering pumpkin patches, sipping craft brews, hiking under colorful canopies, or strolling small-town streets, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season here.
Here’s your guide to the best events and leaf-peeping spots this fall in Mifflin and Juniata Counties:
🍂 Fall Events in the Juniata River Valley
Oct. 1–5 – Okto’bear’fest Weekend at Shy Bear Brewing
📍 35 Meadowbrook Lane, Lewistown
Raise a glass to autumn at Shy Bear’s annual music-filled festival featuring German-inspired food and—of course—big pours of beer.
Oct. 3–4 – 40th Annual Big Valley Harvestfest
📍 Mifflin County Youth Park, Reedsville
One of the region’s signature fall events! Browse 50+ craft and décor vendors, savor chicken BBQ and homemade treats, and enjoy entertainment and activities for all ages.
Oct. 11 – Reeds Gap Annual Fall Fest
📍 Reeds Gap State Park, Milroy | ⏰ 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
A family-friendly festival featuring a live falconry display, woodturning demos, fresh apple cider, homemade ice cream, and music by the Brush Mountain Band.
Oct. 11 – Family Fun Day at the Christian Retreat Center
📍 369 CRC Drive, East Waterford | ⏰ 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Pumpkin carving, wagon rides, kids’ activities, and hearty fall food in a peaceful countryside setting.
Oct. 11 & weekends through fall – PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express
📍 East Broad Top Railroad, Rockhill
All aboard for a whimsical train ride with Charlie Brown and Snoopy! Costumes are encouraged as families ride the rails, pick a pumpkin, and soak in the fall scenery.
Oct. 18 – Poe Paddy Fall Foliage Hike
📍 Poe Paddy State Park, Coburn | ⏰ 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Explore the woods at peak color on a guided hike that highlights the park’s breathtaking river views and mountain ridges.
Oct. 25 – Halloween in the Park
📍 Greenwood Furnace State Park | ⏰ 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Halloween with themed games, trick-or-treating, and plenty of family fun under the glowing autumn sky.
Oct. 29 – Lewistown Halloween Parade
📍 Downtown Lewistown | ⏰ 7 p.m.
A community tradition where floats, costumes, and marching bands light up the night.
🎃 Corn Mazes & Pumpkin Patches
What’s fall without pumpkins and a little time spent getting lost in the corn? The Juniata River Valley has two can’t-miss stops:
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At the Barnyard Corn Maze
📍 204 Barnyard Boulevard, Lewistown
Spend a weekend winding through a themed corn maze, taking hayrides, and picking the perfect pumpkin. The Barnyard also offers special themed weekends for extra fun. -
Bilger’s Pumpkins
📍 7468 Ferguson Valley Road, McVeytown
A family-run pumpkin patch where you can find everything from carving pumpkins to gourds and fall décor—perfect for a seasonal outing.
🌄Best Places to See Fall Foliage
The Juniata River Valley is tucked between ridges and rolling farmland, making it one of Pennsylvania’s hidden gems for fall color. Some of the best leaf-peeping spots include:
- Jack’s Mountain Overlook – This panoramic viewpoint gives leaf peepers the chance to look into not just one, but two valleys ablaze with autumn color.
- Penn’s View Overlook – A breathtaking ridge-top view above Penns Creek, reached by a scenic drive through Poe Valley State Park. The overlook reveals a dramatic sweep of forested mountains and valleys.
- Big Valley Vista – From Siglerville, follow the signs to Poe Valley State Park and you’ll find yourself at one of the most iconic fall vantage points in the Juniata River Valley, with unobstructed views of Big Valley’s rolling farmland framed by fiery ridgelines.
- Reeds Gap State Park – Nestled in a valley, this park bursts with vibrant color, especially around the creek and picnic areas.
- Greenwood Furnace State Park – A mix of history and natural beauty, where fiery foliage reflects off the lake.
- Scenic Drives through Big Valley (Kishacoquillas Valley) – Rolling farmland, horse-drawn buggies, and a backdrop of glowing ridges make every drive a postcard-worthy trip.
- Laurel Run Reservoir – Rt. 322 is a northwesterly route that cuts across several mountain ranges that space the autumn season, displaying increasing fall foliage to the north. The route is rich is overlooks, and one of the most amazing is at Milroy’s Laurel Creek Reservoir, as Rt. 322 begins its climb over the Seven Mountains a few miles north of Milroy.
Whether you’re sipping cider at a harvest festival, hiking through a golden forest, or waving at floats during a small-town parade, fall in the Juniata River Valley is full of simple joys. Pack a cozy sweater, bring your camera, and discover why this season is one of the best times to explore the heart of Pennsylvania.
For more details visit our Fall Foliage tour under “Things to Do.”