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New Juniata River Canal Driving Trail Unveiled: A Journey Through Time and Nature Along the Juniata River
125-mile scenic trail highlights canal-era heritage across six counties
LEWISTOWN — History and nature lovers have a new reason to explore Central Pennsylvania with the launch of the Juniata River Canal Driving Trail, a self-guided, 125-mile scenic route that winds through six counties along the Juniata River. This immersive trail showcases the legacy of one of America’s most remarkable engineering feats—the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal system—and invites travelers to experience the past while enjoying the beauty of the present.
Developed through a collaboration between local visitor bureaus and historical societies, the self-guided trail features more than a dozen heritage stops that span from the 1789 Clarks Ferry Tavern near Duncannon to the Allegheny Ridge in Portage. Along the way, visitors can explore a fascinating mix of well-preserved and timeworn canal landmarks, including:
• Historic lock keeper’s homes and canal taverns
• Canal boat ride experience
• Colorful murals and interpretive signage
• Museums filled with canal-era artifacts
• Parks and riverside walking trails
• Remnants of locks and aqueducts hidden in the landscape
Whether you’re following the footsteps of 19th-century canal builders or simply soaking in the serene river valley views, every mile of the trail tells a story of ambition, ingenuity, and the communities that once thrived on canal commerce.
“The Pennsylvania Mainline Canal Driving Trail is more than a history lesson—it’s an invitation to slow down and explore,” said Jenny Landis, executive director of the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau. “We designed this experience to appeal to travelers who love heritage tourism but also want to get outdoors and discover the unique natural beauty of the Juniata River corridor.”
The trail is perfect for a weekend road trip or multi-day exploration, with plenty of opportunities to hike, picnic, paddle, or just sit and imagine canal boats gliding past more than a century ago. Whether you’re navigating by GPS or following printed guides available through partnering organizations, the trail encourages both planned visits and spontaneous detours.
From preserved lock structures and reconstructed canal boats to ruins that whisper stories of a bygone era, the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal Driving Trail bridges history and adventure—making it a must-see destination for curious travelers of all ages.
View the trail online at juniatarivercanaltour.com.

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:

• 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.”

Nothing beats the feel of spring in the air. The trees are blooming, the days start getting longer, and the world seems to come alive with activity. For anglers, the start of spring signals some of the best action of the entire year, with annual migrations and breeding seasons bringing our favorite fish into our sights.

To celebrate the start of the season, we asked our readers to suggest their favorite spring fishing spots. The results just came in – these are the 10 best spots in the country, and Juniata River Valley made the list!

Why did Juniata River Valley make the list?

The Juniata River Valley is a gentle place with real rural charm. It’s a beautiful land of densely-wooded ridges and long sweeping farmland. The valley is hidden away from the major highways that take people to and from the East Coast – and it’s all the better for it! It’s the ideal spot to enjoy a little time in the slow lane.

During the spring, the Juniata River is a top-tier Bass water, rivaling the nearby Penns Creek, just without the crowds! Anglers can kayak their way along the river, and reel in big spring Smallmouth, or wade freestone and limestone streams and catch Trout on the fly.

A full list of top spring fishing destinations in the United States can be found below:

• Fort Myers Beach, Florida
• Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
• Black Hills, South Dakota
• Biloxi, Mississippi
• Yakima Valley, Washington
• Tybee Island, Georgia
• Roanoke, Virginia
• Niagara Falls, New York
• Juniata River Valley, Pennsylvania
• Panama City Beach, Florida

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