13 festive ways to experience autumn in Pennsylvania

If you’re dreaming of crisp mountain air, festive fall events and all things pumpkin and spice, then head to the Pennsylvania Mountains.

Fall is a great time to visit your favorite Pennsylvania ski resort. Not only will you find breathtaking foliage, but cooler temps and a potpourri of some of the region’s best fall festivals too. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from traditional family harvest celebrations and seasonal food and brews to haunted mountain adventures and races.

For starters, here are a few options, organized by region from the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association, SkiPA.com.

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA

Autumn Timber Festival

Enjoy the fall foliage and head to Shawnee for a weekend of lumberjack competitions, chainsaw sculptures, blacksmith demonstrations, scenic chairlift rides, pig races, novelty shows and live music at the base of the mountain. Plus, festive food and arts and craft vendors.

When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 12-13

Where: Shawnee Mountain, East Stroudsburg

Cost: Advance tickets for adults $9 and $7.50 for children (5-12)

Elk Mountain Fall Festival

Celebrating its 60th year, Elk Mountain’s Fall Festival features fun for the entire family. Soak in the autumn colors with scenic chairlift rides and hayrides or enjoy arts and crafts and a mountain bike ride at 10 a.m. Sunday.

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 12-13

Where: Elk Mountain Ski Resort, Union Dale

Country Jam Music and Fall Festival

Kick off the fall season at Bear Creek Mountain Resort with an afternoon of fun for all ages, including live music from five bands, a farmers market, beer garden, petting zoo, pick-your-own pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting, moon bounce, ATV tours, archery target shooting, ax throwing and climbing wall. Also enjoy a country cookout featuring a pig roast and barbeque chicken. The first 500 prepurchased adult tickets will receive a 16-oz Country Jam mason jar mug.

When: Noon-6 p.m. Oct. 13

Where: Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Lehigh Valley

Cost: Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Kids 6-12 are $5 and under 5 are free.

Pocono Food Truck & Art Festival

Shawnee Mountain will celebrate the season with a weekend chock full of, delicious street eats, an arts and crafts show, chairlift rides and live music. The popular event is a great way to experience the fall foliage in a fun, relaxing setting. Enjoy favorite regional foods from over 25 food trucks and choose a new addition to your art collection from more than 35 artists and crafters.

When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 19-20

Where: Shawnee Mountain, East Stroudsburg

Cost: Advance tickets for adults $9 and $7.50 for children

Scream Mountain

Spring Mountain transforms into a spooky haunted adventure for all ages in October. Those looking to get their spook on can enjoy a haunted hayride or haunted chairlift ride and walk. There is also a starter haunted hayride for smaller kids, which features the same Halloween scenes, but without anyone sneaking up and while it’s still daylight. And, for those looking for even more thrills, there's the full heart of darkness tour, which includes seven zip lines, four challenges, two rappels and a cargo net climb after dark.

When: Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 26

Where: Spring Mountain Adventures, Schwenksville

Cost: $18 an up. Prices vary by activities.

Reaper’s Revenge Halloween

Wear your best Halloween costume and head to Montage Mountain for a Halloween Party featuring live band, DJ, games, drink specials and plenty of costume madness with $5,000 in cash prizes.

When: 6 p.m.-midnight Oct. 25

Where: Montage Mountain Resort, Scranton

Cost: $10 admission

Harvest Wine Festival

Enjoy the rich flavors of fall with wine and food samples from over 40 vendors during the Bear Creek Harvest Wine Festival. Each guest receives an event program, free samples and commemorative wine-tasting glass to take home.

When: Noon-5 p.m. Oct. 27

Where: Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Lehigh Valley

Cost: Advance tickets $25 or $35 at the door

Rhythm & Brews Festival

Enjoy live music, great craft beers and more at the 2019 Rhythm and Brews Festival at beautiful Montage Mountain. Tickets include festival entry, beer sampling and a commemorative tasting glass. Taste from over 40 different breweries and 75 craft beers and ciders. Live entertainment includes three tribute acts BSTREETBAND: The Original Springsteen Tribute, Slippery When Wet: The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute and Separate Ways: Performing Journey.

When: 1-7 p.m. Nov. 9

Where: Montage Mountain Resort, Scranton

Cost: Advance tickets $35 or $45 at the door