15 Things to Do in Lancaster County This Fall

Fall is Lancaster County's best season — harvest time in farm country, foliage along the river, and a calendar packed with things that don't exist the rest of the year. Here's how to make the most of it.

Fall Classics

1. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm (Ronks). The famous corn maze plus dozens of farm activities. Go on a crisp October day with kids — or with anyone, honestly. It's that good.

2. Corn maze at Oregon Dairy (Lititz). A second excellent maze option on the north side of the county, plus a great farm store for fall treats.

3. Field of Screams (Mountville). One of the top-rated haunted attractions in the entire country, right here in Lancaster County. If you like being scared, this is a bucket-list haunt.

4. Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire (Manheim). Runs weekends into the fall — turkey legs, jousting, and full Elizabethan commitment. An only-in-fall experience.

Small-Town Fall Days

5. Kitchen Kettle Village (Intercourse). Forty-plus shops in the heart of Amish country, at its absolute best in the fall. Go hungry — the food shops are the main event.

6. Lancaster Central Market. Saturday mornings downtown, fall edition: apples, cider, pumpkins, and baked goods. The market is great year-round; it's magical in October.

7. Green Dragon Farmers Market (Ephrata, Fridays). A sprawling Friday market that's been running for generations. Fall produce, baked goods, and the kind of people-watching you can't manufacture.

8. Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market. Another excellent market stop, right in the middle of Amish country — perfect paired with a countryside drive.

9. Lititz Springs Park in the fall. One of the prettiest small-town parks anywhere, and the foliage reflecting off the stream is peak autumn. Walk it, then get chocolate in town.

10. Wilbur Chocolate store (Lititz). Fall means chocolate season. Stock up — you'll thank yourself in December.

Outdoors & Foliage

11. Chickies Rock overlook. The Susquehanna Valley in full fall color, from one of the best overlooks in the county. Go on a clear afternoon and bring a camera.

12. Strasburg Rail Road fall rides. A steam train through fall farmland — it's touristy and it's wonderful. Book the open-air car if the weather's good.

13. Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. Bike or walk the river trail with the foliage at peak. Start in Columbia and go as far as your legs allow.

14. Amish country scenic drive (Route 340). Roll the windows down, drive Route 340 through Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse, and watch the harvest come in. Free, and somehow never gets old.

Sip Something Seasonal

15. Waltz Vineyards (Manheim). Fall is harvest season at the vineyards, and Waltz is one of the county's best. Tasting room, beautiful setting, and bottles to take home for Thanksgiving.

The Bottom Line

This is the season that sells Lancaster County to visitors — and the one that reminds the rest of us why we live here. Pick five from this list and you'll have a fall worth remembering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do in Lancaster County in the fall?

Corn mazes (Cherry Crest, Oregon Dairy), Field of Screams haunted attraction, the PA Renaissance Faire, Strasburg Rail Road fall rides, farmers markets (Central Market, Green Dragon, Bird-in-Hand), fall foliage at Chickies Rock, and small-town days in Lititz and Intercourse.

When is peak fall foliage in Lancaster County?

Typically mid-to-late October, though it varies year to year. The river hills and northern townships tend to peak a bit earlier than the valley floor.

Is Field of Screams actually scary?

Yes — it's consistently ranked among the top haunted attractions in the country. Not for small kids or the faint of heart.

What days is Green Dragon Farmers Market open?

Fridays — it's a Friday-only market in Ephrata, so plan accordingly. Confirm current hours before you go.

Is the Strasburg Rail Road worth it?

For a fall ride through farmland on a real steam train — yes, especially with kids or visiting family. Book ahead on October weekends.