Take a hike: 5 best fall foliage hot spots in Susquehanna Valley

A few years ago, my family was blown away by a view that just can’t be described in words.
So many colors merged into perfect unison on a canvas larger and more dynamic than anything ever tackled by Michaelangelo, Picasso and da Vinci combined.
And this natural art exhibit wasn’t found in any stuffy museum or stationary display — but instead the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon — near Wellsboro — in early October.
Those who haven’t experienced the autumn outdoors color explosion at our state’s grand canyon should definitely do so. However, there are a number of great places to enjoy the changing leaves here in the Susquehanna Valley. A few of the best include:

• Tall Timbers and the Snyder-Middleswarth Natural area near Troxelville in Snyder County.
One a state park, the Snyder-Middleswarth Natural area can be found in the back end of the picturesque Jack’s Mountain region of the Bald Eagle State Park.
You can access the Swift Run and Thick Mountain trails via the Snyder-Middleswarth Picnic Area and enjoy an approximately 3.5-mile hike through forest land that is ripe for fall foliage perfection.

• Montour Preserve’s Chilisuagi Trail near Washingtonville in Montour County.
A 4.5-mile loop trail around Lake Chillisquaque offers a diverse amount of scenery — from fall-foliage laced woodlands to numerous wildlife species around the lake.
Approximately 200 bird species have been observed on or near the lake and more than 50 species of waterfowl pass by the lake during migration. It is also inhabited by numerous species of fish, some of which are stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Various trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants live in the vicinity of the lake as well.

• The Dale’s Ridge Trail on the Dale/Engle/Walker easement along Buffalo Creek and Strawbridge Road near Lewisburg.
A trailhead kiosk contains information about the trail and a descriptive brochure specific to the property. Enjoy scenic ridge-top views of the Buffalo Valley, wildflowers and birding within a variety of habitats from streamside (riparian) buffer, mature woodlots and open fields along the two-mile trail.

• R.B. Winter State Park in western Union County.
The recreational opportunities surrounding Halfway Lake are numerous, and experiencing fall foliage in this enviroment can be hard to beat.
A number of trails and dirt forest roads give sightseers of all ages and abilities an opportunity to experience the season’s outdoor tapestry.

• Buffalo Valley Rail Trail between Lewisburg and Mifflinburg in Union County.
An easy 9.1-mile trail along an old rail line, this is a great opportunity for those who may not want to hike more rigorous trails but still enjoy the area’s autumn outdoor splendor.