As the bright colours of summer fade away, the warm and earthy tones of autumn take over, making the countryside of Philadelphia a paradise for those who love nature and photography. During this time, the region's hills, farmsteads and woodlands come alive with the rich colours of fall foliage, creating a captivating backdrop perfect for strolling through nature's wonders and capturing snapshots. Explore the most Instagram-worthy locations in Philadelphia's countryside during autumn to ensure you have the ideal settings to frame the beauty of this remarkable season.
Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square is a 1,000-acre garden founded by Pierre du Pont in 1906. It has seasonal greens, a conservatory, and picturesque spots like Peirce’s Woods and the Italian Water Garden. Visitors can enjoy different plants and flowers every season, such as magnolias and tulips in spring, roses and water lilies in summer, foliage and chrysanthemums in fall, camellias, orchids, and palms in winter.
Entry Fees: Admission fees for Longwood Gardens are INR 2,080 (USD 25) for adults, INR 1,830 (USD 22) for seniors and college students, and INR 1,081 (USD 13) for children. Prices increase during A Longwood Christmas.
Address: 1800 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States
The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art was established in 1971 to exhibit the works of Andrew Wyeth, a renowned American realist painter, and his family. The museum is also famous for its collection of O-gauge model trains, which have been displayed since around 1972. The train display features over 1,000 pieces and spans about 2,000 feet (610 m) of track. The museum is housed in a charming old brick building with a modern touch, and during autumn, the garden area transforms into a beautiful and colourful display.
Entry Fees: The museum entry fee is INR 1,248 (USD 15) for senior citizens and INR 1,497 (USD 18) for adults. Students with a valid ID can get admission for INR 499 (USD 6), while kids aged 0 to 5 years can enter for free.
Timings: 9:30 am to 5 pm
Address: 1 Hoffmans Mill Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, USA
Marsh Creek State Park is a 1,705-acre state park in Chester County. It features a 535-acre artificial lake stocked with fish and frequented by migrating waterfowl. The park is located 2 miles west of Eagle on Pennsylvania Route 100. The dog-friendly park is particularly scenic in autumn and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and Instagram-worthy photos.
Entry Fees: Free of cost
Timings: 8 am to 7:30 pm
Address: 675 Park Rd, Downingtown, PA 19335, USA
Chester County was once home to 85 covered bridges, with the oldest dating back to 1807 and the most recent one built in 1899. However, over time, only 15 of these bridges have survived, with Knox being the most famous and photographed one.
Chester County still boasts around 12 of these beautiful historic wooden bridges today. Although they look particularly stunning in the fall when the trees are ablaze with fiery autumn leaves, they make for an excellent photo opportunity anytime.
Address: Little Marys River Covered Bridge, Chester, IL 62233, USA
Stroud Preserve is a unique space for recreation, education, scientific research, and photography. The preserve offers a blend of once-pastured grasslands, working farmlands, and woodlands. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and explore historical features. The preserve also allows seasonal hunting.
Entry Fees: Free of cost
Timings: 7 am to 7 pm
Address: 454 N Creek Rd, West Chester, PA 19382, United State
French Creek State Park spans 7,977 acres across North Coventry, Warwick, Robeson, and Union Townships in Chester and Berks Counties. It is situated along French Creek, which runs through the Hopewell Big Woods. Over 35 miles of well-marked trails cover a vast portion of the park's land, offering hikers various opportunities for physical challenges, nature studies, and quiet reflection. During autumn, this park turns into a colourful wonderland, making it the perfect place to capture beautiful photos.
Entry Fees: Free of cost, though activities such as camping, sailing, and boating are chargeable.
Timings: 8 am to 9 pm
Address: 843 Park Rd, Elverson, PA 19520, United States
Saint Peters is a picturesque 19th-century village located in Chester County, Pennsylvania. This historic industrial village is situated near the Falls of French Creek in Warwick Township and is surrounded by the Hopewell Big Woods. The village is a great starting point for hiking enthusiasts, as several well-marked trails offer an easy and peaceful hike through the shady forests along French Creek. After your hike, you can explore the village's main street, lined with beautiful historic residences, a hotel, a restaurant, and a few small specialty shops.
Address: 3471 St Peters Rd, Saint Peters, PA 19470, USA
Wharton Esherick, known as the "Dean of American Craftsmen," was a sculptor who specialised in working with wood. He used his skills to create furniture and entire houses and interiors, crafting them into sculptural settings. His artwork is currently displayed in numerous institutions, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and The Philadelphia Museum of Art.
One of his most significant artistic projects is his hilltop studio/residence, which was transformed into the Wharton Esherick Museum in 1972. The museum, displaying over 200 of his pieces, is a National Historic Landmark for Architecture.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the museum is INR 1,665 (USD 20) per person.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays and 1 pm to 5 pm on Sundays.
Address: 1520 Horse Shoe Trail, Malvern, PA 19355, USA
Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens is an eastern Pennsylvania major horticultural and environmental asset. It preserves and nurtures 46 acres of natural environment. The Arboretum showcases native trees, shrubs, rhododendrons, azaleas, ferns, and wildflowers. There are educational programs for all ages and an Explorer Garden. You can buy plants, gifts, and books at the Garden Shop and enjoy four art exhibitions annually. Jenkins is a dynamic classroom offering seed workshops, outdoor exploration, lectures, yoga, and bird walks. Take a stroll along the trails and enjoy the fall colours.
Entry Fees: Free of cost
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Address: 631 Berwyn Baptist Rd, Devon, PA 19333, United States