An Autumn Walk in Lancaster County

We may be a little biased, but there’s something magical about fall in Lancaster County. The air carries that crisp edge that makes you want to grab a cozy sweater, the trees light up with shades of gold and scarlet, and every step crunches with fallen leaves. This is the season when a simple walk feels like a small adventure, whether you’re strolling through a historic city street or wandering down a quiet country lane. During your fall getaway at The Lancaster Bed and Breakfast, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience the charm of autumn on foot.

One of the best ways to start is with a Historic Lancaster Walking Tour. For nearly 50 years, expert guides have been sharing stories that bring more than three centuries of history to life. From the American Revolution to the Industrial Revolution, the streets of downtown Lancaster have a lot of stories to tell. The tours start at the Lancaster City Welcome Center at Penn Square and cover more than 50 fascinating points of interest. As you wander the cobblestone streets, you’ll stop at landmarks like Lancaster Central Market (the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in the country), Holy Trinity Church, and the Fulton Theatre. The brisk fall air and colorful foliage framing the city’s architecture make the experience even more memorable.

If the countryside calls your name, Lancaster County has more than 2,000 miles of trails waiting to be explored. The Northwest Lancaster County River Trail is a favorite for its sweeping views of the Susquehanna River, passing through charming towns like Columbia and Marietta. Along the way, make time for Chickies Rock County Park and its scenic Breezyview Overlook. For more of a challenge, lace up your hiking boots for the Conestoga Trail, where steep climbs lead to river vistas and creekside paths meander past waterfalls — all while connecting you to several nature preserves and local parks. Or take a gentler pace in Lancaster County Central Park, where nine trails, including the Garden of Five Senses, invite you to slow down and enjoy the season.

For those who enjoy a little mystery, the Lancaster and Strasburg Ghost Tours add a spooky twist to your evening walk. These 90-minute candlelight tours mix local legends and historical facts to give you a spooky insight into Lancaster County's dark side. Under the glow of an autumn moon, guides lead you through streets and graveyards filled with folklore and history. In Lancaster city, you’ll explore the secrets of one of America’s oldest towns, while Strasburg’s tour immerses you in the haunted tales of a quaint country village. It’s a fun, spine-tingling way to discover Lancaster County on foot, turning every step into a journey through its haunted history.

Autumn also means harvest season, and nothing feels more “Lancaster” than a walk through an orchard, pumpkin patch, or corn maze. Masonic Village Farm Market in Elizabethtown is a lovely spot to pick apples or pumpkins, and then enjoy lunch and hand-dipped ice cream at the Orchard View Café. At Kauffman’s Orchards in Bird-in-Hand, you can wander rows of apple trees that have been producing fruit for more than a century. If you’re in the mood for something playful, head to Oregon Dairy in Lititz for their 12-acre corn maze — day or night with a flashlight — and test your sense of direction as you lose your way among the corn stalks. Another local favorite, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, has earned national recognition for its elaborate maze designs and 60 seasonal farm-themed attractions. On select dates, Cherry Crest even hosts local wineries and breweries, giving you the chance to sip and stroll while you explore.

No matter where your Lancaster County walk takes you — through a quiet orchard, along the Susquehanna River, or down a lantern-lit street — the season has a way of slowing you down and inviting you to notice the details. Warm, sunny days and cool nights set the perfect stage, so bring layers, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy the journey.

When your feet are ready for a rest, your autumn retreat at The Lancaster Bed and Breakfast will be waiting to welcome you back.