The Pottstown region is brimming with opportunities to see fall foliage at its finest and your whole family can get some physical activity in the process. Immersing oneself in nature can serve as a wonderful way to decompress from the daily demands of life and reduce anxiety in the process.
According to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied full season than any other state in the nation or anywhere in the world.
“Only three regions of the world support deciduous forests that display fall autumn color,” states the DCNS on their website, adding that in addition to Eastern North America, other locations include the British Isles, parts of northwestern Europe, northeastern China, and northern Japan. “Forests and other regions are either tropical or dominated by conifers.”
Ideal location for autumn color
The DCNS highlighted certain factors that make Pennsylvania an ideal location for the display of autumn color.
“Pennsylvania’s location, between 40° and 42° north latitude, and its varied topography from sea level on the coastal plain to over 3,000 feet in the Laurel Highlands supports 134 species of trees and many more shrubs and vines that contribute to the display of autumn color,” states the DCNS.
Given the exclusivity of this annual display of mother nature at its finest, we can count ourselves as fortunate to have such easy access to natural beauty. The colorful displays are free of charge and all one has to do is immerse oneself and be present in the moment to take in their surroundings.
Heighten the benefits
Tying in a bike ride, hike, walk, paddle, or run into the experience can heighten the benefits you and your family members can gain through increased daily physical activity. If you’d like to take advantage of the remaining two weeks of prime leaf-peeping opportunities, here are some close destinations worth exploring with the entire family that have ample trails from which to choose.
Here are some local places to explore
- Schuylkill River Trail: The Schuylkill River Trail is a multi-use path that will extend 120 miles from Frackville in Schuylkill County, through Montgomery, Chester and Berks Counties to Philadelphia. It travels through the historically rich region of southeastern Pennsylvania. The trail passes through rural, agricultural, suburban, urban, and industrial landscapes. For more information, visit www.schuylkillriver.org/schuylkill-river-trail/
- French Creek State Park: Once an industrial complex for the fledgling United States of America, today French Creek State Park is an oasis for people and wildlife. Straddling the Schuylkill Highlands, the 7,730-acre park is the largest block of contiguous forest between Washington, D.C., and New York City. The forests, lakes, wetlands, and fields are a destination for the people of southeast Pennsylvania to hike, fish, camp, and bike. Those same habitats are homes to many animals and plants that are rare in this corner of the commonwealth. For more information, visit www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/FrenchCreekStatePark/Pages/default.aspx
- Crow’s Nest Preserve: Crows Nest Preserve is the gateway to the Hopewell Big Woods, a 73,000-acre expansion forest that reaches north into Berks County. Just next door, you’ll find French Creek State Park and Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site making Crows Nest part of one of the largest areas of protected land in the region. The pristine French Creek runs through Crow’s Nest, flowing from French Creek State Park’s Hopewell Lake on its way to the Schuylkill River. The Preserve’s streamside forests, help protect the creek’s water quality. For more information, visit www.natlands.org/crows-nest-preserve/
- Bryn Co-Ed Preserve: The preserve includes a Pennsylvania Champion white oak, the headwaters of the Pickering Creek, and several Bald Eagle nesting spots. Miles of hiking trails meander past 19th-century stone farmhouses, historical ruins, and other remnants of the land’s agricultural past. For more information, visit www.natlands.org/bryn-coed-preserve/
- Ellis Woods Park: Ellis Woods Park has many special features. It is bordered by Pigeon Creek, a state-designated high-quality waterway and riparian wetland area. The lowland areas provide nature enthusiasts opportunities to discover a wide variety of flora and fauna. Birders can observe more than 100 varieties of birds as well as small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. For More Information, visit www.eastcoventry-pa.gov/ellis-woods-park
