1. Cumberland Valley's Farm Fresh Trail
From August 17 through November 30, 2023, pick a bushel of fun when you sign up for the FREE digital Farm Fresh Trail passport, check in at 17 participating locations, and earn prizes. Immerse yourself in our charming countryside as you explore farmers’ markets, orchards, and more, along our scenic backroads. Sample local produce, taste delicious baked goods, pick a bouquet of fresh flowers and find other diverse offerings that make Cumberland Valley truly special.
2. Attend An Event
Cumberland Valley is bursting with special events and festivals year-round, but there's no better time than fall to experience festivals that reflect the heart and soul of our community. Many events are free to enter, while others may charge a nominal fee. Kick off fall on September 22-24, 2023, when you can take advantage of several festivals to welcome the new season. Can't make it that weekend? There are plenty of other fall festivals taking place. Here are some highlights:
- September 23: Harvest of the Arts
- September 23: Shippensburg Beer & Wine Festival
- September 23-24: Sunflower Festival
- September 30: New Cumberland Apple Festival
- October 1: Garden Harvest Day
- October 7-8: Pennsboro Pumpkin Festival
- October 20-22: Shippensburg Pumpkin Festival
- October 21-22: Fall Furnace Fest
- October 27-29: Fall Fest
3. Take A Hike
Fall is a fantastic time to hit the trails. The cooler, less-humid weather paired with the changing color of the fall leaves make for spectacular photos. If you have a backpack, sturdy shoes, and a water bottle, you're ready to hike in Cumberland Valley! Our trails vary in length and difficulty, making it easy to find a hike suited for you. Plus, parking and entrance are free at all hiking locations in the Valley.
4. Tap, Tour & Try A Pint
With more than 30 breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries, the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail will delight you with its variety of local craft beverages. Sign up for our free digital Cumberland Valley Beer Trail passport to begin your journey and check-in at the locations to win prizes.
5. Curate Your Instagram
The Cumberland Valley Photo Trail is a collection of public art, historic landmarks, and beautiful natural backdrops perfect for your next Insta post. Take a photo of the fam, yourself, or the scenery, and fill your camera roll with Cumberland Valley memories.
6. Get Out On the Water
There are still plenty of warm days during the fall in Cumberland Valley appropriate for getting your boat, kayak, or canoe out on the water. And you get the added benefit of less crowded locations. Find boat launches, streams, lakes, and more. *Please be sure to abide by the laws for boater registration, launch permitting, and safety requirements. Find more information.
Anglers have several opportunities to fish and fly-fish in the Valley. Whether you're reeling in sunfish, panfish, bass, or trout, you'll surely catch a bucket of smiles. Pine Grove Furnace State Park participates in the Borrow a Rod & Reel Fishing Tackle Loaner Program. The public can borrow rods, reels, and a tackle box full of hooks and other terminal tackle from the park office on a first-come, first-serve basis. *Please be sure to abide by the laws for fishing registration and catch-and-release streams. Find more information.
7. Have Fun On the Farm
If you signed up for our Farm Fresh Trail but are looking for more farm fun experiences, there are several other locations where you can stroll the fields looking for the perfect pumpkin, fill your bucket with u-pick apples, purchase the perfect mum, take a hayride, walk a corn maze, or find plentiful kids' activities. Among others, Carwood Farms' pick-your-own pumpkin patch in Boiling Springs is open daily in October from dawn to dusk and features thousands of pumpkins to choose from. Warehime's Pumpkin Patch, located near Meadowbrooke Gourds, features approximately 30 varieties of u-pick pumpkins in an array of sizes and colors. Or check out Maple Lane Farm's corn maze in Newville. The theme for the 2023 maze is historic Heishman's Mill, located in West Pennboro Township.
8. Find Spectacular Fall Foliage
Cumberland Valley's location, nestled between two mountains, sets the stage for spectacular fall foliage displays viewable from overlooks, hiking trails, scenic back roads, and more. Pack a picnic lunch and explore the Valley's scenic drives and overlooks.
9. Uncover Local History
Cumberland Valley served as the Great Road West, and the people who traveled through left their mark on the Valley through their interests. Find a quirky and unexpected blend of by-donation museums covering the Appalachian Trail, Cumberland Valley Railroad, Roll Royce & Bentley motor cars, fashion through the ages, fly fishing, and more. Or, download a free self-guided tour and explore our communities on foot or by car.
If you brought your bike, pedal the 13-mile Cumberland Valley Rail Trail and stop to read the markers depicting agricultural and Civil War heritage. The 2-mile LeTort Spring Nature Trail has several markers depicting the stream's impact on Carlisle's development, industry, and quality of life.
The U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center is a not-to-be-missed, free location offering an indoor museum with interactive exhibits and a one-mile outdoor trail featuring full-sized exhibits.
