Fall Foliage in Delaware
A lovely contrast of crimson and gold leaves against crystal blue skies come to the lush, wooded hills of Northern Delaware each fall. Farther south, along the breezy stretches of coast, a softer glow emerges day by day. It’s a time of glorious, crisp weather, making it a perfect time of year for day-trippers and weekend travelers to hop in their cars and explore some of the state’s best autumn drives. Here are just a few of Delaware’s top spots for fall foliage.
Take a Scenic Drive : Fall sightseers are sure to be pleased with a drive down the country roads of Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway that wind their way through the rolling hills of the northern part of the state. Visit majestic mansions like Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Hagley Museum and Library and Nemours Estate, where Delaware’s fall foliage enjoys a regal setting.
Capture the Beauty : Get up close and personal with fall’s natural beauty at Mt. Cuba Center, a botanical garden offering excellent opportunities for photographers looking to capture the splendor of the season in scenic northwestern Delaware. For bird lovers, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge and Prime Hook Wildlife Refuge are perfect spots for photographing native and migrating birds of all kinds against a beautiful backdrop of wetlands and vibrant autumn leaves.
Connect with Nature : Experience the sparkling beauty of oranges, reds and yellows reflect on the water at Trap Pond State Park, Killens Pond State Park, or Bellevue State Park. Other Delaware State Parks (and there are over a dozen more to explore) offer hiking and biking trails where you can feel the soft autumn breeze against your skin. Visit the Delaware State Parks website for more autumn activities in nature, like wagon rides, campfires, and more.
Travel Off the Beaten Path : Admire the scenery by taking the roads less traveled on Delaware’s easy-to-navigate scenic byways, which explore the whole state from the rustic farmlands, wooded areas and historic towns. The Delaware Bayshore Byway mixes beautiful views with historic charm, leading visitors towards Historic New Castle, John Dickinson Plantation, and Fort Delaware State Park. Or, opt for the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway to learn the story of Tubman’s efforts to guide slaves to freedom. For more, click here.
Taste Fall Flavors : While enjoying the beauty of Delaware’s vibrant fall foliage, visitors can sip their way through country roads. Stops at Delaware Wineries like Nassau Valley Vineyards, Harvest Ridge Winery and Salted Vines Vineyard and Winery that are surrounded by nature are not to be missed at this time of year. For a sweet treat, visit Fifer Orchards where you can find apple cider donuts galore and their infamous cider shack up. Plan to stay after you’ve eaten, for this farm offers fall festivities like a corn maze, farm games, pumpkin picking and more.
