Potter and Tioga Counties in Northern Pennsylvania are known for their stunning panoramic of fall foliage views.
Several events are scheduled to get you in the Fall spirit, starting with the First Annual Crooked-Cross Gravel Ride. On Saturday, September 23, gather your family and friends and start your adventure on a 40-Mile Taunt or a 70-Mile Dare through parts of the infamous Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.
The 40-Mile Taunt is 40-43 miles with an easy 4000-foot elevation. The 70-Mile Dare is 67-70 miles with a 5700-foot elevation.
One aide station will be provided on each course halfway through. They will be stocked with water, electrolyte replacement, and simple snacks. Be sure to pack a light backpack with essentials. If you have never embarked on this type of adventure, you can contact them beforehand.
After the race, celebrate your accomplishment with a home-cooked meal, music, and brews through their friends at Log Yard Brewing in Kane, PA. All riders will receive one complimentary drink ticket. To keep the fun going, consider staying at one of their campsites. For more information, visit www.crookedcampground.com.
Enjoy a two-day event, September 29-30, at the Coudersport Courthouse Square’s event, for the Falling Leaves Festival. Community members and visitors alike come together to celebrate fall. A parade will take place on Saturday morning featuring floats, bands, antique cars, ATVs, UTVs, and more. Throughout the weekend, vendors will be on-site for all your arts and crafts needs and delicious foods. For more information, visit https://www.visitpottertioga.com/event/falling-leaves-outdoor-show/.
The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum will host its annual Fall Antique and Collectible Show at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum on October 7-8. Browse various items, from furniture, glassware, coins, books, clothing, and collectibles. A selection of historic trade demonstrations, including a run of the museum’s re-created 19th-century steam-powered circular sawmill in operation. Access to all the museum exhibits is included in the admission fee ($5 adult / $3 youth / free for museum members). Food and drinks will be available for purchase. For more information, visit www.lumbermuseum.org.
Be sure to mark your calendars for October 8 for the Green Monster Trail Challenge, designed for runners and hikers of all ages. This event showcases the beauty of the mountains of Tioga State Forest just north of the PA Grand Canyon. Pick from a 15k, 25k (with 4000-foot ascent), or 50k (with 8000-foot ascent) race.
This course will challenge the most conditioned athlete. You will encounter challenging single-track trails, steep climbs, and technical descents, which are unforgiving. One may come across a log or two to hurdle and stream crossings.
A post-race lunch is included with music and entertainment. Also included are race day t-shirts, finisher medals, and maintained aid stations.
With fall also comes spooky times for added fun. Join the Spooky Lantern Tours (Pennsylvania Lumber Museum), where you walk with only the light of a lantern. Listen to ghost stories and trick-or-treat along the trail. Enjoy decorating a pumpkin and making a pinecone bird feeder to take home. Refreshments are provided in the museum’s program room. Costumes are encouraged, and the event takes place on October 21 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
One thing is for sure the Potter-Tioga region is the place to be this fall. From breathtaking mountain views to ghost stories, there is something for everyone. Visit www.visitpottertioga.com for a list of their fall happenings and accommodations.
