Gateway’s List of Fall Favorites

Before your Fall visit to Gateway, plan ahead and add some of these fall favorites to your itinerary.

Ride the Rail 66 Country Trail

Only 10 minutes from the Lodge, bring your bicycle and ride on this gorgeous paved country trail with farm and forest views. Rail 66 Country Trail is a heartfelt community effort of Clarion County and a treasured recreational biking and walking trail in our area. We recommend parking across from Car Mate Trailers in Leeper, PA. Directions from Gateway here.

Soak in a Spectacular Fall View at Kinzua Skywalk & Cook Forest Fire Tower

For some of the best fall foliage views in Pennsylvania, two top destinations near Gateway Lodge stand out: the Kinzua Skywalk and Cook Forest’s Fire Tower #9 with Seneca Point Overlook. Located just 45 minutes from the Lodge, the Kinzua Skywalk at Kinzua Bridge State Park lets visitors walk 300 feet above the forest floor, offering breathtaking panoramic views of vibrant autumn leaves across the Kinzua Valley.

Closer to Cook Forest, just two miles from the park’s visitor center, Fire Tower #9—an original 1929 structure still open to the public—offers a climb to 360-degree views stretching up to 15 miles. From the same easy-access trailhead, Seneca Point Overlook delivers equally striking views over the Clarion River Valley. Whether you’re exploring the Pennsylvania Wilds or searching for unforgettable fall color near Clarion, these scenic spots make perfect leaf-peeping adventures during your stay at Gateway Lodge.

Bull elk bugling to a group of cow elk in a grassy field at the Elk Country Visitor Center, a prime wildlife viewing location near Gateway Lodge in Cook Forest State Park, Pennsylvania.

Bugle with the Elk in Benezette

Visit the Elk Country Visitor Center and see the largest wild herd of elk in the Northeastern U.S. The best time to visit is early morning or at dusk for the best elk viewing experience. Expect a little over an hour drive time from Gateway. Directions here. Open in October everyday from 8am–8pm, and open in November Thursday through Monday from 9am–5pm.

HORSE-DRAWN WAGON RIDES

A horse-drawn wagon ride is offered at the Elk Country Visitor Center on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings until the end of October (weather permitting). This ride will give you closer views of the elk should they be roaming by.

Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Board, or Inner Tube the Wild & Scenic Clarion River

Experience the Wild & Scenic Clarion River with Pale Whale Canoe Fleet and GoPaddlePA. Pale Whale Canoe Fleet, located in Cook Forest State Park, provides excellent canoe, kayak, and inner tube rentals, allowing you to explore the river’s scenic beauty at your own pace. For a more self-directed adventure, GoPaddlePA is Clarion’s premier self-service rental outfit, offering a wide selection of kayaks and paddle boards for flexible and fun river outings. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful paddle, an exhilarating SUP session, or a relaxing inner tube float, these top-notch outfitters will help you make the most of your river adventure.

Ride the Train in Titusville

Enjoy a Fall Foliage ride from October 1st–16th at The Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad. View nature’s colorful display with a relaxing 3-hour round-trip through beautiful Oil Creek State Park. Train departs from Perry Street Station, 409 S Perry Street, Titusville, PA. Call 814-676-1733 to make advance reservations. Directions from Gateway here.

FALL FOLIAGE RIDES
October 1st–16th

Wednesdays–Fridays: 11am departure
Saturdays & Sundays: 10am & 3pm departures

Passengers enjoying a fall foliage train ride pulled by a black locomotive on the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad near Gateway Lodge in Cook Forest State Park, Pennsylvania.

Two young boys smiling with a pumpkin at the Coolspring Corn Maze, a fun fall activity for kids near Gateway Lodge in Cook Forest State Park, Pennsylvania.

Take the Kids to Coolspring
Corn Maze & Market

An hour’s drive from the Lodge, the Coolspring Corn Maze is yet a great way to incorporate some fun for the kids in your family. This destination is by far the best fall attraction for kids offering an impressive collection of pumpkins, a corn maze, fall fun activities and more. Directions from Gateway here.

Check Out Local Fall Festivals

Some of our favorite local Fall events include the Clarion Autumn Leaf Festival, Franklin’s Applefest, and the Gingerbread Tour in Cook Forest. Each event offers an opportunity to soak in the local talents of our nearby communities.

Tour Local Breweries

A growing attraction in our region, local craft breweries have become a popular destination for an afternoon activity. While here, visit Lost in the Wilds Brewing, Mechanistic Brewing Co., and Clarion River Brewing Company.

Back To Journal