Dazzling Fall Displays on Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway

Journey Through Fall on the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway (DE) [1]

As lazy summer days draw to a close and farmers bring in a bountiful harvest, Mother Nature begins to display the dazzling colors of autumn. Travel the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway in northern Delaware for autumn fun amidst some of the finest fall foliage in the nation.

Autumn Walk in the Longwood Gardens (DE) [2]

Start your journey three miles north of the byway at the Brandywine River Museum in Pennsylvania. Featuring an unsurpassed display of still-life paintings, the Brandywine River Museum is also a great place to enjoy autumn family fun. Each fall, the museum features a harvest market where you can buy honey, quilts, handcrafted jewelry, dolls or seasonal produce. Next, drive four miles west on US-1 to Longwood Gardens, also in Pennsylvania. Stroll through these elegant gardens and see a spectacular showcase of world-class horticulture. Each year, the gardens feature a fall-themed display, complete with stunning fall foliage that sets the tone for the gardens. Walk through the gardens and see mums, gourds, and pumpkins all framed by vibrant leaves. Visit the gardens anytime from September to November for family-friendly autumn activities. Bring the whole gang and view art displays, see giant "monster" pumpkins, watch artful pumpkin carvings, or attend fall-flavored cooking demonstrations.

Garden Fair at Winterthur (DE) [3]

For more fall amusement, get on the byway and drive about seven miles south on DE-52 to Winterthur Museum and Country Estate. Famous for its unique collection of Americana artifacts and antiques as well as its library and gardens, Winterthur offers visitors a chance to experience the culture of New England. Take a guided tour of the Winterthur Gardens during the height of the fall foliage-viewing season and learn about the fall flowers, fruit, and of course, leaves.

Leaves of Autumn by Brandywine Creek State Park (DE) [4]

If you want to bask in autumnal elegance in solitude, head to Brandywine Creek State Park, just over five miles east off the byway from Winterthur Museum and Country Estate. Enjoy the general splendor of the area, or come closer by taking the Creek-Road Trail and see the beauties of fall foliage interspersed with views of Brandywine Creek.

Stonework and Canal at Hagley Museum Entrance (DE) [5]

Travel on the DE-100 leg of the byway 2.5 miles south from the state park to visit the Hagley Museum and Library. Famous for its preservation of American industrial history, the Hagley Museum is also a great place to celebrate the fall season. Listen to seasonal lectures, view an arts and crafts fair, or attend a harvest extravaganza! Come at the end of September for the Golden Pheasants Harvest Party which features live music, great food, and fun fall activities.

Love the thrill of a train ride? Then head 6.5 miles south on the byway to reach the Wilmington and Western Railroad, a live railroad museum west of Wilmington, where you can hop on the Autumn Leaf Special. Relax on an hour-and-a-half train ride in your front-row seat to nature’s fall color exhibition. Or take their Hayride Express and enjoy the majestic landscape of Red Clay Valley from atop a bale of hay.

Colorful Countryside at Winterthur (DE) [6]

Don’t let fall pass you by--come view a stunning show of color on the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway. Whether you want to experience the season’s splendor from the driver’s seat, with a nature hike, or with a family activity, travel the byway and celebrate the wonders of autumn.