Fall is a perfect time to enjoy Pennsylvania's Americana Region and some of the best ways to experience autumn in Reading and Berks County is at free events and attractions. Find cost-free activities on Pennsylvania's Americana Region website, or try some of these suggestions no cost recreation in our region. It's just a sampling of all you can do.
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Enjoy free admission to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, one of the finest, remaining iron plantations. In addition to an idyllic setting, visitors can walk the grounds, tour the buildings, and learn about the site through demonstrations and reenactments. In the fall, Hopewell's orchard brims with apple trees just waiting to be picked. The apples are pesticide free, and many are heritage varieties not found anywhere else. While admission to Hopewell is free, the apples you pick must be purchased for $1.00 per pound.
Greater Reading Trails
Outdoor adventurers love Pennsylvania's Americana Region. Hike, bike, and horseback ride over 125 miles of local trails. Follow our trails through urban settings, around lakes, past rolling countrysides, and over mountainous terrain. Speaking of mountains, our mountain biking trails are so good, they attained IMBA* Bronze Level Ride Center status. This honor is bestowed on fewer than 40 locations around the world. * International Mountain Bike Association
Hex Barn Art and Covered Bridge Driving Tours
Calling all Sunday drivers. You're going to love our self-guided Covered Bridge and Hex Barn Art Tours. We developed 2 driving trails, complete with history and detailed directions to our 5 covered bridges as well as hex barn art displays. Download the Covered Bridge Tour and Hex Barn Art Tour directly from our website. At times, the trails overlap, so play it safe and print both for a better understanding of the sights you will see along the way. Pick a sun-filled fall day, and hit the road in PA's Americana Region.
Flea Markets and Antiquing
Fall in Pennsylvania's Americana Region means flea markets and antique shops. 'Tis the season to mill through stores and booths to look and learn about interesting items and collectibles. Remember, looking doesn't cost a thing, but if you find that perfect item, you might want to reach for your wallet.
The Pagoda and William Penn Fire Tower
The Pagoda and William Penn Fire Tower can be seen across PA's American Region, but have you ever visited either of them? While volunteer staffing limits the hours the landmarks are open to the public, the Pagoda opens on most weekends. The fire tower's hours are confined to the third Saturday of every month (weather permitting) and one Sunday a month. Admission to the Pagoda isn't quite free. The Pagoda asks visitors pay a $1 voluntary admission fee, a price well worth paying.
Check out Pennsylvania's Americana Region calendar of events for activities, free and fee based, all around our community.