There’s something about autumn along the western stretch of Pennsylvania’s Lincoln Highway that feels timeless. The air turns crisp, the mountainsides glow in copper and gold, and every bend in the road offers another postcard-worthy view. Between Fulton and Franklin counties, the Lincoln Highway traces the edge of Pennsylvania’s early frontier — a landscape shaped by settlers, soldiers, and farmers who carved out a life among these ridges and valleys.
Today, it’s a haven for fall travelers. Just two hours from Pittsburgh or Harrisburg, this section of America’s First Main Street blends scenic drives, historic landmarks, and hometown charm. Whether you’re chasing foliage, farm flavors, or a quiet lakeside picnic, a Fulton–Franklin ramble delivers both frontier grit and small-town warmth.
Fort Loudon: Where History Meets the Hills
Before you even reach the state line, history greets you. At Fort Loudon, a reconstructed 1756 frontier outpost built during the French and Indian War, visitors can walk through wooden palisades and explore living history demonstrations (open seasonally). The fort sits just off the Lincoln Highway, where golden-hour sunlight paints the logs in amber hues — a photographer’s dream. Park at the gravel lot and take a few moments to imagine soldiers peering out over the ridges, guarding the frontier that would become Pennsylvania farmland.
Cowans Gap State Park: Mirror-Lake Mornings and Crunchy Paths
A short scenic detour north leads to Cowans Gap State Park, a beloved leaf-peeping spot framed by the Tuscarora Mountains. The park’s 42-acre lake perfectly reflects the reds and oranges of surrounding maples — a peaceful backdrop for a slow stroll along the Lakeside Trail or a thermos of cider on the picnic benches. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) stonework around the dam and pavilions gives this park a nostalgic charm. Restrooms and accessible parking are available near the beach area, making it a great family stop.
Buchanan State Forest: The Road Less Traveled
Heading south again, wind through Buchanan State Forest, where the Lincoln Highway dips and climbs through dense hardwoods. Pull-offs along Aughwick Road and Route 30 provide excellent overlooks for photos — just remember to “leave no trace.” If you time your visit right, mid-October brings the forest’s peak brilliance, when even the air seems golden.
The Frontier Barn Quilt Trail: Art in the Open Air
The rolling backroads between McConnellsburg and Fort Loudon are home to the Frontier Barn Quilt Trail, a colorful celebration of local heritage and artistry. Dozens of hand-painted quilt squares adorn barns and sheds, each with a story to tell. Look for the Starburst, Log Cabin, and Double Aster patterns along the route. Be mindful when stopping for photos — many quilts are on private property, so enjoy from the roadside or public pull-offs when possible.
“The Frontier Barn Quilt Trail stitches color across country roads.”
Historic Burnt Cabins Grist Mill: Freshly Milled History (and Flour!)
Just east of Cowans Gap sits Burnt Cabins Grist Mill, a working 19th-century mill that still turns out flour and pancake mix using water power. The stone mill and red barn backdrop make a perfect fall photo stop, and you can browse the small country store for jams, syrups, and locally made baked goods. Hours vary seasonally, so check before visiting — or just enjoy the historic site and its rhythmic creekside charm.
St. Thomas Farm Stands & Shatzer’s Fruit Market: The Taste of the Season
Back on the Lincoln Highway, the village of St. Thomas offers roadside stands stocked with crisp apples, butternut squash, and homemade cider. Many are cash-only, though a few accept cards — bring small bills just in case. A bit farther east near Chambersburg, Shatzer’s Fruit Market stands as a true Highway classic. Since 1933, this red-roofed market has served travelers with seasonal fruit, pies, and warm nostalgia. Visit mid-afternoon for the best soft light on the orchard and market façade.
Berg Beer & Chambersburg’s Memorial Fountain: Where the Road Meets the Town
Round out your ramble with a toast to tradition at Berg Beer, a local brewery nodding to Pennsylvania’s deep brewing heritage. Pull up a stool, swap road stories, and imagine the early travelers who stopped in this same region more than a century ago. Then head downtown to Chambersburg’s Memorial Fountain, a bronze beauty and beloved meeting spot in the square since 1878. From there, stroll to nearby cafés or restaurants for dinner — a fitting finale to your frontier day.
“Meet me at the fountain—Chambersburg’s heart in bronze.”
Plan Your Loop
This Fulton–Franklin circuit covers about 75 scenic miles, starting and ending in Chambersburg or McConnellsburg. Restrooms and picnic areas are available at Cowans Gap and several community parks along the route. Most stops are accessible, and parking is generally free. Allow half a day for a leisurely pace, or stretch it into a full-day adventure with a lakeside lunch and plenty of photo breaks.
Photo Playbook
Morning: Lake reflections at Cowans Gap
Midday: Quilt close-ups and forest pull-offs
Afternoon: Grist mill and fruit market
Evening: Fountain glow in downtown Chambersburg
Share Your Ramble!
If you hit the road this fall, tag us @LincolnHighwayExperience and use #FrontierAndFoliage — we’d love to feature your photos of fall color, frontier history, and favorite Highway stops.
And if this trip has you craving more, explore our earlier fall posts for routes through Bedford and Somerset Counties — where the Highway’s story rolls on in gold and red.
