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The Blue Ridge Parkway. New England. Colorado. Skyline Drive.
These are all destinations that most likely enter your mind when you think about great fall foliage drives across the United States. While worthy of this distinction, there is a scenic road in Pennsylvania that I would argue rivals any of these famous locations and should be added to any fall foliage enthusiast’s bucket list.
Route 32 — known as River Road — is a scenic two-lane highway that runs for approximately 40 miles along the banks of the Delaware River in historic Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Beginning in Falls Township outside of Morrisville and ending in the village of Kintnersville in Nockamixon, the start of River Road is perfectly located just 30 miles north of Philadelphia. Filled with charming riverside towns, art galleries, bridges spanning the Delaware River, beautiful homes, various restaurants and quirky shops, and more natural beauty than you could imagine, this route offers the character and allure that any traveler would expect of a scenic drive.
I recently had the opportunity to travel the entirety of River Road and explore the spots that make this drive so spectacular. While I found it tempting to pull over at almost every location I came across, here is my list of worthy attractions that will make for a memorable drive anytime of the year, but especially during the fall season.
Washington Crossing Historic Park
This 500-acre historic park filled with American history and natural beauty should be your first stop as you head north on River Road. It’s at this location that George Washington and his troops made the famous crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Night 1776, thus marking a key turning point in the Revolutionary War.
The Visitor Center offers information about the park, historic exhibits, tour tickets, and a gift shop. After getting your bearings, take a stroll through the small village of historic buildings nestled among the park’s natural beauty. As I enjoyed the beautiful bursts of fall foliage surrounding me, I tried to imagine the feelings Washington and his troops must have been experiencing that night as they braved ice and sleet to prepare for a surprise attack on the Hessians in Trenton.
Washington Crossing Historic Park
1112 River Road
Washington Crossing, PA
Washington Crossing Historic Park
Bowman’s Hill Tower
Just a short detour off River Road, Bowman’s Hill Tower boasts the best scenic view in all of Bucks County. Rising 125 feet in the air, the tower offers a panoramic birds-eye perspective of the surrounding countryside and Delaware River. For a nominal fee of $6, you can then choose to scamper up the winding staircase or take an elevator to some of the most spectacular views you will ever see!
Recommended Bed & Breakfast: Wedgwood Inn of New Hope
Bowman’s Hill Tower
1 Tower Road
New Hope, PA
Bowman’s Hill Tower
RELATED: Ringing Rocks Park in Bucks County, PA
New Hope
New Hope is a main attraction that people flock to from miles around to visit the quirky shops, enjoy riverside dining, the impressive theater, and other cultural attractions. New Hope has long been known as an artist colony, and weekend destination for thousands of visitors from all over the country. Main Street is lined with a broad range of eclectic shops and restaurants, some featuring outdoor seating. Whether you come for the excellent shows at the Bucks County Playhouse or just to people watch, New Hope is always entertaining.
There are also many bed and breakfast accommodations available in New Hope for the visitors that want the full Bucks County experience. I highly recommend Wedgwood Inn, located just off of River Road and only a short walk to all the major New Hope attractions. Owned by Carl & Dinie, this nationally acclaimed bed and breakfast opened to travelers in 1982. I had the pleasure of staying at the Wedgwood Inn for a night and greatly enjoyed the charm of the large guest room, hardwood floors, antique furnishings, handmade quilts, and Carl’s secret recipe almond liqueur. My day began with the pleasant company and conversation of Carl in the dining area, followed by a delicious breakfast consisting of fresh squeezed orange juice, yogurt, granola, fruit salad, home-baked muffins, hot croissants, and coffee and tea.
The Inn’s grounds were the site of a Revolutionary War encampment in December 1776, just before George Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River.
Recommended Bed & Breakfast: Wedgwood Inn of New Hope
Bonus: additional New Hope Bed & Breakfast options
Centre Bridge
Located just three miles north of New Hope, the tiny town of Centre Bridge is a popular stop for tourists and locals alike. The main draw is Dilly’s Corner, an old fashioned food joint featuring an outdoor order counter and covered seating area. The menu includes fish and chips, burgers, fries, and ice cream. A local in New Hope insisted that I must try the Dilly Dog, a quarter pound hot dog on a torpedo roll topped with peppers, onions, and fries. I did and I enjoyed every bite!
Recommended Bed & Breakfast: Centre Bridge Inn
Dilly’s Corner
2998 River Road
New Hope, PA
Dilly’s Corner
Lumberville
The next destination worthy of a pit stop is the small village of Lumberville. Here you’ll find two eating establishments that have the same owner, yet couldn’t be any more different. The Lumberville General Store is a quaint cafe, deli, and bakery. Although the store has changed ownership many times over the years, they have always maintained one tradition — providing a place for the community to congregate. The community atmosphere was felt the second I stepped in the General Store, as a worker named Anton was quick to greet me and even offered a complimentary Chai blend drink. Absolutely delicious!
If you’re more interested in fine dining, the famous Black Bass Hotel is just across River Road. In addition to a wide-ranging international menu in the main restaurant, the tavern serves traditional British pub food and features a rustic lounge with a wood-burning fireplace. The restaurant is open 7 days a week and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch. Reservations are recommended. Dine or spend a night if you dare, as several spirits have made their presence known at The Black Bass!
Recommended Bed & Breakfast: 1740 House
Lumberville, PA
Lumberville General Store
Black Bass Hotel
Sand Castle Winery
The name really says it all! A winery shaped like a sand castle. If this isn’t reason enough to get your attention, then surely the outstanding wines will. Perched on top of a hill overlooking the Delaware River, the vineyards at Sand Castle Winery feature a variety of grapes including Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir. The wines are all 100% grown, pressed, aged, and bottled on the 72 acre estate. While this painstaking attention to quality limits the winery’s production, the result is wines unlike any others you have tasted.
I had the distinct pleasure of having a private tour of the premises with Joseph — one of the original founders — and Chad. After spending three hours discussing (and drinking) wine, travel, and life, I can say without hesitation that these men are truly passionate about their wine and delivering a superior product to their customers.
Tastings and tours of the winery castle and underground wine cellar are available on a daily basis.
Sand Castle Winery
755 River Road
Erwinna, PA
Sand Castle Winery
Recommended Bed & Breakfast: Golden Pheasant Inn
Tinicum Park
Tinicum Park is the perfect respite during a full day of driving along River Road. Nestled on 126 acres, the land was given to the people of Bucks County by John S. Stover in May 1955 to become the first county park. While a beautiful red barn (which is available for rentals) and the historic Erwin-Stover House are the centerpiece of the park, visitors can also enjoy a peaceful picnic area, a disc golf course, playground, ball fields, boating, fishing & camping.
Tinicum Park
963 River Road
Erwinna, PA
Tinicum Park
Uhlerstown
Nearing Kintnersville — and the end of River Road — Uhlerstown offers another quaint stop for travelers. Grouped together at the Uhlerstowm-Frenchtown Bridge are the colorful Bridgeton House and the Schneiderwind Farm & Nursery, also home of the Tinicum CSA. Although easy to miss, this small farm offers a fantastic selection of flowers, produce, and raw honey.
Recommended Bed & Breakfast: Bridgeton House on the Delaware
Uhlerstown, PA
1073 River Road
Upper Black Eddy, PA
Schneiderwind Farm & Nursery
Where are some of your favorite scenic drives in the United States?
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Disclosure: I was invited to stay at Wedgwood Inn and was provided with a complimentary stay. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
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Thank you for a terrific article. You are an excellent writer!!
Beautiful pictures. A lot of history in the area.
Marc recently posted..James Neilson – Pennsylvania
Great Article. I hope to make this trip one day.
So jealous! That looks like a fantastic road trip! One day I’ll get back there!
It really is a great drive!
This is great, Christian! I’ve only seen small portions of it like Washington Crossing, and Hope Town. I would like to drive the whole way sometime.