For Immediate Release
September 28, 2007

CONTACT:
Colleen Greer
Phone: 717-787-6801
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Weekly Column: Enjoy the Pennsylvania Experience This Autumn

Pennsylvania is blanketed with mile after mile of forest and every inch of it is worth exploring now that fall has arrived. Blazingly beautiful colors, outdoor activities, and crisp weather all contribute to a season that shines. That's why it's important for everyone to enjoy autumn in our Commonwealth and take pleasure in some of the best sightseeing this country has to offer.

Every autumn, nature puts on a brilliant show of color as its leaves turn innumerable shades of orange, gold, and crimson, making the landscapes absolutely breathtaking. Visitors flock to these areas to take in the fall foliage and to catch a glimpse of nature's splendor. Foliage enthusiasts can obtain information highlighting the regions of this state where deciduous trees are in abundance and will most likely put on a good show. For a complete guide on Pennsylvania's weekly fall foliage, visit www.visitpa.com (see "Fall Foliage Report").

Our state and national parks provide excellent opportunities for playing in the leaves. Nowhere is the natural beauty of Pennsylvania more evident or more accessible than in our public parks. Campsites, picnic facilities, lakes, trails, and wildlife galore—not to mention acres of fall forests—make a trip to a park a visit to remember. In addition to enjoying the amenities of the outdoors, residents and visitors can savor the experience of the Commonwealth's wineries that offer tastings, tours, and special events throughout the year. The state has eight winery trails that are sure to delight wine enthusiasts (for more information go to www.pennsylvaniawine.com). Seasonal festivals, fairs, and markets are also brimming with fall goodness, featuring bushels of squash and apples along with pumpkins. To discover the bounty of the state's heartland and learn more about these opportunities, visit www.visitpa.com/visitpa/fallBigger.pa or call 1-800-VISIT-PA (847-4872).

Another way to enjoy our fall landscape is to travel Pennsylvania's Route 6 Heritage Corridor. Recognized as one of America's most scenic drives by National Geographic, Route 6 encompasses 11 counties, stretching over 400 miles across northern Pennsylvania, and connecting many of the state's historic treasures. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the route can be traced back to 1807 when state officials mandated that a road be cut through the Moosic

Mountains to enable easier travel to the western parts of the state. The road eventually united all the county seats of the northern tier and became a vital link between the industry in the west and the railroads in the east. The scenery along Route 6 is as rich as its history. The roadway passes through the heart of several state parks, state forests, natural areas, and the only national forest in Pennsylvania. The Harley Davidson Company has placed Route 6 on its list of 50 best touring roads in the country and the United States Department of the Interior designated it a national recreational trail. To learn more about one of the nation's first transcontinental highways, contact the PA Route 6 Tourist Association at 1-87-PAROUTE-6 or visit their website at www.paroute6.com. Information is also available on DCNR's website at www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/heritageparks/pacorridor.aspx.

Visitors and state residents are also encouraged to take part in state game land tours to view the Commonwealth's best autumnal scenery. The tours are an opportunity for those who enjoy nature to further explore the outdoors. The public is invited to take part in upcoming tours of several State Game Lands between Sept. 22 and Oct. 21; they are free to the public and offered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. On Sunday, Oct. 14th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a tour will be provided of State Game Land 211 which encompasses more than 44,000 acres in a three-county area (Dauphin/Lebanon/Schuylkill). The tour will start at the Ellendale gate in Middle Paxton Township just northeast of Dauphin Borough. The 19-mile trip will be made along an abandoned railroad bed and will end at Goldmine Road, southwest of Tower City. The Game Commission will be on hand to explain various points of interest. Details on the Game Land Tours are posted on the commission's website at www.pgc.state.pa.us.

Those visiting Pennsylvania have many choices when it comes to how they wish to experience the autumn. As the Commonwealth's trees and fields begin revealing their seasonal colors and temperatures begin to cool, I encourage the citizens of this state to make the most of the recreational activities provided by our state's bountiful resources.