Ep. 21 - Chase McClain & Ryanne Dougherty

Fall has arrived in Washington County, and Chase McClain and Ryanne Dougherty are back together in the WashCo Insider studio to build the ultimate local fall bucket list. From scenic adventures on the Panhandle Trail and mountain biking at Tower Hill Trail Center to farm visits, covered bridges, pumpkin picking, local food and drinks, fall festivals, live theater and plenty of spooky season fun, this episode is packed with ideas for making the most of autumn in Washington County. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly weekend, a scenic fall road trip, seasonal flavors or a good Halloween scare, Chase and Ryanne have plenty of insider recommendations to get you started.

The Ultimate Guide to Fall in Washington County, PA

Crisp air, colorful leaves, pumpkin patches, fall festivals and just the right amount of spooky fun—fall is one of the best times of year to explore Washington County, Pennsylvania.

On Episode 21 of the WashCo Insider, hosts Chase McClain and Ryanne Dougherty of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency are back in the studio together and taking on a big challenge: fitting as many of their favorite things to do in Washington County this fall as possible into one episode.

From outdoor adventures and scenic drives to farms, seasonal food and drinks, festivals, theater and Halloween attractions, consider this your starting point for an unforgettable fall in Washington County.

Get Outdoors and Enjoy the Fall Colors

Few things beat exploring Western Pennsylvania when the leaves begin to change.

The Panhandle Trail is a great place to start. The trail stretches 29 miles, with approximately 17 miles passing through northern Washington County. The Washington County portion is paved, making it an excellent choice for a smooth fall bike ride. Start near the McDonald Trail Station and enjoy the scenery before connecting with the nearby Montour Trail.

Mountain bikers can head to Tower Hill Trail Center in Claysville. Opened in 2023, this gravity trail center offers a different kind of outdoor adventure, complete with a shuttle service to help riders get back up the mountain.

For a slower pace, visit Cross Creek County Park near Avella. Washington County's largest county park offers 250 acres for fishing, kayaking, boating, photography and enjoying nature. A portion of the park has also been planted with wildflowers and native vegetation, adding even more color to the landscape.

Fall is also an ideal time to explore Washington County's extensive public lands. Hunters, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can discover numerous opportunities to experience the county's woods and wildlife throughout the season.

Discover Farms, History and Hidden Gems

For a uniquely Washington County experience, head to Rustic Rock Maple Farm in Claysville. This working maple farm taps more than 3,000 trees connected by approximately 66,000 feet of tubing. Visitors can tour the farm and learn more about the process behind maple syrup and maple sugar.

Another must-see fall attraction is Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village in Avella. The National Historic Landmark preserves evidence of human habitation dating back approximately 19,000 years and features recreated historic villages in a beautiful outdoor setting. Surrounded by trees and Western Pennsylvania scenery, Meadowcroft is especially impressive in the fall.

Animal lovers can also visit The Crafty Alpaca, where owner Mary Burns combines farming and education. Meet the alpacas, tour the education center and shop for locally produced alpaca wool goods.

And don't forget one of Washington County's most distinctive fall road trips: the Covered Bridges Driving Tour. With 23 historic covered bridges throughout the county, the self-guided routes are a fantastic way to combine history, fall foliage and some of Washington County's most picturesque rural scenery.

Taste the Flavors of Fall

You can't have a fall bucket list without seasonal food and drinks.

Stop by Chicco Baccello in Washington or Canonsburg for locally roasted coffee, baked goods and plenty of seasonal treats.

For something stronger, Liberty Pole Spirits combines Pennsylvania whiskey with Washington County's Whiskey Rebellion history. Its impressive distillery campus features tours, dining, cocktails and a 3,600-barrel rickhouse while helping lead the resurgence of Pennsylvania rye whiskey.

If spooky season is more your style, Dead Head Winery in Monongahela occupies a former funeral home and offers wine, food and live music in an appropriately unusual setting.

Beer fans can check out Harry E. Hopkins Brewing Company in Canonsburg for craft beer, food and seasonal brews, while food lovers should put Schilling Hill Farm and Sprowls Candy Company on their fall list for stacked sandwiches, pies, chocolate and spectacular candy apples.

Spend a Day on the Farm

Washington County offers plenty of classic fall-on-the-farm experiences.

Trax Farms Fall Festival brings together pumpkin picking, hayrides, seasonal treats and its popular apple cider. The SpringHouse celebrates the season with Fall Fun on the Farm, featuring family activities, hayrides and plenty of farm-fresh food.

At Simmons Farm, visitors can pick pumpkins, apples and flowers, tackle corn mazes, visit the petting zoo and enjoy a full day of fall activities.

For an animal encounter that's a little less traditional, make an appointment at Barnyard Petting Zoo in Eighty Four, where visitors can meet everything from farm animals to exotic species—including kangaroos.

Fill Your Calendar With Fall Festivals

September and October are packed with festivals and community celebrations throughout Washington County.

The EQT Washington & Greene Counties' Covered Bridge Festival brings food, crafts, entertainment and activities to historic covered bridge locations, while the Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest takes over downtown Canonsburg for a weekend of music, food and Oktoberfest fun.

Other fall favorites include the Cecil Fall Festival, Hickory Apple Festival, Houston Pumpkin Festival, Pennsylvania Arts & Crafts Christmas Festival and Scenery Hill Fall Festival.

Whether you're searching for apple butter, pumpkins, handmade gifts, live entertainment or simply a reason to spend a beautiful fall afternoon outside, there's likely a Washington County festival for you.

Catch a Fall Show

Local theater also gets into the spirit of the season.

Little Lake Theatre Company presents Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, bringing a fast-paced and comedic twist to the classic Dracula story.

At Old Schoolhouse Players in Hickory, audiences can catch Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, the legendary whodunit filled with mystery, twists and plenty of opportunities to try to solve the case yourself.

Get Ready for Spooky Season

If Halloween is your favorite part of fall, Washington County has you covered.

Demon House delivers a full haunted-house experience, while West Alexander Scare Fair brings Halloween scares to the West Alexander Fairgrounds.

For something rooted in local stories, the Monongahela Candlelit Ghost Walk takes guests through darkened streets while sharing tales of haunted buildings, ghost sightings and unexplained events.

Runners looking for a different kind of Halloween challenge can tackle the Shades of Death Ten Miler, a demanding race along the very real Shades of Death Road near Avella.

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum gets into the Halloween spirit with Trolley Tales of Terror, while Witch Fest at the Monongahela Aquatorium celebrates the season with spooky shopping, entertainment and even competitions for the best witch's hat and cackle.

Plan Your Fall in Washington County

And that's still only part of what's happening.

Whether your perfect autumn weekend means biking beneath colorful leaves, visiting a pumpkin patch, exploring a historic covered bridge, sipping a seasonal drink, shopping a local festival or getting scared at a haunted attraction, you'll find plenty of reasons to experience fall in Washington County.