Yes, there is a 40-foot flower mountain in Pennsylvania and you can actually climb it.
This colorful hill explodes with thousands of bright blooms every year, and it’s not in some faraway tropical spot. It’s right here in Pennsylvania.
From the bottom, it looks like a giant, living rainbow. From the top, it feels like you’re standing on a mountain made of mums.
If you’ve never heard of this place before, you’re not alone. It’s one of those “wait, this is real?” kind of spots.
Here’s everything you need to know about climbing a flower mountain in Pennsylvania.
Where Is It?
Ott’s Exotic Plants is in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, a small town in Montgomery County.
It’s about a 50-minute drive from Philadelphia and just under two hours from Harrisburg.
If you’re coming from New York City, plan on about a 2-hour drive which is still totally doable for a day trip or a quick weekend adventure.
About
Ott’s Exotic Plants is not your average garden center.
This place is straight-up magical.
The main attraction is a 40-foot-tall “flower mountain” covered in a wild explosion of bright, blooming mums every fall.
Yup, you read that right.
An actual mountain of flowers.
The hill is planted with thousands of chrysanthemum plants that turn into a massive rainbow-colored bloomfest when October rolls around.
It looks like a giant floral volcano just erupted in the middle of Montgomery County.
You can climb to the top using a winding path that zigzags through the flowers, giving you up-close views of all the blooms.
It’s not a long hike, but it’s steep in spots, so bring comfy shoes.
At the top, you’ll get a fun little view of the surrounding greenhouse rooftops and the surrounding countryside.
There are railings for safety, but it’s still important to keep an eye on your footing, especially if you’re heading up with kids.
The flower mountain only blooms for a few weeks in the fall, usually from mid-September through October, but Ott’s is open year-round.
Inside, it’s a huge plant shop.
There are massive greenhouses stuffed with exotic plants, towering palms, hanging vines, and more types of succulents than you ever knew existed.
You’ll also find huge cacti and winding walkways inside and around the greenhouses.
It feels more like a botanical adventure than a store.
They’ve also got seasonal displays, tropical houseplants for sale, and a few other surprises you might notice as you explore.
Even if you’re not a plant person, it’s worth a wander just to soak in the lush, overgrown vibe.
And yes, you’re totally allowed to take photos.
People come here from all over just to snap pics on the flower mountain, especially when it’s in full bloom.
It’s a perfect spot for fall selfies, engagement shoots, or just pretending you’re in a fairytale for an afternoon.
Know Before You Go
The best time to visit Ott’s is in mid to late October when the flower mountain is in full bloom.
That’s when the mums go wild and the hillside turns into a giant, fluffy carpet of color.
If you show up too early in the season, the flowers might not be fully open yet, and if you wait too long, the blooms start to fade.
Weekdays are usually less crowded, especially if you want photos without a bunch of other people in the background.
Ott’s Exotic Plants itself is open year-round, seven days a week.
Hours can change with the seasons, but it typically opens at 9 AM and closes between 5 PM and 6 PM, depending on the day.
There’s no entry fee to visit, and parking is free, which makes this a super budget-friendly adventure.
Just keep in mind that the flower mountain only blooms for a few weeks each fall, so plan ahead.
You don’t need a reservation, but if you’re going on a sunny fall weekend, be ready to share the path with lots of other flower fans.
Wear comfy shoes for the climb and maybe skip the white sneakers unless you’re cool with some dirt.
The greenhouse paths can be a little uneven and muddy in spots, especially after rain.
There aren’t any food or drink spots on-site, but you’re only a 10-minute drive from Skippack Village, which has cute cafes, ice cream shops, and restaurants.
If you’re into history, Valley Forge National Historical Park is about 20 minutes away and makes a great add-on stop.
You can also check out Evansburg State Park just down the road for hiking trails, picnic areas, and peaceful woodland views.
And don’t forget to bring your camera or phone with plenty of storage.
Between the flower mountain and the leafy greenhouse paths, you’re gonna want to snap everything.
Ott’s is still a bit of a hidden gem, but word’s getting out, so go before the crowds do.
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