There’s a reason why Pennsylvania fall foliage is the best in the country.

Actually, many reasons. Among them are unique topography and wide variety of plants.

The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says: “Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation.”

This year, state parks featured brilliant color.

Of course, I prefer to avoid usual tourist traps. So I ventured off the beaten path in search of color.

Some of the best views could be had by safely pulling off the road, wherever possible. Admittedly, this is easier said than done.

My most memorable October trip wasn’t close to home, but 60 miles away.

And it wasn’t a natural attraction. It’s man-made, showcasing man’s ingenuity in working with nature.

Truth be told, I first visited Mum Mountain at Ott’s Exotic Plants in Schwenksville several years ago.

But my timing was off. The mountain hadn’t bloomed yet. So it was a wasted trip except for exploring the suburban Philadelphia region and identifying the location.

This time, I was luckier. I arrived at peak color.

The business started in 1914 when German immigrant Godfrey Ott sold plants from home, with his mother’s help.

Ott needed the help. He’d been paralyzed from the waist down since age eight.

Determined, he crawled around the land to plant flowers. Eventually, Ott married and had many children.

In 1964, he and his family created a mound to showcase varieties of plants.

Today, that mountain of color rises 40 feet high, stretches 75 feet long, and has a sinuous stone tunnel beneath it for visitors to explore.

But the best part is the color. The mountain is filled with more than 10,000 chrysanthemums.

An adjoining greenhouse and massive glass dome, finished in 1970, are also popular draws.

The place is well known locally but not so much elsewhere. Probably the best kept secret of Lower Perkiomen Valley.

As I arrived, I was approached by a couple who’d just pulled in.

They seemed to recognize me so they drove up to talk to me as I walked through the parking lot.

They introduced themselves, Greg and Michelle Whitman. They live in that area.

I didn’t know them, although they somehow looked familiar.

Turns out, Michelle’s 93-year-old mother, Anna Mae, lives in the Nesquehoning area.

Michelle said she recognized me from Times News articles which her mother saves for her. She also said she knew me from Facebook photos.

The Whitmans said they were surprised to see me in their area and happy to meet in such a chance encounter.

“Greg and I come here each year for our anniversary. We get our picture taken. This is our 35th,” said Michelle.

They came to see if the mountain was blooming. If so, they planned to return the following Saturday for a photo session.

We enjoyed getting to know each other. We walked around Mum Mountain and took some fun, informal shots.

We joked and laughed as if we were old, lifelong friends. A great day in every way.

The colors were brilliant. Even better was the bonus of running into someone with connections to Carbon-Schuylkill.

On the next visit, we plan to go to lunch.

As I drove home, I put the day in perspective.

Yes, the best and brightest colors of fall are found in Pennsylvania. And that’s special.

But for the most warmth, get to know the people.

Email dserfass@tnonline.com