Fall is when leaf peepers emerge and tour the commonwealth to capture the vibrant colors of fall. From soaring over the Allegheny National Forest in an open cockpit biplane to canoeing along Pennsylvania’s only seashore, there are many ways to take in the colorul foliage during the commonwealth’s most beautiful season.
1. Northern Zone: Peaks in early October
2. Central Zone: Peaks in mid-October
3. Southern Zone: Peaks in late October
1. Pine Creek Gorge
Wellsboro
Northern Zone
Almost 50 miles long and 1,450 feet deep, Pine Creek Gorge features a brilliant fall display of deep reds, yellows, and purples in early October. Some of the best fall views of the canyon can be found at Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Park.
Fall Foliage Insider’s Tip
The historic Pine Creek Rail Trail is a gem of the Pine Creek Gorge and offers a tremendous way to view fall foliage. Voted by USA Today as one of the "10 great places to take a bike tour," this 62-mile plus long trail travels through the gorge for an up-close and personal look at foliage for hikers, bikers, and equestrians.
2. Big Pocono State Park
Tannersville
Central Zone
Big Pocono State Park, located at the top of Camelback Mountain, is home to breathtaking views in the fall season by foot or by car. The best place for viewing foliage is at the park’s summit, where a scenic overlook offers views for miles of the popular Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and beyond.
Fall Foliage Insider’s Tip
Ride the Pocono Express through charming Pocono Mountain towns and see scenery that changes with the seasons. These fall foliage train excursions are a wonderful way to celebrate autumn in the Poconos.
3. Allegheny National Forest
Bradford
Northern Zone
Scenic drives through the hardwoods of Elk, Forest, McKean, and Warren counties in northern Pennsylvania provide spectacular fall foliage touring. In the Allegheny National Forest, visitors can hike hundreds of acres of trail ways ranging from short birding trails to the challenging North Country Trail. Throughout, the Allegheny National Forest offers a variety of scenic vistas, mountains, brilliant colors, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fall Foliage Insider’s Tip
For a unique way to experience the awe-inspiring views of the Allegheny National Forest, visit the Kinzua Sky Walk, a walk that extends out 624 feet into the Kinzua George or float along the Allegheny River by boat, kayak, or canoe and sightsee along 107 miles of water trails.
4. Oil Creek State Park
Oil City
Central Zone
Oil Creek State Park, situated in the heart of the Oil Heritage Region known as birthplace of the first commercially successful oil well, is home to beautiful waterfalls and 52 miles of scenic hiking trails, making it a prime location to experience bright shades of yellow, red, and orange lining deep hollows, steep hillsides, and wetlands.
Fall Foliage Insider’s Tip
Bike along the shores of historic Oil Creek. Oil Creek Bike Trail stretches nearly 10 miles from the Drake Well Museum to the Petroleum Centre. Cruise along historic sites while embracing the many waterfalls surrounded by vivid fall colors.
5. Presque Isle State Park
Erie
Central Zone
The shore of Lake Erie at Presque Isle State Park displays many breathtaking autumn colors. Discover the magnificence of this 3,200-acre peninsula as it curls into the lake, offering a wide variety of fall experiences. Home to more than 4 million visitors each year, Presque Isle offers the leisurely 14-mile Karl Boyes Multi-purpose National Recreation Trail for walkers and bicyclists interested in leaf sightseeing along the Bay. There also are 14 other hiking trails throughout the park for those who want a more up-close view of the fall colors.
Fall Foliage Insider’s Tip
For an offshore foliage experience, take advantage of the “Lady Kate,” a 65-foot Great Lakes vessel that ventures out onto the waters of Lake Erie on weekends in September for a 90-minute tour and an incredible view of the shoreline. Riders can relax while learning about the area’s ecology, history, nature, and more with the boat’s knowledgeable guide.
6. Great Allegheny Passage
Pittsburgh
Central Zone
For those exploring the scenic Laurel Highlands in search of autumn colors, there’s perhaps nowhere better to do so than on a biking excursion along the Great Allegheny Passage. As one of the longest rail-trails in the east, the Laurel Highlands’ section of the Great Allegheny Passage is filled with scenic overlooks, viaducts, and plenty of spectacular foliage.
Fall Foliage Insider’s Tip
Not far away, visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater for stunning fall vistas. Fallingwater, known as one of the most influential houses of the 20th century, stretches over a 30-foot waterfall and offers spectacular views with its unique angles and large windows. In 2019, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. On your way there, take the route less traveled and witness the colors of autumn as you weave through the rolling hills on a relaxing fall drive, complete with stops at quaint towns, scenic state parks, and can’t miss restaurants.
7. Three Rivers Heritage Trail
Pittsburgh
Central Zone
Take in the views of the beautiful Pittsburgh skyline and the picturesque countryside that display incredible colors every autumn along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail with its Interpretive Signage Guide. Pittsburgh's dramatic landscape and history are portrayed in dozens of signs located along the riverfronts. From the Pittsburgh Pirates to Mister Rogers and Andy Warhol to the steel industry, let the Pittsburgh region reveal its rich history to you while touring one of the best urban trail systems in the country.
Fall Foliage Insider’s Tip
While in Pittsburgh, don’t miss a ride on the Duquesne or Monongahela Inclines to see the views from atop Mount Washington. Filled with observation decks that overlook the city and its countryside, this 400-foot hill is an excellent vantage point for foliage against the urban backdrop.
8. Rothrock State Forest
State College
Central Zone
In the heart of central PA, the parks and vistas that encompass Rothrock State Forest provide dramatic foliage areas that can be accessed in a variety of ways. Mountain bike along the trails surrounding the majestic Seven Mountains area, hike numerous trails throughout the forest, or explore from the lowest points from a boat on Raystown Lake. All offer grand foliage viewing experiences.
Fall Foliage Insider’s Tip
For a truly spectacular (and easily accessible) scenic viewpoint in Rothrock, visit the overlook atop Tussey Mountain along PA Route 26 at the Centre/Huntingdon County line. The view overlooks the State College area and several surrounding townships in Centre County.
9. Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg
Southern Zone
Gettysburg National Military Park is a must-see for any fall excursion, providing the perfect, scenic backdrop for visitors experiencing this historic battlefield. Explore the sights and sounds of battlefield reenactments, monuments, memorials, and true history. Gettysburg offers guests a glimpse into our nation’s past all year and provides optimal trekking treasures in the fall.
Fall Foliage Insider’s Tip
Tour the battlefield on horseback for a unique look at the autumn trees with guided tours from Hickory Hollow Horse Farm. Visitors can enjoy one to two-hour guided trail rides through the battlefield grounds complete with knowledgeable guides to point out little-known facts and tucked away scenic spots that can only be found on horseback.
10. Washington Crossing Historic Park
Washington Crossing
Southern Zone
In 1776, General George Washington and his army crossed the Delaware River in the frigid cold of winter. At that site today is Washington Crossing Historic Park, an interpretive center that not only tells the story of Washington’s famous crossing but also preserves the early 19th century history of Taylorsville, where the crossing of the Delaware occurred. With historic sites, wildflower areas, and nature trails, it’s also an excellent place to discover the October foliage of Bucks County in suburban Philadelphia.
Fall Foliage Insider’s Tip:
Bowman’s Hill Tower at the Washington Crossing Historic Park is 125 feet tall and offers a 14-mile view of scenic Bucks County. Guests are sure to enjoy this excellent “bird’s-eye view” atop a grand observation tower that offers an expansive view of the Delaware River area and the foliage surrounding the region in October.
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