When and Where to View the Best Fall Foliage in PA

1. Allegheny National Forest

Marienville

Best viewing time: late September or early October

Allegheny National Forest is filled with deciduous trees with a wide array of warm reds, lively yellows, and deep oranges in autumn. Take a leisurely drive through the colorful forest or choose from a variety of hiking and biking trails to see the foliage up close.

For the best views: Hop on the Longhouse National Scenic Byway, a 36-mile loop through the Allegheny National Forest’s core, for postcard-worthy vistas.

2. Great Allegheny Passage

Homestead

Best viewing time: early October

The Great Allegheny Passage provides nearly 150 miles of hiking and biking happiness between downtown Pittsburgh, and Cumberland, MD. Hop on the trail in Ohiopyle to experience the autumn-activated beauty of Ohiopyle State Park.

For the best views: Adventure Baughman Trail and Baughman Rock Overlook at Ohiopyle State Park. This steep, rocky, trail is a challenging hike but well worth the effort to see the dramatic panoramic vista of the Youghiogheny River Gorge.

3. Pine Creek Gorge

Wellsboro

Best viewing time: early October

Pine Creek Gorge is encased by Tioga State Forest, which turns shades of red, purple, and yellow in the autumn. Catch the best views of the 47-mile-long, 1,450-foot-deep gorge at Leonard Harrison State Park or Colton Pont State Park.

For the best views: Trek through Pine Creek Gorge’s west rim to catch an eyeful of color and see northern Pennsylvania birds and other wildlife or hike or bike the Pine Creek Rail Trail, a 62-mile route that runs through the gorgeous gorge.

4. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

Philadelphia

Best viewing time: early October

Just a short drive from Center City Philadelphia, The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is a 1,000-acre National Wildlife Refuge that turns into a fall foliage wonderland every year.

The sanctuary for both animals and people is open year-round but becomes most popular for city-dwellers to visit when the leaves change.

For the best views: To get a front row seat to see the epic fall views, bring a kayak or canoe and paddle down Darby Creek. Observe the colors along with hundreds of species of plants, trees, birds, insects, and animals.

5. Heritage Rail Trail

York County

Best viewing time: early October

Soak up the stunning views along miles of York County’s Heritage Rail Trail, where you can walk, hike, bike, or take a train ride and admire the changing seasons.

For the best views: Take a ride on the Northern Central Railroad, which has been in operation since 1838. As you sit back and relax, the conductor will point out the best foliage views and tell you stories of the railroad’s history.

6. Lebanon Valley Rail Trail and Mt. Gretna

Lebanon County

Best viewing time: early October

Built in the 1880’s, the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail is a multi-functional greenway trail that runs 18 miles from the southwestern border of Lebanon County and goes through Colebrook, Mt. Gretna, Cornwall, and the city of Lebanon.

For the best views: Hop on the trail in downtown Lebanon and immediately step into the rolling countryside with tons of fall foliage and fantastic views.

7. Starrucca Viaduct

Susquehanna

Best viewing time: early October

Located near the D&H RailTrail, the Starrucca Viaduct is one of the biggest stone-arch bridges in the United States. Featuring 17 arches and almost 100 feet high, this local landmark is the perfect place to view the changing fall leaves.

For the best view: To see the stunning view of the Viaduct amid a backsplash of fall colors, go to Luciana Park, a small area located near Depot St and parallel to St. John’s Cemetery.

8. Memorial Lake State Park

Grantville

Best viewing time: early October

Surrounded by colorful leaves in the fall, the 230-acre Memorial Lake State Park is found at the base of Blue Mountain in East Hanover Township. Centered within the park is Memorial Lake, an 85-acre lake that has two boat launching ramps and a courtesy dock for sailing, boating, and paddle boarding.

For the best views: Spot pops of leafy colors while walking the 2.3-mile loop around the perimeter of Memorial Lake. If you are a water-enthusiast, consider bringing a paddle board or boat to get into the water for a serene afternoon.

9. Winslow Hill Elk Viewing Area

Benezette

Best viewing time: early October

Nestled in the mountains of “Elk Country,” are more than 1,400 elk, white-tailed deer, black bears, and foxes. As the most popular spot to view elk in PA, the Winslow Hill Elk Viewing Area, is a great spot to simultaneously view wildlife and the picturesque fall colors.

For the best views: Winslow Hill provides two viewing areas with off-road parking leading to a spectacular panoramic viewing area that overlooks the meadows where elk often gather.

10. Kinzua Bridge State Park

Mount Jewett

Best viewing time: early to mid October

Kinzua Bridge State Park is the site of the Kinzua Viaduct, formerly the world’s highest and longest railroad bridge at 301-feet tall and 2,053-feet long.

For the best views: A skywalk supplies superb views of the Kinzua Creek Valley year-round, and the valley is strikingly beautiful when splashed with fall colors. Plus, a glass-bottom viewing area provides a look at the remnants of the famous viaduct.

11. Big Pocono State Park

Tannersville

Best viewing time: mid October

Located on the slopes and summit of Camelback Mountain in the Pocono Mountains, Big Pocono State Park is a natural viewing area for fall colors.

For the best views: Walk to the park’s summit to witness autumn’s eye-catching takeover of a large area of eastern Pennsylvania and portions of New Jersey and New York.

12. Washington Crossing Historic Park

Washington Crossing

Best viewing time: mid October

October is an ideal time to experience Washington Crossing Historic Park, which commemorates the site where General George Washington and his troops crossed the icy Delaware River in 1776. Stroll along nature trails and historic buildings to discover the history of Washington’s crossing and Taylorsville.

For the best views: Climb Bowman’s Hill Tower for a 14-mile view of the Delaware River and its surrounding areas.