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Leaf peeping in Pennsylvania: Best spots

By Kalena Thomhave

October 7, 2024

Your guide to the best places to go leaf peeping in Pennsylvania for stunning fall foliage views.

Pennsylvania has some of the most vibrant fall colors of anywhere in the world. The commonwealth is a meeting point for southern and northern trees, resulting in a colorful cacophony of shades of oranges, reds, yellows, and greens all across the state. We’ve put together a list of some of the best places to see fall colors in Pa., and we’ve included pointers on when to go. The fall foliage season stretches through October, with the timing of peak color depending on where you are. In 2024, peak fall color will occur in mid-October in most parts of Pennsylvania, but you can keep track of the changing colors with the Pa. Department of Conservation and Natural Resource’s weekly fall foliage reports. Make your plans now to enjoy the changing leaves; the most vivid colors, after all, are fleeting.

1. The Laurel Highlands – Southwestern Pa.

The Laurel Highlands region, just a short drive from Pittsburgh, was recently voted one of USA Today’s best places to view fall foliage. The western ridge of the Allegheny Mountains is full of charming towns and great outdoor adventures that you can enjoy amidst a backdrop of fall colors. We recommend a road trip through the region via the 68-mile Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway. You might take detours to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, Ohiopyle Falls at Ohiopyle State Park, or a quaint bed and breakfast like The Colonial House on Main in Ligonier.

When to go? Best color in 2024 will be in mid-October, with higher elevations changing first.

Leaf peeping in Pennsylvania: Best spots

Photo courtesy of GO Laurel Highlands.

2. Jim Thorpe – Northeastern Pa.

Jim Thorpe, a small town in the southern part of the Pocono Mountains, is known as “the Switzerland of America” for a reason. The town, surrounded by mountains, is reminiscent of villages tucked into the Alps. And those mountains are particularly glorious in the fall, especially during Jim Thorpe’s Fall Foliage Festival, held during the first three weekends in October. You can even take a train ride courtesy of the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to admire the colors brightening the Lehigh Gorge.

When to go? Expect peak color in mid-October.

3. Susquehannock State Park – Southeastern Pa.

Located in southern Lancaster County, Susquehannock State Park offers gorgeous views of the Susquehanna River all year, but the scene is particularly noteworthy in the fall when the river meets a colorful forest. Take in the panoramic vistas from four overlooks in the park: Hawk Point Overlook, Urey Overlook, Wisslers Run Overlook, and Pinnacle Overlook. You can also admire the colors closer to the trees on one of several short hiking trails.

When to go? Peak color will likely hit this southeastern park in late October.

Leaf peeping in Pennsylvania: Best spots

Photo by Tom Roe Photography courtesy of Discover Lancaster.

4. High Plateau Scenic Byway – Central Pa.

One of the most spectacular scenic drives in Pennsylvania is located in the center of the state along Route 144, where you can tour through mountainous views of Sproul State Forest along the High Plateau Scenic Byway between Snow Shoe in Centre County and Renovo in Clinton County. The scenic drive covers 31 miles along part of the Allegheny Plateau and has a number of overlooks where you can stop for photos or to stretch your legs. The area is quite remote, so your views of fall foliage won’t be spoiled by large buildings or resorts. You might even see wildlife such as bears or elk! 

When to go? Colors were changing as of early October, so you can expect peak color in the area around mid-October.

5. Kinzua Bridge State Park – Northwestern Pa.

Some of our favorite fall foliage destinations are sites that place you high above the trees so that you can see the autumn colors stretch on for miles. That’s certainly the case at Kinzua Bridge State Park in McKean County. The highlight of the park is its Skywalk, which was created from an old railroad bridge that was once the tallest rail structure in the world. In 2003, the bridge partially succumbed to a tornado, so the rest of the bridge became a 300-foot-tall platform from which to view the Kinzua Gorge — as well as the massive, downed bridge towers below! During the fall season, the Kinzua Skywalk gives you 360-degree views of the Kinzua Gorge, alight with color.

When to go? Expect peak color around mid-October.

6. Washington Crossing Historic Park – Southeastern Pa.

Washington Crossing Historic Park in Bucks County preserves the site where George Washington famously crossed the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War. It’s also a beautiful natural area that offers lovely views of fall colors not far from Philadelphia. You can walk the park’s section of the Delaware Canal towpath while also learning about the importance of the park to U.S. history. You might even consider walking or biking more of the nearly 60-mile towpath trail to continue your tour of southeastern Pa.’s fall foliage.

When to go? Expect peak color in late October.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.Leaf peeping in Pennsylvania: Best spotsLeaf peeping in Pennsylvania: Best spots

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