Your guide to leaf-peeping in Pennsylvania

When and where to see peak foliage across the state this fall.

The wet spring we experienced here in Pennsylvania may have hampered your outdoor activities, while the dry, late summer likely left your lush, green lawn looking crispy and in need of a drink, but there’s a meteorological silver lining: Those weather conditions mean that we should see a vibrant array of colors on trees across the state this fall.

While New England is recognized as a hotbed for fall foliage tourism, plenty of seasoned leaf-peepers travel to Pennsylvania to view the equally stunning fall colors dotting our landscape.

No matter where you live in the state, you won’t have to drive too far to witness dazzling, bright canopies of reds, oranges, golds, and yellows that will soon begin to drape Pennsylvania trees.

Here are our recommendations on where and when you’ll find some of the most breathtaking foliage this fall in Pennsylvania.

Allegheny National Forest – Northwest Pa.

Whether you’re hiking the trails of the Allegheny National Forest, biking on its Longhouse National Scenic Byway, or just driving through, you’ll witness bold fall colors at every turn.

Peak foliage: Late September through early October.

Bucktail Overlook – North-central Pa.

The Bucktail Overlook in Elk State Forest offers some of the most beautiful views in all of Pennsylvania, especially in autumn. Gazing out from what locals call the “top of the world,” you’ll see the Sinnemahoning Watershed surrounded by stunning fall foliage. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll also see the elk that gather in search of something to eat.

Peak foliage: Early October.

Bowman’s Hill Tower – Southeastern Pa.

Located at Washington Crossing Historical Park in New Hope, Bowman’s Hill Tower offers a dazzling view of the Bucks County countryside and Delaware River. Standing 125 feet tall, you can get a 14-mile view on a clear day—the perfect vantage point to take in the sea of yellow and orange foliage below that seems like it goes on forever.

Peak foliage: Mid-October.

View of the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey from the Bowman’s Hill Tower in New Hope during foliage season. (Shutterstock)

Great Allegheny Passage – Western/Southwestern Pa.

Located in the Laurel Highlands, one of the most vibrant regions for leaf-peeping in the state, the Great Allegheny Passage is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience biking and hiking excursions that are bursting with autumn’s colors. It’s a 150-mile stretch that extends from Pittsburgh down to Cumberland, Maryland, passing through scenic vistas like Baughman Trail and Baughman Rock Overlook in Ohiopyle State Park.

Peak foliage: Early October.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary – Southeastern Pa.

Tucked along the Kittatinny Ridge in Berks County, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a popular spot for birdwatchers and an ideal location to take in fall foliage. Leaf-peepers will encounter autumnal shades throughout the more than 2,500 acres of protected forests, and dramatic views from vantage points like the sanctuary’s tallest overlook, North Lookout.

Peak foliage: Mid-October.

Kinzua Bridge State Park – Northwest Pa.

Good news, leaf-peepers: Ongoing repairs to the Kinzua Sky Walk, located within Kinzua Bridge State Park, have been halted for the fall. This means that the 600-foot structure, which sits 225 feet above Kinzua Creek Valley and offers panoramic views of the fall colors that will be dotting the valley, will be open through Halloween.

Peak foliage: Early to mid-October

Pine Creek Gorge – North-central Pa.

The Pine Creek Gorge, commonly referred to as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, is a picturesque setting for leaf-peeping. The most Instagrammable spots include Leonard Harrison State Park and Pine Creek Rail Trail, with its many waterfalls.

Peak foliage: Early October.

Ricketts Glen State Park – Northeastern Pa. 

Spanning Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties, Ricketts Glen State Park is primarily known for its waterfalls. But the park also offers more than 12,000 acres to take in fall foliage from spots like Lake Jean and the seven-mile Falls Trail, a popular hiking destination.

Peak foliage: Mid-to-late October.

Beautiful autumn reflections at Lake Jean in Ricketts Glen State Park. (Shutterstock)

Starrucca Viaduct – Northeastern Pa. 

Located near the D&H Rail Trail just south of the New York state line, the Starrucca Viaduct is one of the biggest stone-arch bridges in the US. At almost 100 feet high, it’s an ideal spot to take in NEPA’s fall foliage.

Peak foliage: Early October.

Three Rivers Heritage Trail – Pittsburgh

The Three Rivers Heritage Trail runs through Point State Park, offering scenic views of the Pittsburgh bridges, and, in early fall, stunning foliage with the city’s striking skyline in the background.

Peak foliage: Mid-October.