10 Amazing Places to View Fall Foliage in PA

1. Northern Zone: Peaks in early October

2. Central Zone: Peaks in mid-October

3. Southern Zone: Peaks in late October

Pine Creek Gorge Zone 1

Pennsylvania Wilds
Almost 50 miles long and 1,000 feet deep, the Pine Creek Gorge is known as the Grand Canyon of
Pennsylvania and features a brilliant fall display of deep reds, yellows and purples in early October. Some of
the best full views of the canyon can be found at Leonard Harrison or Colton Point State Park.

Fall Foliage Insiders 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 60-mile trail travels
through the Gorge for an up-close and personal look at foliage for hikers, bikers or equestrians.

Allegheny National Forest Zone 1

Pennsylvania Wilds
Scenic drives through the hardwood forests of McKean County in northern Pennsylvania provide spectacular
fall foliage touring. In the Allegheny National Forest, visitors can hike hundreds of acres of trailways, ranging
from short birding trails to the challenging North Country Trail. Throughout, the Allegheny National Forest
region offers a variety of scenic vistas, mountains, brilliant colors and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Fall Foliage Insiders Tip

For a unique way to experience the awe-inspiring views of the Allegheny National Forest, take an open cockpit
bi-plane tour in a beautifully restored, vintage 1943 Boeing Stearman or float along the Allegheny River by boat,
kayak or canoe and sightsee along 27 miles of water trails.

Big Pocono State Park Zone 2

Upstate PA
Big Pocono State Park, located at the top of Camelback Mountain in the Pocono Mountains region, is home to
breathtaking views in the fall season by foot or by car. The best place for viewing foliage is at the parks
summit, where a scenic overlook offers views for miles from the popular Delaware Water Gap National
Recreation Area and beyond.

Fall Foliage Insiders Tip

Try an offshore foliage paddling experience with guided Fall Foliage River Tours. Experienced guides take
visitors along the Delaware River in kayaks for a leisurely paddle to experience the fall colors mirrored on the
river's surface.
Oil Heritage Region Zone 2
Great Lakes Region
Known as the birthplace of the first commercially successful oil well, this 50-mile area in the heart of
Pennsylvanias Great Lakes Region is also a prime spot to experience the bright shades of yellow, red and
orange lining the hillsides. Boasting attractive Victorian towns, outstanding historical artifacts, scenic views and
cultural traditions, the Oil Heritage Region displays its original oil country charm each autumn. The region also
offers three recreational trails and the scenic Oil Creek State Parks numerous day-hike trails.

Fall Foliage Insiders Tip

Ride an open-air car aboard the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad to view the seasons exquisite colors
throughout the region. This three-hour tour runs special fall foliage excursions throughout October to enjoy fall
foliage at its best and take a ride through the valley that changed the world.

Presque Isle State Park Zone 2

Great Lakes Region
Pennsylvanias Great Lakes Region displays many beautiful autumn colors along the shore of Lake Erie at
Presque Isle State Park. 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 four 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 11 miles of hiking trails throughout the park for
those who want a more up-close view of the fall colors.

Fall Foliage Insiders 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 for a 90-minute tour and an incredible view of the shoreline. Riders
can relax while learning about the areas ecology, history, nature and more with the boats knowledgeable
guide.

Great Allegheny Passage Zone 2

Laurel Highlands
For those exploring the scenic Laurel Highlands region in search of autumn colors, theres perhaps nowhere
better to do so than on a biking excursion along the Great Allegheny Passage that was completed in June 2013.
Known as the longest rail-trail 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 Insiders Tip

Not far away, visit Frank Lloyd Wrights 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.

Three Rivers Heritage Trail Zone 2

Pittsburgh and its Countryside
The beautiful Pittsburgh skyline and the picturesque countryside display incredible colors during the season.
Incorporated into the new edition of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail map is the Three Rivers Heritage Trail
Interpretive Signage Guide. Pittsburgh's dramatic landscape and history are portrayed in dozens of signs
located along the riverfronts. From the Pittsburgh Pirates, Mister Rogers, Andy Warhol and the steel industry,
let the Pittsburgh region explain itself to you while touring one of the best urban trail systems in the country.

Fall Foliage Insiders Tip

While in Pittsburgh, dont miss a ride on the Duquesne or Monongahela Incline to see the views from atop
Mount Washington. Filled with observation decks that overlook the city and its countryside, this 450-foot hill is
an excellent vantage point for foliage.
Rothrock State Forest Zone 2
The Alleghenies
In the heart of the Alleghenies region, 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 Insiders 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.

Gettysburg National Military Park Zone 3

Dutch Country Roads
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 part of the nations past all year, but
provides optimal trekking treasures in the fall.

Fall Foliage Insiders Tip

Tour the battlefield on horseback for a unique look at the autumn trees with guided tours from Hickory Hollow
Horse Farm in Gettysburg. Visitors can enjoy one to four-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.

Washington Crossing Historic Park Zone 3

Philadelphia and the Countryside
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
Washingtons 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, its also an excellent
place to discover the October foliage of Bucks County in suburban Philadelphia. Harvest festivals and related
events throughout the autumn season add to the fall experience at the Park.

Fall Foliage Insiders Tip

Bowmans 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 birds-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.