As summer gives way to autumn, Pennsylvania transforms into a vibrant canvas of red, orange, and gold. With more than 100 state parks, countless mountain ridges, charming small towns, and scenic byways, the Keystone State is among the best places in the U.S. to witness fall foliage.
Whether you’re a local or a traveler seeking postcard-worthy landscapes, this road trip guide will take you through some of the most breathtaking fall destinations in Pennsylvania, all within a week’s journey.
1. Start in Pittsburgh: Fall in the City of Bridges
Begin your road trip in Pittsburgh, where the convergence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers provides a stunning urban backdrop for fall colors. Ride the Duquesne Incline to Mount Washington for panoramic views of the city framed in autumn hues. Take a walk through Schenley Park or Frick Park, where the dense woods blaze with seasonal colors. Stock up on snacks and fuel before heading east into the Laurel Highlands.
2. Laurel Highlands: Mountains, Forests, and Covered Bridges
Just 60 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, the Laurel Highlands offers rolling hills and elevations that peak fall foliage in early to mid-October. Travel along Route 30 (the Lincoln Highway) and detour through Ohiopyle State Park — a paradise of waterfalls, hiking trails, and riverside vistas surrounded by golden trees.
Don’t miss Kentuck Knob and Fallingwater, two Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces set amid fiery foliage. The peaceful covered bridges around Somerset County also provide perfect photo ops.
3. Raystown Lake Region: A Hidden Gem for Leaf Peepers
Next, head northeast toward the Raystown Lake region. This area is often overlooked, but its 8,300-acre lake is surrounded by steep wooded ridges that put on a spectacular autumn show. Rent a boat for a unique view of the mirrored colors reflecting off the water. The Seven Points Recreation Area and Terrace Mountain Trail offer great hiking and picnic spots surrounded by rustling fall leaves.
4. State College and Rothrock State Forest: College Town Charm and Nature Trails
A couple of hours away, State College and the surrounding Rothrock State Forest are ideal mid-trip stops. Penn State’s campus comes alive with golden maples and red oaks in the fall, and downtown buzzes with football weekends and cozy cafes.
Drive through Colerain Road for sweeping ridgeline views and access to trails like Tussey Mountain and Alan Seeger Natural Area — the latter known for its ancient hemlocks and mossy landscape contrasted against autumn foliage.
5. Pine Creek Gorge: The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania
Continue north to Pine Creek Gorge, often called the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. This 47-mile-long gorge, carved by glaciers, is one of the state’s premier foliage viewing destinations. Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks sit on opposite sides of the gorge, offering overlooks that feel like stepping into a living painting.
The Pine Creek Rail Trail — 62 miles of flat, bike-friendly trail — runs through the heart of the canyon and allows for immersive foliage experiences beneath towering trees. The best time to visit is typically the first two weeks of October.
6. Endless Mountains: Rolling Hills and Small-Town Charm
From Pine Creek, venture east toward the Endless Mountains region. This area lives up to its name with unbroken ridgelines blanketed in autumn color. Take Route 6, one of America’s most scenic byways, winding through small towns like Towanda, Tunkhannock, and Wyalusing.
Visit Worlds End State Park, where hiking trails and high cliffs give way to sweeping views of the Loyalsock Creek Valley. The foliage here peaks slightly later — ideal if you’re extending your trip into late October.
7. Delaware Water Gap: A Spectacular Finale
End your road trip in the northeastern corner of the state at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Straddling the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, this natural wonder features 70,000 acres of preserved land, waterfalls, and forested trails bursting with color.
Drive along Route 209 for river views framed by gold-topped trees, or hike the Mt. Tammany or Mt. Minsi trails for dramatic vistas above the Delaware River. Stop by Bushkill Falls — known as “The Niagara of Pennsylvania” — for cascading waters framed by a canopy of reds and oranges.
Tips for a Perfect Fall Road Trip
- Timing Is Everything: Peak foliage varies by elevation and location. Western and northern PA usually peak in early to mid-October, while southern areas follow a week or two later.
- Pack Layers: Autumn weather in Pennsylvania can swing from sunny and warm to crisp and chilly within hours.
- Book Ahead: Popular parks and lodges fill up quickly in fall — reserve your accommodations in advance.
- Bring a Camera: You’ll want to capture every turn in the road — from misty mountains to golden valleys.
Conclusion
A fall foliage road trip through Pennsylvania isn’t just a scenic drive — it’s an unforgettable immersion in nature’s most dazzling season. From city skylines to rural ridgelines, cascading waterfalls to tranquil lakes, this journey captures the full palette of autumn. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or with friends, the open road through Pennsylvania in the fall is calling — and it promises to be spectacular.