Technically, autumn begins with the September equinox. But in Pennsylvania — boasting a higher concentration of temperate deciduous forest than almost anywhere in the world — summer isn’t over until temperatures drop, leaves change color, and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources begins publishing its weekly fall foliage reports.
This year’s first release, posted last week, shows much of the Northern Tier and Pennsylvania Wilds regions already approaching peak color, kicking off what DCNR foresters expect to be an especially spectacular season. “After a remarkably long spring drought,” the report says, “timely summer rainfall and moderate temperatures helped to green the canopy of Penn’s Woods, setting the stage for a very colorful autumn display.”
To help you make the most of the coming weeks, we asked members of PEC’s statewide staff to share some of their favorite leaf-peeping locations:
Keystone State Park
Topping this list is Keystone State Park, selected by western PA trails program coordinator Alexandra Long. The park recently drew national attention for being named the nation’s Best Destination for Fall Foliage.
“Keystone State Park is one of the most photographed spots in our region,” said Ann Nemanic, executive director of GO Laurel Highlands in a press release about the designation. “The lake setting coupled with spectacular sunsets are the perfect combination in a photographer’s lens. The peaceful setting is enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike, especially when the leaves reach their peak performance colors in mid-October.”
The park lies within the Laurel Highlands, an outdoor hub spanning 3,000 square miles in southwestern Pennsylvania, about an hour’s drive from Pittsburgh. With hundreds of miles of trails, rivers famed for rafting and kayaking, plus ski resorts and groomed cross-country skiing trails, it’s a great place to visit all year round.
Black Moshannon State Park
An avid outdoor adventurer, Helena Kotala, program manager for the central region, knows what she’s talking about when she gives recreation advice. For fall colors, her pick is Black Moshannon State Park. Home of PEC’s annual Public Lands Ride, the park covers 3,394 acres of forests and wetlands.
Because of its higher elevation on top of the Allegheny Front, leaves change at least a week ahead of the surrounding areas like State College, so you can maximize your foliage viewing without going very far. It also has a nice mix of trees, and the changing colors around the lake are always gorgeous. Fun ways to enjoy the foliage include paddling on the lake, riding gravel on the forest roads (check out the Public Lands Ride routes for inspiration), or hiking on the Allegheny Front Trail.
A float on the Black Moshannon Lake, whose tea-colored waters give the park its name, is another great way to enjoy the rich colors.
Rimrock Overlook & Kinzua Bridge State Park
Tali MacArthur, Lewisburg-based program manager for watershed outreach, recently visited the Rimrock Overlook and Kinzua Bridge State Park with her family — and all she could say was “WOW!” Both are nestled in the PA Wilds, an area known for its lush forests and pristine natural beauty.
The Rimrock Overlook offers stunning views of Allegheny Reservoir, with trail access to Kinzua Gorge for those who want to take a closer look. Part of the Allegheny National Forest, the area is filled with deciduous trees that show a wide array of warm reds, lively yellows, and deep oranges in autumn.
Kinzua Bridge State Park, a trailhead of this year’s Trail of the Year, hosts nature walks and naturalist events throughout the year. The skywalk near the visitor center provides panoramic views of the Kinzua Creek Valley as well as a close-up of the collapsed Kinzua Viaduct, toppled by a tornado in 2003.
Michaux State Forest
As program manager for the southeast region, Zhenya Nalywayko loves exploring trails by bike and on foot. One of his top haunts for fall is Michaux State Forest, encompassing Cumberland, Franklin, and Adams counties. Home to the mid-point of the Appalachian Trail, the forest offers over 85,000 acres of mostly undeveloped land full of forested valleys and ridges, perfect for a fall retreat.
A variety of oak species dominate the slopes, along with red maple, black birch, black gum, hickory, and yellow poplar. Leaf peepers can camp at Caledonia State Park (within the state forest) or find a primitive camp site in the forest itself.
Pine Hill Vista Trail
Northeastern Pennsylvania Program Coordinator Rachael Stark chose the Pine Hill Vista Trail in Pinchot State Forest as her fall favorite. Here’s why:
“The trail is great, because you can park right at the base of Pine Hill and walk up the .3 miles or you can make it a longer hike by parking at the main Pinchot Trailhead and meeting Pine Hill after about a two-mile walk,” Rachael says. “At the top of the hill is a fire tower, which hikers can ascend to see 360-degree views of Carbon County, Luzerne County, Monroe County and beyond!”
What makes this spot extra special is that it’s a popular sunset and sunrise spot. There’s nothing like watching the sunset below a colorful, autumn horizon to the tune of visiting Towhees and whippoorwills (and the occasional distant coyote).
World’s End State Park
World’s End State Park and the adjacent Kettle Creek Gorge Natural Area are situated in an S-shaped valley of the Loyalsock Creek, just south of Forksville in Sullivan County. Both are within the 780-acre Loyalsock State Forest. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offers this persuasive description: “The rugged natural beauty coursing through the heart of the Endless Mountains landscape provides many photographic possibilities.”
Paul says it’s “pretty darn nice to be out there on a mid-October fall day.” Angel Falls, a 70-foot waterfall that flows especially strong after the spring thaw or a good rain, is a highlight of the area. You can see it while hiking the Loyalsock Trail.
Frances Slocum State Park
Janet Sweeney, director of PEC’s Northeast office, first listed the entirety of NEPA as her favorite place for fall foliage. Asked to specify, she said her personal favorite is Frances Slocum State Park, spanning 1,035 acres in northeastern Pennsylvania’s Luzerne County.
A horseshoe-shaped lake is popular for fishing and boating, as well as swimming in the summer months. Trails in the park pass through a diversity of trees, such as hemlock stands hardwood forest and larch trees, a deciduous conifer that turn a bright gold in the fall.
“I drive by this park on my way to work and in the fall the colors of the trees are reflected in the water, and it is beautiful,” Sweeney said.
Wissahickon Valley Park Trail & Forbidden Drive
PEC Executive Vice President Patrick Starr’s pick is the Wissahickon Valley Park Trail – Forbidden Drive (WVPT)which he said would be on any Philadelphian’s fall list. Cars have been forbidden on the 7-mile trail since 1899, making it an ideal place for generations of hikers and cyclists.
Named for the creek it follows, Wissahickon Valley Park is a National Natural Landmark, suffuse with maples, alder, birch, dogwoods, magnolias, and beech trees that make for a painter’s palette of color. Wildlife also is abundant, with Wissahickon Gorge inside the park designated as an “Important Birding Area” by the National Audubon Society.
You can access the trail from Northwestern Avenue at Thomas Road in Wyndmoor, or at Lincoln Drive at the south end of the park. For longer routes, the trail links to the Schuylkill River Trail as well as Wissahickon Green Ribbon Trail via an on-road connection.
Track current conditions by using the Fall Foliage Reports on the DCNR webpage to plan your trip around the best fall leaf colors. These reports are updated weekly until mid-November. Happy leaf peeping!