The leaves are about to change and reveal the awe of autumn. Many locations in Pittsburgh and throughout the state are ideal for stunning fall views. | Photography by Dave DiCillo
aAutumn is a time of change. Change in temperature, change in season, and a wonderful change in landscape.
Shades of bright red, orange and yellow fall leaves are beginning to spread across the landscape in Allegheny County and across the state, and there are a number of sites you can visit to enjoy the wonders of the season.
If you want to track foliage changes across the country to better plan your trips, check out this interactive take on the Smoky Mountains Forecast map.
Local sites
If you can’t head north to Vermont, New England, or Maine this fall, there are a number of options here in the Pittsburgh area for your fall foliage fix.
Three Rivers Heritage Trail
Three Rivers Heritage TrailThe 33-mile non-linear trail, which includes portions of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers, is a popular place to see some amazing colors. The trail winds through the city’s North Side, Downtown, and South Side neighborhoods, is easily accessible from various points, and offers foliage enthusiasts views of the city skyline and rivers framed in shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Visit the trail a map For recommended access points.
Pittsburgh City Parks
Pittsburgh’s city parks contain hundreds of acres of trails perfect for discovering those vibrant colors of the season.
Fall yoga in Schenley Park is one way to experience everything the season has to offer. | Photos: Shutterstock
Shenley Parkwith 465 acres of green space, offers a sprawling hilltop view of the city and a collection of trails throughout Panther Hollow. Frick Park It covers 644 acres, making it the largest park in Pittsburgh. It also contains a variety of tulip, ash and red maple trees, which change colors at slightly different times. This promises a variety of fall colors perfect for your seasonal backgrounds.
Highland Park It sits on 365 acres and features a Victorian-era entry garden complete with a fountain and reflecting pool. Take a break on one of the benches or take a quick stroll along the trails while enjoying the fall colors.
Riverview Park On the northern side, it is famous for its dense forests and steep terrain. This 259-acre park is the perfect place to get some exercise along an extensive network of trails among the changing leaves.
A fall programming guide for Pittsburgh parks is available here.
The Great Allegheny Pass
Great Allegheny Pass, which stretches approximately 150 miles between downtown and Cumberland, Maryland, bursts into fall colors a little early in October. The trail carries walkers and bikers through Ohiopyle, a state park rich in fall beauty located on the southern edge of the Laurel Mountains. If you’re up for a hike, you can brave the somewhat challenging Baughman Trail for a dramatic panorama of the Youghiogheny River Gorge.
More locations in Pennsylvania
If you’re ready to take some short road trips this fall, these other Pennsylvania destinations won’t disappoint.
Presque Isle State Park, Erie
Head north on Hwy 79 to Presque Isle State Park And Lake Erie to see some foliage among the 3,200-acre peninsula surrounded by diverse forests. See some first-hand changing vacations this month with weekend sightseeing boat tours on board Lady Kateor head in early October to see the fewer crowds and attractive shades of the season.
Falling Waters in Laurel Highlands is one of many locations where you can fix your foliage while also admiring the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Laurel Heights
complete Laurel Heights Dense with different types of trees – oak, maple, cherry and more – it offers multiple views of the stunning landscape, creating a leaf-peeping paradise. Barely an hour from Pittsburgh, you can take the Lincoln Highway – Route 30 – which takes travelers by car through roads lined with sprawling trees and wildflowers. If you’re looking for a fun trip this fall, look no further.
Allegheny National Forest
Allegheny National Forest, full of deciduous trees that take on warm shades of red, orange and yellow beginning in late September. You can take Longhouse National Scenic Byway, a 36-mile trail that winds around the forest with expansive views of picture-perfect views, including the stunning Kinzua Point Scenic View. The forest also offers a wide range of activities throughout the year, including birding, boating, camping, biking, hiking, skiing and more.
Shohola Falls State Park in the Pocono Mountains offers stunning views and beautiful waterfalls for visitors this fall.
Poconos
Peeping leaves in the Poconos, incl Big Pocono State ParkIt’s so popular that there’s a separate page for it on the mountains.’ website. While the scenic mountains are about 4.5 hours from Pittsburgh, they contain more than 127 species of trees, shrubs, and plants, making them popular for their beautiful fall scenery for drivers, hikers, and bikers alike.
The Pocono Mountains also contain… Fall foliage forecast Travelers can use it to plan their trips across three color zones – meaning foliage lovers will be able to see the peak colors three separate times in three separate parts of the 2,400-square-mile region.
For more fall foliage locations, visit VisitPA condition.