Autumn in Pennsylvania is magical. The air turns crisp, leaves shift to vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, and every mountain, valley, and trail becomes a photo-worthy scene. If you want to experience fall at its finest in 2025, here are the ten best places to visit, complete with practical details, timing, and insider tips.
Pine Creek Gorge is often called the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, and it’s easy to see why. Stretching 47 miles long and up to 1,450 feet deep, the gorge is a striking landscape of layered ridges blanketed in forest. During peak foliage, the contrast of deep greens with fiery reds and golden yellows is unforgettable.
Leonard Harrison State Park: Offers multiple overlooks and short trails perfect for photography.
Colton Point State Park: Known for quieter, more secluded views with dramatic cliffs.
Hiking Trails: Moderate trails run along the gorge rim, and some descend to Pine Creek for a different perspective.
Arrive early for sunrise photos — morning fog often creates mystical scenes.
Bring hiking boots for uneven trails and a picnic to enjoy the views.
Check foliage updates for 2025 on the PA Foliage Reports.
- Location: Tioga County, PA
Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October - Why Go: Dramatic overlooks, hiking trails, and a “grand canyon” view of fall colors.
2. Pocono Mountains
The Poconos are a fall classic for a reason. Their mix of elevations, forests, and small towns creates a vibrant tapestry of color. Areas like Jim Thorpe combine historic charm with spectacular foliage.
Lehigh Gorge State Park: Hiking and biking trails along rivers framed by fall colors.
Scenic Drives: Routes like Route 6 or the backroads of the Poconos showcase red maples and golden birches.
Waterfalls & Lakes: Perfect stops for photography and short hikes.
Stay in a cozy cabin for early-morning foliage walks before the crowds.
Use the Pocono Mountains Fall Foliage Forecast to track peak dates.
Weekdays are less crowded for leaf-peeping than weekends.
- Location: Northeastern Pennsylvania
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-October
- Why Go: Scenic drives, charming towns, and extended foliage season due to varied elevations.
3. Ricketts Glen State Park
If you love waterfalls and foliage, Ricketts Glen is a must-see. Its Falls Trail has 23 waterfalls, creating breathtaking scenery when surrounded by autumn leaves.
Hike the Falls Trail for a full day of immersion in color and cascades.
Enjoy Lake Jean for a quieter, reflective fall experience.
Photography enthusiasts will love capturing waterfalls framed by vibrant foliage.
Trail can be slippery — bring proper hiking shoes.
Parking fills quickly on weekends, so arrive early or consider weekdays.
Combine with a visit to nearby small towns for food and local crafts.
- Location: Luzerne and Sullivan Counties, PA
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-October
- Why Go: Stunning waterfalls paired with colorful forests.
4. Laurel Highlands (Including Mount Davis & Forbes State Forest)
The Laurel Highlands offer sweeping vistas of rolling mountains blanketed in fall color. Mount Davis, Pennsylvania’s highest peak, provides panoramic views of the region’s autumn palette.
Hiking & Overlooks: Enjoy trails with multiple viewpoints to capture reds, yellows, and oranges.
Historic Sites: Explore Fallingwater or Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes near the trails.
Forbes State Forest: Offers quieter forested hikes and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Peak is usually later than northern PA — ideal if you missed early October foliage.
Stay overnight in a local cabin or inn to enjoy sunrise and sunset over the mountains.
Bring a thermos with hot drinks for crisp mornings.
- Location: Southwestern Pennsylvania
- Best Time to Visit: Late October
- Why Go: Elevated views, scenic trails, and slightly later foliage for extended season.
5. Montgomery County & Valley Forge National Historical Park
Valley Forge National Historical Park isn’t just about Revolutionary War history — it’s a serene place to enjoy fall colors near Philadelphia. Trails like the Perkiomen Trail let visitors walk or bike under colorful canopies.
Walking & Biking Trails: Full of hardwood forests perfect for photography.
Historic Sites: Visit the Revolutionary War encampment areas surrounded by colorful leaves.
Local Cafes: Nearby towns provide cozy spots to warm up after a day outdoors.
Go early to avoid crowds and enjoy softer morning light.
Take a picnic to enjoy along the trails.
Check weekly foliage updates to time your visit perfectly.
- Location: Southeastern Pennsylvania
- Best Time to Visit: Late October to Early November
- Why Go: Combine history, urban accessibility, and peaceful forest trails.
6. Bushkill Falls (The “Niagara of Pennsylvania”)
Known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania, Bushkill Falls is a private park featuring eight waterfalls interconnected by hiking trails. In autumn, the surrounding hardwood forests explode with oranges, reds, and yellows, making every viewpoint a postcard-perfect scene.
Hike the main waterfall trails for breathtaking views.
Use the steep staircases for elevated vantage points over the colorful forests.
Bring a camera — the waterfalls with autumn leaves in the background are highly photogenic.
Weekday visits are less crowded than weekends.
Wear sturdy shoes; some trails are steep and slippery with fallen leaves.
- Location: Pocono Mountains, PA
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-October
- Why Go: Dramatic waterfalls framed by fiery fall foliage.
7. Hickory Run State Park
Hickory Run offers more than just trees. Its famous Boulder Field provides a unique landscape amidst fall colors. Hiking and wildlife watching are excellent here, especially when the forests are at peak.
Hike the Boulder Field Trail or the Sand Spring Trail.
Camp or picnic to fully enjoy the fall scenery.
Explore smaller trails for peaceful forest immersion.
Avoid overly crowded weekends.
Bring water and snacks; trails can be longer than expected.
Check PA Parks for foliage updates and trail conditions.
- Location: Carbon County, PA
- Best Time to Visit: Mid to late October
- Why Go: Large boulder fields, forest trails, and scenic drives.
8. Michaux State Forest (South-Central PA)
For those who want less crowded foliage spots, Michaux State Forest is a hidden gem. Its rolling hills and hardwood forests produce brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges later in the season, extending the fall color window.
Take scenic drives through Forest Roads 160 and 200.
Hike lesser-known trails for quiet reflection and wildlife sightings.
Bring a picnic to enjoy on a hilltop or overlook.
Limited facilities, so plan ahead.
Perfect for photographers seeking untouched landscapes.
Check local foliage reports for exact peak timing.
- Location: Adams and Cumberland Counties, PA
- Best Time to Visit: Late October
- Why Go: Remote forests, quiet trails, and panoramic overlooks.
9. Worlds End State Park
Worlds End offers dramatic cliffs and gorges, with Loyalsock Creek winding through colorful forests. Hikers and photographers love this park for its mix of elevation and water views framed by fall colors.
Hike the High Rock Trail for sweeping views.
Canoe or fish in the Loyalsock Creek for a different perspective.
Explore picnic areas surrounded by vibrant foliage.
Trails can be steep; wear proper shoes.
Early mornings are ideal for fewer crowds and misty creek scenes.
Visit PA State Parks – Worlds End for trail maps and updates.
- Location: Sullivan County, PA
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-October
- Why Go: Rugged cliffs, the Loyalsock Creek, and vibrant forested slopes.
10. Allegheny National Forest
Allegheny National Forest is perfect for leaf-peepers who want large-scale forests and rugged landscapes. With hundreds of miles of trails and scenic drives, it’s one of the best spots for early-season fall color.
Drive the Forest Highway 59 scenic route.
Hike trails such as Minister Creek and Longhouse Trails for immersive foliage.
Bring binoculars for spotting wildlife, including deer and eagles.
Peak foliage can vary by elevation — check Allegheny National Forest foliage reports before planning.
Camping is an option if you want to experience sunrise and sunset views of the forest canopy.
Early October is generally best for northern Pennsylvania colors.
- Location: Northwestern Pennsylvania
- Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October
- Why Go: Vast forests, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing.
Quick Recap of All 10 Top Spots for Fall Foliage in Pennsylvania 2025:
| Spot | Region | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pine Creek Gorge | Northern PA | Early Oct |
| Pocono Mountains | Northeastern PA | Mid Oct |
| Ricketts Glen | Central PA | Mid Oct |
| Laurel Highlands | Southwestern PA | Late Oct |
| Montgomery County / Valley Forge | Southeastern PA | Late Oct / Early Nov |
| Bushkill Falls | Pocono Mountains | Mid Oct |
| Hickory Run State Park | Carbon County | Mid-Late Oct |
| Michaux State Forest | South-Central PA | Late Oct |
| Worlds End State Park | Sullivan County | Mid Oct |
| Allegheny National Forest | Northwestern PA | Early-Mid Oct |
Final Thoughts
Pennsylvania in the fall feels like a living painting — from the misty ridges of Pine Creek Gorge to the sparkling waterfalls of Ricketts Glen, every corner of the state tells its own seasonal story. What makes the Keystone State special is its variety: you can hike forest trails, drive scenic byways, explore historic parks, or simply sit by a lake and watch the trees reflect in the water.
In 2025, the foliage season is expected to be especially vivid thanks to balanced rainfall and cooler late-summer temperatures. Whether you plan a weekend getaway in the Poconos, a photography trip to the Laurel Highlands, or a peaceful walk through Valley Forge, make time to slow down and soak in the moment — the crisp air, the crunch of leaves, and the quiet beauty of Pennsylvania’s landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When is the best time to see fall foliage in Pennsylvania in 2025?
The peak foliage season varies by region:
Northern PA (Pine Creek, Allegheny): Early to mid-October
Central PA (Ricketts Glen, Pocono foothills): Mid-October
Southern PA (Laurel Highlands, Valley Forge): Late October to early November
- You can track weekly updates using the PA Fall Foliage Reports.
2. What are the most scenic fall drives in Pennsylvania?
Some of the most breathtaking autumn drives include:
U.S. Route 6: Cuts across northern PA through charming small towns and mountain ridges.
Route 120 (Bucktail Scenic Byway): Winds through deep forest valleys along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
Route 381 through the Laurel Highlands: Gorgeous mountain views and colorful forest tunnels.
3. How long does the fall color season last in Pennsylvania?
Typically, Pennsylvania’s fall color season lasts from late September through early November. However, the peak color only lasts about 10 days in each region. Because the state’s elevation and climate vary, you can follow the changing colors southward to extend your leaf-peeping trip over several weekends.
4. What are some family-friendly places to see fall foliage?
If you’re traveling with kids or looking for easy access, try:
Bushkill Falls: Great walking trails and photo ops.
Valley Forge National Historical Park: Wide paved paths and picnic spots.
Hickory Run State Park: The Boulder Field fascinates children and adults alike.
Pocono scenic train rides: Relaxed and fun for families.
5. Can I see fall foliage without hiking?
Absolutely! Many of Pennsylvania’s best foliage views are accessible by car or from roadside overlooks.
Leonard Harrison State Park (Pine Creek Gorge) offers panoramic views steps from the parking lot.
Worlds End State Park has drive-up overlooks perfect for photos.
Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway provides endless roadside color.
Even a casual drive or picnic can give you spectacular fall views without strenuous hiking.
