With a focus on state parks and state forests, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has put together a list of some of the most unique spots for viewing fall foliage in the state.
Here are the agency’s recommendations:
Route 44 northwest from its Route 220 through Tiadaghton, Sproul and Susquehannock state forests is “one of the prettiest foliage drives in Pennsylvania,” according to the guide.
The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon in Tioga County offers some of “the most spectacular vistas” in Pennsylvania. The best views of that area of the Pine Creek Valley are in Leonard Harrison and Colton Point state parks.
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center offers “a panoramic view” of the Cumberland Valley from the stone patio of the 32-room Cameron Mansion, which was built in 1908.
The “skywalk,” with its glass-bottom viewing area, in Kinzua Bridge State Park in McKean County is “a top fall foliage destination.”
Elk State Forest in Cameron and Elk counties offer many breathtaking vistas as well as some of the best places to see parts of Pennsylvania’s elk herd.
At 3,213 feet above sea level, the highest point in Pennsylvania is Mount Davis in southern Somerset County. It’s easily accessible by vehicle.
Route 402 through Delaware State Forest in Pike and Monroe counties is rich in fantastic views of fall foliage early in Pennsylvania’s leaf-peeping season.
The lakes in Promised Land State Park in Pike County are mirrors for the autumn colors of the surrounding beech, birch, cherry, maple and oak trees.
In Rothrock State Forest, Route 305 over Stone Mountain and Route 26 over Tussey Mountain, in Centre, Huntingdon and Mifflin counties, are rich in great views.
The steep-walled, outcropping- and waterfall-rich Lehigh Gorge State Park are transected by a 26-mile rail-trail.
Michaux State Forest in Adams, Cumberland and Franklin counties is rich in vistas along South Mountain like Dark Hollow, Pole Steeple, Snowy Mountain and Valley view.
The 75-mile scenic drive along Route 120 from Lock Haven to Emporium known as Bucktail State Park Natural Area offers continuous views of about 16,433 acres of Elk and Sproul state forests as well as several scenic vistas.
In southeastern Pennsylvania, French Creek, Tyler, Ridley Creek, Nolde Forest, Nockamixon and Marsh Creek state parks provide wooded oases of fall foliage viewing opportunities close to Pennsylvania’s largest urban area.
In southwestern Pennsylvania, Kooser, Laurel Hill, Laurel Ridge and Laurel Summit state parks are surrounded by vast woodlands close to the urban/suburban metro area of Pittsburgh.
The heavily forested area of 262,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest around Cherry Springs State Park in Potter County is “nearly remote and wild today as it was two centuries ago.” And, with the added feature of the darkest skies in the East, the park also offers opportunities for stargazing.
- If you’re looking to go leaf-peeping this fall, you can find places to stay in Pennsylvania on VRBO.
The lake in the deep mountain valley that is Poe Valley State Park in Centre County is surrounded by the forest of Bald Eagle State Forest
The dense forest of Rothrock State Forest grows tight along Route 45 in the Spruce Creek area of Huntingdon County.
The 95,780-acre Tuscarora State Forest "spans across the heart of southcentral Pennsylvania’s distinctive ridges and mountain gaps in Cumberland, Franklin, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin and Perry counties.
“Miles of scenic beauty” await along Route 233, north and south of Route 30, in Franklin and Perry counties.
Contact Marcus Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com.