Pennsylvania Fall Foliage is Peaking: When and Where

If you want to get your leaf peeping on, now is a great time to do it across Pennsylvania. In fact, we're just now approaching the peak time to view autumn colors around the Philadelphia region. Read on for the scoop in not only the Philly area but across the state.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' fall foliage outlook, leaf colors are expected to be at peak levels through Oct. 26 in many areas of western Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Washington and Greene counties. In the Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, the colors are "approaching best color," according to the DCNR color maps.

"Although rain and wind stripped many colorful leaves from maples, exciting fall shades can still be found across most of the state," the DCNR report states. "The best color this week will be found in the central/southern Appalachians and the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania. Cold overnight temperatures should spur the last push of color in oak stands and southeastern PA forests."

In the southwestern areas of Pennsylvania, the report says colors are on the way. The report states, "The Mercer County (Clear Creek State Forest District) service forester reported that foliage has peaked in the district, but much color remains. Most maples are past peak and have been dropping leaves; however, scattered maples and
even some entire hillsides still have brilliant yellows, oranges, and fiery reds. Oaks are just starting to turn in some locations, with red oaks showing dazzling shades of red. Color transition in oaks should accelerate over the forecast week with the recent cold snap. District forests contain a substantial oak component, so visitors to the region should expect attractive fall color to last into next week." The recent cold weather, rain and wind has harmed some of the fall leaves around western Pennsylvania, but all is not lost. With some locations just now hitting peak season, there are still some great days for leaf peeping ahead. For the full report, go here.

Fall is upon us, and that means it's time to start planning out your fall foliage travels. Here in Pennsylvania, we have plenty of incredible spots to take in the colorful fall leaves. We're really lucky, in that sense, so have such a beautiful autumn landscape.

So, what if you want to visit an area of the state that's isn't an obvious one for fall colors? Maybe you would even call it a "secret" place. Well, the crew at BestLifeOnline.com has done the work for you and put together a list of the 10 best "secret places" in the U.S. to see fall foliage. "Summer's end signals the last days of warm weather in most areas," they state in the article. "But it also means the return of fall's dazzling colors in full display as trees begin to turn for the season. You can plan entire trips around leaf peeping, whether it's heading to a national park for unimpeded foliage or planning a drive to take in the dazzling orange, red, and yellow hues that dominate the landscape. And while the pastime is popular enough to drive crowds to well-known viewing destinations, there are still plenty of under-the-radar options for getting your fix."

So, which Pennsylvania spot is considered one of the best "secret places" to take in autumn? There are plenty of options in our state, but read on for the full list of the 10 best cities in the U.S. to view fall foliage, according to BestLifeOnline.com. Find more information on all of the areas here. I will say that the No. 1 spot is not in our state- it's in Julian, California. That town is about an hour east of San Diego and considered the best in America to not only see the fall colors but also participate in fall-themed activities.

https://www.charlottesville.gov/

https://fortpayne.org/

https://www.travelportland.com/

https://www.visitbarharbor.com/

https://destinationgettysburg.com/

https://www.nycgo.com/boroughs-neighborhoods/brooklyn

https://www.discoverlitchfieldhills.com/

https://www.michigan.org/city/mackinac-island

https://www.denver.org/

https://www.desertusa.com/cities/ca/julian.html

This list if via BestLifeOnline.com.