Aerial View of Philadelphia

I’m always surprised how many people say fall is their favorite season, but it is a beautiful time of year, especially in Pennsylvania. I personally think Pennsylvania offers some of the best fall colors in the entire U.S., and now is the perfect time to start planning that fall trip to see those vibrant autumn shades. I’m already seeing a few leaves changing colors, and while it’s beautiful, I have to admit that I’m not very happy to see the changing leaves, since it means summer is winding down. I’m not ready for it to end, because we all know that snow is on the way.

The crew at VisitPA.com has put together a list of the best places to view fall foliage in Pennsylvania. “Nothing signals the advent of autumn in Pennsylvania like when the state’s natural landscape begins to burst with glittering displays of red, yellow, and purple,” they state in the article. “From the large-scale transformations in Allegheny National Forest and Rothrock State Forest to historical sights framed by varying shades of gold, visitors can catch a glimpse of this annual spectacle by foot, bike, or car!”

Of course, the best times to view fall foliage differs by region and year, so check with your local spots before venturing out on a big fall foliage viewing trip. I can’t wait to head to some of these destinations to take in the fall colors. Why not make a family trip out of it, or a weekend with friends? Read on for the full list of the best places to see fall foliage in Pennsylvania via the crew at VisitPA.com. What is your favorite spot to view the fall colors in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia? Reach out to us on social media and let us know your favorite areas to view the bright colors.

  • 25. Gettysburg National Military Park

    Best viewing time: late October

    Gettysburg National Military Park (U.S. National Park Service)

    The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, the Union victory that ended General Robert E. Lee's second and most ambitious invasion of the North. Often referred to as the "High Water Mark of the Rebellion", Gettysburg was the Civil War's bloodiest battle and was also the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln's immortal "Gettysburg Address".

  • 24. Pennsylvania Route 6

    Best viewing time: mid to late October

    PA Route 6 - PA Route 6 Alliance

    "One of America's most scenic drives...." (National Geographic)"Pennsylvania's Best Touring Route!" (Harley-Davidson) US Route 6 in Pennsylvania is the heart of the American Dream. This magical and tranquil highway along the Keystone State's northern tier is 400-plus miles of history and heritage, small-town culture, friendly people, and wondrous sights too-often forgotten.

  • 23. Brandywine Battlefield Park

    Best viewing time: mid to late October

    Brandywine Battlefield Park

    Welcome to the new blog of the Brandywine Battlefield. You will be able to find notices, updates, happenings, and goings-on of the Brandywine Battlefield Park and PHMC, as well as local events here. And what better way to start off than by announcing our 2017 Volunteer of the Year, George Tolton!

  • 22. Cook Forest State Park

    Best viewing time: mid October

    Home

    Home

  • 21. Lancaster County

    Best viewing time: mid October

    Visiting Lancaster in Fall | Discover Lancaster

    Experience Lancaster County, PA during the fall! There's so many things to do and beautiful places to see the vibrant and changing leaves. Find exciting outdoor adventure and family fun events. Lancaster is the perfect place to take a romantic getaway.

  • 20. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

    Best viewing time: mid October

    Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

    Since 1934, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is an international center for raptor conservation, education, observation and research. Our all-ages learning center and 2,600-acre wildlife santuary is open nearly every day of the year. From August through December, you can join us in the time-honored tradition of watching for migrant hawks, eagles and falcons that soar past our scenic overlook.

  • 19. Bucktail Overlook

    Best viewing time: mid October

    Bucktail Overlook | Visit PA Great Outdoors

    Also called "Top of the World" and the Mason Hill Overlook with commanding 360-degree panoramic views of Sinnemahoning watershed and dark skies for star gazing.

  • 18. Delaware State Forest

    Best viewing time: mid October

    Delaware State Forest

    Find recreation, conservation, and contact information, maps, and more for Delaware State Forest.

  • 17. Ridley Creek State Park

    Best viewing time: mid October

    Ridley Creek State Park

    Ridley Creek State Park encompasses more than 2,606 acres of Delaware County woodlands and meadows. The gently rolling terrain of the park, bisected by Ridley Creek, is only 16 miles from center city Philadelphia and is an oasis of open space in a growing urban area.

  • 16. Three Rivers Heritage Trail

    Best viewing time: mid October

    Three Rivers Heritage Trail

    Three Rivers Heritage Trail spans 26.6 from 78 Westhall St (Pittsburgh) to 2ND W Run Rd (Pittsburgh). View amenities, descriptions, reviews, photos, itineraries, and directions on TrailLink.

  • 15. Presque Isle State Park

    Best viewing time: mid October

    https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g52607-d1519750-Reviews-Presque_Isle_State_Park-Erie_Pennsylvania.html

  • 14. Rothrock State Forest

    Best viewing time: mid October

    DCNR Homepage

    Learn about conservation practices on Pennsylvania public lands and outdoor recreation, education, and business opportunities in Pennsylvania state parks and forests.

  • 13. Oil Region National Heritage Area

    Best viewing time: mid October

    Oil Region Alliance | The Valley that Changed the World

    Welcome to the Oil Region considering a visit, setting up shop moving, catching up with your hometown brushing up on history, we have the information you need

  • 12. Washington Crossing Historic Park

    Best viewing time: mid October

    Home - Washington Crossing Historic Park

    Contribute Now: Help us save our national heritage The mission of the non- profit Friends of Washington Crossing Park is to support the programs of Washington Crossing Historic Park. Your tax-deductible gift will assist the Friends to support and promote the park as an historic site and aid in the preservation, collection and maintenance of materials, buildings, equipment, machinery and artifacts relating to the colonial period.

  • 11. Big Pocono State Park

    Best viewing time: mid October

    Big Pocono State Park

    Big Pocono State Park is in Monroe County in northeastern Pennsylvania. The park consists of 1,306 acres of rugged terrain on the summit and slopes of Camelback Mountain and features scenic views of three states. Big Pocono State Park facilities are maintained in cooperation with Camelback Mountain Resort.

  • 10. Kinzua Bridge State Park

    Best viewing time: early to mid October

    Kinzua Bridge State Park

    The 339-acre Kinzua Bridge State Park, located in McKean County, is the home of the reinvented Kinzua Viaduct. The Viaduct, once the longest and tallest railroad stru​cture at 2,053 feet long and 301 feet high, was partially destroyed by a tornado during 2003.

  • 9. Winslow Hill Elk Viewing Area

    Best viewing time: early October

    Winslow Hill Elk Viewing Area - Benezette, PA

    2 reviews and 29 photos of WINSLOW HILL ELK VIEWING AREA "Whether you know it or not, PA is home to the largest free roaming elk herd in the northeast. The elk that currently call PA home are not indigenous to the area.

  • 8. Memorial Lake State Park

    Best viewing time: early October

    Memorial Lake State Park

    Memorial Lake State Park's 230 acres are near the base of Blue Mountain in East Hanover Township, Lebanon County. The park is surrounded by Fort Indiantown Gap, the headquarters for the Pennsylvania Army and Air National Guard. The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset.

  • 7. Starrucca Viaduct

    Best viewing time: early October

    Starrucca Viaduct (PA): Facts, Construction, Photos, Map

    Erie Railroad's Starrucca Viaduct was a massive 1,000-foot stone-arch bridge built in the late 1840s designed by James P. Kirkwood. It is still in use today.

  • 6. Lebanon Valley Rail Trail and Mt. Gretna

    Best viewing time: early October

    Explore, Shop & Support the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail

    20+ miles of mixed-use trail. Run, bike, hike, and ride your way through picturesque Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.

  • 5. Northern Central Railway

    Best viewing time: early October

    https://www.yorkcountytrails.org/trails/heritage-rail-trail-county-park/

  • 4. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

    Best viewing time: early October

    John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

    John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wildlife Refuge System, a network of lands set aside for the benefit of native wildlife and plants. Established in 1972 through local activism, the refuge protects habitat for the benefit of both people and wildlife.

  • 3. Pine Creek Gorge

    Best viewing time: early October

    Pine Creek Rail Trail | Visit Potter-Tioga Pennsylvania

    This world-renowned 62+ mile Pine Creek Rail Trail is a multi-use trail that can be used for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.

  • 2. Great Allegheny Passage

    Best viewing time: early October

    Great Allegheny Passage

    best biking trail in América. Bike vacation, bicycle destination, travel packages, cheap travel, easy trips, budget travel, weekend getaway, scenic rail trail.

  • 1. Allegheny National Forest

    Best viewing time: late September or early October

    Home

    Choose your own adventure. Explore the beauty of the Forest from over 600 miles of four-season trails. Visitor Guide: 1-800-473-9370.

  • Source

    This list is via visitPA.com.

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