Track the changing leaves to see the best colors with DCNR weekly fall foliage reports
By the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
Editor’s note: Want to read why the changing leaves are particularly beautiful in the Pennsylvania Wilds region? Read “Why Pennsylvania’s fall foliage season is the most beautiful” here.
Find more information, events, and leaf peeping tips at the PA Wilds Fall Leaf Peeping page.
Want to know where to see the best fall foliage and track the changing of the leaves throughout the season? Use the weekly fall foliage reports from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to find out when you’ll see the best colors!
Weekly fall foliage reports are shared on the DCNR website throughout the autumn season. The first report for 2024 was released on September 26, and the report will be updated every Thursday.
Fall foliage typically peaks for several weeks throughout October across Pennsylvania. Visitors can get suggestions about the best spots to view fall foliage on the Penn’s Woods Fall Foliage story map and on the Pennsylvania Tourism Office website.
“Pennsylvania is home to 124 state parks, 2.2 million acres of state forestlands and a host of other public places to view the splendor and majesty of color fall foliage brings each autumn,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “I am hopeful that Pennsylvanians and visitors alike will create unique experiences, whether you’re out viewing foliage from a trail or stopping to leaf-peep from a vista on a scenic drive.”
The Commonwealth’s abundance of fall foliage viewing opportunities is a testament to what makes “Pennsylvania – The Great American Getaway,” the Commonwealth’s new tourism brand that Governor Josh Shapiro launched this summer by embarking on a statewide RV tour. As the Great American Getaway, Pennsylvania provides thousands of getaways and experiences for the nearly 72 million people who live within a 4-hour drive.
To improve public lands, Governor Josh Shapiro invested $5 million in the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps, in an effort to diversify and strengthen conservation career and workforce pathways for young people and protect our natural resources. Recognizing the importance of the economic benefits of outdoor recreation to the Commonwealth, Governor Shapiro launched the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation in 2023 and an Outdoor Business Alliance in 2024.
Pennsylvania is a large state with more than 130 native tree species, which gives residents and tourists endless opportunities to see a wide array of colors, ensuring every autumn is special. This diversity gives the Commonwealth some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse fall foliage.
Pennsylvania also boasts an abundance of great festivals, pick-your-own farms, and unrivaled haunted attractions that make the state an outstanding choice for autumn and fall foliage viewing. In 2022, Pennsylvania’s tourism industry generated $76.7 billion in economic impact, supported 486,871 jobs, contributed $4.7 billion in state and local taxes, and welcomed 192.4 million visitors.
“Fall in Pennsylvania showcases stunning foliage that transforms our landscapes into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. It’s the perfect time to explore our beautiful parks and scenic drives,” said Anne Ryan, Deputy Secretary for Tourism, Department of Community and Economic Development. “I might be biased, but no state puts on a fall show quite like Pennsylvania. It’s simply fall-ier here!”
In 2022, visitor spending – which supports jobs, income, and business sales – generated $9.6 billion in government revenues in 2022. Overnight visitor spending between 2019 and 2022 increased by $4.8 billion, with more than 66 million trips resulting in $28 billion in spending.
Outdoor recreation adds $17 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy, supporting 164,000 jobs, and accounting for 2 percent of the Commonwealth’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
About DCNR:
Established on July 1, 1995, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is charged with maintaining and protecting 121 state parks; managing 2.2 million acres of state forest land; providing information on the state’s ecological and geologic resources; and establishing community conservation partnerships with grants and technical assistance to benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local parks and recreation, regional heritage parks, open space, and natural areas. DCNR’s mission is to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations’ use and enjoyment. Learn more at DCNR.pa.gov.