Each year, hundreds of thousands of travelers make their way to the Pennsylvania Wilds, eager to get a view of some of the most gorgeous fall foliage in the world. These “leaf peepers,” as they’re called, know there’s something special about Pennsylvania’s autumn leaves… scientifically, Pennsylvania is a prime viewing spot.
According to the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) fall foliage page, Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation — or anywhere in the world!
The US Forest Service estimates that Pennsylvania has a rough total of 7.95 billion trees, many of which are in the rural PA Wilds region. If you factor in how many folks live in Pennsylvania, that comes out to about 613 trees for every person living in our state.
Where are most of the trees in Pennsylvania? Why, within the PA Wilds, of course!
The PA Wilds region encompasses over 2 million acres of public lands, which are protected and set aside for citizens and visitors to enjoy. The region boasts 29 state parks, eight state forests, and is home to the Commonwealth’s only national forest: the Allegheny National Forest.
Not only does Pennsylvania have a lot of trees, we have a wide variety of them… 134 separate tree species, in fact! Many of these trees are deciduous, meaning they change colors in the fall as they prepare to lose their leaves for the winter. In the northern section of the PA Wilds, you’ll find northern hardwood forests made up of cherry, maple, and birch trees. Oak and hickory trees are more common in the southern part of the PA Wilds region. However, a good mix of these trees can be found around the state, ensuring our state has some of the most widely varied trees.
That wide variety helps keep our leaf peeping season long and colorful! The timing of when leaves change varies by species. Blackgum trees are some of the first ones to change color, beginning typically in late August. Dogwood leaves usually change color in mid-September. Maples show off their bright red and orange colors at the end of September or early October. Oak and beech trees are typically the last to change and fall from the branches, making Pennsylvania’s fall foliage season a joy to watch for multiple months.
In addition to the varied timing, the numerous tree species also have a range of colors that their leaves tend to change. Pigments within their leaf tissue absorb and reflect certain wavelengths of light. Red oaks tend to make more red-reflecting pigments, whereas poplars tend to make more yellow-reflecting pigments.
Our wide variety of trees and leaves makes for beautiful scenery and photography opportunities! Although a forest of just birch trees would certainly look pretty in the fall for a few weeks, it’s nothing in comparison to the diverse range of colors and trees you’ll see in the PA Wilds.
Pennsylvania falls between 40° and 42° North latitude, right in the temperate climate of the Eastern United States. This geographical space puts us in the perfect location to be not too hot and not too cold, enjoying four full seasons and the kinds of temperatures that cause deciduous trees to thrive in the summer but drop their leaves in the fall.
The gently rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains provide plenty of opportunities to look over the forests of richly colored fall foliage. Even just driving along the I-80 Frontier, you’re bound to catch a glimpse of the bright hues.
Smaller roads and scenic byways can lead you through dense forests, as the branches make an orange and yellow canopy of foliage above your vehicle. An autumn road trip through the PA Wilds can be breathtaking. Elk Scenic Drive, Bucktail Scenic Byway, and Scenic Route 6 all give colorful views during the fall, while also passing through cute towns where you can get a bite to eat and do some shopping.
Of course, many travelers also seek out specific overlooks that promise the best views of the scenery. Kinzua Bridge State Park and the Kinzua Skywalk overlook the Kinzua Gorge in McKean County. In Tioga County on the eastern side of the PA Wilds region, travelers flock to Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park to see the leaves change at the Pine Creek Valley, often called the PA Grand Canyon.
These places have become destinations for folks around the world to come see these gorgeous changing leaves, and rightfully so! The scenery you’ll find at these locations is unlike anything else. You’ll also be able to grab a locally made souvenir while you’re there.
At both Kinzua Bridge State Park and Leonard Harrison State Park, visitors can find PA Wilds Conservation Shops. These shops are more than just gift shops… You’ll find that 90 percent of the products sold there are designed and made in-region, allowing you to truly “take home a piece of the PA Wilds” while giving local artisans new avenues to sell their products. You’ll be able to find locally made t-shirts, magnets, stickers, hats, books, jewelry, home decor, and even sweet treats!
There are also many other beautiful overlooks tucked along the back roads and trails of this expansive region. Consider peering out over the breathtaking overlook at Hyner View State Park, where not only do you have the chance to see changing fall leaves but might even catch a glimpse of someone using the spot to go hang gliding!
Another fantastic stop is the Bucktail Overlook, also known as Top of the World, in Cameron County. While you’re there, take a hike on the famous Fred Woods Trail, a nearly 5-mile loop that visits three significant vistas over Sinnemahoning Creek and several large rock formations.
Find more information, events, and leaf peeping tips at the PA Wilds Fall Leaf Peeping page. You’ll find details about how you experience the fall foliage magic, including two famous leaf-inspired events in the PA Wilds: the Flaming Fall Foliage Festival in Renovo and the Autumn Leaf Festival in Clarion.
Want a written guide to help you navigate the best leaf scenery in the Allegheny National Forest? You can see the Commonwealth’s only National Forest – the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds – in a whole new light each fall. Explore the region and take in the awe-inspiring beauty of this woodland region using the Fall Foliage Tour developed by the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) Visitors Bureau. Take a day trip, or spend the night, while taking in the nine unique experiences outlined in the guide! Download the guide here.
Crisp autumn air and breathtaking fall foliage is the perfect time to lace up your boots and hit a hiking trail. Did you know that the PA Wilds is home to more than 1,600 miles of hiking trails? Check out the PA Wilds hiking page for more info.
The leaf peeping season also coincides with the wild elk herd’s fall rut! As part of a major conservation effort, the Pennsylvania Game Commission released 177 Rocky Mountain elk into Pennsylvania between 1913 and 1926. Today, this wild herd has over 1,000 elk spread across the Elk Country landscape of the PA Wilds.
End the day with a tasty brew, glass of wine, or inspired food. Check out the PA Wilds pages for breweries and wineries!
Need a place to rest your head? Check out this list of all of the comfy places you can rest your head after an exciting leaf peeping adventure in the PA Wilds.
To learn more, read this PA DCNR Good Natured blog article about Pennsylvania’s special fall foliage.
Author: Britt Madera
Britt joined the PA Wilds team as communications manager in 2022, helping to tell the stories that make our region so unique, whether that is covering our beautiful landscapes, the innovative businesses, or the spunky people that call it home. She had worked the last 10 years in radio and news broadcasting, and now she’s continuing to connect media outlets with positive news stories. Britt oversees external communications, media relations, and paid and volunteer content on the blog. As someone who grew up in Clearfield County and moved back shortly after college, Britt is eager to share her passion for the PA Wilds and help our area grow and shine.