Discover Why The Laurel Highlands Near Pittsburgh Has The State's Best Leaf Peeping
By Beth Price-Williams|Published September 15, 2021
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Leaf peeping season has arrived and, unfortunately, the time between near peak and peak fall foliage is all too fleeting. However, coming up with a plan allows us to jam-pack as much fall fun into our schedules as we can. While even a stroll through our own neighborhoods or a visit to a local park promises beautiful colors, we might also want to plan a day trip to the Laurel Highlands near Pittsburgh.
Consistently ranked one of the best places to go leaf peeping in Pennsylvania, the Laurel Highlands boasts a ton of space to explore – more than 3,000 square miles through Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties.
The Laurel Highlands also lays claim to the largest state park in Pennsylvania. Ohiopyle State Park sprawls across more than 20,000 acres, giving you plenty of opportunities to admire the magnificent colors of autumn.
Go to the overlook near Ohiopyle Falls, one of several waterfalls at the park, for spectacular views of the cascade and the fall colors. Or, you can hit one of the 79 miles of hiking trails in the park.
Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
You’ll find an abundance of hiking opportunities at the many parks that dot the Laurel Highlands, too. Laurel Hill State Park, Kooser State Park, and Linn Run State Park are among your choices.
Laurel Hill State Park, 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Kooser State Park, 943 Glades Pike, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Linn Run State Park, 770 Linn Run Rd, Stahlstown, PA 15687, USA
For a day of fast-paced fun for the kiddos and gorgeous views of the fall foliage, head over to Mammoth Park. The park is famous for its 100-foot slides. Just don’t forget to bring a blanket for your ride down.
MAMMOTH PARK, 171 County Park Rd, Mt Pleasant, PA 15666, USA
Ten covered bridges crisscross the Laurel Highlands and provide an idyllic backdrop for photos and leaf peeping during the autumn. Jump in the car and visit a few, such as Barronvale Bridge, Glessner Bridge, and King’s Bridge.
Barronvale Covered Bridge, Sr3035, Rockwood, PA 15557, USA
Glessner Covered Bridge, Covered Bridge Rd, Stoystown, PA 15563, USA
Sometimes nothing’s as relaxing as a leisurely drive to admire the fall colors. The Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway meanders nearly 70 miles that will take you through such adorable small towns as Ligonier and Donegal.
For a delightful meal, plan a stop at River’s Edge Café in Confluence. Nestled along the Youghiogheny River, it offers sensational views of the fall foliage.
River's Edge Cafe Bed & Breakfast, 203 Yough St, Confluence, PA 15424, USA
Where’s your favorite place to go leaf peeping in the Laurel Highlands near Pittsburgh? Or do you have another favorite spot somewhere else in the Pittsburgh area? Let us know in the comments! For some of the best leaf peeping in the area, set off on one or more of these six short and sweet fall hikes around Pittsburgh.
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