Let’s go on a scenic drive today, Pittsburgh! Those rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania might become a huge nuisance when there is snow and ice on the landscape. But during the autumn, however, those hills transform into an artist’s canvas, painted in rich golds, reds, and oranges. That makes it the perfect time to set off on a leisurely one to two-hour drive through Western Pennsylvania along the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway to see the beautiful fall colors.

Roll down the windows; turn up the tunes, and let's hit the road!
Flickr/clio1789
We're going on a spectacular 68-mile journey along the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway, which winds through Westmoreland and Fayette Counties.
The scenic byway follows PA Routes 711 and 381, starting at the West Virginia border near Fayette County.
Flickr/pontla
You'll then travel through such picturesque areas as Jones Mills and Donegal, ending in Seward.
Even if you just drive along the scenic byway without stopping, you’ll have an abundance of fall scenery to admire.
Flickr/james michael thomas
The scenic views include farms framed in the colors of autumn to the rolling hills dotted with colorful trees.
However, if you want to explore some of the sites along the route...
Flickr/John Skodak
...you’ll have plenty from which to choose, including Ohiopyle State Park.

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If you’re not up for hiking, you can still admire two waterfalls.
Flickr/Photo Phiend
You'll find the Cucumber Falls and Ohiopyle Falls, both surrounded by the vibrant fall foliage.
In the mood for a meal surrounded by the fall colors?
Out of the Fire Café Facebook page
Consider a stop at the Out of the Fire Café in Donegal, flanked by lush trees.
Spend a morning or an afternoon in the charming small town of Ligonier, also along the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway.
Flickr/Michelle Spomer
In addition to its sensational fall foliage along this Pennsylvania in the fall trip, downtown Ligonier features quaint streets dotted with charming restaurants and shops.
Just look at all of these gorgeous fall colors!
Flickr/David Cornwall
To learn more about the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway, visit the Scenic Byway Routes 711/381 website.

If you were to do a search for “scenic drives near me,” one of these stops would most certainly pop up at the top of the list!

Have you ever been to any of these exciting spots? If so, which ones were your favorites? Would you agree that these are among the best places to enjoy the fall colors in Pennsylvania? Do you have a favorite fall drive through Western Pennsylvania? We’d love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

And if you’re on the hunt for a shorter scenic drive this autumn, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in and around Pittsburgh on this beautiful country roads itinerary.

Moreover, if you’d like to explore hikes around any of these stops, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re still in the mood for more Pennsylvania adventures, take a look at this video:

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More to Explore

More Adventures in Pennsylvania

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | August 02, 2023

Where can we find abandoned towns in Pennsylvania?

  • French Azilum - Located in Wyalusing, refugees who fled the French Revolution built the original settlement which once encompassed dozens of homes.
  • The Frick's Lock Historical District – Located in East Coventry, this once-thriving village was abandoned after the construction of the Limerick Nuclear Power Plant.
  • Eckley - Located near Hazleton, it was originally a miner's town and holds a great deal of history about the Irish immigrants who lived and worked here.

Read on to learn more about some of the other abandoned towns in Pennsylvania.

Where can we learn more about Pennsylvania history?

  • The Meadowcroft Rockshelter – Located near Avella in Washington County, this is the site of what is believed to be the oldest known evidence of humanity in the Americas. The artifacts date back at least 16,000 years.
  • Ole Bull State Park – Located in Cross Fork, the land was originally plated in the hopes of creating a Norwegian settlement for the many Norwegians who had come to the area at that time. Unfortunately, that idea only lasted a year, but the park is a beautiful remnant.
  • The Raven Rock Mountain Complex – Located near Blue Ridge Summit, the complex—which is also known as “Site R”—was designed to serve as a second Pentagon should there be a nuclear attack on the United States. This was during the Cold War

Read on to learn more about Pennsylvania's history.

Where can we find campgrounds in Pennsylvania?

  • The Deer Run Camping Resort in Gardners has both primitive and deluxe campsites as well as a full lineup of activities.
  • The Colonial Woods Family Camping Resort in Upper Black Eddy offers a lot of amenities like a spa, heated swimming pool, children's spray pool, and miniature golf.
  • The Splash Magic RV Resort by Rjourney in Northumberland offers a rustic camping experience with traditional tent and RV sites, cabins, and a waterpark.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other beautiful campgrounds in Pennsylvania.

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Laurel Highlands, PA, USA