photo: Facebook @morrisarboretum
Updated Sept 2023
When we’re not house hunting around town and the burbs with all of you fabulous people, you’ll find many Philly Home Girls’ team members exploring the outdoors. We have a list of close, far, and further places in PA to go leaf peepin’ on foot, via train, on bike and of course in the car, top down, radio on!
Diversity in Nature
Did you know Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation—and anywhere in the world!? Pennsylvania’s geographic location provides a home to northern species like Mountain Maple and Quaking Aspen (ahem.. great band names!). Additionally, southern species such as Pignut Hickory and Pawpaw easily take root. The diversity of trees results in a breathtaking array of colors, across the state.
Best Time to Peep
According to the Smoky Mountains’ 2023 Fall Foliage Map, the best leaf-peeping dates for Pennsylvania range from early to late October. Plan your further west and northern visits early in the season!
Oct 2nd: patchy to partial | Oct 9th: partial to near peak | Oct 16th: near peak to peak | Oct 23: peak to past peak
photos: @laurelhillphl, @morrisarboretum, FB @john heinz national refuge
Places to Catch the Red, Gold and Greens
Close By
Laurel Hill Cemetery | East entrance: 3822 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA / West entrance: 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA
15 min drive from City Hall, Philadelphia
Book your foliage tour that is guide-led through the nooks and crannies of the cemetery. If witchy and mystic is your vibe, look at their graveside tours and history events. You can also add to the foliage for years to come by adopting or planting a memorial tree on the grounds in the name of a loved one who has passed.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum | 8601 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
20 min drive from City Hall, Philadelphia
Pair your peeping with some birdwatching, archery or painting class. There are many events throughout the fall season to choose from. You can also explore the trails and grounds on your own, binoculars and fishing lines are available free of charge. Trails are open from sunup to sundown
Morris Arboretum | 100 E. Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA
35 min drive from City Hall, Philadelphia
If you have visited the Morris Arboretum before, you know kids and adults of all ages can enjoy events and educational tours a plenty. Fall is no different. Bring your mask and head to “Out on a Limb” the exhibit that puts you right in the treetops. Grab your sweetheart’s hand and stroll a quiet, less-traveled path under the canopy of changing trees. Don’t miss the Scarecrow Walk. Each year has its own original theme!
Photos: IG @colebrookdalerr, @bluermtresort, @slopesidepubandgrill, @bluermtresort
Closeish
Colebrookdale Railroad | 64, S Washington St, Boyertown, PA
1.15 hours drive from City Hall, Philadelphia
First class tickets for the Autumn Splendor Fall Foliage ride includes an hors d’oeuvres plate, champagne, a dessert, and complimentary beverage. Foliage trips run from Sept. 30- Nov. 19th. They offer themed rides like the Autumn Splendor Cider and Donuts Express and the Pumpkin Patch Express where the end destination is a pumpkin patch, and each kid gets a pumpkin to decorate! For more peeping by train suggestions check out this Visit.PA blog.
Blue Mountain Resort | 1660 Blue Mountain Dr, Palmerton, PA
1.45 hours drive from City Hall, Philadelphia
Sail high above the trees on a chairlift that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the colors. Take the same way back or hop off and hike down. You can also stop at the mountaintop restaurant Slope Side Pub and Grill. With fire pits to warm you on chilly days and sweeping views to take in. If you’ve got the energy, immerse yourself in the trees at the Summit Adventure Park with a ropes course and zip lines. They even have after-dark zips! Want to stay the night? Bring your tent and for a small fee, you’ll get yourself a front-row seat to the scenery, a picnic table, access to showers and restrooms, and of course a fire pit to tell scary stories around. There are also glamping options and group glamping options! Who knew a ski resort could be such a fall paradise?
photos: 1-3 @gap_trail, @thenatureinn
Far
Black Moshannon State Park | Philipsburg, PA
3.45 hours drive from City Hall, Philadelphia
Bring the kyack or canoe and take in the foliage reflecting on the water. Trails range from rugged to easy wooden boardwalk trails. Stay in rustic cabins, deluxe cottages or backpack camping in designated sections of the trail. You can also pamper yourself and spend a weekend at The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle. Our Director of Strategy and Development takes her family there for an annual vacation and absolutely loves it! Located in Bald Eagle State Park, you can explore trails, picnicking, and plenty of bird watching right outside the hotel doors.
Allegheny Passage | Meyersdale, PA
4 hours drive from City Hall, Philadelphia
There are a number of points along the hiking and biking Allegheny Passage that win the best fall foliage award. Bring your bike or hiking boots and explore these friendly trails while taking in the fall colors and fresh air. If you don’t have your own two wheels look to Golden Triangle Bike to hook you up. They’ll provide bikes, shuttle service and can even recommend stops to rest and recharge along the way. Award-winning, Levi Deal Mansion, located just off the Meyersdale trailhead, is a quaint place to lay your head after a long day of exploring.
Laurel Highlands | Donegal, PA
4 hours drive from City Hall, Philadelphia
If you prefer to take in the sights from the comfort of your car (with an occasional hop out at various points) follow this 4-hour drive that loops from Donegal, PA. Rent a cabin for the night and cozy up to the fire at nearby Oak Lodge in Stahlstown, PA. Note that the world’s steepest vehicular incline is on this route, however it is under repair until 2024.
photos: @visitfallingwater, @kentuckknob, @go_laurelhighlandsfurther, @naturalpennsylvania
Fallingwater and Ohiopyle State Park | Mill Run, PA and surrounding area
5 hour drive from City Hall, Philadelphia
When your dream is to see foliage nestled in a waterfall setting, PA has got you. Ohiopyle Park is more than just a funny name- it has many falls and millions of trees with splendid colors. Our recommended spots are all in the same area, so can be easily tackled in an overnight trip. First up, you’ve got to go see Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water House which is in the middle of the forest. It sells out quickly so book in advance! About a 10-minute drive south, check out Cucumber Falls. Occasionally referred to as a “side of the road waterfall” it’s easily accessible for most (no wheelchairs) and you’ll be quickly rewarded with pretty views. Continue on and within 5 mins you’ll be at the trailhead of Jonathan Run Falls ( on the way you’ll pass another Frank Lloyd Wright home- Kentuck Knob). Enjoy a quiet, not filled with tourists hike to the falls. Stays at the nearby Historic Summit Inn Resort are pricier than most in the area, but the fire in the great room, the big porch with views, and ease of the restaurant will make it worth it after such a busy day.
Kinzua Sky Walk | 296, Viaduct Rd, Mt. Jewett, PA
5.5 hrs drive from City Hall, Philadelphia
Time your the peeping early in the season for this unusual location. The Kinzua Sky Walk is 225 feet high and is built on 6 restored original towers with sweeping views of Kinzua Creek Valley. Check out the Kinzua Bridge State Park website before you head out for events and guided tours.
There are some chain hotels in the area that will do just fine. If you are looking for a more romantic or boutique vibe, plan for a small drive after the skywalk (really that just means more leaf time)! The Glendorn Inn is about 40 minutes northwest or head 50 minutes southeast to the Hygrade Inn or 60 minutes southwest to the luxury and cozy Gateway Lodge.
Photo: Facebook @ANFVistorsBureau
Interested in more options? Visit PA has a fantastic fall foliage blog with additional suggestions near and far. Wherever you end up taking in the sights, be sure to tag us in those breathtaking pictures!
The perfect treasure-hunting weekend is only 1.5 hours away. Head to Adamstown, PA in Lancaster county and enjoy a visit to the antique capital of the US.