There’s something special about hiking in Pennsylvania during the fall.
The summer humidity finally disappears, crisp mornings return, and seemingly overnight, Pennsylvania’s mountains transform into a sea of red, orange, and gold. Add rocky overlooks, waterfalls, peaceful forests, and miles of hiking trails, and it’s easy to see why fall is one of our favorite times to get outside in Pennsylvania.
And you don’t have to travel far to find an incredible view.
From short walks through colorful forests to challenging mountain climbs, some of the best fall hikes in Pennsylvania offer front-row seats to the state’s spectacular fall foliage.
Whether you’re looking for an easy afternoon adventure or a trail that makes you work for the view, these 10 Pennsylvania hiking trails deserve a spot on your fall bucket list.
When Is the Best Time for Fall Hiking in Pennsylvania?
Peak fall foliage in Pennsylvania varies depending on where you are in the state.
Northern and higher-elevation areas generally begin changing first, while southern Pennsylvania tends to peak later. In a typical year, you’ll start seeing significant color in northern Pennsylvania in early October, with peak foliage gradually moving south throughout the month.
That means October is usually prime time for fall hiking in Pennsylvania.
Weather, rainfall, elevation, and temperatures can all affect when leaves change, though, so check the current Pennsylvania fall foliage report before planning a trip specifically around peak color.
And don’t overlook late September or early November. Even if you miss absolute peak foliage, the trails can still be beautiful and often much less crowded.
1. Turkey Path Trail – Leonard Harrison State Park
Location: Wellsboro, Pennsylvania
Distance: Approximately 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Difficult
Best for: Gorge views, waterfalls, and dramatic fall foliage
If you’re searching for one of the most spectacular places to experience fall in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon should be near the top of your list.
Leonard Harrison State Park sits along the eastern rim of Pine Creek Gorge and offers sweeping views across the gorge. During fall, the hillsides become covered in brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and red.
For more than an overlook, hike the Turkey Path Trail. The trail descends approximately 800 feet toward Pine Creek and passes waterfalls along the way.
Just remember: what goes down must come back up. The return climb is steep and challenging.
Don’t miss: The main overlook before or after your hike for one of Pennsylvania’s classic fall foliage views.
2. Canyon Vista Trail – Worlds End State Park
Location: Forksville, Pennsylvania
Distance: Approximately 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Best for: Mountain overlooks and a challenging fall hike
Worlds End State Park is beautiful year-round, but autumn might be when it really shines.
The Canyon Vista Trail climbs through the forest to an impressive overlook above Loyalsock Creek and the surrounding mountains.
You’ll encounter rocky terrain and elevation gain, so this isn’t necessarily a casual walk in the woods. But the payoff is worth the effort, especially when the surrounding mountains are covered in fall color.
Don’t miss: Canyon Vista for one of the park’s best panoramic autumn views.
3. Falls Trail – Ricketts Glen State Park
Location: Benton, Pennsylvania
Distance: Approximately 7 miles for the full loop
Difficulty: Difficult
Best for: Waterfalls and forest scenery
If waterfalls are your thing, it’s hard to beat Ricketts Glen State Park.
The famous Falls Trail passes more than 20 named waterfalls, including the impressive 94-foot Ganoga Falls.
Now add fall foliage.
Golden leaves surrounding cascading waterfalls make Ricketts Glen one of the most beautiful fall hikes in Pennsylvania.
The full loop is strenuous, with steep sections, stone steps, roots, and potentially slippery conditions around the waterfalls. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and take your time.
This is also one of Pennsylvania’s most popular hiking destinations, so arriving early on a beautiful fall weekend is a good idea.
Don’t miss: Ganoga Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park.
4. Mount Minsi – Delaware Water Gap
Location: Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania
Distance: Approximately 5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Delaware River and mountain views
Mount Minsi combines Appalachian Trail hiking with one of eastern Pennsylvania’s classic fall views.
The trail gradually climbs toward several viewpoints overlooking the Delaware River and Mount Tammany on the opposite side of the Delaware Water Gap.
In fall, the surrounding mountains turn into layers of red, orange, yellow, and green.
It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a moderately challenging hike with a big payoff at the top.
5. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Location: Kempton, Pennsylvania
Distance: Multiple trail options
Difficulty: Easy to difficult
Best for: Fall foliage and migrating raptors
Hawk Mountain offers something you don’t get on every Pennsylvania fall hike: incredible foliage and the chance to watch migrating birds of prey.
Fall is prime migration season, when hawks, eagles, falcons, and other raptors travel along the Appalachian ridgeline.
Several trails lead to overlooks with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. You can choose a relatively short outing or connect trails for a longer, more challenging hike.
Bring binoculars if you have them. You might come for the foliage and leave talking about the bald eagle you spotted soaring overhead.
6. Pulpit Rock and The Pinnacle
Location: Hamburg, Pennsylvania
Distance: Approximately 9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Best for: Long hikes and panoramic views
If you want to spend most of the day on the trail, combine Pulpit Rock and The Pinnacle for one of Pennsylvania’s best fall hiking adventures.
The route incorporates a section of the Appalachian Trail and leads to two excellent viewpoints.
The Pinnacle is especially impressive during peak foliage, offering expansive views across farmland, forests, and rolling Pennsylvania countryside.
At around nine miles, this hike requires more time and effort than many others on this list, but it’s a great option when you want to make an entire day out of your fall hike.
7. Thousand Steps – Standing Stone Trail
Location: Mapleton, Pennsylvania
Distance: Approximately 3.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Difficult
Best for: A workout with a view
Yes, there really are about a thousand steps.
The Thousand Steps section of the Standing Stone Trail was originally constructed by workers accessing a sandstone quarry. Today, those stone steps create one of Pennsylvania’s most memorable hikes.
The climb is steep, but several overlooks provide beautiful views across the Juniata River Valley.
Those views become even better when the mountains are covered in fall foliage.
Take your time on the climb and be careful on wet leaves, which can make the stone steps slippery.
8. Flat Rock Trail – Colonel Denning State Park
Location: Newville, Pennsylvania
Distance: Approximately 5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Difficult
Best for: A rewarding mountain overlook
Flat Rock Trail packs plenty of climbing into a relatively short distance.
The trail travels through the forest before reaching Flat Rock, an overlook with expansive views across the Cumberland Valley.
During fall, those rolling mountains and forests become a patchwork of autumn color.
The climb is rocky and challenging in places, but if you love hikes where the view feels earned, this one belongs on your Pennsylvania fall hiking bucket list.
9. Minister Creek Trail – Allegheny National Forest
Location: Allegheny National Forest
Distance: Approximately 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Forest solitude and rock formations
If your ideal fall hike involves disappearing into the woods for a few hours, head to Allegheny National Forest.
The Minister Creek Trail travels through dense forest, past enormous rock formations, and along Minister Creek.
Unlike hikes that are primarily about reaching one big overlook, this trail is about enjoying the entire journey.
In autumn, fallen leaves cover the forest floor while yellow and orange foliage surrounds the trail, making this an excellent choice for hikers looking for a quieter Pennsylvania fall experience.
10. Shades of Death Trail – Hickory Run State Park
Location: White Haven, Pennsylvania
Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Streams, waterfalls, and an October-worthy trail name
Could there be a more appropriate October hike than the Shades of Death Trail?
Despite its ominous name, this trail is a beautiful hike following Sand Spring Run through the forest.
You’ll encounter small waterfalls, rocky terrain, and thick woodland scenery that becomes particularly atmospheric during fall.
While visiting Hickory Run State Park, make time for Boulder Field as well. The massive field of rocks is one of Pennsylvania’s most unusual natural attractions and makes it easy to turn this hike into a full fall day trip.
Tips for Fall Hiking in Pennsylvania
Fall hiking comes with a few considerations you might not think about during summer.
Check the foliage forecast. Peak color can vary significantly from one part of Pennsylvania to another.
Start early. Popular trails such as Ricketts Glen can become extremely busy on peak fall weekends.
Dress in layers. A chilly October morning can turn into a surprisingly warm afternoon.
Watch the leaves under your feet. Wet leaves can hide rocks and roots and make steep trails especially slippery.
Bring enough water. Cooler weather doesn’t mean you can skip hydration.
Know hunting seasons. Many Pennsylvania hiking areas are located on or near lands where hunting is permitted. Wearing blaze orange during hunting seasons is a smart precaution.
Download your map before leaving. Cell service can be unreliable in many of Pennsylvania’s best hiking areas.
And, as always, follow Leave No Trace principles so these trails remain beautiful for everyone who comes after you.
What to Pack for a Pennsylvania Fall Hike
You don’t need an enormous amount of gear for most day hikes, but I always recommend carrying the basics.
Bring sturdy hiking shoes or boots, water, snacks, a downloaded trail map, portable charger, sunscreen, basic first-aid kit, and an extra layer.
A lightweight rain jacket is also worth throwing into your pack. Pennsylvania weather has a habit of changing when you least expect it.
For longer or more remote hikes, consider carrying the Ten Essentials.
Where to See Fall Foliage in Pennsylvania
One of the best things about fall in Pennsylvania is that you don’t have to limit yourself to a single region.
For dramatic mountain scenery, head toward Pine Creek Gorge, Worlds End State Park, or the Allegheny National Forest.
For waterfalls surrounded by autumn color, it’s hard to beat Ricketts Glen.
For expansive overlooks, try Mount Minsi, Hawk Mountain, The Pinnacle, Thousand Steps, or Flat Rock.
And if you simply want to disappear into a colorful forest for a few hours, Minister Creek and Shades of Death Trail are excellent choices.
Add These Pennsylvania Fall Hikes to Your Bucket List
Pennsylvania doesn’t always get the attention of New England when people start talking about fall foliage, but it should.
Our mountains, forests, waterfalls, rivers, and seemingly endless hiking trails make Pennsylvania an incredible place to experience autumn.
You can climb a mountain for a sweeping view, hike beside waterfalls surrounded by golden leaves, wander through the Allegheny National Forest, or simply find a quiet trail and enjoy that unmistakable crunch of fallen leaves beneath your boots.
So grab your hiking shoes, pack a few snacks, and hit the trail.
The best fall hikes in Pennsylvania are waiting and October doesn’t last nearly long enough.