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There’s something about the leaves changing that make fall in Pittsburgh extra special
Fall is quickly approaching and with that comes fall foliage! Did you know Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation? Pittsburgh’s parks, valleys and hillsides turn from a beautiful shade of green to vibrant reds, oranges and yellows that will leave you in awe.
The beauty of fall in Pittsburgh is not something you want to miss! To maximize the season, check out these natural spaces for leaf peeping around the area.
The Point. The confluence. The golden triangle. No matter what you refer to it as, Point State Park is a focal point of Pittsburgh no matter the season, and usually the shot you see when Pittsburgh makes the news or the football or baseball game cuts to shots of the city.
You can get a 360-degree view of stunning fall foliage up on Mt. Washington and across to the North Shore from here, making this a dream spot for photographers.
Spanning more than 257 acres and combining three historic parks, Emerald View Park is home to a stunning view of the Pittsburgh Skyline. The park surrounds the neighborhoods of Duquesne Heights, Mount Washington and Allentown and gives ample space to discover the beauty of the fall season on its growing 11 mile network of trails. Enjoy a hike through the trails with a perfect view of the city while taking in the fall foliage.
Home to 644 sprawling acres and holding the title of Pittsburgh’s largest historic regional park, Frick Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s oasis. While enjoying the stunning colors of fall, take a hike on the Frick Park Trail Loop, play a few rounds of tennis, learn about nature at the Frick Environmental Center and let the kids play on the famous Blue Slide Playground.
Hartwood Acres was originally designed as a country estate and is now enjoyed by hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers, nature lovers and more. The park’s 629 acres include wooded trails and a new outdoor exhibition space, Hartwood Acres Sculpture Garden – a space dedicated to the public art placed there in the 1980s.
Enjoy rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling waters in Moraine State Park, located just north of Pittsburgh in Butler County. Home to an astounding 16,725 acres and offering hiking, biking, boating and much more, Moraine State Park’s fall foliage is a stunning sight to see.
Raccoon Creek State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s most visited state parks and is located approximately 30 miles west of the city. The park encompasses 7,572 acres and features the beautiful 314-acre Wildflower Reserve, home to more than 700 species of plants. The beauty of the changing leaves surrounding the stunning plants in the Wildflower Reserve is a bucket list item you do not want to miss!
If you’re looking for a park full of activities, the 2,000-acre South Park offers an ice-skating rink, golf course, BMX track and more! Bask in the surrounding fall foliage while you hike, play and relax in the beauty of South Park.
More than 1,000 acres are yours to explore at Boyce Park, a sprawling collection of trails, fields, playgrounds and even downhill skiing in Monroeville and Plum just east of the city. My favorite hike here is the Carpenter Log House Loop which starts with you fording a stream, passing through spice bush patches, exploring giant oak trees before ending at a beautiful log cabin.
Fall in Boyce Park. Photo Credit: @floodcityphoto on Instagram
Drive a little over an hour east of Pittsburgh to enjoy a scenic outdoor adventure in the Laurel Highlands. Spanning three counties in southwest PA, the Laurel Highlands fully embraces the fall season with natural scenery, outdoor recreation, and historic sites. Add a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright'sFallingwater and House on Kentuck Knob for a breathtaking, architectural experience.
Sitting on approximately 20,500 acres is the southern gateway to the Laurel Highlands, Ohiopyle State Park. Inside the park you will find an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor activities from whitewater rafting and hiking trails to the natural cascading waters of Cucumber Falls. You are sure to marvel at the magnificence of Ohiopyle any time of the year, but the stunning shades of autumn that surround you during the fall season are unforgettable.
