Hang up the car keys and experience Western Pennsylvania's gorgeous fall foliage up close and personal with these 10 great fall foliage adventures. From cycling and llama tours to sweeping views from a chair lift or hot air balloon, tour groups and attractions throughout Western Pennsylvania offer unique perspectives on fall's brilliant colors.
2. Fire Tower Views
From the rock ledges of Seneca Point Overlook in
Cook Forest State Park you can see the entire Clarion Valley dressed up in its fall finest. An 80-foot climb up old Fire Tower #9 extends the breathtaking view. On a clear day you can see 15 to 20 miles. The fire tower is always open for climbing during daytime hours, and the booth at the very top is open on
special days in October for a historical tour and fall foliage photo opportunity.
3. Drift Above the Scenic Laurel Highlands
The family-owned
WindsAloft Ballooning in Somerset County offers early morning and evening balloon rides across the beautiful rolling hills of the Laurel Highlands. Experience Western PA in all its fall beauty!
4. Hike or Bike Down Scenic Forest Paths
Autumn is the ideal time for exploring Pennsylvania's forests by foot or on bike - the air is crisp and cool, the trails are dry and the colors up close are simply breathtaking. From scenic, family-friendly hikes to rugged mountain rambles, these
fabulous fall hikes and bikes are a great way to enjoy fall first hand. Don't care to carry a pack? Blue Rock Station, located about 2 hours west of Pittsburgh in Gaysport, Ohio, offers beautiful
guided llama treks complete with a 3-course lunch of local produce and hot British tea.
5. Fabulous Fall Floats
The waterways of Western PA offer many fall foliage experiences, including scenic fall foliage tours, to exhilarating fall kayaking and white-water rafting.
Gateway Clipper offers five-hour fall foliage cruises from downtown Pittsburgh. Lake Arthur in
Moraine State Park is home to Nautical Nature, which operates weekend fall foliage cruises through the month of October. For an adrenaline rush, try
whitewater rafting on the Gauley River in WV. October is Gauley Season - world-class whitewater!
6. Fall Foliage on Horseback
Savor fall's breathtaking foliage in the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania with a leisurely horseback ride. Many area horse farms offers horse rentals or short trail rides. For a longer adventure,
Flying W Ranch offers a variety of guided hour-long, half-day and full-day trail rides through the peaceful Allegheny National Forest.
Hickory Creek Ranch, also adjoining the Allegheny National Forest, offers a three-day fall foliage ride.
7. Scenic Chairlift Views
Autumnfest at
Seven Springs is a great way to celebrate fall, and the scenic chairlift rides to enjoy the fall scenery are an important part of the fun.
Peek'n Peak in western New York also offers fall chairlift rides as part of their Fall Fest.
8. Take a Ride on a Load of Hay
Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage, crisp autumn air, and the company of family and friends on a
private fall hayride at Mingo Creek Park in Washington County. Includes use of a shelter and firecircle for 2 hours before or after the ride.
Reilly's Summer Seat Farm in the North Hills also offers group fall hayrides with a private picnic site and bonfire.
