26 Best Fall Foliage Destinations in the PA Laurel Highlands

Where to find the best fall foliage views in the PA Laurel Highlands.

If you’re looking for the best fall foliage destinations in the PA Laurel Highlands, you’re in the right place!

Fall foliage at Kooser State Park in Somerset County PA
Fall foliage at Kooser State Park in Somerset County.

The Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, comprised of Somerset, Fayette, and Westmoreland counties, are Heaven on Earth for fall foliage lovers.

A fall foliage farm scene in Fayette County, PA.
A fall foliage farm scene in Fayette County, PA.

In fact, USA Today has ranked the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania the third best place in the entire United States for spectacular fall foliage views.

USA Today Top 10 Fall Foliage Destination in the United States
USA Today Top 10 Fall Foliage Destinations in the United States

Typically the second two weeks in October are the best weeks for viewing fall foliage in the PA Laurel Highlands.

2023 peak fall foliage predictions map for Pennsylvania.
2023 peak fall foliage predictions map for Pennsylvania.

What follows are my hand-picked selections for 26 of the best fall foliage destinations in the Laurel Highlands!

Fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania.
Fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania.

I’ve plotted all 26 fall foliage destinations mentioned in this article on the map below, to make it as easy as possible for you to find and enjoy them.


Simply click on the blue text links in each description to view more in-depth information about that particular fall foliage destination.

Fall foliage along the beach at Laurel Hill State Park.
Fall foliage along the beach at Laurel Hill State Park.

1. Ohiopyle Falls

Ohiopyle Falls is the namesake waterfall at one of the Laurel Highlands best state parks for fall foliage viewing!

Fall foliage at Ohiopyle Falls in Fayette County.
Fall foliage at Ohiopyle Falls in Fayette County.

Sometimes referred to as the “Niagara Falls of Western Pennsylvania”, it’s a great place to view fall foliage at Ohiopyle State Park.

Fall foliage views at Ohiopyle Falls on October 16, 2022.
Fall foliage views at Ohiopyle Falls in October 2022.

2. Fort Ligonier

You might not think of a fort as a traditional fall foliage destination, but the autumn leaves at Fort Ligonier in Westmoreland County are spectacular!

Fall foliage at Fort Ligonier in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.
Fall foliage at Fort Ligonier in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.

Aside from leaf peeping, Fort Ligonier is an excellent place to learn about early American life in this one-time frontier region of Pennsylvania.

Fall foliage and historical reenactors at Fort Ligonier Days.
Fall foliage and historical reenactors at Fort Ligonier.

3. Beam Rocks Overlook

Beam Rocks Overlook is a quick 10 minute hike from Laurel Summit Road in Somerset County to a sweeping vantage point in the Forbes State Forest.

Beam Rocks Overlook in the Forbes State Forest.
Beam Rocks Overlook in the Forbes State Forest.

180 degree views and a sea of fall foliage await you at Beam Rocks Overlook!

An October morning at Beam Rocks in the Forbes State Forest.
An October morning at Beam Rocks in the Forbes State Forest.

4. Barronvale Covered Bridge

The Barronvale Covered Bridge isn’t just the longest covered bridge in Somerset County.

Laurel Highlands fall foliage in full swing at the Barronvale Covered Bridge, Somerset County PA
Laurel Highlands fall foliage in full swing at the Barronvale Covered Bridge, Somerset County PA

It’s also a superb fall foliage destination in the Laurel Highlands!

Autumn arrives in the Laurel Highlands at the Barronvale Covered Bridge in Somerset County PA.
Autumn arrives in the Laurel Highlands at the Barronvale Covered Bridge in Somerset County PA.

5. Cole Run Falls

Cole Run Falls is a popular roadside waterfall in the Somerset County portion of the Forbes State Forest.

Fall foliage at Cole Run Falls in the Laurel Highlands.
Fall foliage at Cole Run Falls in the Laurel Highlands.

It’s also an impressive spot to view the famous fall foliage of the Laurel Highlands.

Fall foliage at Cole Run Falls in the Forbes State Forest.
Fall foliage at Cole Run Falls in the Forbes State Forest.

6. The Big Savage Tunnel

A tunnel may seem like an odd choice for a fall foliage destination, but you won’t be disappointed by a visit to the Big Savage Tunnel in Somerset County!

Approaching the Big Savage Tunnel along the Great Allegheny Passage in Somerset County, PA.
Approaching the Big Savage Tunnel along the Great Allegheny Passage in Somerset County, PA.

The scenery around the northern entrance and from the scenic overlook near the southern end of the 0.6 mile-long Big Savage Tunnel are outstanding in October!

The Big Savage Tunnel Overlook in Somerset County.
The Big Savage Tunnel Overlook in Somerset County.

7. Laurel Hill State Park

Laurel Hill State Park is a 4,000 acre gem in Somerset County, with the Jones Mill Run Dam being a perennial favorite destination for fall foliage enthusiasts.

Vibrant fall foliage around Jones Mill Run Dam on October 9th, 2021.
Fall foliage at Laurel Hill State Park near Somerset.

Copper Kettle Trail is another great hiking/biking trail at Laurel Hill State Park, with an abundance of fall foliage everywhere you look.

Fall foliage along the Copper Kettle Trail at Laurel Hill State Park.
Fall foliage along the Copper Kettle Trail at Laurel Hill State Park.

And Laurel Hill Lake casts perfect reflections of the fall foliage on its calm surface in the shallow areas of the lake.

Fall foliage around Laurel Hill Lake at Laurel Hill State Park.
Fall foliage around Laurel Hill Lake at Laurel Hill State Park.

8. Pack Saddle Covered Bridge

Quite possibly the most famous covered bridge in Pennsylvania, the Pack Saddle Covered Bridge is a must-see when viewing fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands!

A lone fisherman on Brush Creek below the Pack Saddle Covered Bridge in Somerset County, PA.
A lone fisherman on Brush Creek below the Pack Saddle Covered Bridge in Somerset County, PA.

This iconic symbol of Somerset County, the Pack Saddle Bridge is a one of a kind fall foliage destination in the Laurel Highands.

Fall foliage at the Pack Saddle Covered Bridge in the Laurel Highlands of PA.
Fall foliage at the Pack Saddle Covered Bridge in the Laurel Highlands of PA.

9. Wolf Rocks Overlook

The commanding views of Westmoreland County make Wolf Rocks Overlook an impressive destination any time of year, but even more so in October!

Fall foliage views from Wolf Rocks Overlook in the Forbes State Forest on October 16, 2022.
Fall foliage views from Wolf Rocks Overlook in the Forbes State Forest on October 16, 2022.

One of the most impressive scenic overlooks in the Laurel Highlands, Wolf Rocks is an outstanding hike with some serious wow factor at the end.

Looking in the direction of Donegal on an October morning at Wolf Rocks Overlook.
Looking in the direction of Donegal on an October morning at Wolf Rocks Overlook.

10. Cucumber Falls

One of the most photogenic (and photographed) waterfalls in western Pennsylvania, Cucumber Falls in Fayette County is a magical sight in October.

An autumn view of Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park.
Cucumber Falls.

This 30-foot tall waterfall looks great no matter how much or how little water is flowing in October.

Fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands at Cucumber Falls.
Fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands at Cucumber Falls.

11. Laurel Run Overlook

Laurel Run Overlook is one of several exceptional scenic vistas along the Fayette County portion of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.

Fall foliage views from Laurel Run Overlook along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail on October 16, 2022.
Fall foliage views from Laurel Run Overlook along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail on October 16, 2022.

There are not one but TWO viewing areas at Laurel Run Overlook, situated roughly 50 yards apart.

Laurel Run Overlook in October 2020.
Laurel Run Overlook in October 2020.

12. New Baltimore Covered Bridge

Since 1879, the New Baltimore Covered Bridge has been a superb place for viewing fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands.

New Baltimore Covered Bridge in the fall.
New Baltimore Covered Bridge in the fall.

One of the 10 remaining covered bridges in Somerset County, New Baltimore Bridge is still drivable to this day and makes for a colorful pitstop when viewing fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands.

New Baltimore Covered Bridge surrounded by fall foliage.
New Baltimore Covered Bridge.

13. Kooser State Park

Kooser State Park occupies 250 wooded acres along Route 31 in Somerset County.

Fishing at Kooser State Park in Somerset County.
Fishing at Kooser State Park in Somerset County.

The highlight of the park is Kooser Lake which, when calm, creates mirror-like reflections of the fall foliage on its surface.

Fall foliage at Kooser State Park near Somerset Pennsylvania.
Fall foliage at Kooser State Park near Somerset.

14. Mount Davis

Mount Davis is the highest point above sea level in Pennsylvania (3,213 feet), and the views of fall foliage from there there are priceless!

The view from Camp Buckey Overlook in October.
The view from Camp Buckey Overlook on Mount Davis in October.

Mount Davis is home to several scenic vistas, my favorite in the fall being the Camp Buckey Overlook in the Forbes State Forest.

Fall foliage surrounding Camp Buckey Overlook in Somerset County PA
Fall foliage surrounding Camp Buckey Overlook on Mount Davis in Somerset County.

15. Jonathan Run Trail

If you want to combine hiking, waterfalls, and fall foliage there’s no better place in the Laurel Highlands to do that than the Jonathan Run Trail in Fayette County.

Fall foliage at Upper Jonathan Run Falls at Ohiopyle State Park.
Fall foliage at Upper Jonathan Run Falls at Ohiopyle State Park.

With 2 large waterfalls and 2 miles of smaller cascades, this streamside hike offers up unforgettable views of the fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands.

Fall foliage at Lower Jonathan Run Falls at Ohiopyle State Park.
Fall foliage at Lower Jonathan Run Falls at Ohiopyle State Park.

16. Baughman Rock Overlook

Baughman Rock Overlook sits high above the Youghiogheny River valley in Fayette County, and offers a superb view of the brilliant fall foliage the Laurel Highlands is famous for.

Baughman Rock Overlook at Ohiopyle State Park on October 16, 2022.
Baughman Rock Overlook at Ohiopyle State Park in October 2022.

In addition to being a reliable fall foliage spot, Baughman Rock Overlook is also a dazzling place to watch the sunrise on an October morning!

The author photographing an autumn sunrise at Baughman Rock Overlook.
The author photographing an autumn sunrise at Baughman Rock Overlook.

17. Lower Humbert Covered Bridge

For nearly 120 years, the Lower Humbert Covered Bridge has spanned Laurel Hill Creek in southern Somerset County.

Lower Humbert Covered Bridge over Laurel HIll Creek in Somerset County PA
Lower Humbert Covered Bridge over Laurel Hill Creek in Somerset County PA

At 126 feet long, it is still open to everyday traffic, and serves as a graceful focal point for fall foliage photographs in the Laurel Highlands.

Autumn at Lower Humbert Covered Bridge
Lower Humbert Covered Bridge.

18. Meadow Run Trail

The Meadow Run Trail is a 1.85 mile loop-hike in Fayette County, half of which takes place along the banks of Meadow Run.

Fall foliage along Meadow Run at Ohiopyle State Park.
Fall foliage along Meadow Run at Ohiopyle State Park.

Hikers, photographers, and the fishing public alike all flock to Meadow Run for the radiant fall foliage along its banks every October.

Fly fisherman at Flat Rock along the Meadow Run Trail.
Fly fisherman at Flat Rock along the Meadow Run Trail.

19. The Blue Hole

The Blue Hole on Blue Hole Run (along Blue Hole Road!) in Somerset County turns a magical shade of gold every October.

Fall foliage at the Blue Hole in the Laurel Highlands.
Fall foliage at the Blue Hole in the Laurel Highlands.

Located close to Cole Run Falls (mentioned earlier), you’ll find it roadside at an obvious pull-off at GPS coordinates 39.97254, -79.29808.

A map to the Blue Hole in the Forbes State Forest in Somerset County PA
A map to the Blue Hole in the Forbes State Forest in Somerset County.

This Forbes State Forest attraction takes on a dreamy appearance when the pool of water composing the Blue Hole fills with swirling red and gold leaves.

Fall foliage at the Blue Hole in Somerset County.
Fall foliage at the Blue Hole in Somerset County.

20. Glessner Covered Bridge

Glessner Covered Bridge is located just outside of Shanksville, a few miles from the Flight 93 National Memorial.

Fall foliage at Glessner Covered Bridge in Somerset County Pennsylvania
Fall foliage at Glessner Covered Bridge in Somerset County Pennsylvania

Since 1881, the irresistible fall foliage of the Laurel Highlands has graced the banks of the Stonycreek River around the Glessner Covered Bridge.

Fall foliage around the Glessner Covered Bridge in the Laurel Highlands.
Fall foliage around the Glessner Covered Bridge in the Laurel Highlands.

21. Somerset Historical Center

The Somerset Historical Center is a prime spot to view fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands.

Fall foliage at the Somerset Historical Center in the Laurel Highlands.
Fall foliage at the Somerset Historical Center in the Laurel Highlands.

In addition to numerous historic buildings scattered around the grounds of the museum, the Somerset Historical Center is also home to Walters Mill Covered Bridge, moved there to prevent its demolition in the 1960s.

Fall foliage at Walters Mill Covered Bridge in Somerset County PA
Walters Mill Covered Bridge.

22. Cranberry Glade Lake

Cranberry Glade Lake is nestled in a beautiful valley setting near a wind farm in Somerset County.

Fall foliage in the foreground, wind farm in the background at Cranberry Glade Lake on State Game Lands 111 in Somerset County, PA.
Fall foliage in the foreground, wind farm in the background at Cranberry Glade Lake on State Game Lands 111 in Somerset County, PA.

Cranberry Glade Lake is located on State Game Lands 111 near the Somerset-Fayette County line.

How to find Cranberry Glade Lake in western Somerset County, PA.
Map to Cranberry Glade Lake in western Somerset County.

The fall foliage reflects nicely off the normally glassy waters of this picturesque lake in the Laurel Highlands.

Fall foliage at Cranberry Glade Lake in the PA Laurel Highlands.
Fall foliage at Cranberry Glade Lake in the PA Laurel Highlands.

23. Keystone State Park

The 1,200-acre Keystone State Park is a great place for day-trips and fall foliage viewing in Westmoreland County.

Fall foliage around the causeway at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.
Fall foliage around the causeway at Keystone State Park.

Featuring a beautiful 78 acre lake as its centerpiece, Keystone State Park provides an ideal setting for camping, wildlife watching, hiking, fishing, and leaf peeping.

Fall foliage at Keystone State Park in October 2022.
Fall foliage at Keystone State Park in October 2022.

24. Linn Run State Park

Linn Run State Park is a 612 acre park in Westmoreland County, popular with hikers, campers, and picnickers.

Linn Run State Park office in Westmoreland County on October 16, 2022.
October at Linn Run State Park office in Westmoreland County.

There are 6.25 miles of hiking trails at Linn Run State Park, some of which follow the grades of long-gone logging railroads.

Fall foliage around the Pittsburgh, Westmoreland, and Somerset Railroad display at Linn Run State Park on October 16, 2022.
Fall foliage around the Pittsburgh, Westmoreland, and Somerset Railroad grade at Linn Run State Park.

25. Mill Creek Falls

Mill Creek Falls is a picturesque waterfall on a small mountain stream on State Game Lands 42 in Westmoreland County.

Fall foliage around Mill Creek Falls in Westmoreland County PA.
Fall foliage around Mill Creek Falls in Westmoreland County, October 2021.

26. Fish Run Falls

Fish Run Falls in the Forbes State Forest may be the prettiest little waterfall in Westmoreland County that you’ve never heard of!

Fish Run Falls on an October afternoon in the Forbes State Forest.
Fish Run Falls on an October afternoon in the Forbes State Forest.

Fish Run Falls is located adjacent to the Pittsburgh, Westmoreland, and Somerset Railroad Mountain Bike Trail, or PW&S Trail for short.

Bridge over Fish Run along the PW&S Bike Trail in the Forbes State Forest.
Bridge over Fish Run along the PW&S Bike Trail in the Forbes State Forest.

So there you have it – 26 of the best fall foliage destinations in the Pennsylvania Laurel Highlands!

The Low Bridge over the Youghiogheny River surrounded by fall foliage.
The Low Bridge over the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle State Park, surrounded by fall foliage.

The Ultimate Somerset County Fall Foliage Driving Tour is a 128-mile road trip I created that takes you to 9 of the best fall foliage destinations in Somerset County.

The Ultimate Somerset County Pennsylvania Fall Foliage Road Trip
The Ultimate Somerset County Fall Foliage Driving Tour.

The Somerset County Covered Bridges Driving Tour stops at all 10 historic covered bridges in the county.

Fall foliage at Trostletown Covered Bridge in Somerset County Pennsylvania.
Fall foliage at Trostletown Covered Bridge in Somerset County Pennsylvania.

The 12 Best Places to View Fall Foliage at Ohiopyle State Park will give you directions to a dozen of the top spots to view fall foliage at this iconic Laurel Highlands destination.

Fall foliage around the High Bridge at Ohiopyle State Park.
Fall foliage around the High Bridge at Ohiopyle State Park.

60 Fabulous Fall Foliage Destinations in PA is a guide to 60 of the best places to see fall foliage across Pennsylvania.

50 of the best places to view fall foliage in Pennsylvania.
60 Fabulous Fall Foliage Destinations in PA.

35 PA Waterfalls for Fall Foliage Lovers shows you some of the best spots in Pennsylvania to find two of my favorite subjects to photograph – waterfalls and fall foliage!

Where to find the best Pennsylvania waterfalls for fall foliage lovers.
Fall foliage at waterfalls across PA.

31 PA State Parks Perfect for Fall Foliage Lovers introduces you to some of the best Pennsylvania state parks for fall foliage viewing.

The best Pennsylvania State Parks for fall foliage viewing.
Fall foliage scenes at PA state parks.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.