Centre County 2024 Fall Foliage Update

A collage of four early October fall foliage images from Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County, Pennsylvania. The top left image shows a rustic bench by the lake, with colorful trees reflected in the calm water. The top right image captures a wooden boardwalk winding through the bog, surrounded by autumn leaves and greenery. The bottom left image features a serene pond bordered by evergreens and deciduous trees in shades of yellow and orange. The bottom right image shows a leaf-covered boardwalk along the lakeshore, with vibrant fall foliage overhead and reflections in the water.

I spent the better part of the afternoon on October 3, 2024 surveying the early-season fall foliage views at Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County.

A leaf-covered trail along the edge of the lake at Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County, Pennsylvania, framed by early October fall foliage. Yellow and green leaves hang from trees that provide shade along the path, while their branches stretch out over the calm water. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the trail, creating a tranquil autumn atmosphere perfect for a scenic walk.

Knowing that the peak fall foliage here would still be more than a week away, I was nevertheless curious as to how many pockets of gold, orange, and red I could find, as the leaves begin their seasonal transformation.

A small cabin sits nestled among tall evergreens and deciduous trees displaying early October fall colors at Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County, Pennsylvania. In front of the cabin, a reflective pond mirrors the surrounding foliage, while the marshy grasses in shades of red, yellow, and green create a peaceful and vibrant autumn scene under a bright blue sky.

The answer to that question turned out to be “quite a few.”

A lone photographer stands among the marshy landscape at Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County, Pennsylvania, capturing the beauty of early October fall foliage. The scene is filled with shades of green, orange, and red as trees in various stages of color change border the bog. The clear blue sky above and the expansive view of the wetland create a peaceful and picturesque autumn atmosphere, perfect for nature photography.

Starting out on the east side of the park, I hiked a short portion of the Star Mill Trail, which skirts Black Moshannon Lake’s eastern edge.

Bright autumn leaves in shades of yellow and orange hang over the water's edge along the Star Mill Loop Trail at Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Dense greenery from rhododendrons frames the foreground, while the calm lake reflects the colorful trees and clear blue sky. The peaceful, early October fall scene stretches along the shoreline, showcasing the beauty of nature in autumn.

From there I drove to the opposite side of the lake, where I hiked a portion of the Bog Trail, an easy-access boardwalk trail.

A wooden boardwalk winds through the scenic bog landscape at Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Early October fall foliage adds bursts of yellow and orange to the surrounding trees, while evergreens provide a contrast. The sky is clear and blue, creating a vibrant backdrop for the tranquil, natural setting along the Bog Trail.

The Lake Loop Trail on the northern end of the park was where I found some of the best color on this day.

A peaceful lakeside bench along the Lake Loop Trail at Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County, Pennsylvania, surrounded by early October fall foliage. The handmade wooden bench offers a relaxing spot to enjoy views of the calm lake and the trees, with shades of orange, yellow, and green reflecting on the water. In the distance, a sandy beach and playground are visible beneath a clear blue sky, creating a serene autumn atmosphere.

There are already quite a few leaves down on the trails in this portion of the park.

A serene lakeside scene at Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County, Pennsylvania, with early October fall foliage reflecting on the calm water. Trees with vibrant yellow and green leaves overhang the trail, casting shadows on the forest floor covered in fallen leaves. The trail follows the edge of the lake, offering a peaceful autumn walk under a clear blue sky.

The calm waters mirrored the reflections of the beach and the surrounding trees off of its shimmering surface.

Early season fall foliage at Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County, Pennsylvania, showing colorful trees surrounding a calm lake with reflections of the foliage. A sandy beach and a small playground are visible in the background beneath a clear blue sky.

While the peak fall foliage conditions at the park are still (in my estimation) another week away, the crisp air and bright sunshine was a welcome respite from the last two weeks of never-ending rain in Centre County.

A wooden boardwalk along the Lake Loop Trail at Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County, Pennsylvania, covered with fallen leaves during early October. The trail follows the edge of the calm lake, with reflections of colorful autumn foliage visible in the water. Trees with yellow and green leaves provide a canopy over the path, while the clear blue sky adds to the peaceful fall atmosphere. The boardwalk offers a scenic and tranquil route through the vibrant fall landscape.

So if you happen to be in the State College area this weekend (for the PSU-UCLA football game, for example) and want to soak up some autumn scenery, make the short drive to Black Moshannon State Park and enjoy the views!

A red canoe rests upside down on a boat launch rail, overlooking a serene lake at Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Early October fall foliage in shades of yellow, orange, and green surrounds the lake, with reflections of the trees visible in the calm water, dotted with lily pads. The sky is clear and bright, adding to the peaceful autumn scene.

The Ultimate Centre County Fall Foliage Driving Tour is a Centre County, PA fall foliage road trip itinerary that takes you on a 106 mile loop to see some of Happy Valley’s prettiest autumn scenery!

The best fall foliage road trip in Centre County Pennsylvania.

76 Fabulous Fall Foliage Destinations in PA is an interactive guide to some of the best fall foliage views from all across Pennsylvania.

50 of the best places to view fall foliage in Pennsylvania.

38 of the Best PA State Parks for Fall Foliage Lovers is an interactive guide to some of the finest autumn views across Pennsylvania’s state park system.

The best Pennsylvania State Parks for fall foliage viewing.

Did you enjoy this article?

If so, be sure to like and follow PA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest to learn more about the best things to see and do in Pennsylvania!

Click on any of the icons below to get connected to PA Bucket List on social media.


Free Stickers!

I know many people love the PA Bucket List logo, and while I don’t sell any merchandise featuring the logo, I’d be more than happy to send you a FREE pair of stickers (one white and one holographic) with the logo on them.

A photo showing the free stickers offered by PA Bucket List featuring the website logo on either a white or hologram background.

Just send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the address above, and I’ll mail them out to you right away!


PA Bucket List 2022 Sasquatch Logo

Pennsylvania’s Best Travel Blog!

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