If you want to know where to find the best fall foliage views in the PA Grand Canyon, you’re in the right place!
Officially known as the Pine Creek Gorge, this 47 mile-long canyon cuts through the heart of Tioga County and the Tioga State Forest.
Typically the first two weeks in October are the best weeks for viewing fall foliage in the PA Grand Canyon.
If you’ve never been there before (or even if you have), follow along as I share with you directions to some of the best fall foliage views in the PA Grand Canyon.
Simply click on the blue text links to view more in-depth information about each destination described below.
I’ve also plotted all of the destinations mentioned on the interactive map below, to make it as easy as possible for you to find and enjoy the amazing autumn views!
1. Leonard Harrison State Park
When most people think of the PA Grand Canyon, they think about Leonard Harrison State Park, a 585-acre state park on the east rim of the PA Grand Canyon.
The most popular trail at Leonard Harrison State Park is the mile-long Turkey Path, which leads you from the rim of the PA Grand Canyon down to the gorge floor and Pine Creek nearly 800 feet below.
Along the trail you’ll pass numerous waterfalls, all of which can be breathtaking sights in October.
Of course much of that is dependent on rainfall, so if you’re visiting during a dry spell the falls themselves may be less impressive.
In any event, this is a strenuous but enjoyable hike, unlike any other fall foliage hike in PA!
The fall foliage views from the bottom of the PA Grand Canyon, along the banks of Pine Creek, are equally impressive.
2. Colton Point State Park
Of course it takes two sides to make a canyon, and the west rim of the PA Grand Canyon is where you’ll find Colton Point State Park.
This 368-acre state park has no visitor center or modern restrooms (think outhouses), but it makes up for it with TONS of views!
It also has it’s own version of the Turkey Path, albeit narrower and more rugged; in fact the best waterfall views on this side of the PA Grand Canyon are mostly off-trail.
Fourmile Run in particular is home to some great fall foliage views, along with several unnamed waterfalls and cascades.
When you combine the stellar views and hiking opportunities on the west rim of the PA Grand Canyon, it’s hard to beat Colton Point State Park for fall foliage views in Pennsylvania!
3. Barbour Rock Overlook
Barbour Rock Overlook is an exceptional vista just minutes from Colton Point State Park.
Accessed via the mostly-flat, 0.7 mile-long Barbour Rock Trail, this relatively easy hike is a must-do when visiting the west rim of the PA Grand Canyon.
4. Bear Run Falls
Bear Run Falls is a series of waterfalls along a small tributary of Pine Creek, also located near Colton Point State Park.
5. Campbells Run Falls
South of Colton Point State Park, but still in the PA Grand Canyon, you’ll find Campbells Run Falls near the Tiadaghton access point to the Pine Creek Rail Trail.
As an added bonus, you may see additional waterfalls along small tributaries of Campbells Run as you make your way upstream to Campbells Run Falls.
6. Amphitheatre Falls
Upstream from Campbells Run Falls is another exceptional fall foliage scene for the adventurous at heart – Amphitheatre Falls.
One of the largest waterfalls in this part of the PA Grand Canyon, Amphitheatre Falls is more difficult to reach than Campbells Run Falls, even though they lie on the same stream.
But if you’re an experienced hiker who’s not afraid to get a little dirty and a little wet, Amphitheatre Falls can be an amazing fall foliage scene!
7. The Pine Creek Rail Trail
The Pine Creek Rail Trail is always a great bet for excellent and easily-accessible fall foliage views in the PA Grand Canyon.
The historic 62-mile rail trail was once used to transport freight by train between Wellsboro and Williamsport; now it serves as a perfect path for a relaxing hike or bike ride while you soak up the autumn views along Pine Creek.
Numerous tributaries of Pine Creek flow beneath the rail trail, and some of those tributaries have small waterfalls on them that can be seen from the trail.
8. Wellsboro
Wellsboro is one of the most popular tourist towns in the PA Grand Canyon, and thousands of visitors flock there every October to view the fall foliage displays in its historic downtown.
Virtually every block of downtown Wellsboro is a postcard-perfect scene when the leaves start to change in early October.
Final Thoughts
From expansive vistas to hiking trails to waterfalls to historic downtowns, the PA Grand Canyon is unlike any other fall foliage destination in Pennsylvania!
My family loves it there, and now you have the information you need to experience the incredible fall foliage views in the PA Grand Canyon for yourself!
Related Articles
60 Fabulous Fall Foliage Destinations in PA is your guide to some of the best fall foliage destinations across Pennsylvania.
31 PA State Parks Perfect for Fall Foliage Lovers introduces you to some of the best Pennsylvania state parks for fall foliage viewing.
35 PA Waterfalls for Fall Foliage Lovers shows you some of the best spots in PA to find two of my favorite subjects to photograph – waterfalls and fall foliage!
If you’re interested in visiting what USA Today called the third best place in the entire United States to view fall foliage, be sure to check out 22 Fabulous Fall Foliage Destinations in the Laurel Highlands of PA.
If you’re looking to explore deeper in the Pine Creek Gorge, be sure to check out 35 Must-See Waterfalls in Tioga County.
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