Laurel Highlands 2024 Fall Foliage Update

A collage of four fall foliage scenes from the Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania. The top left photo shows the red Pack Saddle Covered Bridge spanning a rocky creek with cascading waterfalls, surrounded by trees with autumn leaves. The top right photo captures a rustic cabin nestled in the woods, with a stone staircase leading up a leaf-covered hill in a forest full of golden and green foliage. The bottom left photo features a Legends & Lore sign at Hexebarger, also known as Witches' Hill, with a wooded trail lined with fallen leaves and trees displaying autumn colors. The bottom right photo shows two people standing on an observation deck at Mount Davis, enjoying a panoramic view of the vibrant fall foliage below, with shades of orange, yellow, and red stretching across the landscape under a clear blue sky.

The 2024 fall foliage season has arrived in full force in the PA Laurel Highlands, offering stunning leaf peeping opportunities throughout the region!

A scenic view of Laurel Hill Creek in the Laurel Highlands, featuring a shallow, rocky stream framed by trees displaying early autumn colors. The foliage along the creek includes shades of green, yellow, and orange, creating a vibrant canopy above the water. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting dappled light on the rocks and streambed. The peaceful scene is a perfect example of the natural beauty of the region during the fall season, with the creek flowing gently through the forested landscape. — Laurel Hill Creek.

Over the past three days (October 4-6), I had the chance to visit several iconic locations, and the colors are peaking beautifully across the area.

A rocky outcrop at Mount Davis in the Laurel Highlands is surrounded by trees displaying early fall foliage in shades of green and yellow. The large, weathered rocks are bathed in sunlight under a clear blue sky, while the forest beyond is starting to show signs of the seasonal transition. The vibrant colors of the leaves, combined with the rugged natural features of the rocks, create a striking contrast and highlight the beauty of the autumn landscape at Pennsylvania's highest point. — Baughman’s Rocks on Mount Davis.

At Laurel Hill State Park, the trees are transforming into a mix of golden yellows and oranges, with fallen leaves blanketing the forest trails.

A rustic cabin, part of a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp, sits nestled in the woods of Laurel Hill State Park in the Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania. The cabin is surrounded by trees with leaves beginning to turn yellow and orange, signaling the onset of fall. A stone staircase leads up a leaf-covered hillside to the cabin, adding to the secluded and peaceful atmosphere of the forest. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting a warm glow on the structure and the forest floor, creating a serene and nostalgic scene of this historic site. — Tree Army Camp at Laurel Hill State Park.

The trails, covered in vibrant foliage, create a serene atmosphere for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

A peaceful autumn scene along the Tran Road Trail in Laurel Hill State Park, located in the Laurel Highlands. A narrow wooden footbridge crosses over a shallow, rocky creek, with fallen leaves scattered across the trail and moss-covered rocks. The surrounding forest is filled with tall trees, their leaves transitioning to shades of yellow and orange as the season progresses. Sunlight filters through the canopy, creating a warm glow and highlighting the vibrant fall colors in this tranquil woodland setting. The quiet beauty of nature is evident as the trail meanders through the serene landscape. — Tram Road Trail at Laurel Hill State Park.

Over at the Blue Hole picnic area in the Forbes State Forest, the surrounding trees are in various stages of autumn’s transition, with yellow and orange hues reflecting off the calm pond, making it a perfect spot for a quiet, scenic break.

A peaceful autumn scene in the Laurel Highlands region of Pennsylvania, showcasing a reflective pond surrounded by trees in various stages of fall color change. Golden yellow leaves hang from a tree in the foreground, while the surrounding forest displays a mix of green, yellow, and orange hues. The calm water perfectly mirrors the vibrant foliage and tree trunks, enhancing the beauty of the natural setting. A wooden picnic table is visible near the treeline, adding to the serene atmosphere of this forest location. — Camp Blue Hole picnic area.

Barronvale Covered Br i dge is framed by colorful fall foliage, with bright red and orange leaves surrounding the iconic red structure.

A vibrant fall scene in the Laurel Highlands region of Pennsylvania featuring the historic Barronvale Covered Bridge. The bright red bridge stretches across a small creek, framed by trees showing off their early autumn foliage. The blue sky with scattered white clouds adds contrast to the greenery and fall colors in the landscape, creating a picturesque view of this serene rural setting. — Barronvale Covered Bridge.

A visit to Mount Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania, offers sweeping views of the vibrant forest canopy below, stretching for miles in shades of yellow, orange, and red.

A panoramic view of fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands region of Pennsylvania, taken from a high vantage point at Mount Davis, the highest point in the state. The forest canopy below is a stunning mix of gold, orange, and red hues, stretching into the distance under a clear blue sky. The distant mountains create a hazy silhouette along the horizon, providing a beautiful contrast to the vibrant autumn colors in the foreground. The vast expanse of trees showcases the beauty of the season in this scenic landscape. — View from the observation tower at Mount Davis.

If you’ve got the nerves to do it, the views from the top of the observation tower are outstanding right now.

A tall metal observation tower rises above the autumn forest at Mount Davis, Pennsylvania's highest point. The structure stands among trees with vibrant fall foliage in shades of yellow, orange, and red. A person is visible at the top of the tower, enjoying the elevated view of the colorful landscape. The bright blue sky provides a stunning backdrop, enhancing the contrast with the golden leaves surrounding the tower. The scene captures the essence of a crisp fall day in the Laurel Highlands. — The observation tower at Mount Davis.

Even the distant wind farm looks a little less “industrial” on the mountain ridges in the distance.

An expansive view of the fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania, showcasing a colorful canopy of trees in shades of yellow, orange, and red. In the distance, a line of wind turbines stands atop the horizon, contrasting with the vibrant autumn landscape below. The clear blue sky and distant mountain range enhance the natural beauty of the scene, blending the modern sight of renewable energy with the timeless appeal of the changing seasons. The dense forest stretches across the frame, highlighting the richness of the fall colors. — A view of the wind farm from Mount Davis.

At Fort Necessity, the trees surrounding the reconstructed palisade have just begun to show their autumn hues, making the historical setting even more visually striking.

A reconstructed wooden palisade at Fort Necessity National Battlefield in the Laurel Highlands stands against a backdrop of early autumn trees with shades of green, yellow, and orange. A large British flag waves in the breeze in front of the fort, contrasting with the bright blue sky and scattered clouds. The grassy field surrounding the fort and the paved walkway lead visitors to the historic site, which commemorates a pivotal moment in the French and Indian War. The vibrant fall colors enhance the historic setting, creating a picturesque scene. — Fort Necessity in Fayette County.

The Quebec Run Wild Area is a peaceful escape, where dense green rhododendrons are interspersed with pops of yellow and orange.

A trailhead sign for the Quebec Run Wild Area in Forbes State Forest, Pennsylvania, set against a backdrop of colorful autumn trees. The sign is mounted on a stone base, with the words "Quebec Run Wild Area" and "Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry" clearly visible. The surrounding forest features trees in shades of green, yellow, and orange as the fall foliage begins to change. A paved road winds through the forest, adding to the scenic beauty of this quiet and natural area during the autumn season. — Quebec Run Wild Area in Fayette County.

The tranquil sounds of the Mill Run and the rustling leaves made for a excellent Saturday afternoon hike, perfect for taking in the beauty of the changing season.

A serene autumn scene in the Quebec Run Wild Area of Forbes State Forest, Pennsylvania. The image captures a peaceful creek reflecting the surrounding trees, which are beginning to change color with shades of yellow, orange, and red. The forest floor is dotted with fallen leaves, and the sunlight filters through the canopy, casting a warm glow on the vibrant foliage. The natural beauty of the fall season is evident in this quiet, undisturbed woodland setting. — Mill Run in the Quebec Run Wild Area.

Because I spent more time here than expected, I had to skip a few locations in I had planned to visit in Westmoreland County, so my apologies to my friends there for the lack of photos from your county in this update.

A wooden footbridge crosses a small stream in the Quebec Run Wild Area of Forbes State Forest, Pennsylvania, surrounded by tall trees with leaves in the early stages of fall. The bridge is covered in a light scattering of fallen leaves, adding to the autumnal feel of the scene. Dense greenery, including rhododendron bushes, lines the forest floor, while the trees create a towering canopy overhead. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a soft glow on the peaceful, wooded path. The scene captures the quiet beauty of a forest walk during the fall season. — Mill Run Trail in the Quebec Run Wild Area.

Witches Hill (AKA Hexebarger) in Somerset County is surrounded by golden foliage that adds an eerie beauty to this spot of local folklore.

A Legends & Lore sign at Hexebarger, also known as Hexie or Witches' Hill, in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The sign tells of local folklore involving witches casting spells in the area and is believed to be named after a reputed witch named Prissy Rugg in the early 1800s. The sign is set against a backdrop of a wooded path lined with fallen leaves, as the surrounding trees display shades of yellow and orange in the early fall season. The bright sunlight filters through the foliage, casting a warm glow on the scenic and mysterious location. — Witches’ Hill, AKA Hexebarger, in Somerset County.

Wharton Furnace in Fayette County stands tall amid the vibrant backdrop of fall, with the stone structure nestled among trees ablaze with color.

The historic stone structure of Wharton Furnace stands amidst the vibrant fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania. The large tree next to the furnace displays a brilliant mix of orange, red, and yellow leaves, set against a bright blue sky. Informational signs are placed in front of the furnace, offering details about the site's history. The surrounding trees show various stages of seasonal change, creating a picturesque autumn scene at this notable historical landmark. — Wharton Furnace in Fayette County.

Finally, Pack Saddle Covered Bridge, with its cascading waterfall, was a breathtaking sight on Sunday morning, as the red bridge contrasted with the surrounding trees, now painted in shades of gold and orange.

A picturesque scene of the red Pack Saddle Covered Bridge in the Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania, with cascading waterfalls flowing gently in the foreground. The bridge spans across a rocky creek, surrounded by trees displaying early fall colors in shades of green, yellow, and orange. The soft lighting and reflections on the water enhance the tranquil atmosphere, while the stone abutments of the bridge add a rustic charm to the natural beauty of the scene. The combination of the flowing water, vibrant foliage, and historic structure creates a serene autumn setting. — The Pack Saddle Covered Bridge.

Overall, the fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands is currently at its peak in many areas, making it the perfect time to explore the region.

A serene pond in Laurel Hill State Park, located in the Laurel Highlands, reflects the surrounding trees and early fall foliage. The forested area displays a mix of green and hints of yellow and orange as the season begins to change. The calm water mirrors the sky, trees, and clouds, creating a tranquil and symmetrical scene. The grassy edges of the pond and the dense woods in the background add to the natural beauty of this peaceful autumn landscape. — The pond above Jones Mill Run Dam at Laurel Hill State Park.

Whether you’re hiking through the woods or admiring the vibrant views from the observation deck at PA’s highest summit, the stunning colors of autumn are currently on full display in Somerset and Fayette counties.

Two people stand on a metal observation deck at Mount Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania, taking in the expansive fall foliage views of the Laurel Highlands. The trees below are ablaze with rich autumn colors, ranging from golden yellows to deep oranges and reds. The clear blue sky stretches overhead, with distant mountains faintly visible on the horizon. The scene highlights the beauty of the season, as the observers enjoy the vibrant and scenic landscape from their elevated vantage point. — On top of the observation deck at Mount Davis.

26 Best Fall Foliage Destinations in the PA Laurel Highlands is an interactive guide to many more exceptional fall foliage destinations in Somerset, Fayette, and Westmoreland counties.

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

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.

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