If you’re looking for the best places to see fall foliage at Ohiopyle State Park, you’re in the right place!
The fall foliage at Ohiopyle and Fayette County typically peaks in mid-to-late-October.
The autumn leaves here are so outstanding that USA Today has ranked Ohiopyle State Park and the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania as the #3 place in the entire United States to view fall foliage.
But with over 20,000 acres of trails, vistas, and waterfalls to explore, how do you find the best spots to view fall foliage at Ohiopyle State Park?
I’ll show them to you!
I’ve plotted 12 of the best fall foliage destinations at Ohiopyle State Park on the interactive map below, to make it as easy as possible for you to find and enjoy the amazing autumn views there!
Click on the blue text links in the descriptions below to see more in-depth information about each destination.
1. Ohiopyle Falls
What better place to start than at the namesake Ohiopyle Falls, located right next to the Visitor Center in the heart of downtown Ohiopyle.
There are MANY different vantage points to view Ohiopyle Falls from, and I discuss them all in my write-up on the falls HERE.
2. Cucumber Falls
Quite possibly THE most photogenic (and most-photographed) waterfall in western Pennsylvania, Cucumber Falls lives up to the hype come October!
Even during a dry spell, Cucumber Falls looks resplendent, surrounded by a blanket of garnet and gold leaves.
You can find directions to Cucumber Falls, as well as a history of how it came to be part of Ohiopyle State Park, in my write-up HERE.
3. Baughman Rock Overlook.
Not only is Baughman Rock a fantastic place to view fall foliage at Ohiopyle State Park, but it’s also one of the 10 best scenic overlooks in the Laurel Highlands.
Whether you’re there first thing in the morning or late afternoon, you’ll be greeted by a sea of fall foliage at Baughman Rock Overlook.
4. Jonathan Run Trail
The Jonathan Run Trail is my FAVORITE waterfall hike in western Pennsylvania, and it gets even better in October!
The two main waterfalls along the trail (Upper and Lower Jonathan Run Falls) are complemented by nearly 2 miles of cascades and swirling pools of water and leaves.
5. Fechter Run Falls
Fechter Run Falls along the Sugar Run Trail is a waterfall I normally visit when hiking the Jonathan Run Trail, as the two are so close together.
You’ll find a map and directions to Fechter Run Falls in my write-up HERE.
6. The Low Bridge at Ohiopyle State Park
The Low Bridge carries the Great Allegheny Passage over Route 381 / Main Street in downtown Ohiopyle.
The Low Bridge makes for both a scenic vantage point and a cool compositional subject when viewing and photographing the vibrant fall foliage at Ohiopyle State Park!
7. The High Bridge at Ohiopyle State Park
Located less than a mile north of the Low Bridge, the High Bridge at Ohiopyle State Park towers over the Youghiogheny River as it carries the Great Allegheny Passage towards Connellsville.
As with the Low Bridge, the High Bridge is both superb vantage point and subject in its own right.
8. Sugar Run Falls
Whether you get there by hiking the Mitchell Trail or by biking the Great Allegheny Passage, Sugar Run Falls is a welcome sight in October.
Both the larger Sugar Run Falls (directly above the Great Allegheny Passage) and the smaller Lower Sugar Run Falls (below the bike path) are splendid places to view fall foliage at Ohiopyle State Park.
9. Meadow Run Trail
Meadow Run is not only one of the largest tributaries of the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle State Park, it’s also one of the best places to see fall foliage at Ohiopyle State Park!
The deep pools and cascades along Meadow Run are also a big draw for those who enjoy fly fishing.
I describe a complete loop hike to see the sights along Meadow Run in my write-up HERE.
10. Ferncliff Trail
The Ferncliff Trail is a 2 mile loop hike that takes you around the Ferncliff Peninsula and along the banks of the Youghiogheny River.
Park next to the Low Bridge in downtown Ohiopyle, and hike this easy trail to some amazing fall foliage views!
11. Bruner Run Falls
I consider Bruner Run Falls one the 10 must-see waterfalls at Ohiopyle State Park anytime of year, but even more so in October!
Located at the northern edge of the park, you’ll find a map and directions to Bruner Run Falls in my write-up HERE.
12. Youghiogheny River Overlook
The Youghiogheny River Overlook is located along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail as it passes through Ohiopyle State Park.
An uphill hike approximately 1.77 miles from the LHHT trail head in Ohiopyle, you can find the Youghiogheny River Overlook at GPS coordinates 39.85707, -79.46388.
So there you have it – the 12 best places to view fall foliage at Ohiopyle State Park!
Related Attractions
26 Best Fall Foliage Destinations in the PA Laurel Highlands is your guide to even more fall foliage viewing options in Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties.
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.
People come from all over the world to take the Somerset County Covered Bridges Driving Tour in the fall, which stops at all 10 historic covered bridges in the county.
If you love waterfalls AND fall foliage, then be sure to check out “35 PA Waterfalls for Fall Foliage Lovers”!
31 Best PA State Parks for Fall Foliage Lovers will guide you to some of the finest Pennsylvania state parks for experiencing amazing fall foliage views.
60 Fabulous Fall Foliage Destinations in PA shows you some of the best fall foliage destinations from all across Pennsylvania.
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