Where to Find the Best Fall Foliage Views in the PA Grand Canyon

Where to find the best fall foliage views in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon

If you’re looking for the best fall foliage views in the PA Grand Canyon, you’re in the right place!

Pennsylvania Grand Canyon Fall Foliage
Spectacular fall foliage views from Leonard Harrison State Park in the PA Grand Canyon.

Officially known as the Pine Creek Gorge, this 47 mile-long canyon cuts through the heart of Tioga County and the Tioga State Forest.

PA Grand Canyon fall foliage in October.
PA Grand Canyon fall foliage in October.

Typically the first two weeks in October are the best weeks for viewing fall foliage in the PA Grand Canyon.

2022 Fall foliage predictions for Pennsylvania based on historical averages from the past five years.
2022 Pennsylvania fall foliage peak predictions, based on historical data from the past five years.

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 get directions to each destination described below.

Waterfall on an unnamed tributary of Campbells Run in Tioga County PA
Waterfall on an unnamed tributary of Campbells Run in the PA Grand Canyon.

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.

A view of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon from the Turkey Path.
A view of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon from the Turkey Path at Leonard Harrison State Park.

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.

Turkey Path trailhead at Leonard Harrison State Park in Tioga County.
Turkey Path trailhead at Leonard Harrison State Park in Tioga County.

Along the trail you’ll pass numerous waterfalls, all of which can be breathtaking sights in October.

Fall foliage around the tallest waterfalls along the Turkey Path.
Fall foliage around the tallest waterfalls along the Turkey Path.

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.

Fall foliage and waterfalls along the Turkey Path at Leonard Harrison State Park.
Fall foliage and waterfalls along the Turkey Path at Leonard Harrison State Park.

In any event, this is a strenuous but enjoyable hike, unlike any other fall foliage hike in PA!

The waterfalls closest to the bottom of the Turkey Path.
The waterfalls closest to the bottom of the Turkey Path.

The fall foliage views from the bottom of the PA Grand Canyon, along the banks of Pine Creek, are equally impressive.

Pine Creek as viewed from the bottom of the Turkey Path.
Pine Creek as viewed from the bottom of the Turkey Path.

The Pine Creek Rail Trail crosses the Turkey Path near Pine Creek, and this rails-to-trails hiking/biking path runs the entire length of the PA Grand Canyon.

The Pine Creek Rail Trail Bridge over Little Fourmile Run.
The Pine Creek Rail Trail Bridge over Little Fourmile Run and the Turkey Path.

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.

A PA Grand Canyon Overlook with a view of the fall foliage in Tioga County.
A PA Grand Canyon Overlook at Colton Point State Park, with a view of the fall foliage in Tioga County.

This 368-acre state park has no visitor center or modern restrooms (think outhouses), but it makes up for it with TONS of views!

PA Grand Canyon Fall foliage in late October.
PA Grand Canyon Fall foliage in late October.

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 Falls in late October.
Fourmile Run Falls in late October.

Fourmile Run in particular is home to some great fall foliage views, along with several unnamed waterfalls and cascades.

Fourmile Run near Colton Point State Park on an autumn afternoon
Fourmile Run near Colton Point State Park on an autumn afternoon

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!

The view of the PA Grand Canyon from Colton Point State Park
The view of the PA Grand Canyon from Colton Point State Park

Bear Run Falls

Bear Run Falls is a series of waterfalls along a small tributary of Pine Creek, located near Colton Point State Park.

Fall foliage at Bear Run Falls in Tioga County.
Fall foliage at Bear Run Falls in Tioga County.

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, mentioned earlier.

Campbells Run Falls near Tiadaghton Pennsylvania
Campbells Run Falls near Tiadaghton, Pennsylvania

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.

Waterfall on an unnamed tributary of Campbells Run in the PA Grand Canyon
Waterfall on an unnamed tributary of Campbells Run in the PA Grand Canyon

Amphitheatre Falls

Upstream from Campbells Run Falls is another exceptional fall foliage scene for the adventurous at heart – Amphitheatre Falls.

Rusty Glessner at Amphitheater Falls in Tioga County Pennsylvania
The author at Amphitheater Falls in Tioga County, Pennsylvania.

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.

Fall foliage at Amphitheater Falls in Tioga County, PA
Fall foliage at Amphitheater Falls in Tioga County, PA

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!

Amphitheatre Falls along Campbells Run in the Pine Creek Gorge Pennsylvania

Final Thoughts

Whether you’ve come for the expansive views from above, or the trails and waterfalls below, the PA Grand Canyon is unlike any other fall foliage destination in Pennsylvania!

Looking out over Pine Creek from Colton Point State Park
Looking out over Pine Creek and the PA Grand Canyon from Colton Point State Park.

My family loves it there, and now you have the information you need to experience the incredible fall foliage views at the PA Grand Canyon for yourself!

Fall foliage along the banks of Pine Creek at the bottom of the PA Grand Canyon.
Fall foliage along the banks of Pine Creek at the bottom of the PA Grand Canyon.

Related Articles

The 10 Best Roadside Attractions Near Wellsboro gives you driving directions to 10 destinations in the PA Grand Canyon that just about anyone can enjoy, regardless of age or physical abilities.

The Middle Ridge UMC Church outside Wellsboro.
The Middle Ridge UMC Church outside Wellsboro.

50 Fabulous Fall Foliage Destinations in PA is your guide to some of the best fall foliage destinations across Pennsylvania.

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

“20 PA State Parks Perfect for Fall Foliage Lovers” will guide you to some of PA’s finest state parks for experiencing unforgettable fall foliage views.

Kayakers on Laurel Hill Lake at Laurel Hill State Park.
Kayakers on Laurel Hill Lake at Laurel Hill State Park.

If you’re a waterfall fanatic, be sure to check out “35 PA Waterfalls for Fall Foliage Lovers”.

Fall foliage at Big Falls on Heberly Run in Sullivan County.
Fall foliage at Big Falls on Heberly Run in Sullivan County.

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”.

Fall foliage around the High Bridge at Ohiopyle State Park.
Fall foliage around the High Bridge at Ohiopyle State Park in the PA Laurel Highlands.

If you’re interested in finding dazzling fall foliage at the peak of Pennsylvania elk rut, be sure to check out “The 15 Best Elk Viewing Destinations in Pennsylvania”.

A member of the Benezette elk herd.
A member of the Pennsylvania elk herd near Benezette.

If you’re looking to explore deeper in the Pine Creek Gorge, be sure to check out “35 Must-See Waterfalls in Tioga County”.

Sand Run Falls in Tioga County PA
Sand Run Falls in Tioga County PA

Did you enjoy this article?

If so, be sure to like and follow PA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest to stay up-to-date on my latest write-ups 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.


PA Bucket List 2022 Sasquatch Logo

Pennsylvania’s Best Travel Blog!

Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and creator of the PA Bucket List travel blog.