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Pennsylvania fall foliage
In a typical year, fall color in Pennsylvania peaks from about October 16 around Wellsboro (Pine Creek Gorge, 1,310 ft) to about October 31 around Philadelphia (40 ft).
2026 foliage season
Pennsylvania fall foliage map
- Mostly green
- Starting to turn
- Moderate color
- Near peak
- Peak color
- Past peak
- Leaves down
Dots show the 6 Pennsylvania destinations we track, colored by today’s estimated stage. Select one for its forecast, or open the full foliage map to check any city or ZIP code.
Peak calendar
Bars show the typical best-viewing window for each destination. The dark mark is the typical peak. The last column shows today’s estimated status.
Check this year’s actual conditions. Leaves.com dates are estimates based on typical years. Before a trip, check the official report from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, updated weekly during the season.
Pennsylvania fall foliage reports →How fall color moves through Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s color starts in the northern mountains and moves south and east over about two weeks. Wellsboro, near Pine Creek Gorge, typically peaks first, around October 16. The center of the state follows, with State College around October 21. The southwest and the Poconos region come next: Pittsburgh and Jim Thorpe around October 24, and Ohiopyle in the Laurel Highlands around October 25. Philadelphia is last, around October 31.
Scenic drives
US Route 6 crosses the forested northern tier of the state, passing near Wellsboro. Pine Creek Gorge, often called the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, can be seen from overlooks in Leonard Harrison and Colton Point state parks on either rim. In the east, Jim Thorpe sits at the edge of the Lehigh Gorge, and in the southwest, Ohiopyle State Park follows the Youghiogheny River through the Laurel Highlands.
Planning around elevation
Pennsylvania’s mountains are high enough to matter: the Allegheny Plateau in the north turns well ahead of the river valleys and cities. The Laurel Highlands, at around 1,200 feet, peak close to Pittsburgh despite being farther south.
If you miss peak
If the northern tier is past peak, head south and east. Central Pennsylvania typically peaks about five days later, and Philadelphia often has good color at the end of October.
Trees behind the color
Common questions
When is peak fall foliage in Pennsylvania?
In a typical year, fall color in Pennsylvania peaks from about October 16 around Wellsboro (Pine Creek Gorge, 1,310 ft) to about October 31 around Philadelphia (40 ft). Timing can shift by about a week in either direction depending on the weather.
Where does fall color peak first in Pennsylvania?
Wellsboro (Pine Creek Gorge) is usually first among the Pennsylvania destinations we track, with peak around October 16. Higher and more northern spots turn before lower and more southern ones.
Where is the latest fall color in Pennsylvania?
Philadelphia usually peaks last, around October 31. Later color here is usually found lower down and farther south, so if you miss peak elsewhere, head toward places like Philadelphia.
What trees give Pennsylvania its fall color?
The biggest contributors at the destinations we track include red maple, sugar maple, shagbark hickory, northern red oak, tulip tree, and ginkgo.
Check any city or ZIP code in Pennsylvania.
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