Short hikes offer the best views in peak Western Pennsylvania fall foliage season

Renatta Signorini, Tribune-Review, Greensburg, Pa.
·6 min read

Oct. 12—The brightly colored leaves and earthy scent of autumn might best be taken in with your feet tucked inside a sturdy pair of shoes.

Westmoreland County and the Laurel Highlands have plenty of spots for hiking amid tall deciduous trees with sun-dappled gold, orange and red leaves.

But it can be a bit more difficult to find a clearing in those trees to take in a landscape view of Pennsylvania's autumnal glory.

The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' most recent weekly fall foliage report showed the ridges in Westmoreland, Fayette and Somerset counties would be approaching best color through Thursday, when the next report will come out.

Colorful leaves in the lower elevations are not far behind. Here are a few hikes — ranging from easy to strenuous — throughout the region to enjoy the season.

Mount Davis

One of the most obvious fall views is at Pennsylvania's highest point: Mount Davis in Somerset County. A short walk to an observation tower and up the staircase lends itself to a panorama of color.

With plenty of trails in the surrounding natural area, the short walk could turn into a lengthier hike by combining a few into a loop that finishes at the observation tower for a reward at the end.

Baughman Rock Overlook

Ohiopyle State Park

Sure, you can drive 21/2 miles on Sugarloaf Road out of Ohiopyle and park a few feet away from this rock outcropping over the Youghiogheny River that offers an expansive view of the gorge below. Or you can lace up your boots and start at the Baughman Trail off the Great Allegheny Passage, not far from the Sheridan Street parking lot in Ohiopyle, for a more strenuous way to get there.

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More fall foliage stories:

—From 2021: Experts pick the best places to see fall foliage in Southwestern Pa.

—From 2020: Here are the best spots to see fall foliage in the Pittsburgh region

—State officials: Bigfoot isn't lurking in Pennsylvania parks and forests; fake flyers reported

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Tharp Knob

Ohiopyle State Park

This bird's-eye view of the town and Youghiogheny River is a short walk from the Tharp Knob Picnic Area off Ohiopyle Road, about 21/2 miles outside Ohiopyle. A 1-mile trail, Tharp Knob Loop, will take hikers into a wooded area nearby, or for a longer jaunt combine a couple trails to Jonathan Run to check out some waterfalls.

McCune Trail

Ohiopyle State Park

This perspective at about the halfway mark of a 3.7-mile loop trail is framed by trees. Access this trail from Sugarloaf Road just before its intersection with Fire Tower Road.

High bridge along Great Allegheny Passage, Ohiopyle State Park

This bridge carries the Great Allegheny Passage over the Youghiogheny River gorge. Follow the trail about a third of a mile north of Ohiopyle to catch the landscape 115 feet above the river, where you might get to see some whitewater rafters or kayakers. The bridge is around mile marker 72 on the GAP trail.

Beam Rocks Overlook

Forbes State Forest

This popular sandstone rock formation is a half-mile walk from a parking area off Laurel Summit Road and offers sights of Somerset County and the Laurel Ridge area. If you want something a bit longer, hop on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail; Beam Rocks is accessible near mile marker 41.

Wolf Rocks Overlook

Forbes State Forest

Another popular sandstone rock formation with tree-laden scenery nearby is Wolf Rocks. This one requires more foot power to get to, though — a couple of trails through mountain laurel and rhododendron lead to the expansive view of Chestnut Ridge and Linn Run Hollow. A loop is about 41/2 miles with Wolf Rocks at the mid-point.

The trailhead is at the Laurel Summit State Park lot off Laurel Summit Road.

Scenic View

Laurel Hill State Park

Formerly privately owned, this Somerset County spot was acquired by the Western Pennsylvania Land Conservancy and donated to the state in 2016, becoming part of Laurel Hill State Park. A short walk from a Lyons Road parking lot leads to a covered tower that offers 360-degree views.

Porcupine Ridge Trail

Powdermill Nature Reserve

This one will take about 4 miles of hiking to check out at Powdermill Nature Reserve's network of trails in southeastern Westmoreland County. Porcupine Ridge Trail connects to Sugar Camp Trail, a loop across from the reserve's building on Route 381. An overlook is at the turnaround point of out-and-back Porcupine Ridge Trail.

Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail

There are several viewpoints along this 70-mile trail in Laurel Ridge State Park that connects St. Clair Township in Westmoreland County and Ohiopyle in Fayette County. None are easily accessible, but the overlooks and rock outcroppings are well worth it for adventurous hikers.

Vistas of the Conemaugh River and Johnstown are between miles 66 and 69, and a bench around mile marker 61 is a good respite to take in Baldwin Creek Valley in Westmoreland state gamelands. The bridge that carries the trail over the Pennsylvania Turnpike between miles 36 and 37 is a different type of view despite the passing traffic below.

The highest point of the trail comes around mile marker 27 on Seven Springs property, and a view of Middle Fork breaks up mostly flat terrain between miles 21 and 22. One of the toughest overlooks to get to is one close to mile marker 3, a steep elevation gain coming from either direction. Rocks provide a place for a rest with a view of the Youghiogheny River.

Watts Memorial Overlook

Harrison Hills Park

From 400 feet above the Allegheny River, sweeping vistas of Butler, Armstrong and Westmoreland counties can be taken in from an overlook deck. It is accessible by a short walk from a lot in Harrison Hills Park.

Barking Slopes, Plum

Park along Coxcomb Hill Road, and a steep hike about a mile or so will bring you to an overlook of the Allegheny River valley and Springdale. The property is owned by the Allegheny Land Trust.

Crooked Creek Lake

Armstrong County

While you can drive to this overlook, a 30-minute walk on out-and-back Abbey Road Trail, which starts at Beach Road, allows a leaf seeker to take in the views of the control tower and lake, which is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Pittsburgh

It may be the city, but there are plenty of trees around Downtown Pittsburgh to catch fall scenery from the confluence at Point State Park, which will require a bit of a walk, depending on where you park. Same goes for Mount Washington, the iconic view of Pittsburgh.

Renatta Signorini is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Renatta by email at rsignorini@triblive.com or via Twitter .