On September 21, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced it is making its experts available to serve as regional advisers, offering tips and resources to highlight the some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse fall foliage and to assist residents and visitors experience a colorful autumn in a variety of ways across the Commonwealth.

Beginning September 28, weekly fall foliage reports can be found online on the DCNR website. The report will be updated every Thursday.

Fall foliage typically peaks for several weeks throughout October across Pennsylvania.

Visitors can get suggestions about the best spots to view fall foliage on the Penn’s Woods Fall Foliage story map and on the Pennsylvania Tourism Office website.

“Pennsylvania is a large state with more than 130 native tree species, which gives residents and tourists plentiful opportunities to see a wide array of colors, ensuring every autumn is special,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “Whether the plan to hit is the trails or drive to scenic vistas across the Commonwealth, we encourage everyone to take in the beautiful sights of our amazing fall foliage.”

USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards recently named Keystone State Park as the nation’s Best Destination for Fall Foliage.

Dunn encouraged foliage viewers to visit Keystone and the Laurel Highlands, as well as the rest of the 124 state park system, 2.2 million acres of state forestland for some of the best views, recreation trails and park experiences.

Pennsylvania also boasts an abundance of great festivals, pick-your-own farms, and unrivaled haunted attractions that make the state the obvious choice for autumn, to pair with fall foliage viewing.

These tourist activities bring approximately 192 million travelers to the Commonwealth and inject about $66.3 billion into Pennsylvania’s economy.

Tourism generates more than $5 billion in tax revenues and is responsible for more than 540,000 jobs related to or benefiting from tourism.

“Regardless of whether you are partial to brilliant oranges, dazzling yellows, or deep, rich reds, Pennsylvania’s fall season is always a showstopper,” said Carrie Fischer Lepore, Deputy Secretary for Tourism, with the Department of Community and Economic Development. “Fall is also big business. Pennsylvania hotels alone add between $350 million to $450 million to the state’s economy during the month of October, according to data from STR, Inc.”

State foresters and park personnel are available to recommend the best times and locations to experience the beautiful vistas of the season.

Click Here for complete announcement.

Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.

Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

NewsClips:

-- PennLive: PA’s Fall Foliage Is Unique In The World, But It’s At Risk: ‘I Dare Say We Take It For Granted’

-- Erie Times - Brian Whipkey: Here’s Why And Where You Should See Eye-Popping Colorful Foliage In PA This Fall

-- PA Parks & Forests Blog: Finding Awe In The Outdoors - By Jessica Aiello

-- Erie Times: Summer Of Soot And Sewage: Erie Experiences Air, Beach Water Pollution Problems

-- NextPittsburgh: Somerset County An All-Season Outdoor Destination

-- Bay Journal - Ad Crable: A Ferry, Art-Nature Center, Susquehanna River And Quaint Town - All In A Day’s Visit In Millersburg, Dauphin County

-- Williamsport Sun: Shaw Place Park Walking Trail To Provide Incentives For Health Lifestyles

-- Williamsport Sun Editorial: Susquehanna Riverwalk Expansion Brings Communities In Lycoming County Together

-- Warren Times: Allegheny National Forest Announces Schedule Of Events For Sept. 24 Centennial Celebration

-- Warren Times: Allegheny National Forest Seeking Resource Advisory Council Members

Related Articles:

-- PA Environmental Council Now Accepting Applications For Water Trails Mini-Grants  [PaEN]

-- Fish & Boat Commission Now Accepting Applications For Erie Access Improvement Grants  [PaEN]

-- PA Natural Heritage Program Spotlights Conservation Genetics; Rare Plant Mysteries; Be A Good Bee Collaborator; Old Growth Forest Field Work; Moth List Updates  [PaEN]

[Posted: September 21, 2023]

9/25/2023