Fall Foliage in Pittsburgh, PA 2025

Fall is a particularly enchanting time to visit Pittsburgh, known as the City of Bridges. As the leaves change color, the city's parks, valleys, and hillsides transform into a vibrant canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows, offering breathtaking views and numerous outdoor activities. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Pittsburgh's fall foliage is an experience not to be missed.

Best Time for Fall Colors

According to local experts, the best time to experience fall foliage in Pittsburgh is from early to mid-October, with the peak usually occurring in mid-October. The vibrant display of colors can often be enjoyed until early November, depending on the weather conditions.

Top Locations for Fall Foliage

Point State Park

Point State Park is a prime spot for leaf peeping. Located at the confluence of three rivers, it offers stunning views of the fall colors against the backdrop of the city's skyline. The park is easily accessible and provides a picturesque setting for photography.

Mount Washington and Emerald View Park

For panoramic views of Pittsburgh's fall foliage, take one of the historic funiculars up to Mount Washington. Emerald View Park, which borders Mount Washington, offers some of the best vantage points for viewing the city's autumnal splendor.

Schenley Park, Riverview Park, and Frick Park

These parks are popular destinations for locals and visitors alike. Schenley Park, Riverview Park, and Frick Park offer extensive hiking trails where you can immerse yourself in the fall scenery. Frick Park is particularly noted for its scenic Frick Park Trail Loop.

Hartwood Acres Park

Located north of Pittsburgh, Hartwood Acres Park features wooded trails and the Hartwood Acres Sculpture Garden. The park's extensive trail network provides ample opportunities for hiking amidst the fall colors.

Moraine State Park

Situated in Butler County, north of Pittsburgh, Moraine State Park covers 16,725 acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and boating. The park's rolling hills and lush forests are especially beautiful during the fall season.

Raccoon Creek State Park

Approximately 30 miles (50 km) west of Pittsburgh, Raccoon Creek State Park is one of Pennsylvania's most visited state parks. The park's 7,572 acres include the 314-acre Wildflower Reserve, home to over 700 species of plants, which are surrounded by stunning fall foliage.

Laurel Highlands and Ohiopyle State Park

A short drive from Pittsburgh, the Laurel Highlands region offers a scenic fall getaway. Ohiopyle State Park, located in the southern part of the Laurel Highlands, is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, including hiking and whitewater rafting. The park's autumn colors are truly magnificent.

Activities and Attractions

For a unique perspective on Pittsburgh's fall foliage, consider taking a fall cruise with the Gateway Clipper Fleet. These cruises offer stunning views of the city's colorful landscapes from the water. The Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad offers fall foliage train rides that provide a scenic journey through Pennsylvania's autumn landscapes. You'll need a little over 2 hours to get to Perry Street Station, but the fabulous 3-hour round-trip is worth the effort. The excursions typically run from early to mid-October and offer a relaxing way to enjoy the fall colors.

Admission and Hours

Most parks in Pittsburgh are free to enter and open year-round. However, specific attractions such as the Gateway Clipper Fleet cruises and the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad rides may require tickets. For instance, the Autumn Serenade Luncheon Cruise offers a relaxing 3-hour trip through Oil Creek State Park for $47.24. The Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad offers fall foliage train rides from October 2 to 18, with departures Wednesday through Friday at 11 am and weekends at 10 am and 3 pm. Tickets are $40 for First Class, $20 for adults in Coach, $18 for seniors, and $14 for children (ages 2-12). Boarding is at 409 S Perry St, Titusville, PA. Advance reservations are recommended as these events often sell out.

Selfie Spots

Pittsburgh's fall foliage provides numerous picturesque locations perfect for selfies and photos. Point State Park, Mount Washington, and Emerald View Park are particularly popular for capturing the stunning autumn colors with the city skyline as a backdrop.

Nearby Attractions

In addition to fall foliage, Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas offer a variety of attractions. The city is home to numerous museums, such as the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Andy Warhol Museum. Additionally, Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob in the Laurel Highlands are notable architectural sites worth visiting.