Best Pennsylvania Hiking Trails To See Fall Colors

PENNSYLVANIA — Fall is in full force across most of the country, with all but the Gulf Coast states enjoying trees adorned with the reds, oranges and yellows that are hallmarks of autumn.

Throughout the next several days, trees across the county will continue to change colors as they enter their pre-peak or peak phases, offering spectacular fall views to anyone willing and able to get outside and take a look.

Whether you’re social distancing by choice or because of a local mandate, one thing that can still be safely enjoyed is the great outdoors, and research shows it has more to offer than just stunning seasonal views.

One study by public health researchers Michael Jerrett and Matilda van den Bosch found that exposure to nature — including water and green spaces — can help reduce inflammation, chronic stress and symptoms of depression.

Walking or hiking is also a simple way to increase the heart rate and add some cardio to your routine, especially if you’ve gotten a little too friendly with your sofa during the pandemic.

Some areas have closed public outdoor spaces in an attempt to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. If outdoor spaces in your area have been impacted, remember you can always enjoy the cooler fall air and see the changing leaves during a walk around the block.

Luckily, at least hiking destinations remain open in your area. Make sure to maintain social distance when you are checking out these Pennsylvania parks and forests for prime fall foliage:

• Delaware State Forest — spans Pike, Monroe, Northampton, and Carbon counties (get directions here)
• Promised Land State Park — 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown
• Lehigh Gorge State Park — S. Lehigh Gorge Drive, Weatherly
• French Creek State Park — 843 Park Road, Elverson
• Cherry Springs State Park — 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport
• Elk State Forest — spans Elk, Cameron, Potter, and McKean counties
• Kinzua Bridge State Park — 296 Viaduct Road, Mt. Jewett
• Forbes State Forest — spans Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties
• Rothrock State Forest — spans Huntingdon, Centre, and Mifflin counties

SmokyMountains.com offers a handy fall leaf map that helps residents know when fall colors are peaking in their county.

To use the map, simply slide the scale to the right to see when leaves will peak in your state. Zero in on your county, and you'll be able to decide when is the best time to take that autumnal hike.