The Best Drives To See Fall Foliage In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania translates to "Penn's woods," and the name is quite apropos, as the Keystone State is full of verdant forested areas. That means in the fall, the state's fauna undergoes a stunning change of color.

So where should you head to see the most gorgeous autumnal scenes in the state?

Here are six drives that are great for viewing fall foliage, as recommended by the experts at VisitPA.com:

Viaduct Valley Way
Looking far up north (we're talking bordering New York State), Susquehanna County is home to the Viaduct Valley Way on state Route 92. This is the Endless Mountains Region, which could be Pennsylvania's best area to see the fall colors. The mountains – which are more like hills to those who know real mountains – are full of lush forests and when autumn hits, they burst with oranges, reds, and yellows as far as the eye can see.

High Plateau
In the middle of our sizable state, High Plateau in Center and Clinton counties is another amazing area to tour the fall foliage. State Route 144 runs for 27 miles between Snow Shoe and Renovo in Clinton and Centre counties while offering views of Sproul State Forest from the Allegheny Ridge. VisitPA.com says should you venture to the area, don't miss the views at Two Rock Run Vista and Fish Dam Run Scenic View.

Conestoga Ridge Road
State Route 23 in Conestoga Valley, Lancaster County is great for scenic views. VisitPA.com says the road provides "sweeping views of the Conestoga River and valleys" that are dotted with Amish and Mennonite farms, streams, and hills nestled among the thick woodlands that surround it.

Grand View
Pittsburgh roads Grandview Avenue, McArdle Roadway, and Sycamore Street offer great views of the skyline but also of the wooded areas that encircle the city. When the colors change, Point State Park provides a glorious backdrop for the surrounding, vibrant colors. The roads are atop the famous Mt. Washington, which is known for its old-school incline railroads and its stunning views of the city, as well as its verdant outskirts.

Kinzua
McKean County in Northwestern Pennsylvania, where Route 3011 connects to Route 6, is a great place to take in foliage. Route 6 winds its way through the the sprawling arboreal landscapes of Allegheny National Forest. Should you venture that way, don't miss Kinzua Bridge State Park, where the remains of a destroyed viaduct create a beautiful yet somewhat haunting scene.

The Blue Route
In Delaware County, just outside of Philadelphia, Interstate 476 travels through the Brandywine Valley area, which is rife with wooded areas and history. Despite being nestled in the bustling greater Philadelphia area, the Blue Route gives you great looks at Penn's woods (even if there is traffic from city and suburb dwellers).

Pictured above is a shot from state Route 144 in High Plateau, Clinton County.

Image via Nicholas A. Tonelli, Flickr Commons