Leaf Peeping, Dark Skies, and Other Fall Getaways
It’s officially fall, which means leaf-peeping season is almost upon us. If you’re looking for outdoorsy autumn getaways, the City Cast Pittsburgh team has got you covered. Host Megan Harris, newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco, and producers Mallory Falk and Sophia Lo are here with our favorite trips within four hours of the ‘Burgh.
This is episode is the first in a three-part series on the best fall getaways in our region.
Our picks close to Pgh:
- McConnells Mill State Park (near Portersville) — Cheeseman Farm is also in this area
- Looking for a place to stay? Check out The Lodge at Water’s Edge
- Laurel Caverns/Barton Cave (Farmington)
- Find out more about cave tours with Pittsburgh Grotto
- Ohiopyle State Park
- Find out more about the Legends of Ohiopyle events this Friday (looking for the extra spooky version? Get your thrills and chills here)
- Harmony, PA
- Check out the Sleepy Hollow Fest on Oct. 14
Our picks a little farther afield:
- Davis, WV
- Blackwater Falls State Park
- The Purple Fiddle for food, drinks, and live music
- If you want to venture a little farther south, check out New River Gorge, the nation’s newest national park
- PA Grand Canyon (Wellsboro, PA)
- Pine Creek Rail Trail
- Stargazing at Cherry Springs State Park (Coudersport, PA)
- Get a Night Sky Tour at this dark-sky certified spot
- You can also reserve a campsite there
- Kinzua Bridge State Park
- Keuka Lake, NY
- Check out the Village of Penn Yan
The Smoky Mountains map estimates that peak foliage hits Oct 9-23, depending on where you are in the state.
Want some more Pittsburgh news?
- Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.
- We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh!
- Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
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