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.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation. Sign up for the newsletter and follow us on social.
Latest Episodes
Your Guide to a Pittsburgh Staycation
Who says you have to leave town to get away? From grand historic hotels and quirky neighborhood Airbnbs to cozy cabins and airport-adjace...

Pgh Restaurants Are Getting Pricier. Who’s Profiting?
Remember when dining out didn’t feel quite so expensive? Post-Gazette dining critic and City Cast contributor Hal B. Klein has the litera...

Pgh’s (Very) Tight Budget, Bad Driver Roundup & Homegrown Art
Mayor Corey O’Connor just proposed his budget for 2027. The good news: more funding for parks and rec centers. The bad news: our city is...

Snail Mail Group, Silent Book Club & More Cozy Pittsburgh Activities
The days are shorter, temperatures are dropping, and Pittsburgh’s gray skies will soon be making their comeback. But instead of dreading...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: A ‘Rage Room’ That’s Saving a City — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
It’s fall in Pittsburgh, but just this week, cities across the country experienced record-high heat. In Somerville, MA, the city governme...

Fetterman-Proof Senate, Fish Nor Fowl Closure & Page's Ice Cream Truck Crash
The dust has settled after Election Day, and there’s a lot to unpack! Democrats’ big wins have changed the political landscape but nation...

Pittsburgh's Best Thanksgiving Takeout in 2026
Whether you’re hosting a small group, need some backup for a big family, or just want to grab an impressive dish to contribute to the Tha...

Did PA Dems Win a Trifecta?
Pennsylvania Democrats have declared a trifecta, saying they've taken full control of the state House, state Senate, and governor's offic...

What Could Democrats Do With More Control?
It's Election Day, and Pennsylvania Democrats are hoping to win a trifecta for the first time in decades: controlling the state Senate, H...

A Procrastinator's Guide to the 2026 PA Election
Tomorrow is Election Day! If you haven't done your homework yet, host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk are here to guide...

