Local foresters, outdoors enthusiasts, biologists and motorcycle riders all have their favorite places to see the fall panorama of leaves.

Mountains, hillsides and river valleys are among the best places to view the fall leaf spectacle not just because of the volume of trees, but the variety.

“The diversity of the landscape creates many different types of soil, chemistry and moisture content that provide the richness of different species of trees here,” said Charles Bier, a Buffalo Township resident and senior director of conservation science at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

There are 134 species of trees in the state and many more shrubs and vines that contribute to the display of autumn color, according to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

As fall progresses, various tree species change color and mix it up in the landscape, Bier said.

“Sugar maples are found in rich moist valleys, the aspens will turn yellow in younger forests that were once farmland,” Bier said. “The oaks will often change last and hold leaves longer, giving us browns and reds when other trees have dropped their leaves.”

Bands of yellow halfway up a mountain as seen while driving the Pennsylvania Turnpike likely will be tulip trees, Bier said.

Where to see the colors locally

Bier’s and other experts’ top picks for best locations to see the fall leaves are:

Butler-Freeport Community Trail. River valleys such as the Freeport side of the Butler-Freeport Trail provide a variety of trees and colorful possibilities, Bier said. “You can find a more personal, closer experience by walking on the trail and within the color of the leaves.”

Baker Trail bluff in Allegheny Township and Harrison Hills overlook trail in Harrison Township. Bier said both spots provide sweeping vistas of the hills huddled around Freeport.

Duff Park, Murrysville. “Some trails are hilly and you don’t get a scenic vista but you are in the forest and feel encompassed by the autumn forest,” said Rachael Mahony, a North Huntingdon resident and a DCNR environmental education specialist in Forbes State Forest.

Oak Hollow Park, North Huntingdon. “It’s a small park with a paved road that is stroller-friendly and is located on a hillside that gives you a vantage point to see a lot of trees,” Mahony said.

Route 66 from Apollo to Ford City. Brett Wonderling of Lower Burrell is assistant director of the Alle-Kiski Harley Owners Group and a salesman at Gatto Cycle Shop. He has favorite fall routes used by the biker group, traversing either Route 780 in Upper Burrell or the Route 56 bypass then heading to Apollo to pick up Route 66, heading to Ford City. “Crossing the Kiski River by Naser’s into Apollo, then riding Route 66, offers up nice scenery,” Wonderling said. “For the motorcycle rider, it’s nice. There’s not a lot of traffic and lots of places to stop.”

Wonderling said the route through Apollo to Ford City provides different views with rivers, lots of trees and an interesting landscape. “We like the straightaways, the twisties (S-bends) and the curves.”

Northeastern Allegheny County Parks — Harrison Hills, Deer Lakes and Hartwood Acres. “County parks are convenient and easy places to have some nice wide swatches of colorful fall leaves,” said Brian Wolyniak, urban and community forester for Penn State Extension in Allegheny County. He especially likes Harrison Hills. “It has a great overlook over the river and you’re still within the woods looking out.”

Donegal, Route 31 to Jones Mills. “Route 31 into Jones Mills, you are looking at Laurel Ridge and you can see the panoramic view of the ridge and the fall leaves,” said Tony Quadro, forester for the Westmoreland County Conservation District.

Crooked Creek and Allegheny River, Bethel Township. “Crooked Creek’s mouth at the Allegheny gives you some awesome views and not just during fall,” said Chris Ziegler, executive director of the Armstrong Trails.

The trail’s bridge was extended and visitors can see the foliage on the other side of the river and nearby Ross Island. “There’s no development there; it’s all tree-covered,” Ziegler said.

Brady’s Bend, East Brady. “It’s a nice place to see the landscape anytime and easy to reach,” said Holly May, a DCNR service forester for Armstrong, Clarion and Jefferson counties.

Pleasant Valley Park, Murrysville. “There are plenty of dogwoods and Virginia creeper on the edge of the woods,” said Pia van de Venne, president of the Friends of Murrysville Parks. “Don’t forget to look at the ground. There are many red leaves already there.”

Forbes State Forest, Westmoreland/Somerset/Fayette counties. “The best place in Southwestern Pennsylvania to see fall foliage is through the forest on Route 30 to State Route 219 to Ebensburg,” said Dave O’Barto, of Latrobe, a consulting forester. “Along the ridge and in the valley, you can see lots of forested areas through that corridor.”

O’Barto added, “Any of the roads going through state parks and state forest lands are ideal. You have forest on either side of you.” He prefers seeing stands of maples with hemlocks. “You got dark green evergreens with the yellows and reds of the maples.”

Barking slopes along Coxcomb Hill Road, Plum. “There’s a spectacular view of Springdale, Cheswick and the Allegheny River,” said Jim Ritchie, of Oakmont, a longtime hike leader. Park along Coxcomb Hill Road in Plum in the Allegheny Land Trust pull-off area. “It’s a steep climb to the top of the ridge but it’s a great view of the valley,” he said.

Tredway Trail, Allegheny Township/Lower Burrell. “You’re right along the Allegheny River and it’s always within view,” Ritchie said. He suggests an easy mile-long walk from the trail parking lot in Lower Burrell’s Braeburn section to a small waterfall along the trail.

Driving tour of the Laurel Highlands. DCNR features a 125-mile loop tour of the northern Laurel Highlands for the “quintessential leaf peeper road trip,” offering views of fall foliage at every turn. For details, go to the DCNR website (dcnr.pa.gov) and click on “Fall Foliage Reports.”

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