PITTSBURGH, PA — It's autumn and as the leaves are beginning to change colors in Southwestern Pennsylvania, a Pittsburgh-area destination is being nationally recognized for its spectacular fall foliage.
The Laurel Highlands were chosen as one of the best destinations in the country for fall colors in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.
Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands recently were chosen as one of the best destinations in the country for fall colors in USA TODAY's 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards for 2026.
The mountainous Laurel Highlands region east of Pittsburgh spans 3,000 square miles of Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland Counties. Here is what USA Today had to say about it:
"Autumn colors peak in this region of the Allegheny Mountains around mid-October, making for a stunning show. The plethora of hiking and biking trails, including a portion of the Great Allegheny Passage, mean it's easy to explore the highlands during the height of the season. Several fall festivals add to the welcoming vibes in this region each October. "
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, there are two Laurel Highlands driving routes that are ideal for viewing fall colors.
The northern route is an approximately 125-mile loop that the department terms the quintessential "leaf peeper"road trip. Highlights include a stop at the third deepest gorge in Pennsylvania, a ride on the world's steepest vehicular incline, a walk to a bog, and a drive through and past four state parks and a state forest.
The southern route is an approximately 70-mile loop offers meandering drives through the valleys between the ridges of the highlands. Highlights include stops within two state parks and views of the deepest gorge in Pennsylvania from both on top of the ridge and from the Youghiogheny River.
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