Western Pennsylvania Fall Foliage 2017: Expect Exceptionally Vibrant Colors

PITTSBURGH, PA - Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other place on the planet, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. What will this year’s foliage be like?

Expect a spectacular season, DCNR officials say.

The state supports 134 species of trees and many more shrubs and vines that contribute to the display of autumn color. The cool, damp summer has set the stage for all of them to have brighter displays of color.

"The groundwork has really been laid for fall color," Ryan Reed, environmental education specialist in the DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry, told Penn in the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, told Pennlive.com. Reed’s weekly Pennsylvania fall foliage forecasts begin September 28.

Where are some of the closest places to Pittsburgh to go to see the best foliage displays? The DCNR recommends:

Forbes State Forest

Travel state Route 831 north along Laurel Ridge on U.S. Route 40 to Ligonier on U.S. Route 30 through Westmoreland and Fayette counties. Ohiopyle, Laurel Ridge, Laurel Hill, Kooser and Laurel Summit state parks and Forbes State Forest are all along or just east of this route.

Mt. Davis

The highest point in Pennsylvania at 3,213 feet, Mt. Davis in southern Somerset County is easily accessible by vehicle.

Jones Mill Run

Jones Mill Run Road through the Forbes State Forest is a peaceful retreat.

Cook Forest

A forested drive along Route 36 to Cook forest State Park or route 6 to Chapman State Park in Cornplanter State Forest provide great views in this heavily forested area. Fall weekends are full of festivals.

Photos: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.