When to catch Pennsylvania'snatural highlights

When is the best time to see nature in Pennsylvania?

The peaks we can name in Pennsylvania each belong to a place, not the whole state. Wildflowers along Longhouse Scenic Drive: late April to May; Fall color at Cherry Valley: late October.

Each card below gives the source's own words and where they apply.

Checked Sep 30. Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Longhouse Scenic Drive wildflowers (Allegheny NF) ↗ (opens in a new tab)

The peaks through the year

Named places, in their sources' words; not statewide dates

Most numerousWildflowers along Longhouse Scenic Drive · Allegheny National Forest
late April to May
Longhouse Scenic Drive in the Allegheny National Forest: the showiest display
“Although numerous wildflower species can be seen throughout the year, spring (Late April-May), offers the showiest display.”
Source: US Forest Service, Longhouse Scenic Drive wildflowers (Allegheny NF) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Usual peakFall color at Cherry Valley
late October
Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge
“Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge : Peaks late October”
Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast ↗ (opens in a new tab)Fall foliage at Cherry Valley Refuge →

On one calendar

Approximate months; the cards above give the timing

Wildflowers along Longhouse Scenic DriveMost numerous: late April to May
Fall color at Cherry ValleyUsual peak: late October

Solid: a usual peak, the best viewing time or when animals are most numerous. Hatched: a broader season, never a peak.

Pick a part of Pennsylvania

9 places we follow

Allegheny and the northwest

Allegheny National ForestFall foliage · Wildflowers
Cook Forest State ParkFall foliage
Erie RefugeFall foliage · Spring migration · Winter wildlife

Pennsylvania Wilds

Pine Creek GorgeFall foliage
Black Moshannon State ParkFall foliage

Laurel Highlands

Ohiopyle State ParkFall foliage
Laurel Hill State ParkFall foliage

Poconos and the Delaware

Delaware Water GapFall foliage
Cherry Valley RefugeFall foliage

Pennsylvania on one map

Every place we follow here; tap one for its events

Map: approximate positions; state lines US Census.

Browse by season and event

Fall foliage · 9 places hereIn Pennsylvania →Everywhere →
Spring migration · 1 place hereIn Pennsylvania →Everywhere →
Wildflowers · 1 place hereIn Pennsylvania →Everywhere →
Winter wildlife · 1 place hereIn Pennsylvania →Everywhere →

Park guides and towns to stay in

Towns: straight-line distances on their own pages

Towns

Pennsylvania in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions

A wetland pond and golden grassland ringed by orange and red trees — Fall color at Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Photo: USFWS · public domain · resized

A quiet two-lane road under yellow and orange fall trees — Fall on River Road, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Photo: NPS · public domain

A pond with lily pads in front of a forest in fall color — Fall foliage at Erie National Wildlife Refuge. Photo: USFWS · public domain

How we know

Every timing above, from these pages

Sep 30Park ServiceSpring (late April to May) offers the showiest wildflower displaySource (opens US Forest Service, Longhouse Scenic Drive wildflowers (Allegheny NF) in a new tab)
Sep 28Park ServiceUsual peak by refuge: early October at Aroostook, Nulhegan Basin and Missisquoi; mid-October at Moosehorn, Rachel Carson and Great Bay (marsh)Source (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast in a new tab)