PHOTO BY DAVE DICELLO

You might be surprised to learn that Pennsylvania has a longer fall foliage season than anywhere else in the world. 

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, it is one of three regions globally that supports deciduous forests that display brilliant fall colors. More than 16 million acres of forests exist in the state, and the Laurel Highlands region, just east of Pittsburgh, is home to 134 species of trees that make for “spectacular foliage viewing opportunities,” it says.

Related: Check Out These Spots for Vibrant Fall Foliage

So when will colors peak in our region? 

The 2024 Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts this area will have a cooler-than-average fall and the peak of color will be around Oct. 11.

While the state DCNR won’t release its fall prediction map for the state until later this month, other agencies, such as the 2024 Fall Prediction Map out of the Smoky Mountain National Park says that Western Pennsylvania will reach its peak between Oct. 14 and Oct. 21. Ohiopyle State Park in the Laurel Highlands uses the Smoky Mountain prediction map to promote its activities.