Fantastic Fall in the Laurel Highlands
Fall is here, and that means crisp, cool weather, harvest festivals and beautiful drives in the Laurel Highlands! This is the perfect time to explore southwestern Pennsylvania and its natural beauty.
Celebrate fall
Ears of corn at Fort Ligonier Days.
This season is jammed with awesome festivals. Our rolling hillsides are the perfect backdrop for the harvest season. Check out events like the Connellsville Mum Festival, Autumnfest Weekends at Seven Springs Mountain Resort , Confluence Pumpkin Fest and Fort Ligonier Days in Ligonier.
Fall’s nippy weather gets your appetite ready for fall comfort foods – think spicy chili, fresh apples and pumpkin everything!
Buckwheats – our favorite!
Here in Ohiopyle, we have the ever-famous Ohiopyle Buckwheat Supper and Festival that is put on by the Ohiopyle Volunteer Fire Department, it is usually the second weekend of October, this year, the 13th & 14th. Tempt your palette at the Laurel Highlands Chili Cook-off & Mountain Harvest Festival at Christian W. Klay Winery or the Brews & Brats Festival at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Falls City Pub also holds its annual fall Beer Dinner (a locals favorite!) the third Thursday in October, 10-19-2017.
Go for a hike
Take a hike!
The temps start dropping around Labor Day, making it easier to get outside and enjoy our lovely forests. In Ohiopyle, check out the trail around Ferncilff Peninsula to see some unique native plants like the gorgeous orange Chanterelle mushroom. Continue your walk to the High Bridge for a great view of the Youghiogheny River Gorge.
Looking over the High Bridge.
For another awesome vista, head up Baughman Trail and hike about 2 miles up to the overlook. Or check out the natural waterslides and sparkling cascades on Meadow Run trail, a 4.2-mile loop from the parking lot by the natural waterslides.
The natural waterslides on Meadow Run trail.
Backpackers love tackling the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail in September and October. With cool weather and colorful leaves, it’ll be a walk to remember.
Ride a bike
Great Allegheny Passage in the fall.
The Great Allegheny Passage is a spectacular tunnel of color in the fall! Rent a bike in town or bring your own for a cruise along the Yough. A popular ride is a 20-mile out-and-back to Confluence, a charming river town 10 miles from Ohiopyle. If you’d like to experience more of the trail, a Wilderness Voyageurs shuttle can take you and your bike anywhere along the GAP. Hop on your bike and ride back to your vehicle.
Want more? Check out our guided bike tours.
Bombing down Sugarloaf Trail.
For mountain bikers, October is the Month of Mud! This fun local mountain bike race series ends with the Ohiopyle Super-D, a ripping fun ride down McCune and Sugarloaf trails. The race ends with a party at Falls City Pub, which you won’t want to miss!
Visit history
Frank Lloyd Wright’s world-famous Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob houses are striking in the fall. They both offer tours on weekdays and weekends.
Fallingwater under a gorgeous canopy of trees.
For American history buffs, take a stroll around Fort Necessity National Battlefield and learn about the role it played in the French and Indian War. Or visit Fort Ligonier, another beautifully restored British fort in the Laurel Highlands. (Hint: follow up with a trip to the Ligonier Creamery! You won’t be sorry.)
No matter what you choose to do this fall, you’re in for a colorful season!
Can’t decide where to start or how to put it all together?? Call our reservations office and our Laurel Highlands experts will help you plan a great getaway.
Wilderness Voyageurs, 103 Garrett Street, Ohiopyle Pa 15470 800-272-4141