The Best Places to Enjoy Fall Foliage in Erie County
Friday Aug 29th, 2025
Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes
Pennsylvania experiences the longest fall foliage season in the world, often spanning more than six weeks - and there's no better place in PA to experience that than along the shores of Lake Erie. The wide variety of trees and shrubs changing to varied hues of reds, oranges, and golds reflecting off the water present a remarkable backdrop for an unforgettable getaway.
Fall colors typically peak in Erie County during the second or third week of October, but peak color varies depending on proximity to the lake: lakeshore areas will see color peak a week or two later than inland areas. This year, the dry end to summer started the fall foliage season much sooner than normal, and a shorter, earlier fall foliage season is projected for 2025, potentially peaking in the first week of October for much of Erie County.
Presque Isle State Park
Pennsylvania’s most-visited state park continues to be a beacon for visitors well past beach season. With a 13-mile paved, waterfront trail along the perimeter of the park, 11 miles of forested hiking trails, and a wide variety of natural trees and plants, fall puts on a brilliant display of colors.
Featured viewing spot: The Presque Isle Lighthouse. Look out from the top of the tower for a broad sweep of color or stay at ground level where the trees and shoreline come together.
Asbury Woods
With 234 acres of forest featuring primarily deciduous trees, Asbury Woods is made for fall hikes and walks. Trails include an accessible woodland Boardwalk Trail, the more rugged Greenway Trail that meanders to Walnut Creek, and Big Maple Run – home to the park’s notable Grandmother Tree.
Featured viewing spot: The Grandmother Tree is beloved at Asbury Woods, and is brilliant in the fall. This red maple is more than 100 feet tall and is the largest tree in the forest, estimated to have begun growing between 1920-1930.
The Great Lakes Seaway Trail
The Great Lakes Seaway Trail meanders along the shoreline of Lake Erie through Lake Erie Wine Country, where fall wraps the vineyards in warm colors, and the sweet scent of grapes is in the air. The drive alone makes Route 5 a perfect destination for the fall, made even better when you consider that more than 20 wineries dot the acres of vineyards.
Featured viewing spot: Lakeview Wine Cellars is just three miles south of Route 5, and is situated higher than the other wineries in Lake Erie Wine Country. With floor-to-ceiling windows in their tasting room, the view pairs perfectly with a glass of their Shipwreck White.
Frontier Park
This 30-acre green space in the city of Erie offers a quiet retreat with more than 1,000 trees throughout the park. Nearly two miles of trails meander through the park (and connect to the Bayfront Multi-Use Path), and features a playground, tennis courts, a trail alongside Cascade Creek, a Labrynth, and an Education Center.
Featured viewing spot: Follow the path along the West Branch of Cascade Creek from W 8th Street for a dazzling display of fall color along a babbling trout stream. Feeling extra fall-y? Get a coffee from local favorite Pressed across the street before you start your stroll.
Wintergreen Gorge
While much of Erie County offers flat trails, Wintergreen Gorge is the exception. Carved from shale and sandstone, the gorge’s cliffs and mature forest offer dramatic views, especially from the Gorge Overlook, where hikers find a well-deserved respite.
Featured viewing spot: The Gorge Overlook provides sweeping views of the colorful forest canopy and is a prime spot for photos. Park at the Cooper Road Trailhead to take a longer path along Fourmile Creek (and a waterfall or two!) or at the Prischak Lot Trailhead on the campus of Penn State Behrend for a quicker route.
Historic PA Route 6
Route 6N passes through vibrant fall colors and welcoming towns like Edinboro, Corry, and Waterford. Along the way, you’ll find forests, local shops, restaurants, and parks that make this scenic drive through Erie County feel like a step back to simpler times.
Featured viewing spot: The Harrington Covered Bridge in Albion, PA, built in 1870 and rebuilt in 1962, offers classic views of colorful forests framed by its historic wooden structure.
