The Best Places to Enjoy Fall Foliage in Erie County
Saturday Oct 1st, 2022
Fall in Erie is a magical time filled with crisp air, pumpkin patches, fall events and spectacular colors! Erie County is home to some of the best places to experience fall’s beauty up-close, especially when reflected in the waters of Lake Erie. Take a scenic drive, go for a relaxing walk and snap plenty of Instagrammable photos along the way throughout the month of October. This year, Erie’s peak week for fall foliage is October 16 - 22, however, watching the month-long transformation from verdant green to vibrant reds, oranges and golds can be just as fascinating. For serious “leaf peepers”, Pennsylvania provides weekly fall foliage reports complete with helpful tips and resources for optimum viewing. Share your favorite fall foliage photos and use #VisitErie!
Presque Isle State Park
Perhaps the best place for the most gorgeous fall foliage in Erie County is Presque Isle State Park. For fantastic views, walk or drive among the 13 miles of trees, shrubs, flowering plants flanked by Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. The sequence of warm sunny days and chilly nights provide the perfect scenario for the leaves to shine in a brilliant display of fall colors. The best places for memorable photo opportunities can be found at the Presque Isle Lighthouse, Perry Monument, The Feather (pictured) and simply everywhere in between. Find a map of locations here.
Asbury Woods
The winding trails and towering trees that call Asbury Woods home set the scene for a perfect fall foliage adventure. Some of the most beautifully colored trees on Asbury Woods’ 200-acre property can be found just inside the main entrance in front of the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center. The oaks, maples, beech and tulip trees are bursting with color and ready to be the backdrop for your fall photos. For added opportunities, stroll along the wooden boardwalk trail, make the short walk to Walnut Creek or journey a little farther to Brown’s Farm.
The Great Lakes Seaway Trail
Take a scenic drive to Lake Erie Wine Country along Route 5 in Erie County, also known as the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, where you will not only encounter spectacular views but the fragrant aroma of grapes ripening on the vine. The Great Lakes Seaway Trail is a 518-mile National Scenic Byway stretching from the Ohio/Pennsylvania border to Sackets Harbor, NY along the Lake Erie coastline. For a complete fall experience, grab a photo of yourself with family and friends in front of Mazza Vineyards or Penn Shore Vineyards, both located along this scenic route.
Frontier Park/LEAF
Wander among the hundreds of deciduous trees, shrubs and flowers found at the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park to see a striking showcase of fall colors. Frontier Park is a viable and sustainable green space located in the heart of Erie featuring more than 1,000 trees. Get a fall feast for the eyes by meandering through the park’s elaborate labyrinth, going for a streamside stroll along Cascade Creek or sharing a walk with your four legged friend on the multi-purpose pathway.
Wintergreen Gorge
Delight the senses with the crunch of leaves underfoot, the babbling sounds of Four Mile Creek, the smell of fresh forest soil and the breathtaking views along the six mile expanse of Wintergreen Gorge in Harborcreek, PA. The gorge was carved from shale and sandstone by the creek and is a partially mature forest featuring large quantities of its namesake American Wintergreen plants with bright red berries. Grab the best fall foliage shots from atop the gorge’s overlook or its tranquil waterfall.
Historic PA Route 6
Amidst a stunning sea of color winds historic Pennsylvania Route 6, the perfect route for a fall foliage road trip through southern Erie County. Erie County's portion, Route 6N, leads visitors through the charming towns of Edinboro and Corry as well as Albion, PA where covered bridge enthusiasts will find the picturesque Harrington Covered Bridge. This well-maintained, still functional bridge was originally built in 1870 and rebuilt in 1962. Following Route 6 from one side of Pennsylvania to the other is a leaf peepers’ dream, traveling through endless forests of ever-changing leaves, friendly small towns, overlooks, shops, restaurants and parks.
