Best Fall Things to Do in Westmoreland County, PA
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Fall is a beautiful time of year in our home county of Westmoreland County, PA. You can find lots of places to visit outdoors to enjoy the colorful fall leaves and the sights, smells, and tastes of the season. Westmoreland Country and the Laurel Highlands are full of fun fall festivals, activities, and things to do. Keep reading to learn more about fall things to do in Westmoreland County!
Fall Things to Do in Westmoreland Country and the Laurel Highlands
Find Fall Leaves in the Laurel Mountains
Explore Westmoreland County’s beautiful state parks and forests. Changes in elevation, topography, weather, and soil composition create forest ecosystems rich in plant and animal species along the 70-mile Laurel Ridge.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources calls the Laurel Highlands a “melting pot” of forest types, namely Northern Hardwoods and Oak-Hickory forests, both known for their colorful tree species. Maples, birches, beeches, red oaks, and ashes dominate the summits and high plateaus, while valleys add white oaks, poplars, and hickories to the mix. Transitional areas, both slow and abrupt, mean both high and low elevations are bursting with color in the fall.
Linn Run State Park
Linn Run is among the most popular state parks in Westmoreland County. Its 610 acres include hiking trails, streams, waterfalls, and scenic vistas. Adam Falls and Flat Rock are the most popular destinations. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables near the stream. The area bursts with color thanks to an abundance of maples and beeches lining the stream.
Read more about our favorite hikes in the Laurel Highlands!
Laurel Mountain State Park
Located at nearly 3,000 ft. above sea level, Laurel Mountain State Park is at the top of the Laurel Ridge, giving you a great vantage point for seeing the rolling hills and valleys of the area. While most famous for its historic ski resort, Laurel Mountain provides scenic vistas and hiking trails for less snowy times of year.
Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway
Enjoy the comfort of your car while seeing plenty of sights at once on the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway. This driving tour of the Laurel Highlands spans through the county and provides beautiful views of the fall foliage.
On the Northern Loop, discover diverse foliage at Forbes State Forest, the unique landscape of the Spruce Flats Bog, and stunning views from overlooks at Beam Rocks and Wolf Rocks. Sites outside Westmoreland County include the steep 900-ft. Johnstown Inclined Plane.
On the Southern Loop, explore trails at Seven Springs Mountain Resort and lakeside views at Laurel Hill State Park. Venture out of Westmoreland County to Ohiopyle State Park to continue your exploration.
Visit Pumpkin Patches and Orchards
We’re highlighting some of our favorite places to find pumpkins, pick apples, and enjoy the autumn season in the Laurel Highlands. The Laurel Highlands is full of local pumpkin patches and orchards that provide family friendly fun during the fall
Sand Hill Berries
With its orchards, shops, winery, and cafes, Sand Hill Berries offers something for everyone.
Find lovely gifts in the farm store, including country-inspired home decor, dried fruit, jams, jellies, and seasonal gifts.
Greendance Winery includes a beautiful tasting room where you can sample a variety of white, red, and sparkling wines. Their hard apple cider is a warm, delicious seasonal treat that utilizes fresh apples, wine, and sweet seasonings that will immediately put you in the fall spirit.
Don’t forget to get your Laurel Highlands Pour Tour passport stamped, or pick one up if you are just starting your exploration of wines, craft beers, and spirits of southwestern Pennsylvania.
Keep the day going with lunch at the Cabin Cafe. Pick up a hearty sandwich, salad, or savory side and dine in the beautiful courtyard.
And don’t forget dessert! The dessert cafe includes generous slices of pie, ice cream, and cookies. We tried the apple pie and one slice is enough to share!
Visit Historic Sites
Westmoreland County and the Laurel Highlands has a lot of impressive historic sites where you can appreciate the beauty of autumns of yesteryear.
Historic Hanna’s Town
The first county seat of Westmoreland, Historic Hanna’s Town, includes quaint log buildings, guided tours, and exhibits on the history of Westmoreland County. Look for their Fall Family Day and Jack-o’-Lantern Tours at the end of October. Also stop in their museum shop and pick up seasonal gifts.
Saint Vincent College
Explore the rolling fields of Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve and the historic campus of Saint Vincent College, which features colorful maple trees in the Melvin Platts courtyard.
Ligonier
There is no shortage of beauty and history in the Ligonier Valley: tour Fort Ligonier, Compass Inn Museum, and the Ligonier Valley Rail Road Museum, shop local and watch historical reenactments at the ever-popular Fort Ligonier Days, observe skilled craftsmen transform flax into linen at the Stahlstown Flax Scutching Festival, or trick or treat at Pennsylvania’s oldest amusement park, Idlewild.
West Overton Village
With more than a dozen historic structures, West Overton Village near Scottdale is a historic farm and whiskey distillery that is also the birthplace of coke tycoon Henry Clay Frick. Tour the 19th century house, barns, springhouse, outdoor kitchen, and gardens while enjoying changing exhibits in the sprawling Distillery Museum. Oh, and did we mention that West Overton has started distilling rye whiskey again? It’s another stop on the Laurel Highlands Pour Tour!
Or take a drive down the old Lincoln Highway and stop in the museum for some pie and coffee!
Westmoreland County and Laurel Highlands Fall Festivals
Fort Ligonier Days
Ligoneir PA, Website
Seven Springs Autumn Fest
Seven Springs Resort, Website
Ohiopyle Fall Events
Ohiopyle PA, Website
Fall Wine West Stone Villa Winery
Acme, Pa Website
Hickory Apple Festival
Mt. Pleasant, PA Website
Mount Pleasant Glass and Ethnic Festival
Annual Event Mount Pleasant, PA
Friendship Hill Festifall
Friendship Hill Historic Site PA
Delmont Apple-n-Arts Festival
Delmont PA, Website
Bedford’s Fall Foliage Festival
Bedford, PA Website
Have fun enjoying Westmoreland County in the fall!
Extend your exploration with lots of fun things to do in the Laurel Highlands and Pittsburgh area, including outdoor destinations, fall festivals, and museums.
