Autumn in western Pennsylvania is a magical time, as the landscape transforms into a kaleidoscope of seasonal hues. According to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than anywhere in the world. Whether you have time for a weekend fall getaway or just a short jaunt outside the city, there are a variety of beautiful drives to enjoy.
PRESQUE ISLE AND LAKE ERIE WINE COUNTRY
Few places in Pennsylvania offer panoramic lake views, vibrant fall foliage, and rolling vineyards all within a few miles. When you’ re fortunate enough to live close to the fourth largest lake in the United States, you don’ t have to go far for stunning water views. This is a great route for those who want to stay close to home without sacrificing autumn glory.
Start your day at Presque Isle State Park. Presque Isle is most popular in the summer when visitors flock to its beaches, but with biking and hiking trails, fishing opportunities and abundant wildlife, it’ s an underrated fall destination. The park is also populated with a wide variety of trees that burst into color in autumn, including cottonwoods, maples and oaks.
Follow Peninsula Drive and bear to the right to turn onto Fisher Drive about halfway into the peninsula. You’ ll see signs for Perry Monument, which honors the naval war hero who led the defeat of the British at the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. This is also a great spot to look out onto Misery Bay, a sheltered inlet whose calm waters are popular for fishing and boating. It’ s a prime location to take your camera out and capture some lakeside autumn scenery.
Drive around the bay and on to Beach 10 and the trailhead for Gull Point. If you’ re up for a short hike, the observation tower at Gull Point is a walk of about three-quarters of a mile. This is a great bird-watching spot where you may be able to see rare migratory shore birds.
After returning from Gull Point, head back along Peninsula Drive on the western side, stopping at any of the beaches to look for interesting stones and enjoy the views.
Then take Bayfront Parkway east through Erie until you join Route 5. The landscape transitions into rural countryside and
PRESQUE ISLE STATE PARK lakeside vineyards— one of the largest grape-growing regions east of the Rockies.
Continue your drive through the towns of Harborcreek and North East, passing wineries, farm stands and fruit orchards, stopping to enjoy a glass of wine or some fresh produce and baked goods along the way.
CHAUTAUQUA LAKE AND PANAMA ROCKS
Approximately 1 hour from Erie
A quick hour’ s drive will take you to Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York. This 17-mile-long lake is one of the highest navigable bodies of water in North America. The shores are dotted with idyllic small towns, popular for weekend getaways and world-class fishing. A fall drive around Chautauqua Lake will provide beautiful water views, lush golden and orange forests, and picturesque lake towns.
Start your day in Bemus Point, a charming lakeside village. Take a walk through the center of town, stopping at a café or restaurant and visiting some of the unique shops. The lake views will be framed by brilliant fall foliage.
Take the Southern Tier Expressway across the narrow part of the lake just south of Bemus Point, and then connect to West Lake Road, heading north to the Chautauqua Institution. This is a famed nonprofit education center and summer resort, known for its dedication to the arts, music, religion and recreation. The campus streets are lined with ornate Victorian cottages and hotels, and the addition of autumn colors makes it a picturesque destination for photos.
Now head inland and south along Chautauqua Stedman Road, which meanders to higher elevations.
Finish your drive at Panama Rocks Scenic Park to see a natural wonder that almost feels otherworldly. This unique geological area features massive sandstone formations that create tight passageways and crevices that are perfect for exploring. The moss-covered rocks contrast beautifully with the reds, golds and bronze of the thick forest.
This drive combines waterfront views, charming small towns, and unique geological formations for a perfect fall adventure.
LETCHWORTH STATE PARK: THE GRAND CANYON OF THE EAST
Approximately 2 hours from Erie
If you’ re willing to venture a bit farther from Erie, you’ ll be rewarded with a visit to one of the region’ s most stunning destinations, Letchworth State Park. Dubbed the“ Grand Canyon of the East,” it’ s known as one of the most beautiful state parks in the country. Located in western New York, Letchworth features 14,427 acres of diverse landscapes, including a massive gorge with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and the beautiful Genesee River.
You’ ll start your drive by passing through the northern entrance of the park near Castile. Follow Park Road to the north, which will take you along the western rim of the gorge. At the Mount Morris Dam Overlook, an accessible viewing platform
Continued on next page >
HARBORCREEK & NORTH EAST ❘ FALL 2026 15