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 worldclass 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 will afford you panoramic views of the gorge and Genesee River below, surrounded by a blanket of fall hues.
Head south to Middle Falls, the crown jewel of Letchworth State Park. This stunning waterfall is more than 100 feet high and 300 feet wide and is one of the most photographed spots in New York. Check out nearby Inspiration Point for the most picturesque views. Great Bend Overlook and Wolf Creek Overlook will give you even more amazing vantage points to see the falls from different angles. These spots are all connected by a winding roadway that’ s flanked by stunning fall colors.
You can also visit Lower Falls, another stunning waterfall scene, and end your day with a stop at one of the many picnic spots or just relax for a while in nature before you head home.
COOK FOREST AND CLARION RIVER
Approximately 2 hours from Erie
A couple of hours southeast of Erie, this scenic drive is the perfect leaf-peeping destination, due to its variety of old-growth forests, river valleys and sweeping views from overlooks.
You’ ll begin your adventure at Cook Forest State Park, famous for having some of the tallest old-growth white pines and hemlocks in the northeastern United States. Its Forest Cathedral area has been deemed a National Natural Landmark and is considered one of Pennsylvania’ s largest old-growth forests. Other tree species found there include white oak, American beech, black cherry, red maple, northern red oak, black birch, yellow birch, cucumber tree and black gum, providing a spectacular display of gold, orange and crimson each autumn.
Move on to the Seneca Point Overlook. This scenic overlook is the perfect spot for taking in sweeping views of the Clarion River and its surrounding forests, at an elevation of 1,600 feet.
Follow River Road along the Clarion River, where colorful hillsides are reflected in the calm water below.
Finish at Fire Tower Road, and if you’ re up to the challenge, climb the 87.5-foot tower for a panoramic view of the surrounding forests. The tower was built in 1929 by Pennsylvania’ s Department of Forests and Waters to allow firefighters a 20-mile view of the area. No longer used for fire detection, the observation tower is a popular spot for visitors.
OIL CITY AND OIL CREEK STATE PARK
Approximately 1.5 hours from Erie
History lovers will enjoy this drive, which begins in a charming riverside town that is steeped in history, riverside views and brilliant fall foliage.
Start your journey in Oil City, a picturesque town on the banks of the Allegheny River in Venango County. It was officially founded in the 1860s after the discovery of oil nearby, transforming the rural area into a booming industrial town. The region prospered, attracting workers and wealthy businessmen, contributing to the grand Victorian architecture.
Today, the town is known for its history in the oil industry and revitalized downtown area. As you drive down the streets of the city, you’ ll see a variety of Victorian homes among the vibrant fall foliage, many overlooking the river. Before you leave, be sure to stop at Justus Park to see where Oil Creek flows into the Allegheny River.
Then head north on PA Route 8, where the town scenery changes to forest views, thick with colorful maple, oak and hickory trees.
You’ ll pass through the small town of Rouseville before entering Oil Creek State Park. The road winds through dense forest along Oil Creek— take your time to admire the views. If you’ re in the mood for more history, drive to the northern end of the park near Titusville to the Drake Well Museum and Park, where Edwin Drake drilled the country’ s first commercially successful oil well in 1859.
Follow Drake Well Road north to East Bloss Street. As you enter Titusville, the forest gives way to a charming downtown where historic buildings and colorful trees create a picture-perfect autumn scene. Titusville is also rich in oil history, and the beautiful Victorian architecture is a reminder of the city’ s prosperous past. n
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