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.
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PRESQUE ISLE STATE PARK
WEST COUNTY ❘ FALL 2026 15