PENNSYLVANIA — Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) State Parks Director John Hallas and State Forester Seth Cassell this past week visited Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County to celebrate the park’s selection as USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards top fall foliage destination in the U.S. “I am very proud to be here… celebrating Keystone State Park’s selection as the top location to view fall foliage in the nation,” Hallas said. “We are happy to have this designation and look forward to seeing visitors, old and new alike, taking in the sights along the lake and trails at Keystone. Thank you to all of the voters who helped make this designation possible.”
USA Today wrote in its article announcing Keystone State Park as the nation’s top destination:
Keystone State Park is a 1200-acre park that is great for day-trips and family vacations year-round.
Camping, modern cabins, many trails, and a lake are all within walking distance, providing an ideal setting for wildlife watching or outdoor adventures.
The park is within easy driving distance from the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, the Laurel Highlands, and its many attractions.
Beyond the beauty Pennsylvania’s trees provide for annual fall foliage viewing, these trees are critical to providing clean air and water across the state.
The commonsense 2023-24 bipartisan budget signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro, provides $112 million to maintain and improve infrastructure in parks and forests, which will help enhance the experience of visiting public lands.
DCNR shares weekly fall foliage reports can be found on its website to help leaf-peeping enthusiasts find ideal spots for taking in seasonal views. Fall foliage typically peaks for several weeks throughout October across Pennsylvania.
“Keystone is a special place and I encourage fall foliage enthusiasts to check out this top destination,” Cassell said. “I also encourage folks to visit nearby areas in the Forbes State Forest District, in which Keystone sits, for great drives and hikes. There are more than 130 native tree species that give residents and tourists an abundance of opportunities to see a wide array of colors through October.”
Visitors can get suggestions about the best spots to view fall foliage on the Penn’s Woods Fall Foliage story map and on the Pennsylvania Tourism Office website.
“It is a true honor that USA Today has once again recognized the scenic beauty of the Laurel Highlands, and considering the nationwide competition, we are thrilled that Keystone State Park is the recipient of this year’s award,” said Laura Argenbright, senior director of creative strategies for GO Laurel Highlands. “The recognition is a nod to the importance of our natural resources that provide so many outdoor recreational opportunities to families and visitors from near and far. We are fortunate that Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks offer four seasons of enjoyment, but it is during the peak fall foliage season that the Laurel Highlands shines brightest. Particularly along the trails and surrounding the lake, Keystone State Park is an ideal leaf-peeping location, and we are pleased that it has been counted among the best.”
For additional fall foliage destination views, the Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) recently shared a list of jaw-dropping scenic fall drives in Pennsylvania that includes the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway.
State foresters and park personnel are available to recommend the best times and locations to experience the beautiful vistas of the season.
For fall-inspired festivals and experiences, go to visitPA.com or follow Visit PA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
Pursue your happiness and join the conversation using the hashtag #FallInPA.
Check out DCNR’s Calendar of Events for events on public lands.
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