Top Fall Hikes in Western Pennsylvania

If you live in or plan to visit western Pa make sure you take a day this fall to explore some of the beautiful forests, wildlife and structures that Pennsylvania offers.

McConnells Mill State Park

This trail is located just 40 minutes north of the city of Pittsburgh in Portersville Pa; McConnells Mill State Park is a beautiful place to spend an entire day. In the park is a restored watermill with historical facts and pictures throughout. Before you start your hike make sure to stop by and look through the watermill.

Slippery Rock Gorge Hike
This trail is best tackled by a moderately experienced hiker. It is an out and back trail. That means you will need to either park 2 vehicles one at each end of the trail or hike back after you have reach the end. The trail itself is just over 6 miles long one way. Start your hike at Hells Hollow do not miss going down to the end of the Hells Hollow trail (.5 miles) to see the Hells Hollow Falls and the lime kiln. After you see the falls go back to the trailhead for the Slippery Rock Gorge trail. This trail will take you over natural limestone bridges, over slippery rocks and along the top of gorge where you will have a beautiful view of the Slippery Rock Creek below. Part of this trail will wind down to the creek. I suggest stopping to rest and eat when you are right at the edge of the water. Sit on some of the large boulders and watch the rough creek waters go by. This trail will end at the Eckert Bridge. Make sure you have about 4-6 hours to complete this trail. Wear really good hiking boots as many parts of this trail are steep and/or slippery.

Driving directions to Hells Hollow trailhead:
From Pittsburgh take 279 N to 79N, take exit 96 and turn left onto Rt. 488 to Heinz Camp Rd. go across the Armstrong bridge and make a right onto Shaffer Rd. Hell's Hollow trailhead is located about 100 yards after the turn.

Ohiopyle State Park

Cucumber Falls
This hike, more of a nice walk, is perfect for families. It is just a small trail that leads from a parking area to Cucumber falls. If you're taking young children do be careful but it is definitely accessible to everyone. The beginning of the trail is an overlook for the Waterfall. If you follow the steps they will lead you to the bottom of the falls. You can explore at the bottom near the waterfall. If you take the small trail going away from Cucumber Falls you will wind up at the Youghiogheny River in less than a mile. This is a flat walk, but finishes at the edge of a quick moving river. Take a minute or two to watch the kayakers and enjoy the fall colors located all around you. Some of the best fall foliage in Pa is located right here in Ohiopyle State Park.

Driving directions to Cucumber Falls trailhead:
From Uniontown Pa take US 40 East to Chalkhill-Ohiopyle Rd. turn right onto Kentuck go about 1 mile to parking lot

Allegheny National Forest

Smorgasbord Forest Trail
If you have not yet seen the Kinzua dam and the Allegheny Resevoir, this should be your next hike. Located near Warren Pa, the autumns are beautiful in this part of the state. This hike is a moderately rated hike allowing older children to be able to enjoy this hike too. It is about 1/3 of a mile long and is an out and back trail. Give yourself about two hours to hike and sightsee. It offers some of the best views of the Kinzua dam and if you're lucky, you will get to see a wild turkey or two.

Driving directions to Smorgasbord Forest Trail
From Warren Pa go East on PA 59, the first parking area after the Big Bend Visitors Center is the trailhead.

Don't miss out on these hikes, one of them is sure to be perfect fit for your level of hiking. Autumns in Western Pa are really spectacular and there is no better way to spend a chilly fall day than out enjoying nature at its best.