Shapiro Administration Makes Foliage Experts Available, Offering Foliage Tips for Residents and Travelers
HARRISBURG -Monday the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced it is making its experts available to Pennsylvanians and the media to serve as regional advisers, offering tips and resources that aid residents and visitors in experiencing a colorful autumn across the Commonwealth.
Beginning September 26, weekly fall foliage reports will be shared on the DCNR website, and the report will be updated every Thursday. Fall foliage typically peaks for several weeks throughout October across Pennsylvania. 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.
“Pennsylvania is home to 124 state parks, 2.2 million acres of state forestlands and a host of other public places to view the splendor and majesty of color fall foliage brings each autumn,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “I am hopeful that Pennsylvanians and visitors alike will create unique experiences, whether you’re out viewing foliage from a trail or stopping to leaf-peep from a vista on a scenic drive.”
The Commonwealth’s abundance of fall foliage viewing opportunities is a testament to what makes “Pennsylvania – The Great American Getaway,” the Commonwealth’s new tourism brand that Governor Josh Shapiro launched this summer by embarking on a statewide RV tour. As the Great American Getaway, Pennsylvania provides thousands of getaways and experiences for the nearly 72 million people who live within a 4-hour drive.
To improve public lands, Governor Josh Shapiro invested $5 million in the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps, in an effort to diversify and strengthen conservation career and workforce pathways for young people and protect our natural resources. Recognizing the importance of the economic benefits of outdoor recreation to the Commonwealth, Governor Shapiro launched the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation in 2023 and an Outdoor Business Alliance in 2024.
Pennsylvania is a large state with more than 130 native tree species, which gives residents and tourists endless opportunities to see a wide array of colors, ensuring every autumn is special. This diversity gives the Commonwealth some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse fall foliage.
Pennsylvania also boasts an abundance of great festivals, pick-your-own farms, and unrivaled haunted attractions that make the state an outstanding choice for autumn and fall foliage viewing. In 2022, Pennsylvania’s tourism industry generated $76.7 billion in economic impact, supported 486,871 jobs, contributed $4.7 billion in state and local taxes, and welcomed 192.4 million visitors.
“Fall in Pennsylvania showcases stunning foliage that transforms our landscapes into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. It’s the perfect time to explore our beautiful parks and scenic drives,” said Anne Ryan, Deputy Secretary for Tourism, Department of Community and Economic Development. “In fact, Travel+Leisure named Bucks County the Number One U.S. Destination for Fall Foliage in 2024. I might be biased, but no state puts on a fall show quite like Pennsylvania. It’s simply Fall-ier here!”
In 2022, visitor spending – which supports jobs, income, and business sales – generated $9.6 billion in government revenues in 2022. Overnight visitor spending between 2019 and 2022 increased by $4.8 billion, with more than 66 million trips resulting in $28 billion in spending.
Outdoor recreation adds $17 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy, supporting 164,000 jobs, and accounting for 2 percent of the Commonwealth’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
State foresters and park personnel are available to recommend the best times and locations to experience the beautiful vistas of the season. Regional forestry experts also can discuss the physiology of fall foliage color, as well as the projected outlook for fall foliage in their region of Pennsylvania. State experts include:
Northeast Pennsylvania
Julian Maza, service forester: Pinchot Forest District, North Abington Township, 570-945-7133
Northwest Pennsylvania
Cecile Stelter, district forester: Cornplanter State Forest District, Warren, 814-723-0262
Southeast Pennsylvania
Kelly Sitch, forest biologist: William Penn State Forest District, Elverson, 610-582-9660
Southcentral Pennsylvania
Ryan Reed, natural resource program specialist, Harrisburg, 717-787-2703
Southwest Pennsylvania
Dave Planinsek, forester, Forbes State Forest, Laughlintown, 724-238-1200
Northcentral Pennsylvania
Tom Oliver, forester: Tioga State Forest District, Wellsboro, 570-724-2868
For fall-inspired festivals and experiences, go to visitPA.com or follow Visit PA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. Join the conversation using the hashtag #FallinPA. Check out DCNR’s new Calendar of Events for events on public lands.
