About The Longest Fall Foliage Season In America
Pennsylvania has the longest, most varied fall foliage season in the world
Fall foliage is the spectacular transformation of tree and plant leaves into vivid hues of red, orange, and gold that marks the transition from summer to winter each autumn. This breathtaking natural phenomenon draws millions of visitors to forests and parks every year, making it one of the most celebrated seasonal events across the world.
Fall foliage season, known as Autumn, begins around late September and runs through late November or early December. The longest fall foliage in America, and the world for that matter, is in the state of Pennsylvania. The historic town of Jim Thorpe, PA has one of the most popular fall foliage festivals in the entire state.
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Resources acknowledges Pennsylvania as having a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation or anywhere in the world. Visit Pittsburgh recognizes Pennsylvania as having a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation. State College recognizes Pennsylvania as having a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation or anywhere in the world.
Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other place in the entire world. Experts say the fall foliage season can last up to six to seven weeks in Pennsylvania. The breathtaking fall foliage season typically peaks for several weeks throughout October across Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania’s location between 40° and 42° North latitude and its varied topography from sea level on the coastal plain to over 3,000 feet in the Laurel Highlands supports 134 species of trees and many more shrubs and vines that contribute to the display of autumn color.
Only three regions of the world support deciduous forests that display autumn color: Eastern North America, The British Isles and parts of northwestern Europe and Northeastern China and northern Japan. Forests in other regions are either tropical or dominated by conifers.
Pennsylvania is a large state with more than 130 native tree species, which gives residents and tourists plentiful opportunities to see a wide array of colors, ensuring every autumn is special.
Pennsylvania's fall foliage, especially in the Pocono Mountains region, offers a vibrant and picturesque display of nature's beauty during the autumn season. The state also boasts an abundance of great festivals, pick-your-own farms, and unrivaled haunted attractions that make it the obvious choice for autumn and fall foliage viewing.
The general pattern of autumn occurring in the September-November time frame remains consistent across the contiguous United States. Jim Thorpe, a historic town in PA, hosts one of the most popular annual Fall Foliage Festivals in the entire state during October.
The festival celebrates the changing leaves, the town's history, and community spirit with attractions like guided tours of historic sites, outdoor activities, live music, art and craft vendors, and more.
*Fun Fact: Pennsylvania also boasts the most covered bridges in the United States, with an estimated 219 still standing.