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There’s something about fall that makes us want to load up the dogs, grab our hiking shoes, and hit the road!
Changing leaves turn an ordinary trail into a crunchy wonderland, and these three states have plenty of opportunities to peep fall colors without going too far.
We’ve spent so many weekends exploring state parks in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland, and some of the best hikes have happened when the leaves were changing.
So if you’re looking for a place to go leaf peeping this fall, maybe for a challenging hike, an easy walk, a scenic overlook, or a waterfall with your dogs — here are some of our favorite places to start.
Note: Fall color timing varies from year to year, so use the info below as a general guide rather than a guarantee. Higher elevations and northern locations generally change earlier.
🍁 Pennsylvania
Why go in the fall?
Ohiopyle gives you a little bit of everything we love about a fall road trip. You can hike through the park, cross its bridges, and take in the changing leaves along the river. Or bring your bikes and see the fall colors from a different perspective on the GAP Trail.
And when you’re ready for a break from hiking, the town of Ohiopyle gives you plenty of options for food, outdoor gear, and local crafts.
Best for: Waterfalls, hiking, dogs, biking, river views
Don’t miss: The Great Gorge Trail, Cucumber Falls, and the Main Falls
Read our full Ohiopyle State Park trip report →
Why go in the fall?
If your idea of leaf peeping involves some strenuous rocky hikes with waterfalls, Ricketts Glen is your place!
The foliage abounds around 21 different waterfalls along a challenging trail of rocks, roots, and stone steps. You’ll get a good workout in, but the views and fall colors are worth it.
Best for: Waterfalls, waterfalls, waterfalls – plus dogs
Don’t miss: Falls Trail
Why go in the fall?
So. Many. Leaves. There’s a section of the park called the Forest Cathedral, and they don’t call it that for nothing!
The drive to and from the park – plus the amazing hikes inside – makes for a perfect dog-friendly weekend.
Best for: Long fall hikes, dogs, different forest types
Don’t miss: Ridge Trail and North Country Trail, the swinging bridge on Toms Run and Birch Trail
Why go in the fall?
Take in the expansive lake views from the shore or the boardwalk. Can you cross the dam stones without falling in?! This is a great place to test your “fall” balancing skills.
While we didn’t have the dogs along on this particular weekend, the park is dog-friendly.
Best for: Easy to moderate hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and cabins
Don’t miss: Sugarloaf Trail and Marsh Trail
Read our full Canoe Creek trip report →
Why visit in the fall?
While this park is on the smaller side, it can be either a relaxing weekend getaway or a hiking day trip when you’re looking for some fall color without committing to a huge park.
Best for: Lake views, hiking, wildlife, a quieter dog-friendly fall getaway
Don’t miss: Lakeside Trail and Stone Lodge area
Why visit in the fall?
The surrounding area provides leaf peeping all around, coming and going! And the park itself delivers with open trails and plenty of color to see.
Plus, who would skip the chance to hug the largest tree in Pennsylvania in all its fall glory?
Best for: Lake views, hiking, birdwatching, dogs
Don’t miss: Skyline Drive Trail
Read our full Bald Eagle State Park trip report →
🍂 West Virginia
Why visit in the fall?
From the gorgeous scenery along the drive in (plus maybe a stop for a caramel apple?) to the gorgeous scenery on the hikes in the park, this is our FAVORITE place for a fall weekend!
Trail options to leaf peep abound at both the state park and in Dolly Sods.
Best for: Mountain scenery, hiking through different types of forests, camping, dogs
Don’t miss: Deer Run, Mill Run, Back Hollow and Dolly Sods
Read our full Canaan Valley & Dolly Sods trip report →
Why visit in the fall?
The overlooks and rock-filled hikes make a unique combination for enjoying the fall colors. Plus, the dog-friendly trails are challenging without being overwhelming.
The park is close to Morgantown, so you have plenty of options for things to do before or after your hike!
Best for: Overlooks, hiking, mountain scenery
Don’t miss: The overlooks and forest trails including Rock City, Rattlesnake, and Eagle Loop
Read our full Coopers Rock trip report →
Why go in the fall?
Another park with amazing fall colors along the way, plus waterfalls when you arrive!
Just minutes from the park, you can also stop in the small mountain towns of Thomas and Davis to eat and shop.
Best for: Waterfalls, hiking, mountain scenery, lodge
Don’t miss: Blackwater Falls, Gentle Trail, Balanced Rock Trail
Why visit in the fall?
This park is full of beautiful autumn leaf-peeping and dog-friendly hikes that are perfect for a weekend getaway.
And check their schedule of events if you are staying in the campground! The trick-or-treating weekend is a fun one.
Best for: Leaf peeping, camping, hiking
Don’t miss: The park’s wooded trails, Stone Trough, North Boundary, and Two Run Trails
Read our full Cedar Creek trip report →
🍁 Maryland
Why visit in the fall?
The summer boating crowds are gone, but the lake views and foliage colors are in full fall swing!
We always find the hikes at Deep Creek have the most interesting mushrooms. If you’re into that kind of thing.
Best for: Hiking, lake views, camping, old mine, great mushrooms
Don’t miss: Lookout Trail
Read our full Deep Creek Lake trip report →
Why visit in the fall?
The rocky hikes make for challenging leaf-peeping, and fall seems to be less busy than the summer.
Best for: Waterfalls, short challenging hikes
Don’t miss: Cunningham Falls
Read our full Cunningham Falls trip report →
Why visit in the fall?
The cozy dog-friendly cabins and park accessibility make for an easygoing leaf-peeping weekend.
This is the one to book early because of the limited number of cabins.
Best for: Hiking, cabins, lake views, dogs
Don’t miss: Cabin Loop, Gazebo Loop and Turnpike Trail
Read our full New Germany trip report →
How To Plan a Fall Foliage Road Trip
Want earlier fall color?
Head toward higher elevations and northern locations.
Want mid-October color?
That’s when I’d start looking at the mountain parks in PA, WV and western MD.
Want later color?
Look farther south and toward lower elevations.
Don’t get too hung up on peak fall foliage! A forest that’s 60% green and 40% yellow, orange and red can still make for an absolutely gorgeous hike with a few less people competing for views.
And trust us, your dogs won’t be worried either. All of our dogs have absolutely loved running through the crunchy leaves on our hikes. They aren’t even looking up to see where the best colors are!
Fall Hiking with Your Dog
- Bring water even when temperatures are cooler. And snacks. Never forget the snacks!
- Leaves can hide roots, rocks, and holes, so keep an eye out.
- Watch for hunters during fall hiking season and wear bright colors.
- All of these parks are dog-friendly, but be sure to check individual park rules for restrictions.
- Bring a towel, because fall + dogs + mud is inevitable!
