Benton Overlook: Beautiful Scenic Vista in Columbia County over the Fishing Creek Valley

Benton Overlook, on the northern edge of Columbia County, offers a beautiful view point over the rolling hills and a view of the bustling agriculture of the area of the Fishing Creek Valley. 

This scenic overlook is close to both Ricketts Glen State Park and Worlds End State Park. The view opens up on a stretch of road that goes down a mountain. 

The overlook appears to have been here for a pretty long time, with it also getting a bit of community support from the Fishing Creek Sportsmen's Association, to keep the view point clear, clean, and have a pull off spot to see it on Route 239. 

 237 Shickshinny Road, Route 239,  Benton, PA. 

North Park: A Beautiful Allegheny County Park & An Overview of Allegheny County Parks

North Park is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year. We often take a ride after work in Pittsburgh to go up and drive through and check out North Park. It is home to a small lake, some pretty stone structures, nice walking paths and trails, dog parks, picnic pavilions, wildlife, outdoor skating in the winter, and more. One of the things we appreciate most here in Allegheny County is its great system of county parks. They are built up to a degree that rivals that of state parks. Several of the parks, including South Park and Hartwood Acres, have weekly free concerts in the summer. In the winter, Boyce Park has a ski and tubing area. Round Hill Park has a working farm that you can tour for free. South Park has a game preserve with a herd of bison. All of them have nice picnic groves and hiking, especially Harrison Hills, and many of them have dog parks, including South Park, North Park, Settler's Cabin, White Oak, Boyce Park, and Harrison Hills. Boyce Park, South Park, and Settler's Cabin have wave pools, and many others have swimming facilities as well. When coupled with the City of Pittsburgh's own excellent system of parks, Allegheny County is flush with great community gathering places.  The county parks orbit the city of Pittsburgh in the county, all within a 40 minute drive of the city, and they serve gathering places that play a central part of all of the suburbs they are located in. Today we take a look at several places in the park in autumn and spring. 

The North Park boathouse dates back to the 1930s. It is a pretty grand building that overlooks the 75 acre North Park Lake. It serves as a popular gathering spot. 

The park has a decent amount of scenic roads to cruise on. Way more than you would expect for a county park.

Having fun with my orange sunglasses on that cloudy day.

The lake is a popular local fishing destination. Boat rentals are also offered.

Some autumn wildflowers. You can also see the ornate gatehouse for the lake in the background. It is a pleasant thing to see, even if you are just passing through the park on Babcock Blvd.

Such a pleasant place.

Orange sunglasses on a gray day.

Latodami Nature Center is located on the northern edge of the park and was a late addition to the park. It preserved land that was priorly farmed and kept it from becoming just another of the housing developments that surround the park. 

Skunk Cabbages at the Latodami Nature Center

The park is split into two halves by a road. One half primarily consists of an old farm with a pond, old barn, old farmhouse, picnic grounds, wetlands, a steeply banked forest, and a giant meadow that was once farmland. This half of the park does not have many spring wildflowers, except for some skunk cabbages near the pond area, but it will be vibrant in summer and into fall in the meadow area. The nature trails are just wonderful for some longer, but generally easy strolls through area teeming with birds and white tail deer. The meadow area just bursts with color once the late spring and summer wildflowers grow. The other half of the park goes into a nicely forested hollow with a lovely nature walk. Similar to Braddock's Trail Park, this portion of the park was also improved by the Boy Scouts, who built bridges, benches, trail grading, and even some manmade vernal pools for wildlife. The entire area is teeming with Skunk Cabbages.

The upper meadows section will come to life with wildflowers in the summer and early fall seasons. This is a noted location for birding. 

The fact that they have even been able to preserve this significant chunk of land is pretty impressive when considering how much suburban development has just exploded around the park. The farm area was a strategic land conservation project and was consequential to the region. Countless other farms within a 10 mile radius of the park were snapped up and have been filled with cookie cutter suburban developments and McMansions. When I think of the effort that was made to preserve this pristine spot and keep it from being absorbed into suburbia, I think of one of my favorite episodes of The Wonder Years, "Whose Woods Are These" where the kids fight against a suburban developer who planned to, and succeeded in tearing down "Harper's Woods" a place where the kids all played when they grew up.

Instead of this pristine spot succumbing to suburban development it was saved and it is lovely to explore. When coupled with the rest of what the North Park area has to offer, this is just a lovely place to spend an afternoon, evening, or even a relaxing day. While Skunk Cabbages are the primary spring wildflower you can see at the nature center, summer wildflowers are just radiant at this location.

North Park would fit in as a State Park with its grandeur and natural beauty. We highly recommend checking it out if you are in the area. 

35+ Autumn Bucket List Destinations in Pennsylvania

35+ Autumn Bucket List Destinations in Pennsylvania 

An autumn view of the Lehigh Gorge from the Fireline Trail at Hickory Run State Park in the Pocono Mountains

The view from Loyalsock State Forest's High Knob Overlook at sunset

It is time to start planning some autumn adventures! Since our last fall articles, we have added a few more places that you have to check out during the fall. We have visited places all across the state during autumn, and these are some of our favorites. Whether you open your door and look outside, or if you go to your local state park, you are sure to see some beauty. The following are just a few of our absolute favorite places to check out in autumn, thanks to their exceptional beauty. 

For some bonus places, be sure to check out all of the places on our massive guide to some the state's many spectacular scenic overlooks and vistas. 

1) Fallingwater, Mill Run, PA, Fayette County

Fallingwater: One of the most famous houses in the world

This world renowned Frank Lloyd Wright architectural wonder is absolutely stunning to see in autumn. The stark beauty of Fallingwater and the falls that it was built over are highlighted with the spectacular colors of the fall trees. We highly recommend going on a tour of the grounds and the building. For more information on visiting, check out their website at www.fallingwater.org

2) Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, PA, Northumberland and Columbia County

Knoebels is always our favorite place to visit within the state. The fantastic coasters, classic rides, and overall atmosphere of the park are heightened by the crisp autumn air and vivid fall colors. 

The park, along with Columbia and Montour Counties, also holds a Covered Bridge Festival on October 7th-10th, where the local covered bridges are celebrated, including the ones located within the amusement park. The park also has Phoenix Phall Phunfest for coaster enthusiasts on October 9th as a kickoff to the Halloween season, concurrent with the annual Covered Bridge Festival. Due to the Covered Bridge Festival outgrowing the space that Knoebels has to offer, the craft vendors will now be situated at the nearby Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, and Knoebels will be a stop on the covered bridge tour. 

The park's Hallo-Fun Weekends run Fridays from 6PM-10PM, Saturdays from 2PM-10PM, and Sundays from 12PM to 5PM, running from October 4th-October 27th. We highly recommend taking in America's largest free admission, traditional amusement park as a part of your fall activities. For more information about visiting the park, check out our article and also visit www.knoebels.com

3) Hyner View State Park

We have visited this overlook in the dead of winter with fresh snowfall, and in the peak of summer. This past year we got to visit it in autumn, and as always, it was incredible. Why do you need to hear about it from me though, when you can see just how much CeCe loves it? Hyner View State Park is one of the finest scenic overlooks in Pennsylvania. You get sweeping views of the valley of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, with 1300 feet of elevation change in view from a height of 1940 feet to depths of 640 feet at river level. For more information on visiting, check out this article.

4) Allegheny Front Hawk Watch

There is something so special about being at or above the height of a flying eagle, hawk, osprey, or other majestic bird. At a height of 2780 feet on the Allegheny Front Escarpment, you will see raptors, other birds, dragonflies, monarchs, and other creatures make spectacular sliding and swooping maneuvers both above you and below you as they sweep into the valley below during their spring and fall migrations. The Allegheny Front serves as a prime migration spot, where single-day counts of hawks can measure into the hundreds, or even thousands, Bald and Golden Eagles into the dozens, and countless vultures, and other creatures. For more information about the spot, check out our article on it. Unfortunately, due to these difficult times, the hawk watch will not be open to the public this year. 

5) Tank Hollow Overlook near Mauch Chunk in the Pocono Mountains Above the Lehigh River Gorge

Tank Hollow Overlook is an incredible place to visit. It requires a short hike to get to it, but it is more than worth the effort. It gives a stunning view above a dramatic bend in the Lehigh River Gorge. For more information on visiting, check out this article

6) Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, Mauch Chunk, Pocono Mountains

The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is absolutely incredible for taking in autumn beauty. The leaves of the Lehigh Gorge become fiery colors and the train ride on classic passenger rolling stock is great, and their restored train station is beautiful and majestic. There are also lots of boutique shops and eateries in town to do when you are not on the train. To top it all off, it is dog friendly! CeCe absolutely loved it, as you can see in the photo. For more information, check out this article. 

7) The overall Lehigh Gorge, Pocono Mountains, Carbon County, PA

Heading south from Hickory Run, along the Lehigh River, you will see many tremendous views of the Lehigh Gorge. Once you enter Mauch Chunk, you see the spectacular landscape, joined with beautiful Victorian architecture. We are amazed on our visits to the Lehigh Gorge and Pocono Mountains area. For more information, check out this article. 

8) Hickory Run State Park, Pocono Mountains, Carbon County

Our fourth stop takes us to Hickory Run State Park, one of the finest of PA's State Parks. The reds and yellows on the trees are fiery, and the contrast of them with the park's spectacular boulder field, especially in the midst of some morning fog, is nothing short of breathtaking. Terrific autumn views can be had throughout the park, especially the boulder field, and up on the Fireline Trail, looking down upon beautiful Lehigh Gorge. Seeing the autumn beauty here was well worth the four hour drive from Pittsburgh. For more information on some of the many places to see at this huge state park, check out our article about it here. 

9) Big Pocono State Park, Tannersville, PA, Monroe County

The view from Big Pocono State Park, at the top of Camelback Mountain Ski Area and Resort

There are a ton of fun sightseeing opportunities and activities going on in the Pocono region of the state. One of my favorite places to check out is Big Pocono State Park, high atop Camelback Mountain Ski Area and Resort. This overlook gives you a wide expanse of view over the Poconos, and to as far out as New Jersey and New York. There are also a ton of different activities to do at Camelback, including an alpine roller coaster, zip lining, and more. There are also a plethora of different places to see throughout the Poconos. 

10) Allegheny Reservoir and Allegheny National Forest, Warren County

Whether you are lakeside, or checking out the awesome vistas from higher up in the gorge of the Allegheny River, you are sure to see some amazing autumn views at the Allegheny Reservoir. One of the most stunning spots to visit is the Rimrock Overlook, a rock outcropping complete with a large stone stairway that takes you out to a perch high above the Allegheny Reservoir.

11) Strasburg Railroad, Strasburg, PA, Lancaster County

One of the four pristine early 20th century steam locomotives of  the Strasburg Railroad.

Hard work ethic is what makes Pennsylvania what it is. At no place is this more evident in the state than riding through Amish Country on the Strasburg Railroad in the fall. Amish farmers are tending to harvesting the crops they have worked so hard to tend to throughout the year. Around the area, you will find freshly baked goods and harvested crops. 

The ride through Amish Country

The railroad itself is also the result of very hard work. The Strasburg Railroad is part of a collaborative effort to preserve a historic short line railroad and to fully restore equipment from the golden age of railroading. Thanks to these efforts, there is a fine fleet of pristine locomotives, passenger cars, cabooses, and more, that are restored with full accuracy to their original specifications. My parents brought me here when I was little and visiting the railroad brings about great family memories that I've held on to ever since. Going back, I appreciate more and more how amazing this railroad is. This is an awesome place to visit at any time of the year, but especially during the autumn months. For more information on visiting, check out www.strasburgrailroad.com

A pumpkin patch next to the railroad.

12) The Elk Rut, Various Locations around Benezette, PA, Elk County

If the call of the wild beckons, Elk Country in the PA Great Outdoors Region in Benezette, PA is where you want to go. Autumn is the time of the rut, when the Elk practice their mating rituals. You will see male suitors duke it out, grunt, stomp, and lock antlers and compete while their potential mate watches. It is a spectacular sight. Couple that with the fall colors, especially at the nearby Marion Brooks Reserve with its amazing grove of birches, and the rest of the attractions in the PA Great Outdoors Region, and you have a terrific place to go in the fall, in addition to the nearby Kinzua Bridge. This region is perfect. Nearby Clarion also holds an Autumn Leaf Festival, complete with amusement rides, vendors, and more.

13) and 14) Worlds End State Park and Loyalsock State Forest, Sullivan County

The views afforded at Worlds End State Park and the Loyalsock State Forest in the autumn are nothing short of incredible. The colors make the trees almost appear as if they are on fire. It is incredible to see. Loyalsock Canyon Vista in Worlds End State Park and the High Knob Overlook in the adjacent Loyalsock State Forest, are stunning places to take in these fall views.

View from High Knob Overlook at sunset

View from the Loyalsock Canyon Vista at Worlds End State Park

The views at these vistas in their autumn splendor are absolutely breathtaking.

15) Ricketts Glen State Park 

Ricketts Glen State Park is a stunning place to visit in any season, but especially towards the end of autumn and the cusp of winter. The freshly fallen leaves cover the ground and the banks along the creeks and waterfalls at the park. Safety is highly recommended, with a good pair of boots, some drinks, and some snacks as the 7.2 mile loop of the main falls is rigorous and slick at times. You also need to keep up on updates from the park in regards to weather and trail conditions, for the trails close for regular hiking without proper ice hiking equipment in mid November. 

16) Steamtown: Scranton, PA

Heading out on an excursion train ride at Steamtown National Historic site in Scranton is a wonderful thing to do. Nay Aug Gorge, which is traversed on many of these excursions, is stunning to see with some fall color. For more information on visiting, check out our article on this awesome place.

17) and 18) Marie Antoinette Overlook and Wyalusing Rocks, Route 6 in Bradford County

Similar to the last two, these overlooks are within a few miles of each other. It is also easy to make a beeline 45 minutes northeast from Worlds End to hit these two overlooks. The history at both of these spots is extremely fascinating, and well worth checking out. 

The Marie Antoinette Overlook looks out over a stunning bend in the Susquehanna River. French Azilum, a place that was rumored to be an exile point for the ill-fated French Queen. In the fall, the colors in this area are extraordinary.

Just a little bit east of Marie Antoinette Overlook, is the Wyalusing Rocks Overlook, looking over an even tighter bend in the Susquehanna River. This place has been a historic spot for many generations of history in North America and is well worth checking out.  

19) Brady's Bend: Clarion County

This scenic overlook is beautiful in every season, but it is especially stunning the fall. For information on the location, check out our article.

20) Kennerdell Overlook: Venango County

 21) Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, PA, Allegheny County

If you live in Pittsburgh, a great place to go spend a weeknight or afternoon is at Schenley Park. 

Serpentine Drive in Schenley Park

As one of our nation's largest urban wooded areas, you are bound to find beautiful colors at every corner of the park and throughout the CCC, Great Depression era, infrastructure throughout the park. 

 22) Route 40 Overlook, Hopwood, PA, Laurel Highlands, Fayette County

The Route 40 Overlook in Hopwood, deep in the Laurel Highlands and near Ohiopyle State Park, Fallingwater, and Laurel Caverns. This overlook looks over a deep crevasse and Uniontown. The colors are especially vivid at this spot, in addition to Ohiopyle State Park. 

 23) Wine Country, North East, PA, Erie County

Fresh grapes? Need I say more? Between the cool colors, the smell of harvested grapes lingering through the air, and the always awesome views of Lake Erie, North East, PA is an awesome place to sit and relax. Be sure to check out the dozens of wineries and vineyards up and down the shores of Lake Erie.

There is nothing like fresh grapes!

24) Horseshoe Curve and Gallitzin Tunnels on the border of Blair and Cambria Counties

 Heading up the incline to Horseshoe Curve

 Even without trains within this shot, you can see just how beautiful

Trains heading by the historic Pennsylvania Railroad Locomotive on display.

Seeing dramatic fall colors coupled with trains traversing the mountainous terrain of Central PA is something that is awesome, even if you do not consider yourself to be a train watcher. This is an absolutely awesome place to pack up a cooler and take a picnic lunch to, especially on a pretty autumn day.

25) Bilger's Rocks, Clearfield County

Bilger's Rocks in Clearfield County is a "rock city" rock outcropping that is giant, provides paths within giant crevices in the rocks, and looks spectacular with the bright colors of fall. We highly recommend checking it out. The grounds are a public park area with adjacent picnic groves and more. A great place to spend some time in the outdoors. 

 26) Tunnelview Park, New Alexandria, PA, Westmoreland County

Tunnelview Park, Indiana County

Tunnelview Park is home to multiple generations of canal and rail history, with three transportation related tunnels, and accompanying bridges. This is a spectacular and often overlooked spot, deep in the Loyalhanna Gorge. Read more about this awesome place from this article about an autumn visit and one from a winter visit. 

 27) Mingo Creek Park, Finleyville, PA, Washington County

Mingo Creek Park in Washington County is a place that takes its covered bridges seriously. They have two beautiful covered bridges, including one that was moved and saved from demolition. The autumn colors are especially vibrant in this location. For more information on visiting, check out our article on this awesome place. 

 28) Renziehausen Park Rose Garden and Arboretum, McKeesport, PA, Allegheny County

The Renzie Park Rose Garden in McKeesport is the result of decades of hard work by community members through the Garden Club of McKeesport. The fall roses, coupled with the colors of the trees of the arboretum, make this an exceptional site to take in the sights of autumn.

29) Pittsburgh in General

The wooded nature of Pittsburgh lends itself to having awesome autumn views, and fall colors tend to hit the city much later than most of the state, meaning that the colors don't often appear until well into October. The University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning is specifically awesome during this time of the year, thanks to the annual Polish and Slovak Festivals, and Pitt Homecoming, when they shoot fireworks off of the venerable skyscraper.

  30) Nockamixon State Park, Near Quakertown, PA, Bucks County

There is nothing quite like the feeling of crisp autumn air when you are out on the water. Lake Nockamixon at Nockamixon State Park is an awesome place to go during the fall months for these reasons. Additionally, the leaves seem to get exceptionally colorful in this location. Horseback riding, hiking, boating, sail boating, and more await visitors to this awesome state park. Nearby, you can also check out the funky Ringing Rocks County Park, home to an exceptional geologic wonder. For more information on visiting, check out our article on Nockamixon. 

31) Raystown Lake

While Raystown Lake is beautiful to visit at any time of the year, the Proud Mary Showboat offers special autumn cruises to see the colors on the lake. Be sure to check this out!

32) Forbes State Forest and Linn Run State Park, Westmoreland and Somerset Counties

This area has some incredible hikes and views. It is well worth checking out in the autumn. Here is a guide of the area around Linn Run State Park. 

33) Mt. Davis Natural Area

Pennsylvania's tallest point is a beautiful place to go in the fall. 

It trends a little bit earlier with color than the rest of Southwestern PA, thanks to its higher elevation and slightly cooler temperatures.

34) Go to your local orchard and get some fresh apples, pumpkins, and apple cider

Pennsylvania has so many great orchards and farm stands to get the freshest and most delicious apples and apple products. It is one of the state's best crops and having fresh apples, cider, pies, and more is one of the many blissful aspects of life in Pennsylvania in the fall. Swope's Farm, which used to be Brown's Orchard in Washington County is our favorite place to go in the Pittsburgh area for cider and apples, but there are so many great places across the state. In the eastern part of the state, we absolutely love Bobwhite Acres/Wata Farm, which is located in Lehigh County and is a full service orchard and farm, with a full Christmas Tree Farm where they sell apples and cider through the New Year and Pappy's Orchard and Lisa's Kitchen in Lehigh County, which features fantastic apples and more, coupled with tremendous baked goods. 

35) Right outside your door! 
Autumn is stunning in PA, so get out there and appreciate it!

This list is far from all encompassing, but these are places you should plan to see at least once during the fall months. Have a great time! For further suggestions on places to check out, be sure to explore our Vistas and Scenic Overlooks guide at the following link, all of which are sure to look great in the fall months.