The best fall activities in Pittsburgh
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Autumn in Pittsburgh is the most beautiful time of the year. As soon as October rolls around, city parks begin to transform into a medley of golden hues. Temps are cooler and drier with daytime averages hovering in the mid 60’s (although early snowstorms are not that unusual!). It’s sweater weather and there is plenty to do outdoors. From picking your own pumpkins or apples at a local orchard, to sipping a pumpkin spice latte on the patio of a local coffeeshop, to taking a brisk leaf peeping walk at a local park, there are plenty of ways to enjoy fall, the best season in Pittsburgh.
This is my favorite time of the year. I spend every weekend hiking, leaf peeping, enjoying fall treats, and attending festive local events. Check out my Pittsburgh Fall Guide which includes wonderful local hikes, the best seasonal pumpkin treats, and fun fall and Halloween festivals.
Leaf peep at a local park
Most of the parks throughout the Pittsburgh metro will be alive with the colors of the season sometime around mid-October. Not only are the leaves gorgeous, but the weather typically is too. Some of my favorite parks for leaf peeping include:
Frick Park
Large historic city park. Great hiking…amazing foliage. I typically hike the 1 mile North Clayton loop this time of the year. It’s long enough to get in a workout, but not overly taxing.
Tom’s Run Nature Preserve
Hidden gem located in Sewickley. Moderate 3 mile trail meanders amongst maple, oak and American beech trees. Gorgeous fall foliage and super peaceful! Best leaf peeping hike overall in my opinion.
Allegheny Commons
Dating back to 1867, this is Pittsburgh’s oldest park. This park features a pretty lake and plenty of mature trees, and thus, the setting is perfect for fall photography. Lots of vivid foliage at peak. Even better, it’s located adjacent to the historical Mexican War Streets neighborhood. Stop by Commonplace for a delicious cup of locally roasted coffee before your walk.
Point State Park
This urban park marks the joining point of the 3 rivers (Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers). Most notably, this park is known for its’ iconic 150 foot fountain. Point State is a great place to take in fantastic city views and leaf peep. If you are up for a workout, consider biking a portion of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.
Moon Park
Suburban park in Moon Township offers several miles of wooded trails. Also on-site: basketball and tennis courts, picnic facilities, as well as pickleball and volleyball courts. I lived right down the street from this park and really loved running and hiking here in the fall.
Robin Hill Park
Beautiful underused park features a short, yet gorgeous wooded trail. Great terrain for a nice workout, never crowded, and especially beautiful in autumn! Located in Coraopolis. Living in nearby Moon Township, I would use the beautiful trail system here instead of a boring gym treadmill.
Falls Run Park
1 mile nature trail takes you past a small waterfall. The trail is quiet and features nice creek views.
Check out my full guide to the best leaf peeping treks in the ‘Burgh.
Enjoy local fall treats
Many local restaurants and coffeeshops will be introducing a special fall menu this time of year. Coffeehouses oftentimes offer pumpkin muffins, pumpkin scones, their own version of the popular Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte, and other seasonal drinks and goods. Restaurants may feature pumpkin or butternut squash ravioli on the fall menu.
One fabulous choice is Mediterra Cafe, a wonderful Mediterranean inspired bakery with locations in Pittsburgh and Sewickley (and now Lawrenceville too). The coffee/espresso here is always amazing and they offer a number of specialty drinks. While their bakery treats are always amazing, you may want to splurge on a Pumpkin Crumpet, croissant (pictured below), or cheesecake in October. And do pick up a loaf of homemade bread while you are here! (the red fife, sprouted spelt, and sourdough are all delicious!).
Pick apples /pumpkins at a local orchard
There are a number of fall festivals taking place at orchards and farms around the Pittsburgh metro area. Soergels is one of my favorites. First off, there is no entrance fee (although some activities do require a separate fee). Second, there are plenty of fresh fall treats to enjoy including delicious homemade cider (hard cider available at Arsenal), candy apples, and pumpkin ice cream. And third, the fall festival (held weekends late Sept-October) offers opportunities to take tractor rides, pick apples and pumpkins, and enjoy great seasonal foods.
Other area U-pick farms include: Trax, Triple B, and Simmons.
