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.
Take a haunted boat ride
Gateway Clipper is a popular riverboat cruise company which offers sightseeing as well as specialty cruises. From this 2 story paddleboat, you will take in beautiful views of Pittsburgh’s incredible skyline and many bridges via a relaxing ride along the 3 rivers (Alleghany, Ohio, and Monongahela). Fall is a great time to schedule a cruise as you will get to see a bit of fall color. A number of seasonal Halloween cruises are available. Pick between a spooky dance party, haunted history tour, or a kid’s costume party. Highlights include spirited decor, roaming ghosts, and tarot card readings. Don’t worry if you cannot handle the cold as the boat is climate controlled. On one negative note, the cruise allows outdoor smoking 🙁
Explore PA state parks
Escape the city for a peaceful day of hiking, photography, and rejuvenating in the beautiful woods of western Pennsylvania. There are a number of great parks within a reasonable drive of the city. Most notably, McConnells Mill State Park is known for its’ beautiful covered bridge, historic Grist mill, waterfalls, amazing fall foliage, and wonderful trail network. This natural gem is located just 45 minutes from the city. It’s a wonderful place to leaf peep, get back to nature, and enjoy some time in nature away from the congestion, traffic, and pollution of the city.
Check out my state park road trip guide
Go back in time at a historic covered bridge
Today, it is estimated that between 500 and 600 covered bridges remain in the US. It is crazy to think at one point in history that number was more than 10,000! Pennsylvania leads the pack with 200+ standing covered bridges. Venture back in time to “the simpler days” with a visit to one of Pennsylvania’s remaining covered bridges. Washington County alone is home to 23. Autumn is one of the best times to take a covered bridge sightseeing roadtrip as the colors of the season add a special photo worthy backdrop. Take a look at this full guide to PA’s covered bridges.
Pictured here is beautiful McConnells Covered bridge (at McConnells Mill State Park) during the peak of fall.
Splurge on a Pumpkin Spice Latte
Pumpkin spice is now the iconic flavor of fall. Walk into any grocery store and you will find shelf after shelf of pumpkin flavored goodies. While Starbucks started the trend in 2003 with the ever popular Pumpkin Spice Latte, many local coffee shops now make their own version of fall’s favorite beverage. The drink, made using espresso, milk, sugar, and pumpkin pie spices, really is autumn in a cup. Whether you go with the classic that started it all at Starbucks or prefer to keep it local, nothing starts fall off on a tasty note quite like a delicious PSL.
Halloween events
As soon as October rolls around, you can expect to find a number of festive Halloween celebrations. I love everything about Halloween, from horror movies, to pumpkin patches, to the crazy decor. I seek out events no matter where I live or travel. Pittsburgh’s most famous festival is Phantom Fest, an annual Halloween celebration held at Kennywood amusement park. Along with enjoying all the regular rides, coasters, and attractions, you will get to scare yourself silly via several haunted houses, indulge in festive treats, and enjoy special seasonal decorations.
A few more recommended Halloween events to add to your bucket list:
Haunted mini golf at Hopewell Windmill
Super festive and scary 18 hole course with the addition of spooky decorations and music, plus glow in the dark balls. Buy one, get one on Thursday nights! One of my favorite Halloween events anywhere!
Scare House
Featured on the Travel Channel as “one of America’s scariest haunted houses.”
Zoo Boo
This event (new for 2024) is highly recommended. You will get to enjoy a trail of jack o’lanterns, a spirted dancing pumpkin wall, and lots of Halloween treats. As someone who loves Halloween events, this one is definitely worthy of a splurge.
Haunted acres manor
Ranked as one of America’s top haunted houses. Unique features includes a Buried Alive simulator voiced by horror icon Tom Savini.
Zoo Boo
Family-friendly annual event featuring trick or treating stations, spooky craft stations, Halloween parade, and costume contest. A bit too family-friendly, but a nice place to leaf peep and enjoy the fall ambiance.
