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Best Places To See Autumn Leaves In Pittsburgh

Each day ends a little sooner than the last this time of year. At a certain point, the dwindling sunlight causes the regional flora to suspend the process of photosynthesis. The result is a cornucopia of brilliant reds, oranges and yellows. If not for the explosion of color that fills the autumn skyline shortly before winter's arrival, the transition of the seasons would surely seem too abrupt. While it lasts, celebrate and appreciate the autumn splendor and the peak of this fall's foliage. Here are the best places to see autumn leaves in Pittsburgh.
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Fallingwater
1491 Mill Run Road
Mill Run, PA 15464
(724) 329-8501
www.fallingwater.org

Price: $22

Set deep in the heart of the Laurel Highlands you'll find the inimitable Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater home. Built over a stream and surrounded by nature, Fallingwater is perhaps Wright's greatest example of a structure designed to exist in harmony with nature. The area is surrounded by oak, maple and walnut trees. During the peak of fall foliage you'd be hard pressed to find a more enchanting environment to witness the arrival of the season. Click here to purchase tickets to the Fallingwater tour.

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Riverview
159 Riverview Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15214
(412) 321-2400
www.pittsburghparks.org/

Riverview Park on Pittsburgh's North Side is characterized by dense wood lots and steep terrain. In other words, it is the perfect spot to take in this autumn's foliage. Among the many attractions that reside upon the 287 acres of Riverview Park are the Allegheny Observatory and the Chapel Shelter. The Chapel Shelter was once a Presbyterian church but now serves as a "historic" picnic shelter and a seasonal hotspot for enjoying all things outdoors.

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Frick Park
6500 Park Way St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
(412) 682-7275
www.pittsburghparks.org/frick

Frick Park is easily the largest of the metropolitan Pittsburgh-area parks. Few places within city limits boast such picturesque natural settings as Frick Park, both year round and during the autumn months. Be sure to stop by Frick Environmental Center, the Frick Woods Nature Reserve, the Frick Art & History Center, and the Nine Mile Run Watershed. The unique attractions and vast acreage characteristic here provide entertainment, leisure and education for visitors of all ages and interests.

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Mount Davis
Fort Hill, PA 15440
(724) 238-1200
www.dcnr.state.pa.us

Witness autumn's arrival from the top of Pennsylvania's highest mountain point, right here in Forbes State Forest. It's about an hour's hike from the Mount Davis picnic area to the summit on the High Point trail. Be sure to bring a camera and arrive early because the high elevation can cause the leaves to change as much as three weeks earlier than lower-lying areas. If you're not up for mountain climbing, explore the forest for photos of the old iron furnace set amongst the leaves.

Related: Getaway Guide: Weekend Trip to Wineries of Western PA

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Simmons Farm Autumn Hayride
170 Simmons Road
McMurray, PA 15317
(724) 941-1490
www.simmonsfarm.com

Price: $12 hayride and pick your own pumpkin

Each year, thousands of Pittsburghers get their Halloween pumpkins at the Simmons Farm Market on Route 19, near the border of Peters Township and Upper St. Clair. The farm itself, located about three miles away, offers one of the best all-inclusive fall celebrations in the area. Enjoy the autumn atmosphere at Simmons with a hayride and a cup of apple cider. Activities include a corn maze, a petting zoo and a five-acre, pick-your-own pumpkin patch. The fall festival hayrides are great for kids, couples and anyone else who loves the autumn season.

Related: Getaway Guide: Weekend Trip to New River Gorge WV

Post Author: Marcel Tourdot. Marcel Tourdot is a freelance writer from Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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