LAUREL HIGHLANDS, Pa. — Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands region finished sixth in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Destination for Fall Colors, according to contest results announced Tuesday.
The recognition marks the seventh consecutive year that the region or a destination within it has placed among the top 10 in the nationwide fall foliage contest.
The Laurel Highlands encompasses Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties and features nearly 200,000 acres of public land. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state or location worldwide.
Highlighting the landscape and outdoor recreation options, USA Today 10Best praised the region’s trails and seasonal activities.
“Autumn colors peak in this region of the Allegheny Mountains around mid-October, making for a stunning show,” USA Today 10Best wrote. “The plethora of hiking and biking trails, including a portion of the Great Allegheny Passage, mean it’s easy to explore the highlands during the height of the season. Several fall festivals add to the welcoming vibes in this region each October.”
Regional tourism leaders encouraged autumn travel following rain during the summer season. Ann Nemanic, executive director of GO Laurel Highlands, outlined local travel options for visitors.
“We know Mother Nature dampened many summer weekends, so we encourage visitors to turn those postponed plans into a Laurel Highlands autumn itinerary,” Nemanic said. “Book an extended getaway and start the morning with a Laurel Highlands Coffee Club stop, then populate the day with a few attractions or a festival or two. September and October are ideal months to relax and unwind with a craft beverage from the Laurel Highlands Pour Tour and end a full day with a cozy night stargazing from a Chestnut Ridge mountaintop.”
The USA Today recognition follows other recent national travel coverage of the region’s fall scenery. Condé Nast Traveler included the Laurel Highlands in its article “Where to Find the Best Fall Foliage in the USA This Autumn.” Additionally, TravelPulse featured the region in its Sept. 12 article, “Best Destinations for Families to Enjoy a Fall Foliage Themed Getaway.”
Fall festivals take place throughout the region in September and October. Events on the calendar include the Confluence PumpkinFest held Oct. 1-4, the Delmont Apple ‘n Arts Festival held Oct. 3-4, and Fort Ligonier Days scheduled for Oct. 9-11.
To learn more information about the Laurel Highlands visit GoLaurelHighlands.com or by calling 724-238-5661.
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