7 Best Off-Road Trails in Pennsylvania to See Fall Colors (2025)

Fall in Pennsylvania has a way of stopping you in your tracks. The hills and mountains light up with reds, oranges, and yellows, and the cool, crisp air makes it the perfect time to be outside. Whether you’re exploring the backroads or heading out to one of the off-road parks, the season has this mix of color and energy that makes every drive feel a little more special.

If you’re planning a trip, the American Forests fall foliage map  is a handy guide to help you time it right. In most of the state, peak foliage usually hits in early to mid-October, though it can shift depending on the region and elevation. It’s a short window, but it’s when Pennsylvania is at its most colorful.

And if you’re looking for even more trails to check out while the leaves are changing, take a look at our full list of Pennsylvania trails to keep the adventures going.

Tips for Fall Trail Adventures in Pennsylvania

Before you hit the trail to catch the colors, here are a few things to keep in mind for a safe and enjoyable trip:

• Know the rules at Rausch Creek: This popular off-road park requires a permit to access the trails.
• Pack for chilly nights: Even if the days feel mild, temperatures drop fast once the sun goes down. If you’re camping, bring extra layers and cold-weather gear to stay comfortable.
• Explore Bald Eagle State Forest: Covering almost 200,000 acres, it’s one of the best places in Pennsylvania to take in the fall colors.
• Leave No Trace: Respect the outdoors by packing out your trash and minimizing your impact.
• Stick to designated routes: Staying on marked trails helps protect the environment and keeps your trip safe and legal.
• Leave a review: Once you’re back from the trails, don’t forget to leave a review on the Trails Offroad trail guide!

Best Off-Road Trails to See Fall Colors in Pennsylvania

Poe Paddy Drive

• Difficulty: Moderate

Poe Paddy Drive is one of the most scenic routes in Bald Eagle State Forest, with two pull-off overlooks that are beautiful especially in the fall. Most of the road is smooth dirt and fine for 2WD vehicles, but the last mile from Raven’s Knob to Poe Paddy State Park Campground gets rocky and is best suited for a stock 4WD with clearance. Note, there’s only one designated campsite along the road, and it’s a walk-in spot. If you were planning on doing any car camping or sleeping in a rooftop tent, this trail won’t be an option to camp.

Henstep 4x4 Drivable Trail

• Difficulty: Moderate

Henstep 4x4 is a narrow, rocky trail that is best suited for smaller rigs. Expect mud pits of varying depths, some reaching over a foot during the wet seasons, along with tight sections that will definitely cause pinstriping. The challenge makes it fun, but full-size vehicles won’t have an easy time here. It’s a rewarding run for anyone looking for a tougher trail in Bald Eagle State Forest, especially if you don’t mind coming out with some scratches.

Salmon Creek Road

• Difficulty: Easy

Salmon Creek Road is an easy drive, mostly graded dirt thanks to oil and gas activity, but the real highlight comes in the final stretch where you can find a few walk-in campsites along the creek. If you are planning to sleep in your vehicle or in a roof top tent, this trail won’t be a great place to camp. Still, it’s a nice option if you’re looking for an easy drive to see the leaves change colors or a peaceful time along the creek.

Three Runs Tower Road

• Difficulty: Moderate

This trail goes through the Quehanna Wild Area and Moshannon State Forest. The road is mostly dirt, but there are a few mud holes at the southern end with none of them having bypasses. It’s especially beautiful in the fall when the shrubs and trees turn colors, though camping isn’t allowed anywhere along the route. About a mile into the trail you will find the old fire lookout which makes a great spot to stop and hang out along the trail.

Longwell Draft Road

• Difficulty: Moderate

Longwell Draft Road is best known for its mud, with at least half a dozen seasonal mudholes that can get deep depending on how wet it has been recently. Where it isn’t muddy, the surface has a rough cobblestone texture that is fairly common in this area. This trail does connect to Strong Mountain Road and then to Hoofnagle Road, making it a fun option if you want to link trails while getting your rig dirty. We recommend airing down and using 4WD here, especially after heavy rain.

Flat Hollow

• Difficulty: Easy

Flat Hollow is a short connector road that links Strong Mountain Road to Strongs Improvement Road. The surface is rough dirt with one rocky climb, though it’s nothing too difficult. Just note, like many other trails in the area, it can get muddy in wet weather. Since this trail is on the shorter side, we recommend connecting with other trails in the Bald Eagle State Forest.

Rausch Creek Off Road Park

• Difficulty: Easy to Severe

Rausch Creek Off-Road Park is one of Pennsylvania’s best destinations for off-roading. Spread across 3,000 acres north of Pine Grove, the park has a little bit of everything from beginner-friendly trails to moderately challenging trails, and all the way up to severe trails that are designed for technical rock crawling. The variety of trails means there’s something for everyone, whether you’re brand new or an experienced crawler.

The park operates year-round on weekends and requires a membership, plus daily fees for drivers and passengers. Camping is included with admission, with sites that have fire rings and picnic tables. Only full-sized 4x4 vehicles are allowed, and trail rules require at least two vehicles to head out together for safety.

Between the size of the park, the mix of terrain, and the supportive off-road community you’ll find here, it is truly one of the best spots in the region for a full weekend of adventure.