6 places to see fall foliage in Butler County
When the leaves change color each fall in Pennsylvania, it’s generally hard to miss. Due to the state’s large variety and abundance of trees, Pennsylvania’s famously vibrant fall foliage can be observed anywhere where there are trees in sight.
However, some spots, such as local and state parks, can provide a better view than others.
In Butler County, one of those spots is Alameda Park.
Lance Welliver, director of Butler County Parks and Recreation, points out several specific areas of the park where the views are especially grand, including the Carousel Shelter, the Odd Fellows shelter, the meadow area near Shelter 12, and the main road from the Masonic shelter to the Odd Fellows shelter.
“Any of our trails are filled with multiple areas to choose from for the fall season,” Welliver said.
Moraine State Park offers several good viewing locations, according to park manager Dustin Drew.
“For more of a landscape view, the scenic overlook at Eisler Grove Picnic Area on the South Shore would be a good one,” Drew said. “To immerse yourself in the forests as they are changing, one of the many trails would be the best way.
“The Glacier Ridge/North Country National Scenic Trail on the North Shore or the paved multi-use trail would both offer this experience, among numerous others.”
For Jennings Environmental Education Center in Brady Township, park manager Wil Taylor suggests passing by the Black Cherry and Old Mill trails, two of the park’s 15 trails. The trails also are two of the easier and shorter trails in the park, at 0.5 and 0.14 miles, respectively.
“Both of those trails are within the woods and along the (Slippery Rock) Creek,” Taylor said. “It’s really scenic to see the leaves changing colors.”
The Butler Freeport Community Trail is a 21-mile rails-to-trails project which stretches from Butler to Freeport, Armstrong County, which takes place almost entirely over wooded terrain.
Chris Ziegler, president of the trail council, said all 21 miles of the trail provide excellent views of the fall foliage.
Preston Park is an 88 acre park located at 415 S. Eberhart Road in Butler Township. The easy-to-navigate park features walking trails and fishing ponds.
Sippel Reservoir Park, located behind the Northgate Shopping Plaza off Route 19 in Jackson Township, features plenty of places to sit, allowing people to watch the birds chirp and the leaves fall.
The place features include a paved loop, a walking trail and a 2-acre fishing pond.
