Listed below are four great spots for viewing the foliage, hawks, and eagles. Peak colors are normally seen during the last three weeks of October. September and October are the best months for viewing the hawk and eagle migrations along the Allegheny Front.
Sideling Hill Vista at Buchanan State Forest. This site is located in Fulton County within a 15 minute drive from Breezewood. It overlooks Fulton County from the top of Sideling Hill. Good for afternoon viewing as the view is to the east. From Breezewood take Route 30 east about 6 miles to the top of Sideling Hill where the State Forest Headquarters and maintenance buildings are located. On your right there is a picnic area and gravel access road. Turn right onto the road and you should see a little sign that says "scenic view". This refers to the Vista. Follow the road for about 2 miles and you will see a very obvious parking area on your right and a cleared lookout site on your left. This is it. Enjoy it. There are also hiking trails in this area.
Pleasantville Mountain/Allegheny Mountain Lookout at Babcock State Forest
This site is located at the Western boundary of Bedford County and overlooks the County. It is best for afternoon viewing. From Pleasantville go west on Route 56 for 5 miles. This will take you about halfway up the mountain until you come to the very distinct sharp switchback curve know locally as "Peggy Westover Curve". A log cabin is located on your right just before the curve. About halfway through the curve there is a paved road on your right. It is marked as "Mountain Road". Just past the road entrance is the Rocking Chair Store. Turn right onto Mountain Road and go .8 miles to a three-way fork in the road. Turn left and take the leftmost gravel/dirt road that leads up the mountain. It is a solid but bumpy road. Go .8 miles to the top of the Ridge and on your right you will see a viewing platform and parking area. This is it. Enjoy it. If you continue past the overlook for .2 miles you will come to an intersection. This is Buffalo Road and if you turn right and go .1 miles you come to where the Lost Turkey Hiking Trail crosses Buffalo Road. It is clearly marked. You can park here and, if you like, take a short hike on the trail east toward the Ridge for some more views. If you turn left at the intersecton this will take you on a lovely 3.3 mile drive through the State Forest and back to Route 56 on the west side of the mountain.
Pavia Lookout at Blue Knob State Park
You will need to take a half-mile hike on the top of Blue Knob Mountain to get to the Lookout. This is Pennsylvania's highest hiking trail and lookout. It is an easy walk suitable for all family members. Go to Pavia and turn right at the Blue Knob State Park sign. Go 3.8 miles through the Park and you will come to a very sharp right turn and Ski area sign. Turn right and go up the mountain .9 miles. You will see a road gate and fenced electric sub-station. Park in this area. Now click here for the Pavia Lookout hiking story and further directions for getting to the Lookout. It is a truly great view - ideal for the morning hours as the view is predominately to the west.
Lookouts on Blankley Road in The Martin Hill Wild Area
This is a series of lookouts in Southern Bedford County with views to the west, north and east - good for mid-day and the morning hours. From Bedford go east on Route 30 for about about a mile and turn onto Route 326 South. Go south and pass through Rainsburg. Go about 2 miles south of Rainsburg to the top of Rainsburg Mountain. You will see a road marked "Blankley Road" on your right. Turn right. This road follows the Tussey Mountain Ridge. The first two lookouts are about a half-mile down the road. Continue along the road and the views are everywhere. Go to the Buchanan State Forest web page and check the forest maps. We maintain a supply of printed maps. It is easy to get lost in this area of the County and it best to have a map in the car.
Tussey Ridge Lookout at State Game Lands #97 The rock outcrop at the northern end of this game land offers a 300 degree view of the surrounding area. Birds of prey soar past each autumn including bald eagles, broad-winged hawks, coopers, red-shouldered hawks, osprey, American kestrels, red-tailed hawks, and golden eagles. From the west end of Everett go south by crossing the Weicht Bridge. About 50 yards past the bridge turn right onto Black Valley Road. Take Black Valley Road for ¼ mile and make a right turn. Follow this road past the state police and turnpike maintenance buildings. Continue for about 2 miles until you come to the New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company plant at Aschom. Just past the first buildings you come to on your right you will see a paved road on your left that passés through the plant area. Turn left onto this road and proceed about 1 mile to road on your left. A game lands sign should be there. Turn left and take this road up the hillside to the game lands parking lot. Park here and walk up, about a mile, to the radio towers at the top of the ridge.