Mount Davis Observation Tower
Allegheny Mountains, Pennsylvania · 3,213 ft
Pennsylvania's highest ground is a flat plateau of scrub oak and blueberry with a steel tower that clears the canopy. From the platform the color runs across Somerset County ridges in every direction, so the tower is the only way to get above the trees.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Typical peak
Oct 5 – Oct 13
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Crowds
low
Usually quieter, especially around dawn.
Getting there
From PA 669 follow Mount Davis Road and South Wolf Rock Road to the summit picnic lot in Forbes State Forest; the tower is a short walk from the parking area.
What turns here
- red oak
- red maple
- black cherry
- chestnut oak
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 9Typical color progression for Mount Davis Observation Tower. No change from Sep 1 to Sep 18. First color from Sep 18 to Sep 27. Approaching peak from Sep 27 to Oct 5. Peak from Oct 5 to Oct 13. Past peak from Oct 13 to Oct 23. Bare from Oct 23 to Nov 6.
Mount Davis Observation Tower is typically at no change on this date.
Light at peak
Mount Davis Observation Tower on October 9, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:53 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 97° | 7:20 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 36 min of low, warm light | 7:56 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:04 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 36 min before sunset | 6:11 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 262° | 6:47 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:14 PM |
Times in America/New York · day length 11h 27m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.