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Fall Photo Guide

Mount Davis Observation Tower

Allegheny Mountains, Pennsylvania · 3,213 ft

Bare <20% Typical peak was 23 days ago

Typical peak

Oct 5 – Oct 13

low confidence in typical timing.

Best light

Best at sunrise

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 .

Crowds

low

Usually quieter, especially around dawn.

Coordinates

39.7862, -79.1759

Open in Maps

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 9

Typical 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.

typical peak Nov 1, 2026

Mount Davis Observation Tower is typically at bare on Nov 1, 2026.

This season so far

Reported peak

None yet

Seen peak color here? Add a report.

First frost

Oct 18

1 night at or below 32°F since Aug 1.

Last 14 days

59°F / 38°F

Average daily high and low.

Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.

Plan the light

Mount Davis Observation Tower on October 9, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.

Solar event times for Mount Davis Observation Tower on October 9, 2026
EventTime
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.

Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.

Which way to point the camera

Sun rises E, sets W.

Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.

Shooting conditions

Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.

Loading conditions…

Recent reports

What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.

Nearby locations

Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.