Here’s something no one tells you about visiting the Laurel Highlands in the fall: you might actually want to get here before the leaves do.

We know, we know. That sounds a little backwards.

But while everyone else is waiting for peak foliage, September quietly slips into one of the best times of the year to visit. Summer vacation crowds have headed home, October leaf peepers haven’t arrived yet, and nearly everything you came to the mountains to enjoy is still in season.

The trails are open. The waterfalls are flowing. Farmers markets are piled high with late-summer produce. Patios are still calling your name. And by mid-September, those first pops of red and gold start showing up just to remind you what’s coming. September gets you the best parts of summer with a sneak peek of fall. That little window between seasons might just be the Laurel Highlands’ best-kept secret.

Beat the Leaves, Beat the Crowds

There’s a reason October is busy around here. Peak fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands is worth seeing. But if hiking, biking, and exploring are high on your vacation list, September makes a pretty strong case for arriving early.

Hike to Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park, explore Adams Falls and the trails at Linn Run State Park, or spend a day at Laurel Hill State Park. Cooler mornings make longer hikes more appealing than they were in July, while afternoons are still comfortable for spending hours outside.

September is also an ideal time to bike the Great Allegheny Passage or take the scenic route. Routes 711 and 381 wind through mountain landscapes and small towns with plenty of reasons to pull over along the way.

You’re not late for summer, and you’re not early for fall. You timed it just right.

Market Mornings & One More Scoop

Of course, not every mountain day needs hiking boots.

Spend Saturday morning at the Ligonier Country Market, where more than 100 vendors offer fresh produce, flowers, meats, cheeses, baked goods, maple syrup, handmade goods, and plenty of things you absolutely did not intend to buy.

Afterward, wander around Ligonier’s Diamond, browse the shops, grab lunch outside, and, because summer technically isn’t over yet, add one more ice cream stop to the itinerary.

Then take the long way home. A covered bridge, roadside market, waterfall, or small-town restaurant can turn an afternoon drive into one of those vacation days you didn’t really plan but end up talking about later. Sometimes the best itinerary is barely an itinerary at all.

Fall Festivities Start Early Around Here

You don’t have to wait for October to find a little fall fun, either.

The Farmers and Threshermen’s Jubilee, happening September 9–13, 2026, in New Centerville, celebrates the region’s agricultural roots with antique tractors, vintage steam equipment, demonstrations, live music, tractor pulls, fresh apple cider, and even an Outhouse Dash.

Yes, you read that correctly.

It’s exactly the kind of hometown tradition we love sharing with our SNOWBALLERS. Getting to know the Laurel Highlands isn’t only about seeing the scenery. Sometimes it means getting off the beaten path and experiencing the traditions locals have celebrated for generations.

And really, fresh apple cider, mountain air, and an outhouse race? September is making a pretty solid argument for itself.

Before Everyone Comes for the Leaves

October may get the glory, but September is truly the sweet spot. The weather is comfortable, summer hasn’t completely disappeared, local traditions are in full swing, and fall is beginning to make its entrance.

Pressed for Time? Here’s the Breakdown:

• Get outside before peak foliage season brings the crowds.
• Spend a Saturday in Ligonier exploring the Country Market, local shops, and restaurants.
• Experience the local side of the Laurel Highlands at September events like the Farmers and Threshermen’s Jubilee.

Before long, everyone will be headed to the Laurel Highlands in search of those famous red and gold views. Why not beat them to it?

When you’re ready to sneak in a September mountain getaway, SNOWBALL PROPERTIES gives you a comfortable home base for exploring the Laurel Highlands. Come for the last bit of summer. Stay for the first taste of fall. We’ll see you in the mountains, SNOWBALLERS!

Come Have A Ball In The Laurel Highlands!

– Ginger & Hunter Harrelson