Top 12 Locations for Photo Sessions with Fall Foliage Around Pittsburgh

If you’re planning a photoshoot for this fall in the greater Pittsburgh area, you’re in luck because there are many parks and locations with beautiful autumn leaves! Here’s a list of 12 of my favorite locations for family photo sessions with fall foliage in Pittsburgh. (Some locations are right in the city and others are around the Pittsburgh area)

If you’re not a family photographer, you may find this list helpful for a Senior session, engagement session, maternity session or wedding photos.


If you’re interested in a Family photo session with me, here are the details, I’d love to plan a session with you and help you pick the perfect location for your family! Just shoot me a message!



The first three locations on my list are very close together and within walking distance of each other!


1. Schenley Park

Google Maps

Across the street from Phipps Conservatory in Oakland is a brick building called the Schenley Visitor Center and Cafe and Welcome Center. Just behind that building is a beautiful cobblestone path with a black metal railing that leads to a stone archway below. You can use the street parking all along Schenley Drive, just remember to pay the meters (except on Sundays!)

Here’s a blog post with more details about this location!

locations for photo sessions with fall foliage in Pittsburgh Schenley park Pittsburgh
locations for photo sessions with fall foliage in Pittsburgh Schenley park
locations for photo sessions with fall foliage in Pittsburgh Schenley park panther hollow trail


2. Flagstaff Hill

Google Maps

While you are at Phipps and the cobblestone path, cross the street to Flagstaff Hill. There you will find stone walls and stairs and a lot of lovely trees that are covered in colorful foliage in the fall.

locations for photo sessions with fall foliage in Flagstaff hill Oakland


3. Westinghouse Memorial

Google Maps

When you leave Flagstaff Hill, make a left and take a short 5 minute walk down Schenley Drive to the Westinghouse Memorial. There you will find a nice little pond/fountain and a walking path behind it. There’s gorgeous fall foliage here in the fall.

locations for photo sessions with fall foliage in Pittsburgh Westinghouse Memorial


4. Mellon Park

Google Maps

Mellon Park’s walled garden area looks so pretty all year long, especially in the fall. There is also a row of Gingko trees that turn bright yellow in the fall and some maple and oak trees!

Here’s a blog post with more details about this location!

locations for photo sessions with fall foliage in Pittsburgh Mellon Park walled garden


5. Allegheny Commons

Google Maps

Located on the North side of Pittsburgh, this park also has a lot of gorgeous yellow gingko trees! You can also hop over to the Mexican War Streets area for more photos!

6. Highland Park

Google Maps

There are sometimes fall flowers still growing around the fountain in the fall and you can walk up and around the reservoir to see some beautiful foliage!

7. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve

Google Maps

This park is full of trees and paths throughout the park! Some colorful foliage is right next to the parking lot! Head down the path to the pond and dock to catch a reflection of the foliage in the water!

locations for photo sessions with fall foliage in Pittsburgh Beechwood Farms


8. Fern Hollow Nature Center

Fern Hollow Nature Center in Sewickley has a beautiful field with tall grasses and many colorful trees all around the field. You can also find some lovely tall pine trees adjacent to the parking area.

locations for photo sessions with fall foliage in Pittsburgh Fern Hollow Sewickley
locations for photo sessions with fall foliage in Pittsburgh Fern Hollow Sewickley
locations for photo sessions with fall foliage in Pittsburgh Fern Hollow Sewickley
locations for photo sessions with fall foliage in Pittsburgh Fern Hollow Sewickley
locations for photo sessions with fall foliage in Pittsburgh Fern Hollow Sewickley


9. Falls Run Park

Google Maps

Head up the trail that follows the creek to the small waterfall and you will immediately be surrounded by tall trees covered in yellow foliage! The sun hits perfectly here a couple of hours before sunset.

locations for photo sessions with fall foliage in Pittsburgh Falls Run


10. North Park

Google Maps

This is a very large park with so many spots for fall photos! Take a drive before your session to find the perfect spot! This photo was taken by Marshall Lake and across the street from the Ambridge Shleter, which is a great place to park and meet clients.

locations for photo sessions with fall foliage in Pittsburgh North Park


11. South Park

Google Maps

Another large park that you may want to take the time to scout and explore before your session to find the perfect foliage for your photo session.

locations for photo sessions with fall foliage in Pittsburgh South Park


12. Settlers Cabin Park

Google Maps

Located just outside of Pittsburgh in the Robinson area, this park is FILLED with trees and there are a few spots in that are great for photos, especially for fall foliage.

locations for photo sessions with fall foliage in Pittsburgh Settlers Cabin Park


These are just some of the many locations around Pittsburgh where you can find beautiful fall foliage for your photo session! Take some time to take a drive and scout out some parks near you!


And THIS MAP may be helpful in predicting when it will be peak fall foliage in your area!


Please feel free to send me a message to ask me about any specific details about any of these locations, I’m happy to help!




If you’re looking for a family photographer in the greater Pittsburgh or Youngstown, Ohio areas, I’d love to plan a session with you and help you pick the perfect location for your family!
Just shoot me a message!






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~All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography ~

Mary Beth Miller Photography has over twelve years of experience and specializes in newborn photo sessions in Pittsburgh PA and many of the surrounding areas.  


4 comments
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  • What a fabulous blog post!  I wish I knew so many great fall locations!ReplyCancel

  • Lindsey

    So many beautiful parks to choose from! Thank you for putting together such a great resource for clients and photographers alike!ReplyCancel

  • Rya

    Wow! This is SO helpful!!! Takes the guesswork out of location scouting for busy Mamas!ReplyCancel

  • Mega

    I love #8 and it has the prettiest name, by far!ReplyCancel

Mary Beth Miller Photography

724.371.6575
marybeth@marybethmillerphotography.com

Established in 2009
Family & Newborn Photographer serving the greater Pittsburgh area; Wexford, Mars, Cranberry Twp., and also serving Boardman, Poland, and Canfield, Ohio.

Mary Beth Miller Photography

best newborn photographers in Pittsburgh Expertise logo award

Established in 2009
Family & Newborn Photographer serving the greater Pittsburgh area; Wexford, Mars, Cranberry Twp., and also serving Boardman, Poland, and Canfield, Ohio.