pennsylvania fall foliage · pennsylvania department of conservation and natural resources bureau...

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Pennsylvania Fall Foliage Percent of full color from Sep. 21-27 30% Est. peak Oct. 1-7 5-10% Est.peak Oct. 14-20 5-10% Est. peak Oct. 8-14 0-5% Est. peak Oct. 24-30 0-5% Est. peak Oct. 24-30 25% Est. peak Oct. 5-11 15% Est. peak Oct. 13-19 0-5% Est. peak Oct. 24-30 0-5% Est. peak Oct. 8-14 0-5% Est. peak Oct. 8-14 5-10% Est. peak Oct. 8-14 0-5% Est. peak Oct. 14-20 5-10% Est. peak Oct. 14-20

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Page 1: Pennsylvania Fall Foliage · Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry . PENNSYLVANIA WEEKLY FALL FOLIAGE REPORT . September 21 - 26, 2017

Pennsylvania Fall Foliage Percent of full color from Sep. 21-27

30% Est. peak Oct. 1-7

5-10% Est.peak Oct. 14-20 5-10% Est.

peak Oct. 8-14

0-5% Est. peak Oct. 24-30

0-5% Est. peak Oct. 24-30

25% Est. peak Oct. 5-11 15% Est. peak

Oct. 13-19

0-5% Est. peak Oct. 24-30

0-5% Est. peak Oct. 8-14

0-5% Est. peak Oct. 8-14

5-10% Est. peak Oct. 8-14

0-5% Est. peak Oct. 14-20

5-10% Est. peak Oct. 14-20

Page 2: Pennsylvania Fall Foliage · Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry . PENNSYLVANIA WEEKLY FALL FOLIAGE REPORT . September 21 - 26, 2017

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry

PENNSYLVANIA WEEKLY FALL FOLIAGE REPORT September 21 - 26, 2017

Fall foliage season has commenced! Some northern-tier counties are showing up to 50% color in stands of northern hardwoods (maple, cherry, birch). Central and southern counties are showing strong indicators of the imminent show; with bittersweet, Virginia creeper, walnut, and a few maples and birches coloring the landscape. Aside from some localized outbreaks of maple anthracnose, this year’s fall foliage season is shaping up to be spectacular.

NORTHERN REGION, (Northern Wayne County and all of Susquehanna, Bradford, Tioga, Potter, and McKean counties)

Areas dominated by red and sugar maples are really starting to turn. Along with the brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges of maples; white ash is turning bright yellow and black cherry is yellowing as well. The best colors can be seen in the northern half of Potter County from the Carter Camp area east and west and north to New York State line in Genesee. The best routes to drive are SR 6, SR44, SR 49, SR144, SR449, and SR 872. Any state forest roads and vistas in the Cherry Springs and Lyman Run areas should also provide magnificent views of fall colors. In McKean County, Rte. 6, Rte. 321, and Rte. 219 should provide good viewing.

Beautiful fall colors of a Potter County field and forest edge. (photo by C. Nicholas)

Page 3: Pennsylvania Fall Foliage · Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry . PENNSYLVANIA WEEKLY FALL FOLIAGE REPORT . September 21 - 26, 2017

Northeast Counties

The central region of the Pocono Mountains is beginning to change colors.  Susquehanna county in the northern tier is about 25%, with maples standing out. Ricketts Glen maples are in full color. Peak for most of the area should be around Columbus Day with the northern counties roughly one week before.  

Significant changes are occurring in wetlands where red maple is showing different shades of red and orange. Sugar maple, ash, and birch have started to change into lighter shades of yellow. Some of their leaves have turned brown and fallen early. Sumac, dogwood, Virginia creeper, and black gum have also started to show varying shades of red. The week of October 14th to the 20th should be the peak of fall foliage. A good place to view the foliage this week is Rt. 115 to Long Pond Road and Kuhenbeaker in Long Pond.

Fall colors, Long Pond area (photo by Matt Hazen)

Page 4: Pennsylvania Fall Foliage · Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry . PENNSYLVANIA WEEKLY FALL FOLIAGE REPORT . September 21 - 26, 2017

Northwest Counties

Fall colors are just beginning in the northwest corner of the state with much of the color concentrated on individual trees, many along roadways. Shades of red seem to be leading the colors for fall 2017. Red maples, dogwoods, sumac, and Virginia creeper vines all are starting to show their fall colors. Additionally, asters and goldenrods are displaying brilliantly this year. These early, vivid colors appear to be a harbinger of a brilliant and colorful fall foliage season to come!

Gorgeous asters and goldenrods in a meadow in northwestern Pa. (photo by C. Stelter )

Page 5: Pennsylvania Fall Foliage · Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry . PENNSYLVANIA WEEKLY FALL FOLIAGE REPORT . September 21 - 26, 2017

CENTRAL REGION (A funnel-shaped band with its narrow end in southern Wayne and Pike counties, stretching across the central third of Pennsylvania to Fayette, Greene, and Washington counties, widening to the northwest to include Erie and Warren counties.)

Mid-State Counties

Most of Bald Eagle State Forest is in initial stages of color change. Black gum, Virginia creeper, and some dogwoods are at about 50% of their stunning, crimson-red color. The few ash trees that have made it through recent emerald ash borer attacks are showing nice purples and yellows. Also, black walnuts in the valleys are yellowing. These species tend to show color in early autumn. Bald Eagle State Forest offers great fall foliage viewing opportunities from any of its 26 vistas, most of which are easily accessed by car.

In Rothrock State Forest, Bear Meadows (at Bear Meadows Monument) has led the charge toward the full display of fall foliage. However, further south along John Bum Road to Tar Kiln Road in the Trough Creek Division of Rothrock State Forest, colors on display are yellow, from birch and ferns, to vivid red of poison ivy vines. A short walk or even just parking along a state forest road can reveal great scenery. Listening to the constantly falling acorns, as they crash through the canopy to the ground, adds to the autumn experience.

In Moshannon State Forest near Penfield and along Interstate 80, initial color changes can be observed. A drive to Moshannon State Park is an excellent choice for a day trip, revealing beautiful, early fall color interspersed with mountain views. Cooler nights in the more remote areas in Quehanna Wild Area are causing subtle leaf changes, making the ride through Moshannon State Forest on the Quehanna Highway a pleasure for the eye.

Early fall scenes, Black Moshannon State Forest (photos by V. Stephens)

Page 6: Pennsylvania Fall Foliage · Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry . PENNSYLVANIA WEEKLY FALL FOLIAGE REPORT . September 21 - 26, 2017

Indiana, Cambria and Blair Counties

Red maples and surviving ash trees are starting to show signs of the approaching fall. Some places to go and see fall color are Rager Mountain Road (within Rager Mountain Division), which gives a panoramic view of Conemaugh Gap. The vista along Skyline Drive in the Babcock Division offers views of Bedford County and Blue Knob Ski Resort, offering another good option for viewing fall foliage.

SOUTHERN REGION (Area south and east of a line through southern Monroe, Dauphin, Bedford and southeastern Somerset Counties))

Minor foliage changes are noticeable on a few species, like bittersweet and black walnut. Stressed ashes are yellowing early, and staghorn sumac is just beginning to turn orange in some areas.

Staghorn sumac at peak foliage (photo by C. Stelter)

LAUREL HIGHLANDS (Area connecting Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties)

Officials report very few changes thus far in the region, limited to occasional colorful maple and black gum sightings. Closer to peak foliage, visits to Laurel Ridge, Laurel Summit, and Laurel Hill state parks offer excellent viewing of fall scenery. Mt. Davis Natural Area is also highly recommended for its panoramic vista at over 3,000 feet in elevation.