PENNSYLVANIA WEEKLY FALL FOLIAGE REPORT

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1 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry PENNSYLVANIA WEEKLY FALL FOLIAGE REPORT October 19 October 25, 2017 Pennsylvania forests continue to show excellent color, with central, northeastern, eastcentral, and northwestern counties grabbing the spotlight. A notable addition to the highlight reel this week is Moshannon State Forest, whose color in some regions is simply awe-inspiring! Southcentral areas have also seen major gains in fall color, adding awesome viewing opportunities to every Pennsylvania latitude. Various species of hickories have set forest edges ablaze in magnificent orange. Yellow poplars, birches, hornbeams, sassafras, and sugar maples also stand out, statewide. Above-average temperatures last week seemed to suspend the fall foliage season, adding extended viewing time throughout the commonwealth. The recent and quite noticeable change to more fall-like temperatures should push foliage toward peak throughout the state. Expect the lower one-third of the state to enter peak foliage by the end of the week. It is also exciting to note that the oak-beech peak is yet to come in several central regions. If there is a week where one can t go wrong taking a road-trip or hike to see our fabulous autumn palette, this is it. Get out there and enjoy! For a list of places to go to enjoy Penn s Woods, go to:

2 NORTHERN REGION (Mckean, Potter, Tioga, Bradford, Sullivan counties) Fall foliage in Tioga State Forest has peaked and is now declining. Many northern hardwood leaves have dropped, and colors are not as vibrant as they were last week. However, there are still some pockets of beautiful foliage. Red maples are still turning and white oaks have morphed into nice shades of red. Shades of muted yellow are also observable throughout the area. Leaves are currently most colorful in the eastern part of Tioga County. Loyalsock State Forest in Bradford and northern Sullivan counties is past peak color. Most northern hardwoods have already dropped their leaves. Beeches and oaks are progressing but haven t yet achieved peak. Oaks in the Little Bear Creek area (south of Route 87) are projected to bring nice fall colors in about two weeks. In Susquehannock State Forest (Potter and McKean counties), there are not many leaves on northern hardwoods. The region is past peak overall but the secondary oak peak is a week away. Autumn colors brighten the roadside along Route 6 in last week s mist and fog. (photo by C. Nicholas)

3 Northeast Counties (Susquehanna, Wyoming, Wayne, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Monroe) In Pinchot and Delaware state forests (Pocono region), northern areas are at or past peak color. Susquehanna, Wyoming, and northern Wayne County areas are past peak and the colors slowly fading; however, Lackawanna, southern Wayne, and northern Pike counties are currently at peak. Most of the oak holdouts have changed and will continue to hold their colors into the weekend. Luzerne County forests are a bit behind at 50 to 70% color. Recommended sites to observe fall foliage include Lake Jean and Fire Tower Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park. Also, scenic water features add to the fall experience at Chock Creek and Rattlesnake Falls; while Pine Hill, Tilbury Knob, and Mocanaqua vistas offer panoramic views of the Pocono region. Fall colors are excellent at Moon Lake. (photo by T. Latz)

4 Northwest Counties (Erie, Crawford, Warren, Forest, northern half of Venango) Fall colors continue to develop on almost every hillside, roadway, and trail in northwestern Pennsylvania. Recent heavy wind and rain caused some leaves to fall but that only adds to the ambience of the fall season! Oak trees are just starting to show some color while maples, birches, aspens, and other species are still displaying theirs. Yellow is the leading color for the middle of the season, and there appears to be every shade present on the landscape, from the pale, subtle yellow to bright, brilliant gold; and every shade in between. Routes to catch some of this fall flavor are Route 62 along the Allegheny River, Route 6 across Warren County into Erie County, and Route 8 from Erie County through Crawford, Venango, and Butler counties. Warren County trails are rich with autumn color. (photo by C. Stelter)

5 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 (Elk, Cameron, Clearfield, Clinton, Lycoming, Union, Centre, Snyder, Juniata, Mifflin, Huntingdon, Perry, Cumberland) Some of the best colors in the mid-state seem to be in areas of Moshannon State Forest, where they are quite vibrant and impressive. Also, the Bald Eagle-Rothrock State Forest interface in Mifflin County, where a high percentage of northern hardwood species can be found, is still gorgeous. Oak-dominated forest communities in Moshannon, Elk, Sproul, and northern Bald Eagle state forest districts are steadfastly holding onto their summer-green colors. A few patches of scarlet are noticeable on red and black oaks. Beech trees are also beginning to show shades of yellow. Peak foliage in the oak forests is still about ten days away though. Other hardwoods like maple, sassafras, and birch are displaying peak yellows. An abundance of autumn color and diversity can even be found on the forest floor in Moshannon State Forest. (photo by J. Hecker)

6 Stunning sassafras stand at Meyers Run in Moshannon State Forest (photo by J. Hecker) In Moshannon State Forest district, the Penfield area received much-needed rains over the weekend, enhancing leaf change. Chilly nights in the Black Moshannon State Park region have also spurred noticeable bursts of color. Sunny days are only adding to the pleasant feel of the region overall. The drive through the Quehanna-Medix area is still the best viewing around. Miles of mountains and back roads make for a long, but worthwhile road-trip. If you are planning to hike, you are reminded to always wear colorful clothing and keep pets on a leash for safety.

7 Forest trails are bursting with color in Moshannon State Forest (photo by J. Hecker) Fiery color of sugar maple, Moshannon State Forest (photo by J. Hecker)

8 During the past week, little has changed in Bald Eagle State Forest, overall. Black birch, striped maple, and sassafras are still at their peak shades of yellow north of Route 45. These species are just starting to show color to the south of route 45. In addition, hickories and tulip poplars are showing vibrant yellow colors. Currently, the best leaf viewing is north of Route 192, in Raymond B. Winter State Park, and the Seven Mountains region along Route 322. Folks traveling northwest this Saturday to see Penn State play Michigan are in for a visual treat as they wind through this region. The 193,424 acres of Bald Eagle State Forest offer plenty of fall foliage viewing opportunities in the form of 300+ miles of dirt and gravel roads and 26 scenic vistas. Most vistas are easily accessed by car. Round Top Road, Bald Eagle State Forest (photo by G. Hoy)

9 Rothrock State Forest continues to approach peak. Yellow birch, hickory, and tulip poplar are adding vibrant colors to the canopy; while spicebush, hornbeam, and striped maple color the understory. Some oaks are changing to shades of red and scarlet, adding yet another layer of color to the forest. The northern portion of Rothrock State Forest is about 20 percent further along versus the southern portion around Huntingdon, and close to or at peak foliage. Expect the northern portion to peak this week while the southern region should peak next week. American hornbeam is brightening many stream banks in southcentral Pa. (photo by R. Reed)

10 Spicebushes add splashes of yellow and red to the forest understory near Trough Creek State Park. (photo by R. Reed)

11 West-Central Counties (Mercer, Lawrence, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Armstrong, Jefferson, and southern half of Venango) The red oak-dominated forest of Clear Creek State Forest district is still mostly green. Several recent frosts should cause more leaves to change, though. A scenic drive option, complete with interpretive signs along the way, is the district s Auto Tour beginning at the forest district headquarters on route 949. A great and relatively short hike in this region begins at the Route 36 bridge, heads up the Seneca Trail, and ends at the Seneca Point Vista. Birches add color to the canopy in Forbes State Forest (photo by R. Mahoney) Southwestern Counties (Allegheny, Washington, Greene, Westmoreland, Fayette, Somerset) The Laurel Mountain region is still spotty and green in some areas, while in others; fall colors are muted and/or delayed-peak. The cooler August temperatures caused the colors to begin to progress early, but were then halted by the drought-like conditions and unseasonably warm temperatures throughout much of September and early October. These excessively warm conditions likely caused muted colors and spotty coloration throughout a good bit of the forest canopy, especially affecting red and sugar maples. However, tulip poplars, sassafras, birches, beeches, and cucumber magnolias are at peak. Panoramic views of the ridges appear very vibrant and the spotty green provides contrast for the diversity of brighter colors. The Mt. Davis area is now past peak but still offers some spotty areas of good color. A hike to the overlook reveals views of these areas.

12 In the Braddock Division region (Chestnut Ridge) and other areas west of the Laurel Highlands (Allegheny, Greene, Washington Counties), peak should occur this week into the weekend. Birch, beech, sassafras, and chestnut oaks are shades of yellow, while red and sugar maples are gradually becoming vibrant. Places to see the best colors include the Pine Knob Overlook, which can be accessed from the Lick Hollow Picnic Area, a strenuous 4-mile hike that rewards hikers with a scenic vista looking toward Uniontown. For those less adventurous, a drive around the Quebec Run Wild Area by taking Skyline Drive to Quebec Road to Wharton Furnace Road is recommended. Stop at Wharton Furnace and picnic and/or enjoy the new interpretive waysides and walking path that were installed earlier this week. From Wharton Furnace Road, folks can hop onto Route 40 east and head into the small town of Chalkhill. From there, take Ohiopyle-Chalkhill Road and conclude at Ohiopyle State Park. SOUTHERN REGION (Area south and east of a line through southern Monroe, Dauphin, Bedford, and southeastern Somerset counties) Southcentral Counties (Bedford, Fulton, Franklin, Adams, York, southern Cumberland) In Buchanan State Forest, many hardwoods are displaying great autumn colors. Shades of orange and yellow of hickories and poplars seem to stand out the most. The mixed oak forest regions are also adding various shades of scarlet. Summit Road on Sideling Hill Mountain makes a nice ride to enjoy fall foliage, and a stop on Route 915 offers a great vista for viewing the forest south of Wells Tannery. Yellow hickory foliage is prominent in Buchanan State Forest (photo by R. Reed)

13 Birches of Michaux State Forest are approaching peak foliage. (photo by J. Woleslagle) Fall colors in Michaux State Forest are becoming more noticeable. Hickories, poplars, and birches have added prominent yellows and oranges along forest edges. Spicebushes and dogwoods in the understory are yellow and red, respectively. Most red maples are approaching peak color with oaks just beginning to add darker shades of red too. A beautiful drive through Michaux State Forest travels due south from Route 30 past the Carbaugh Run Natural Area on Newman Road. Turn left on District Road, then right on Three Springs Road. Continue right on Cold Springs Road which becomes South Mountain Road. Take Route 233 north back to Route 30 along Rocky Mountain. This approximately 15-mile round trip should take around 30 minutes.

14 East-central Counties (Dauphin, Northumberland, Montour, Columbia, Schuylkill, Carbon, Lebanon) In Weiser State Forest district, fall colors continue to accumulate. Hickories, red maples, birches, oaks, sassafrasses, and spicebushes are nearing peak. Major changes are noticeable in Northumberland, Schuylkill, and northern Dauphin counties. Great choices for fall foliage viewing by car are routes 225 and 325 in Dauphin County, accessing the scenic Stony, Clarks, and Powells valleys. The forest canopy is brightening with fall hues in Weiser State Forest. (photo by J. Woleslagle)

15 Southeastern Counties (Adams, York, Lancaster, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Lehigh, Northampton) William Penn State Forest district is currently highlighted by the vibrant yellow of poplars in the valleys of southeastern Pennsylvania. Oak ridges are predicted to stay green for a few more days. The recent cold-snap should help fall colors progress. The best places to view fall color currently are low-lying areas and river bottoms, making the Tinicum Trail and Wildlife Viewing Area a picturesque destination on the Delaware River. Little Tinicum Island Natural Area on Delaware River (Bureau of Forestry file photo)