Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry PENNSYLVANIA WEEKLY FALL FOLIAGE REPORT November 1 November 7, 2018

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1 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry PENNSYLVANIA WEEKLY FALL FOLIAGE REPORT November 1 November 7, 2018 New Map Format You will notice the Fall Foliage Map is different this year. We hope you find it more useful and attractive. A few words follow on how to interpret the new format. TIOGA CAMERON BRADFORD The new Fall Foliage Map is based on a color-code system, where brighter colors essentially mean more vibrant foliage. To predict peak season from the colors, use these guidelines: Dark Green/No Change= peak is approximately one month away Light Green/Starting to Change= peak is approximately three weeks away Yellow/Approaching Best Color= peak is approximately one week away Orange/Best Color= foliage is peaking this week Red/Starting to Fade= still some nice color but won t last more than a few more days Brown/Past Peak= all or nearly all color is gone

2 Statewide Fall Foliage Overview We are finally experiencing the most vivid colors to be seen across a wide swath of the commonwealth this fall foliage season. Excellent color is being reported from central Pennsylvania extending through the southeastern reaches of the state. Good fall color remains in the northwest and southern Pocono region, as well. Yellow is the dominant theme, originating from birches, maples, hickories, oaks, and beech. Read on for more information on local foliage conditions and please be advised next week s edition will be the final Fall Foliage Report this year. Northwestern Region The Cornplanter State Forest district forester reports a sudden resurgence of color in the district. Most hillsides have transitioned to muted color assortments of burnt oranges, golden yellows, and chestnut. Recent rains have caused some leaves to fall but there is still much color to be seen throughout the region. Many oaks are finally displaying their colors and visitors to the area can expect to see this for at least another week. Areas for fall foliage viewing include the Allegheny River overlooks and along routes 8, 62, 6, and 27. Vivid color along Oil Creek (photo by T. Ryen) Northcentral Region Foresters in the northern tier from McKean to Bradford counties report complete leaf-drop of several northern hardwood species (maple, cherry). A few stands of mixed oak and beech are offering some glimpses of scarlet and yellow. Northeastern Region Foresters in Pinchot and Delaware State forests report past peak conditions in the northern parts of the districts but still nice colors in Luzerne, Monroe, and southern Lackawanna and Pike counties. West-central and Southwestern Region Clear Creek and Gallitzin State Forest staff report few noteworthy changes from last week, however spotty color can still be observed on maples that have retained their leaves. Oak forests have just begun to show some color.

3 Forbes State Forest staff report that there are still many great opportunities for fall foliage viewing in the Laurel Highlands and across southwestern Pennsylvania. Locations west of Laurel Ridge, including Chestnut Ridge, will display peak colors this week. Extreme southwestern Pennsylvania counties (Greene, Fayette, and Washington), with their diverse forests of oak, hickory, maple, and poplar; are displaying some of the most vibrant colors in the district. Oak-dominated forests are finally adding yellows and golden browns, while other species like yellow poplar and red maple will be at peak color west of the Laurel Ridge. Laurel Hill, Linn Run, and Ohiopyle State parks should provide great opportunities this week for fall foliage viewing, as well as scenic drives along routes 381 and 711. Central Region Bureau of Forestry staff in Bald Eagle and Rothrock State forests report what is perhaps the best color in the commonwealth, currently. The Mifflin, Snyder, and Union County service forester reports considerable foliage change with most of Bald Eagle State Forest rapidly approaching peak. Black birch, striped maple, and beech are mostly at their peak golds and yellows. Some oaks are copper-colored while others are still green, which should provide color further into November. North and south side of Jacks Mountain along Route 235 and Hunter Road. (photos by G. Hoy)

4 In Moshannon State Forest, the Clearfield County service forester reports that red oaks are changing, and full color is expected in 7-10 days. Maples and beeches are at peak color in the Penfield/Parker Dam State Park area. Moshannon State Forest road dappled in fall color. (photo by R. Conrad) Fall color along I-80. (photo by R. Conrad) Elk, Sproul, and Tiadaghton State Forest oaks have progressed significantly from last week but are still at only about 50% color. The mixed-oak community that dominates this part of the Pennsylvania Wilds is expected to be at peak for next week s report.

5 Foresters in Rothrock State Forest report gorgeous foliage from south of State College into southern Huntingdon County. Excellent color can be observed on Tussey Mountain on routes 26 and 45, as well as Great Trough Creek Valley. Species providing brilliant color include red and sugar maple, black birch, and hickories. Upland oak sites are also beginning to display crimson and yellow hues. Beautiful maples and birches near a Trough Creek tributary. (photo by R. Reed)

6 Tuscarora State Forest is also nearing peak autumn color, with colorful displays from the mixed-oak community as well as northern hardwood species in the valleys. A ride along route 35, 75, 17, or 274 is recommended for viewing fall foliage throughout the district. Nice color from a white oak near Duncannon, Pa. (photo by J. Woleslagle)

7 East-central Region Service foresters in the region report major color has appeared seemingly overnight. Most areas are almost completely covered in color at this point. Oak trees have fully morphed into fall color with brilliant yellow, orange, red, and russet brown. A hike through the forest will also display full color from the forest floor through the mid-story of black birch, red maple and black gum up to the dominant oaks at the top. A hike through the game lands on top of Broad Mountain or the Penn Forest Tract (Weiser State Forest) are great places to see this display. Oaks in the southwest part of the district (Dauphin, Lebanon, southern Northumberland counties) are finally starting to turn shades of yellow to brown. Classic orange/yellow colors are being noticed on most of the maples, birches, poplars, grape, and hickories. Black gum is turning its vibrant, deep-red color and dogwoods and sassafras are turning yellow to peach. This area should hit peak by the end of the weekend. Brilliant sugar maple on City Island near the Bureau of Forestry Central Office. (photo by R. Reed)

8 Southcentral Region Buchanan State Forest staff in Bedford, Fulton, and Franklin counties report significant changes in fall color, especially in the northern one-third of these counties. Species showing nice color along I-76 include maple, hickory, and birches. Peak is expected closer to the end of this report period (11/7). Fall colors have appeared along the forest edge in McConnellsburg. (photo by B. Wilford) Southeastern Region Foresters in Michaux State Forest report a major color shift within the past week. Sugar maple, red maple, and birches are at peak. Hickories have also turned bright yellow-orange in many areas. Vibrant maple foliage in Michaux Forest District. (photo by Matt Kern)

9 State Forest staff in William Penn State Forest report near-peak foliage conditions. Species showing vibrant color include maples, sassafras, beech, and hickories. Spicebush and dogwood are also adding yellow and red colors under the forest canopy. Contrasting evergreen, sugar maple, and dogwood in Elizabethtown. (photo by J. Reed)