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 26 November 1, 2017 Autumn color in the commonwealth is still good to excellent throughout a wide range of forested areas. The southern half of the state is generally at or nearing peak foliage, as the sustained warm-weather trend has led to a protracted fall foliage season. Peak colors are observable in a diversity of central regions, including parts of Buchanan, Rothrock, Tuscarora, Weiser, and Delaware state forest districts. Moshannon State Forest is still the standard-bearer for color, statewide. Excellent fall color exists in northwestern Pennsylvania, as well as oakdominated regions of Sproul, Tiadaghton, Tioga, and northern Bald Eagle state forests. Areas of Monroe, Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill counties in the southern Pocono region are currently particularly vibrant. Beautiful peak colors are expected soon in the southcentral Pennsylvania Appalachian Mountains and Ridge and Valley regions. As the colorful autumn season begins to wind down, you are encouraged to take some time to enjoy the resplendence of Pennsylvania forests. For suggestions of places to go and things to do, visit:

2 NORTHERN REGION (McKean, Potter, Tioga, Bradford, Sullivan counties) Fall foliage in Tioga State Forest is gorgeous again since oak species have changed. It is currently beautiful in this region and the Route 6 corridor is a remarkable drive through the whole county. The section from Wellsboro west to Galeton is displaying exceptional color in stands of oak. A drive along the west side of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon from Ansonia to Blackwell will offer some incredible views as well. Northern hardwoods of Loyalsock State Forest in Bradford and northern Sullivan counties are past peak color, but shades of yellow and scarlet are coming on from oaks. Areas around World s End State Park are still beautiful with fall color. In Susquehannock State Forest (Potter and McKean counties), oak species have provided a secondary thrust of color to the region. With a lackluster northern hardwood season earlier; current oak color is arguably the region s best so far. Oak species are providing a second fall foliage season in the northern tier. (photo by N. Confer)

3 Northeast Counties (Susquehanna, Wyoming, Wayne, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Monroe) North and central regions of the Pocono Mountains are past peak for fall foliage, but some areas are still showing a broad array of colors. Some oaks are still hanging on to their green leaves farther to the south, but will change very soon. A good place to see foliage this week is Kunkletown Road and Smith Gap Road in lower Monroe County. Foliage in this area is spectacular and still at or close to peak color. The southern portion of Pinchot State Forest district in Luzerne County is displaying excellent fall color in some areas. Species of interest include red maple, hickory, yellow poplar, and several species of oak. Forests within and around Nescopeck and Hickory Run state parks are at or close to peak foliage. Hickories and oaks beautify this pond in Canadensis, Monroe County. (photo by M. Hazen)

4 Northwest Counties (Erie, Crawford, Warren, Forest, northern half of Venango) Most of the hillsides in northwestern Pennsylvania have transitioned from bright red, orange, and yellow to darker shades of burnt-orange, golden-yellow, and chestnut-brown. Recent rains have caused some of the 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 fall color for at least another week. Suggested areas to view foliage include the Allegheny River overlooks and rural routes 8, 62, 6, and 27. For a unique way to check out the foliage, consider visiting Cook Forest State Park on Saturday, October 28 th for their Fire Tower Historical Tour. Mother nature offered a double shot of beauty recently in Warren, Pa. (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) Fall leaf color in the southern half of Bald Eagle State Forest has now caught up with the forest north of Route 45. Red maples are showing all their colors from red to yellow and every shade in between. About 50% of oaks are retaining their green color, but should change this week. Currently, excellent fall scenery can be observed along Penns Creek in the Poe Paddy area of the state forest. Pleasant autumn shades along Stony Run Road. (photo by G. Hoy)

6 Moshannon State Forest district is still ablaze with autumn color. Shades of yellow, red, and orange seem to decorate every hill, hollow, and roadside. Oaks and beeches are peaking with yellows and brilliant reds. Maples and birches are spectacular, especially in sheltered hollows and the understory. The recent, crisp and chilly air has accentuated the colors. This late in the season, especially after a rain, is the best time of year to look down and enjoy the often-brilliant colors of a forest floor. It is full of colorful leaves, cones, seeds, berries, and the many forest fungi that fruit this time of year. An enjoyable time can be had with children in the forest, carefully hunting for and photographing the many types of mushrooms found in late fall. The forest floor in Moshannon State Forest is full of inspiring colors and textures. (photo by J. Hecker)

7 Brilliant forest trails in Moshannon State Forest. (photos by Z. Miller and J. Hecker)

8 Autumn colors flank Great Trough Creek at Baker s Bridge. (photo by E. Kitchen) In Rothrock State Forest district north of Huntingdon, foliage is at or past peak with burgundy and yellows of oak species increasing, especially in upland settings. In the Greenwood Division south of Huntingdon, fall color is near or at peak. Sugar and red maples are reddishorange and various shades of yellow from poplars, birches, hornbeams, and striped maples are providing excellent color. Pignut hickory seems to be especially vibrant this year. An awesome drive for viewing fall foliage is Tar Kiln Road from Trough Creek State Park to Route 829 between Calvin and Cassville. A hike on Terrace Mountain Trail provides, in addition to the bright shades of autumn leaves, gorgeous views of scenery in the Trough Creek Wild Area.

9 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 has begun to change, while species of northern hardwoods (maple, cherry, birch) are at or past peak. The major cooldown in the forecast should push this region past peak in about a week. 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. Several good fall foliage hike options can be found on the Kennerdell Tract southeast of Route 8 and Dennson Run Road, several of which offer scenic views of the Allegheny River. Vibrant red oaks are common in parts of Clear Creek State Forest. (Bureau of Forestry file photo) Southwestern Counties (Allegheny, Washington, Greene, Westmoreland, Fayette, Somerset) In Forbes State Forest district, most of the area is past peak but there is still nice color scattered throughout Laurel Ridge into the Chestnut Ridge area. Maples are displaying spotty color and oaks are beginning to show shades of scarlet.

10 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, most oaks are steadfastly green but some on the ridgetops are turning. Many hues of yellow, red, and orange are visible as hickory, birch, poplar, and maples have popped into color over the past week. A drive out Tower Road near the Fulton / Franklin County line provides views to both the east over Path Valley and west into Fulton County. In Bedford County, driving along Blankley to Martin Hill Road provides opportunities for viewing beautiful fall forest colors and several excellent vistas to view the ridges and valleys. Red maples stand out in Buchanan State Forest. (photo by K. Naugle)

11 In Michaux State Forest district, cool evenings have brought about major changes to the forest. Hardwood species like maples and poplars are adding shades of yellow, red, and orange to the forest canopy. Hickories and oaks at higher elevations on South Mountain are also painting the landscape brilliant shades of red-orange and crimson. Lippencote and Radio Tower trails off Piney Ridge Road make nice, easy hikes for observing fall color. Fall colors from Gettysburg to Chambersburg along Route 30 provide an enjoyable drive, as well. Pretty fall colors are abundant along Antietam Creek. (photo by J. Woleslagle)

12 East-central Counties (Dauphin, Northumberland, Montour, Columbia, Schuylkill, Carbon, Lebanon counties) In Weiser State Forest district, fall colors are nearing peak, especially in the northern part of the district. Maples, birches, American beeches, oaks, sassafrasses, and spicebushes are at peak stage. The Fort Indiantown Gap and Manada Gap areas are especially beautiful along Blue Mountain and Second Mountain. Also, foliage is notably stunning near Mauch Chunk Lake in Carbon County (southwest of the town of Jim Thorpe). An excellent ride to view fall color is through the twists and turns of Route 443 from Route 322 all the way to Carbon County. A unique way to view fall scenery is via train in the town of Jim Thorpe, Carbon County. (photo by R. Reed)

13 The annual Fall Foliage Festival concluded this weekend in Jim Thorpe, but local foliage is still at or near peak. (photo by R. Reed) Southeastern Counties (Adams, York, Lancaster, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Lehigh, Northampton) The delayed transition to fall-like weather has slowed the foliage change in William Penn State Forest district. Some northern areas are showing excellent color, despite this anomaly. The Wertz Tract in Berks County, particularly along Sportsman Road and Huntzinger Road, is very colorful. American beech, sassafras, and birch stand out at the higher elevations. Expect this area to peak next week, considering the marked cool-down in the forecast. Bright colors of birch, sassafras, and poplar line the edges of the Wertz Tract in Weiser State Forest. (photo by R. Reed)