“Impressive fall color” continues across most of Pennsylvania this week, according to the fifth Pennsylvania Weekly Fall Foliage Report of 2019, which the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources released today.
Only the northeasternmost corner of the state – Susquehanna and Wayne counties – are now past their peak color for the season, while the rest of northeastern and northcentral Pennsylvania are “starting to fade.”
Ryan Reed, natural resource specialist in DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry, noted, “Areas bursting with color include the central and southern reaches of Pennsylvania, especially in Bald Eagle, Rothrock and Weiser forest districts.
“Excellent color can also be found in the southern Poconos, central and south Allegheny Plateau, and many counties to the southeast. The diversity of color is likely at the statewide peak, considering the addition of hues from oak species.
“Fall foliage enthusiasts should feel blessed with what appears to be an extended peak season.”
Reed provided region by region outlooks:
Northwestern Region
Here’s where to stay in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Leaves in northwestern Pennsylvania continue to show their autumn brilliance. Some maples have already dropped their leaves, but oaks have finally begun to display their colors. Brighter colors that were noticeable earlier in the season have been replaced with deeper burnt-orange, golden-yellow and maroon colors. Route 6 around Warren, Route 8 and Route 62 along the Allegheny River are popular scenic drives.
Northcentral Region
Here’s where you can stay near Susquehannock State Forest, Loyalsock State Forest, Arnot Mountain and Pine Creek Gorge.
The Elk State Forest service forester reports fading foliage conditions for the region. Recent rain and wind have dropped a significant amount of leaves. Nice color can still be found in a few areas, however.
Loyalsock State Forest staff reported most of the district is past peak. Maples are fading but beeches are still showing their copper color. In the Little Bear tract, oaks are currently peaking and offering pleasant views.
Fall foliage in Susquehannock and Tiadaghton forest districts is fading or past peak. A few areas in the southern reaches of the districts are still showing some nice color, as are the oak ridges. Recommended scenic drives include routes 6, 44 and West Rim Road.
The Tioga County service forester reports still excellent fall foliage viewing opportunities “anywhere” in the district. Sugar maples are holding beautiful golden leaves with considerable orange and red emanating in the oak stands. American beech is showing some yellow and orange shades, as well. The Route 6 corridor is a beautiful drive and anywhere along the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon currently offers gorgeous views.
Northeastern Region
Here’s where you can stay near Pinchot Forest District, Moosic Mountain, Thornhurst and Elmhurst.
Pinchot State Forest is reported to be past peak in Susquehanna and Wayne counties and fading in Lackawanna County. Wyoming and Luzerne counties are at the tail end of peak. Species in full color are red maple, black gum, sassafras, white and red oaks, birches, beech, and aspens.
Delaware State Forest staff report most leaves that peaked last week have dropped due to strong winds, but good fall foliage remains in many areas. Peak colors can be seen on oaks and red maples, adding red, orange and brown. Some late birches are adding shades of yellow. A recommended area to view foliage is along Route 402 near Peck’s Pond.
West-central and Southwestern Regions
Here’s where you can stay near Mt. Davis and Laurel Mountain.
In Forbes forest district, foliage in the Laurel Highlands is fading, but lower elevations are still at peak.
Clear Creek and Gallitzin State Forest staff stated that foliage continues to peak in both districts, with nice fall color found in Lawrence, Butler, Indiana, Cambria and Blair counties.
Central and Southcentral Regions
Here’s where you can stay near Bald Eagle State Forest, Locust Lake and Hickory Run State Park.
The majority of Moshannon forest district remains at peak. Northern hardwoods like sugar maple and birch are yellow to orange, while white and red oaks are adding shades of lighter yellow and burgundy.
The Clinton County service forester reports peak conditions in Sproul State Forest, with a warm blend of color from oaks, beeches and a few maples. Recommended routes to see fall scenery include routes 144 and 120.
Conditions in Weiser forest district continue to peak in many areas, especially in Dauphin and Lebanon counties. Maples, hickories and birches are adding bright tones of red, orange and yellow. Recommended drives to observe fall color include routes 934, 225, 241, 322 and I-81.
Bald Eagle and Rothrock forest districts are currently vibrant with fall color. Notable species providing bright color are maples, oaks, hickories, aspen and birches. Routes 322, 522, 220 and 144 are recommended for a scenic drive in the region. The Penns Creek Wild Area in Bald Eagle State Forest and Bear Meadows and Alan Seeger Natural areas in Rothrock State Forest are some of the most colorful and resplendent forests in the commonwealth currently.
Foresters in Buchanan and Michaux State forests report peak foliage with a few areas fading. White oaks are “fantastic,” and the red oak group has just begun to acquire fall colors, extending peak season. Other hardwoods contributing color at lower elevations include birch, poplar and red maples; which are ablaze with yellow, orange and reds. Route 233 is still the best corridor for a scenic drive. District overlooks presenting nice, panoramic landscapes include Hammonds Rocks, Dark Hollow Vista and Pole Steeple.
Southeastern Region
Here’s where you can stay near Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Peak conditions are prevalent throughout the William Penn forest district, but some of the oak-dominated, lower-elevation sites are slow to turn. Species adding color in the region include maple, birch, beech and sassafras. Recommended areas for viewing fall color in the area include the David R. Johnson Natural Area in eastern Bucks County, the Goat Hill Wild Plant Sanctuary in Chester County and loop trails on the Gibraltar Hill Tract northwest of Reading.
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