Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Bureau of Forestry

PENNSYLVANIA WEEKLY FALL FOLIAGE REPORT

October 12 – October 18, 2017

There Fall foliage enthusiasts, “peak week” is here! Spectacular colors abound throughout the state. One needs not travel far to view awesome autumn displays, as major changes have occurred statewide. The central part of the state is absolutely bursting with color, especially in Rothrock and Bald Eagle state forests. Poplar, hickory, stiped maple, sassafras, and black birch are painting commonwealth forests with colorful cheer. Northeastern and northwestern regions are also at or nearing peak, with vibrant displays of northern hardwoods, oaks, and hickories. Areas not currently at peak will be soon, so the time for getting out and appreciating this wonderful yearly spectacle is now! Many communities will celebrate the imminent, peak fall foliage season with special events and activities. For more information, please go to: http://www.dcnr.pa.gov/GoodNatured/pages/Article.aspx?post=19 .

NORTHERN REGION (Mckean, Potter, Tioga, Bradford, Sullivan counties)

Fall foliage in Tioga State Forest quickly “snapped” at the end of last week. After two small rainfalls, leaves are showing great fall colors! Colors have become more vibrant and many more trees have turned, making the region beautiful now. The route 6 corridor reveals gorgeous views of north slopes of the mountains. The area around Colton Point State Park is looking great as well. The eastern part of the district around Arnot and Armenia is further along, and definitely a sight to behold. Of particular interest are staghorn sumac, sassafras, black walnut, and red maple.

Loyalsock State Forest is very close to peak color as beech trees, some of the last to change in northern hardwood forests, have turned. Beautiful colors decorate the countryside from Kettle Creek Gorge to Macintyre Wild Area to the northwest. This weekend should be the best time to view foliage in Sullivan and northeast Lycoming counties.

In Susquehannock State Forest, northern hardwoods in the northern two-thirds of Potter and McKean counties are past peak. However, beech and aspen are displaying some nice color. Oaks in the southern region of Potter County are just starting to show color and should peak in late October.

Beautiful foliage adorns the landscape at Sones Pond in Loyalsock State Forest. (photo by A. Young)

Northeast Counties (Susquehanna, Wyoming, Wayne, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Monroe) In Pinchot and Delaware state forests (Pocono region), northern areas are at peak color. The southern Pocono region will be at peak fall foliage next week, while the central region will be very close to peak display this week. The best time to see color in this area will be this weekend as maple, cherry, birch, sassafras, and black gum have already changed. Aspens and oak trees have begun showing great color recently, displaying a wonderful array of pigmentation. Colors range from deep reds and oranges, with occasional yellows. Hickory trees have changed to deep yellow and bronze. Much of Luzerne County is still green with areas that are starting to show pockets of color. Starting next week, the leaves will start to change quite rapidly, and should peak around the fourth week of October. A good drive to view foliage this week is Route 447 from Newfoundland to Cresco. Other recommended sites for observing fall foliage in Pinchot State Forest include Pine Hill Vista and Chock Creek Falls in the Thornhurst Tract, Rattlesnake Falls in Montage Tract, Tilbury Knob Vista in Avondale Tract, and Mocanaqua Vista in Mocanaqua Tract. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is warning motorists to change travel plans or prepare for a lengthy detour from Oct. 13 through 16 during a weekend closure of the Northeastern Extension (I-476) in Lehigh County as workers replace a bridge. Motorists will face a lengthy detour that could add more than an hour to their travel time. As a result, travelers are strongly advised to avoid this area during the detour weekend or plan for extra travel time. The closure will take place from 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 through 4 a.m. Monday, Oct. 16. The detour exits are the Lehigh Valley Interchange (#56) for northbound traffic and the Pocono Interchange (# 95) for southbound traffic. The authorized detour route directs motorists to route 22, route 33, and Interstate 80. Local travelers heading southbound on the PA Turnpike will be able to drive past #95/Pocono and continue to exit at #87/route 903 “E-ZPass Only” or #74/Mahoning Valley. The Turnpike will be closed southbound at Mahoning Valley.

Great fall colors near Cresco, Pa. (photo by Matt Hazen)

Northwest Counties (Erie, Crawford, Warren, Forest, northern half of Venango)

There is an explosion of color along most of the roadways and on many of the hillsides in northwestern Pennsylvania. Since the beginning of October and continuing through the next few weeks; there will be a beautiful display of all fall colors on the landscape. Shades of red are still brilliant but bright gold and rich orange are also radiant. Hickory trees seem to be especially golden this fall. There will be lots of fun during the second weekend of the Pymatuning Fall Spooktacular at Pymatuning State Park (October 13th and 14th). For a truly unique perspective of fall foliage, attend the Fire Tower Historical Tour on Saturday, October 14th at Cook Forest State Park.

Golden hickory leaves highlight the northwestern forest. (photo by C. Stelter)

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)

In Moshannon State Forest, Penfield area, Eastern white pine needles are blanketing the the forest floor, adding unique color and texture. Currently, the drive from Moshannon State Park to Parker Dam is quite beautiful. In the Moshannon State Park area, colorful leaves are showing and sturdy oak trees are rapidly catching up. It is a wonderful time to be outside with the still-mild temperatures. The drive through the Quehanna area is becoming more brilliant with the weekend’s refreshing rains.

Quehanna Wild Area colors, Moshannon State Forest. (photo by M. Snyder).

In Sproul State Forest, oaks are mostly green but other species are adding good color. For best viewing, route 144 between Snowshoe and Renovo is recommended. Enthusiasts should attend the Flaming Foliage Festival this weekend in Renovo!

Bald Eagle State Forest has seemingly changed overnight. Fall color is approximately at 75% north of route 45 and south, about 25%. Black birch, striped maple, and sassafras, showing shades of bright yellows and oranges; are mostly at their peak to the north and just starting to show color south of route 45. Most of the oaks are holding onto their summer green but should change over the next few weeks. To the southwest, poplars, striped maples, and birches have painted the forest understory a sea of yellow. Oaks and beeches are beginning to add shades of crimson and yellow to upland settings. Fall colors are excellent along the drive from Old Route 322 to Sand Mountain Road. Continuing northeast, areas surrounding Poe Valley and Poe Paddy state parks, as well as Penns Creek valley, make terrific choices to observe fall scenery.

Black Gap Vista in Bald Eagle State Forest (photo by G. Hoy)

Rothrock State Forest has quickly undergone major changes. Yellow birch, hickory, and tulip poplar are displaying full color. Diverse and vibrant yellows can be viewed from route 45 to Colerain Road near the town of Spruce Creek. Take a scenic drive from Brady Road to Kepler Road, to route 26, ending at Pine Grove Mills. Another option is Pennsylvania Furnace Road, up and over the mountain, where a great vista awaits. Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center is an excellent foliage-viewing destination too. Further east, the drive from Alan Seeger Natural Area northeast to route 322 is positively stunning right now!

Sassafras, black birch, and striped maples strikingly contrast with rhododendron.

(photo by R. Reed)

Goldenrod (foreground) contrasts with the paler hue of tulip poplar at

Penn Roosevelt State Park. (photo by R. Reed)

Rothrock State Forest is nearing peak color. (photo by E. Kitchen)

West-Central Counties (Mercer, Lawrence, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Armstrong, Jefferson, and southern half of Venango)

In Clear Creek State Forest (mostly Jefferson County), the red oak-dominated forest is essentially unchanged and green. There was a mild frost on Sunday, October 1st, but not enough to cause the leaves to turn, overall. Oaks in this region should peak toward the fourth week of October. 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. Another terrific option within the district is Toms Run Road, which bisects Cook Forest State Park.

Southwestern Counties (Allegheny, Washington, Greene, Westmoreland, Fayette, Somerset)

The Mt. Davis Division of Forbes State Forest (Negro Mountain – southern Somerset County) area is past peak, however visitors can still enjoy the subtle color display of russet oaks and some spotty reds, oranges, and yellows. The Laurel Mountain Division area is at peak and will provide the best color display throughout the weekend. Sassafrases are spectacular burnt-orange and yellow; birches are displaying a vibrant yellow against the overcast skies; and sugar and red maples are exploding with color. This weekend is the time to enjoy the great diversity of color on the Laurel Ridge. There will be two guided fall foliage hikes that will be hosted by Forbes State Forest staff: Beginner’s Fall Foliage Hike (easy 1-mile, round-trip) at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Forbes Fall Foliage Hike (moderate-difficult, 4.5 mile, round-trip) at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Registration is required by contacting rmahony@pa.gov or 724-259-2201. Folks looking to explore on their own should check out Beam Rocks trail, an easy 1-mile hike that overlooks Somerset; or Wolf Rocks Trail, a moderate 4.5-mile hike that rewards hikers with a scenic view of Linn Run Valley.

Fall colors reflect beautifully off the pond near Beam Road, Laurel Mountain. (photo by C. Wentzel)

Peak color, Forbes State Forest (photo by R. Mahoney) There are two driving tours available online that guide citizens to some of the most scenic areas of the Laurel Highlands: North Loop: http://www.docs.dcnr.pa.gov/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_007196.pdf South Loop: http://www.docs.dcnr.pa.gov/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_20028217.pdf

The Braddock Division area of Forbes State Forest is progressing and should peak next week into the weekend. Birch, sassafras, poplar, and chestnut oak are turning yellow, orange, and russet hues; while red and sugar maples are gradually transitioning into vibrant red, pinks, and oranges.

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, red maples, birches, and poplars are showing strong color. A few hickories on Cove Mountain are particularly stunning. Mixed oak communities are starting to add shades of burgundy to the forest canopy. An excellent choice for viewing fall foliage by vehicle begins on route 522 in Burnt Cabins and heads south on Aughwick Road, traversing the scenic Allens Valley.

Hickory trees are relatively abundant on ridgetops in Buchanan State Forest. (photo by C. Stelter)

Michaux State Forest continues to change. Poplars, birches, and spicebushes dapple the forest edges with yellow and orange. Virginia creeper foliage is a deep red color. A fair number of red maples are approaching peak color, too. A beautiful drive through Michaux State Forest heads northeast from Caledonia State Park on Piney Mountain Ridge Road to Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Buzzard’s Rock Vista offers an excellent view of Michaux State Forest’s northern region.

Some red maple trees of Michaux State Forest are approaching peak foliage.

East-central Counties (Dauphin, Northumberland, Montour, Columbia, Schuylkill, Carbon, Lebanon) In Weiser State Forest, fall color is notably increasing. Hickories, red maples, birches, oaks, sassafrases, and spicebushes are all contributing significant color. Goldenrods and New England asters continue to brighten roadsides and meadows. Peak foliage is expected soon in Northumberland, Montour, Schuylkill, and Columbia counties. An excellent choice for fall foliage viewing by vehicle starts on route 443 at Swatara Creek State Park toward Pine Grove, heading east on route 895, and concluding at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.

New England asters, goldenrods, and fleabane are common along Pa. roadsides during autumn. (photo by C. Wentzel)

Southeastern Counties (Adams, York, Lancaster, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Lehigh, Northampton) Since last week, William Penn State Forest colors have markedly changed, especially in Berks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties. Red maples and hickories have added fiery hues to most timber stands. Other species of note are sassafras, scarlet oak, and spicebush. Gibraltar Hill, near the town of Birdsboro, is a terrific choice in which to view fall colors while overlooking Berks County. Another excellent choice for autumn scenery is the David R. Johnson Natural Area, which can be found off route 31 and Laurel Road. It features mature timber like yellow poplar, which is beginning to show impressive color.

David R. Johnson Natural Area, Bucks County