Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Bureau of Forestry

PENNSYLVANIA WEEKLY FALL FOLIAGE REPORT

September 26 – October 2, 2019

TIOGA
CAMERON
BRADFORD

The fall foliage map is based on a color code system, with brighter colors denoting more vibrant foliage. To predict peak
season from the colors, use these guidelines:
➢ Dark Green/No change= peak is three weeks to a month away
➢ Light Green/Starting to Change= peak is approximately two to 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

Statewide Fall Foliage Overview

The deep-green of Pennsylvania’s foliage is largely unchanged throughout the state, but some areas are showing signs of
drought due to the relative lack of rain in recent weeks. However, foresters throughout Penn’s Woods have noted some
harbingers of the fall foliage season, observing some early color in black gum, birches, poplars, maples, sumacs,
dogwoods, and sassafras. Above-average temperatures predicted in the 10-day forecast could delay onset of fall color
in areas receiving sufficient rainfall but speed up the color change and subsequent leaf drop in dryer areas.
Pennsylvania’s forests seem less affected by fungus this year and appear poised to deliver a great fall foliage season!
Northwest Region
As the end of September draws near, a blush of color is starting to appear on the hillsides in northwest Pennsylvania.
Sumac is beginning to display its brilliant red color. Ash and aspen are dotting the landscape with their warm, yellow
colors. Individual red and sugar maples are also beginning to display a mix of red, orange, and yellow.
WYOMING
SULLIVAN
LYCOMING
WAYNE

Staghorn sumac (photo by C. Stelter)

Northcentral Region
Some early color has appeared on red and sugar maples in northern Susquehannock State Forest (Potter and McKean
counties). A good place to view early fall foliage is along Route 6.

View from Denton Hill, Potter County (photo by N. Confer)

Loyalsock State Forest staff report early touches of red, yellow, and orange on red and sugar maples, with nice scenery
at Sones Pond and along High Knob Road.

Foresters report few changes in the oak-dominated forests of Elk and Cameron counties (Elk State Forest).
In Tioga State Forest, New England asters and goldenrod are offering gorgeous roadside color. Additionally, staghorn
sumac and Virginia creeper are adding shades of red. The best fall foliage viewing in the district currently is along Arnot
and Armenia mountains in the eastern part of the district. Lambs Lookout and the Bradley Wales overlook are
recommended sites for viewing fall foliage in the region.

New England asters with goldenrod, Tioga State Forest (photo by C. Firestone)

West-central and Southwestern Regions

Foresters report few noteworthy foliage changes in Clear Creek State Forest.

Forbes State Forest staff report that fall foliage is “right on track”. Black gum, striped maple, and birches have begun to
change, but the forest is still very green, overall.

Central and Southcentral Regions

Some early color has been noticed in the northern Rothrock State Forest and Bald Eagle State Forest where black gum
and red maples in spotty locations have started to turn red.

Black gums, maples, and sassafras are beginning to show color in northern Michaux State Forest near Pine Grove
Furnace State Park.
 Penns View Vista, Bald Eagle State Forest (photo by C. Neufer)

In Moshannon State Forest, foresters report plenty of early fall foliage color from black gums (red) and yellows of black
cherry and sassafras. Cooler nights are causing subtle leaf changes throughout the district, making the ride through the
state forest on the Quehanna Highway a great day trip.

Moshannon State Forest maples (photo by V. Stephens)

Sumac, mountain ash, and black gum are displaying fall hues in Sproul State Forest, but the dominant oak forests are still
green.

Staghorn sumacs in Sproul State Forest, (photo by J. Long)

In Buchanan State Forest, black gums have turned red but are falling fast. Hickories and maples are bright yellow in
some areas.

View from Black Valley Road, southern Bedford County, Buchanan State Forest (photo by K. Ewan)

Foresters in Tiadaghton and Tuscarora State forests report no significant fall foliage observations.

Weiser State Forest staff report early hints of color, with nice yellow shades from black birch and poplar. Black gums
and red maples are also showing early signs of change.
Southeastern Region
Foresters in William Penn State Forest district report no significant fall foliage observations.

Northeastern Region
Foresters have reported significant changes in Pinchot and Delaware State forests. Susquehanna and northern Wayne
counties are displaying the best color in the state, currently. Red maple, sumac, and blueberry are red; while
serviceberries are showing reddish-orange. Birches and aspens are adding yellow throughout the forest.

Suggested places to go to view foliage in the region include the Equinunk Tract (River Road, Wayne County), Brownell
and Rushbrook Tracts (Lackawanna County), and Abington Tract (Lackawanna County).

Vibrant red maple (DCNR file photo)