Pennsylvania Weekly Fall Foliage Leaf Report
Date: November 6, 2007
NORTHERN REGION (Northern Wayne County and all of Susquehanna, Bradford, Tioga, Potter and McKean Counties.)
Foliage condition at this time is: Past peak
Expected date to reach peak color is: Fall foliage season has ended.
Details: Many of the oaks are still holding on to some leaves this week. The oak forests continue to provide various shades of red, gold, and brown. Snow showers and colder weather are in the forecast this week and the oak leaves should be coming down soon. The northern hardwood forests have taken on their subdued November appearance and the fall foliage season is over in these areas.
CENTRAL REGION (A funnel-shaped band with its narrow end in southern Wayne and Pike Counties. It stretches across the central third of Pennsylvania to Fayette, Greene and Washington Counties. This region widens to the northwest to include Erie and Warren Counties.)
Foliage condition at this time is: Past peak
Expected date to reach peak color is: Fall foliage season has ended.
Details: Many of the trees in the northwest corner of Pennsylvania are losing their leaves, as the fall foliage season draws to a close. There is still a scattering of rust, yellow and maroon colors across the hillsides and landscapes providing some last glimpses of fall but the transition into early winter is fast approaching. Shorter days and predicted snow in the air for this week will hasten the remaining color changes. With the much cooler temperatures, it's not difficult to realize that late fall has arrived but the opportunities to enjoy a fall woods walk or romp in a big pile of leaves are still plentiful in northwest PA.
Through central counties many leaves are down but there are still some sheltered spots with orange, gold and yellow color.
SOUTHERN REGION (Counties south and east of a line through southern Monroe, Dauphin, Bedford and southeastern Somerset Counties.)
Foliage condition at this time is: 100%
Expected date to reach peak color is: October 30 to November 6
Details: The last trees to show fall color each year are imported Norway maples. Many Norway maples are planted as street trees in the southeastern suburbs. This week, even these stragglers are showing some signs of change with yellow leaves crowning their tops. The various species of oaks are glorious deep red, orange and russet shades. Many red maple and sugar maple trees are still full of glowing color. Windy weather predicted for this week will bring many leaves down. But in some places like downtown Harrisburg, the color show will last into mid-November. Many large oaks in Capitol Park are still green. The unusual warmth of October 2007 has made this the longest fall foliage season on record at Pennsylvania's Bureau of Forestry.
At French Creek State Park in Berks County, yellow is the dominant color but red has made big gains. Brilliant red and oranges on red maple are striking with the past several cool frosty nights and bright sunny days. Some oaks are still green but most are in shades of yellow, bronze red, and brown. Colors are brighter than earlier in the season. About 10% of the trees are bare and others are shedding leaves. Trails are covered with colored leaves.
In Franklin and Cumberland counties, White oaks which were green or just beginning to turn last week, are now deep rich red. Red oaks have turned from pale green to bright orange or golden brown. Red oaks are the last native forest trees to reach full color. This will continue to develop over the next couple of weeks. Maple and ash are past full color but many hickory, tuliptree, and Sycamore and many others are still spectacular.
The panoramic views of the ridges are now alive with color. You can see the vibrant landscape as you travel around the region. State Parks, State Forests, and State Gamelands cover ridges now bursting with color. The Tuscarora State Forest is visible north of PA Turnpike Exit 201. Follow routes 997, 233 or 274 through the Sherman's Creek watershed and Perry County.
Vistas in the Michaux State Forest, specifically Dark Hollow and Buzzard's Rocks offer exceptional views of State Forest land in full color. Valley View overlook on Oak Road, off Rt. 233 above Mont Alto, offers a vista of the Cumberland Valley and its foliage. Public Use Maps of these State Forest lands are available on-line at www.dcnr.state.pa.us. Caledonia State Park and Pine Grove Furnace State Park offer an up close and awe-inspiring fall experience.
