To predict peak season from the colors, use these guidelines:
? Dark Green/Little to 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
Consistently cold nights and cool days have spurred a very colorful change in Penn’s Woods. Bright color can be found from the southern Poconos though the middle and southern Appalachians. The Allegheny Plateau is gorgeous from northwestern Pennsylvania to the southwestern reaches of the Commonwealth. Southeastern Pennsylvania forests are catching up and will provide attractive viewing opportunities, as well.
Northcentral Region
Foresters in Elk State Forest indicated that area foliage is currently at peak color. Maple and birch have turned the
mountains a glowing red and yellow. Oak foliage has finally turned the corner and is now rapidly changing as well. Peak foliage is expected to linger into this coming weekend. Suggested rides to enjoy the changing leaves include Ridge Road, Hicks Run, and Dents Run.
Foresters in Moshannon State Forest (serving Clearfield County) said most of the region’s northern hardwoods have lost their leaves in recent winds, but oaks are beginning to show attractive color now. A trip to Black Moshannon State Park and the surrounding state forest is suggested for some excellent fall foliage viewing of the mixed oak community.