Fall Foliage Report for October 28, 2021

Overview

Halloween week is here and this year’s fall foliage has been full of tricks and treats. We’re seeing a wide range of conditions based on location, elevation, and tree types. The wild weather has been throwing things off kilter too, making it difficult to predict what will happen next. Regardless, with the uptick in wind and rain, it looks like things will be wrapping up within a few weeks. As in past weeks, you’ll find varying conditions within individual regions. A thirty-minute drive in one direction or another can make a difference. 

“October gave a party; The leaves by hundreds came, The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples, And leaves of every name. The Sunshine spread a carpet, And everything was grand, Miss Weather led the dancing, Professor Wind the band.”

– George Cooper

Join us as we follow the transition each week with reports from our experts at our state forests and parks. This year for the first time, we welcome all of Maryland’s outdoor enthusiasts to send in photos capturing the beauty of the fall season. Please use the submission form to submit your entries directly to us. Your photo might be selected to appear in a future edition of the Fall Foliage Report!

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Western Region

Garrett County, Maryland

Savage River State Forest

We are on the back side of the peak color change here at Savage River State Forest. The oaks, which are the last to turn, are now showing various shades of yellow, orange, and red. Recent wind and wet weather has brought down many leaves, especially on the ridge tops. There are still some good colors to take in along the lower elevations and sheltered hollows. Photos are from Fairview and Dry Run roads. Sean Nolan – Forest Manager, Savage River State Forest

Washington County, Maryland

Fort Frederick State Park

Cool and windy week here at Fort Frederick and it finally feels like fall! Trees in ruby red, warm gold, and crisp green decorate the treeline. Bob Study – Fort Frederick State Park Complex

Northern Region

Cecil County, Maryland

Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area

Cecil County is at its peak with gorgeous fall colors this week. The red and orange maples blaze against the yellow hickories, while the still-green meadows provide a lush backdrop to all the color and movement in the tree canopy. Windy days and cool nights make for perfect hiking weather. Park Ranger Lesley Leader – Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area

Southern Region

Baltimore and Howard Counties

Patapsco Valley State Park

The foliage is still pretty green on the trees in the McKeldin Area at the park. The warm and wet weather extended the growing season and is keeping the leaves in a green condition. As a result, the normal breakdown of the green pigment called chlorophyll is not happening this year. Ranger Alyssa Myers – Patapsco Valley State Park

Eastern Region

Dorchester County

Bill Burton Fishing Pier

While the mid-Shore is one of the last to the party when it comes to fall foliage, our region does boast the brightest, most beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the fall like this one from the Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park in Dorchester County. Clouds, cooler temperatures, and the tilt of the Earth this time of the year create ideal conditions for vibrant colors in the sky to begin and end our fall days. Ranger Dana Paterra – Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park

Garter Snake

We are just beginning to see some patches of color in Tubman Country. The critters around the park are taking advantage of the sunny days. Cierra Maszkiewicz — Park Ranger, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park

Photo Submissions for the Week

We’d like to thank all the folks that continue to send in photos of fall scenes from around Maryland. Glimpses of fall and shorter days can be seen from all parts of the state thanks to your participation. Please send us your fall foliage photos, including the names of any tree species you spot, using our easy online form!

Gregory V. – Sunset in Eldersburg, Carroll County