Fall Foliage Report – November 4, 2022
The red in our Fall Foliage map is inching its way across Maryland, picking up six additional counties and Baltimore City, all reporting peak conditions as we enter November. Perhaps most surprising this week are reports of peak conditions out of St. Mary’s County. Yes, far Southern Maryland has arrived early to the fall show, thrilling visitors with vibrant shades of burgundy and gold. Even the pawpaw trees are an especially bright mustard yellow this year.
Leaf peepers should drive south or east to follow the color change and enjoy the exceptional fall foliage and crisp, blue sky weather we’re experiencing across the state. Don’t forget Fido! Many of our state parks allow pets to join in your favorite fall recreational activities.
It was a beautiful bright autumn day, with air like cider and a sky so blue you could drown in it.
—Diana Gabaldon, Outlander
Greenbelt Lake, Prince George’s County – Photo: Vincent C.
Don’t forget your camera this weekend. Send in photos of your fall Maryland adventures and we may use them in next week’s report.
Do you know someone who loves fall as much as you do? Have them sign up to receive our Fall Foliage Report every week, delivered directly to their inbox.
Western Maryland
The views from White Rock on the Catoctin Trail at Cunningham Falls State Park are still endless even as the fall colors fade from the treetops. Visitors to the falls will be greeted with lemon-yellow and orange leaves brightening up the otherwise slate gray landscape.
Mark Spurrier, Park Manager – Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks
Overlook photo: View from White Rock on the Catoctin Trail in Cunningham Falls State Park and view of yellow leaves surrounding the falls
Washington County has reached past peak conditions in the western half of the county, joining Allegany and Garrett. However, Mother Nature’s show isn’t done just yet, with black birch and beech creating a golden “fog” through the understory of the Catoctin Mountains. A healthy forest offers the opportunity for fall color in every layer of the woods.
Bob Schwartz, Maryland Forest Service
Enjoy the last leaves of the fall and wildlife sightings at Fort Frederick State Park with an easy .3-mile hike along Beaver Pond Trail. The trail passes along a wetlands area where hikers may see several species of turtles, waterfowl, and white-tailed deer.
Bob Study, State Park Ranger Supervisor
Photos: Bob Study |
Southern Maryland
The majority of Southern Maryland is reporting midpoint conditions, with yellow poplars losing their leaves and oaks and maples more than happy to steal the show.
Leonardtown Library – Photo: Cristina V. Perez
Jug Bay Scenic Overlook – Photo: Cristina V. Perez
Point Lookout State Park in St. Mary’s County is reporting peak conditions with bald cypress trees in wonderful shades of red and orange, and the surrounding state parks are reporting hardwoods in similar colors of gold and burgundy.
Ranger J. Williams, Assistant Park Manager, Point Lookout State Park
Our rangers at Sandy Point State Park are reporting an ever-changing landscape as Anne Arundel County gets into the fall game. Watch the leaves change from midpoint to peak in the coming days, take a leisurely walk along one of the park’s scenic trails and enjoy sweeping views of the Chesapeake Bay.
Sandy Point State Park – Photos: Rangers Tariq and Walker
Tree Tip: Prepare Your Trees for Winter
This is a crucial point for a tree as the ground begins to lower its temperature. Trees provide winter homes to our lightning bugs, ladybugs, caterpillars, and moths. Keep your trees healthy and protected by placing a 2-inch to 4-inch layer of leaves spread in a circle around the base of the tree, leaving a 1-inch to 2-inch gap around the tree trunk. The layer of leaves will slowly decompose over the winter season adding vital nutrients to the tree’s root system; helping it withstand the cold and wind.
Cristina Val Perez, Tree Planting Specialist with the Department of Natural Resources
Eastern Maryland
Pack a lunch and make your way to Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in Church Creek. You’ll work up an appetite exploring the park exhibits and adjoining trails of Blackwater Wildlife Refuge. Afterward, soak up the sun and fall water views in the picnic area of the park.
Dana Paterra, Park Manager, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park – Photos: Dana Paterra
Photo Submissions for the Week
We’d like to thank all of the folks that continue to send in photos of fall scenes from across the state. Through your reports and photos we receive first-hand accounts of our fall transition in Maryland. Please send us your fall foliage photos, including the names of any tree species you spot, using our easy online form!
Anita Leight Estuary Center on the Bush River in Harford County – Photo: Bethany P.
Fair Hill NRMA in Cecil County – Photo: Eric W.
Great Falls, Montgomery County – Photos: James D.
Kent Island, Queen Anne’s County – Photo: Y. Li |
Bohemia River State Park, Cecil County – Photo: ShinAe G. |
Smithburg, Washington County – Photo: Marcinda R. |
Aavalon Area of Patapsco State Park – Photo: Ranger Baker |
Great Falls, Montgomery County – Photo: Subroto C.
Anita Leight Estuary Center on the Bush River in Harford County – Photo: Bethany P.
Fall Recreation SpotlightIt’s peak time for apple picking in Maryland. Surround yourself with a blanket of fall color while exploring Maryland’s farms and apple orchards. Our friends at the Maryland Department of Agriculture have put together a great list of places to pick the best for all of your favorite fall apple recipes. |
Watch the Night SkyAs the length of night increases, so too do the opportunities for stargazing. Use binoculars and look just above the west-southwest horizon shortly after sunset this month to catch Venus as it leaves the Sun’s glare and floats into view. November 8 will bring a total lunar eclipse, mostly visible west of the Mississippi, and two meteor showers later this month. After a chilly night stargazing, warm up with homemade apple crisp. Source: 2022 Farmers Almanac |