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Fall Foliage Report for November 7, 2024

All counties in Maryland are past peak.

Winding path through golden colored trees.

Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Cecil County. Photo by Ranger Lesley Leader.

All of Maryland is now past peak foliage for the year. 

A drought that has affected Maryland throughout the year continues. As of Nov. 5, more than 53% of the state is experiencing severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. More than 83% of Maryland is experiencing moderate drought. 

These dry conditions have made for a dangerous wildfire season. Firefighters across the state are busy fighting and monitoring brush fires. Since Oct. 1, the Maryland Forest Service has responded to more than 30 wildland fires statewide. Read more…


Fall Foliage Report for October 31, 2024

Foliage map 10-31-24

Harriet Tubman State Park

Harriet Tubman State Park and Visitor Center. Photo by Casey Bennett.

Eastern Shore foliage has hit its peak for the season.

“We have had a slow start but are now experiencing those vibrant Autumn colors of deep reds, oranges and yellows,” Park Ranger Joanna Trojanowski reports this week.

Oak trees are still showing some color throughout the state, with red oaks bringing some of the most dramatic colors.

Western Maryland is nearing the end of its season, but there are still flourishes of color, and always plenty to see and do.

“While we are past peak, the woods remain wonderful,” forester Aaron Cook reports from Western Maryland this week.

Cook also reminds people that the fallen leaves can also contribute to wildfire season. The Maryland Forest Service and partner agencies contained two wildfires in Washington County this week; fallen leaves and dry conditions have further exacerbated fire conditions. Be sure to check for any localized burn restrictions and follow Maryland’s Firewise recommendations to protect our natural resources and your property. Read more…


Fall Foliage Report for October 24, 2024

Fall foliage map for October 24. Western Maryland is past peak, central Maryland is at peak and the lower eastern shore is near peak.

Fall colors are bursting at Greenbelt Lake in Prince George's County

Greenbelt Lake, Prince George’s County – Photo by Vincent Chiang

In Western Maryland the foliage season is coming to a close, while trees on the Eastern Shore are hitting a midpoint. Trees in Central Maryland are at peak.

“In Anne Arundel, the sun-splashed yellow hickory leaves are sprinkled through the forest canopy. The red black gum are prominent while sweet gum are reddening up,” says Francis Smith of the Maryland Forest Service.

“In the Hagerstown watershed forest, the sugar maple, sweet birch, and tulip poplar are positively glowing with the fine weather we’ve had,” Forester Bob Schwartz reports. “These less developed areas with more extensive shallow groundwater flow seem to be avoiding the lackluster color predicted due to the drought this summer.”

The pine trees on Assateague Island are evergreen, but Assistant Park Manager Meghan Rhode said fall color makes its presence known, “Whether it is the orange of the monarch butterfly, the bright yellow of the goldenrod or red-brown coats of the Assateague ponies.” Read more…


Fall Foliage Report for October 17, 2024

Fall Foliage map for 10-17-2024

A bridge is reflected on the surface of a stream

Scott’s Mill Bridge crossing Big Elk Creek. Photo by Anthony Burrows.

Parts of Western Maryland are past peak foliage for the season, while on the Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland leaves are approaching their midpoint. 

In Patapsco Valley State Park there are pockets of green, as well as holes in the forest canopy where winds have knocked down foliage. Foliage in Frederick is near its peak.

Temperatures have started dipping. Snow showers have been reported in Allegany County.

Below we have the latest on Maryland fall foliage based on field reports from Maryland foresters, rangers, and nature observers.

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report for October 10, 2024

Foliage map, western Maryland is near peak. the central part of the state is close to mid-point and the eastern shore is just changing.

Welcome to this week’s Fall Foliage Report for the Old Line State – or maybe it’s the Gold Line State. That’s what many of the hickories and birch trees in our state are showing right now – leaves with yellow, golden hues.

Overall, foresters and rangers continue to report a lackluster leaf show for 2024. Recent wind and rain have knocked down dry leaves.

Oaks are dropping acorns. In this issue, you can read more about how to tell the difference between Maryland’s oaks and acorns in Forester Melissa Nash’s report. Parts of the state are experiencing “peaks” in foliage for certain tree species. 

In the Bear Pond Mountains in Washington County, areas of hickory, maple, birch, and black gum are peaking, according to forester Aaron Cook.

“This weekend would be a fantastic time to hike the Appalachian Trail in Washington County, or explore neighboring Frederick County at Catoctin Mountain Park, Cunningham Falls State Park, or Gambrill State Park,” Cook said.  Read more…


Fall Foliage Report for October 3, 2024

Fall Foliage Map 10-3-2024

Casselman River BridgeCasselman River Bridge in Grantsville. Note, due to safety concerns, the 210-year-old bridge is currently closed.  Photo by Melissa Nash, Maryland Forest Service.

Hallelujah, rain. 

That is what the trees would say if they could talk. Much of Maryland has been experiencing drought, so this big drink of water will be stupendous for the flora. Alas, the rain is coming too late to bolster this year’s foliage show. 

While much of the state remains green with a few spots of changing color, in some areas trees are turning brown and dropping their leaves, skipping the more vibrant color stages. This failure to gradient is likely the result of dry conditions during the summer months. 

The rain is prompting troops of mushrooms to emerge from trees, stumps and roots. These Maryland fungi bring bright whites to the dark forest floor.

Washington County Forester Aaron Cook has reported that leaf color changes are picking up in the understory of the South Mountain forest. 

“The fall foliage, or lack thereof, have reminded me that our native plant communities are often being invaded by non-native plants,” Cook writes. “Invasive plants generally outcompete their native counterparts by leafing out earlier, or staying green longer into the fall.”

Melissa Nash, Garrett and Allegany Project Manager for the Maryland Forest Service, said Mountain Maryland is experiencing a “rolling peak,” with trees hitting their climax at different times. 

“Wind and much needed rain have brought down many of the early turning maples and dampened what I think may have been a peak this week,” Nash reports.

Read below for the full report from foresters and rangers around the state, and information on local events.

Mushrooms grow from the forest floor inside the Tawes Garden in Annapolis. Photo by Rachael Pacella.

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report – Week of Sept. 26, 2024

Fall foliage in Maryland, western Maryland is nearing peak, the rest of the state is just starting to change.Orange and brown leaves take a ride down the Potomac River shaded by tree lined shoresAmerican beech, yellow birch, witch hazel and sugar maple leaves cover the streambed of Lostland Run in Potomac State Forest. Photo by Scott Campbell. 

Trees in the Annapolis area are hesitating to show their colors this year, the result of a stressful drought-filled summer. Leaves are changing from green to yellow and brown, absent are the oranges and reds. 

“It’s a slow or abbreviated fall foliage season in the Anne Arundel County area,” Natural Resources Planner and Forester Francis Smith said.

In Western Maryland, the fall foliage change has hit a subdued mid-point. Leaves are beginning to fall – make sure to leave the leaves so they can provide habitat for birds, insects, reptiles, turtles and frogs.

“Although not as widely vibrant as some years, sugar maples are still stealing the show with golden and orange tones,” said Melissa Nash, Garrett and Allegany Project Manager for the Maryland Forest Service. “Bright colors were visible along Meadow Mountain and New Germany Road this week in the area surrounding New Germany State Park and also along I-68.”

There is only minimal color change on the Eastern Shore near Assateague Island. Some dogwoods, sweetgums and maples have started to change. 

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out our Recreational Spotlight at the end of this report. Read more…


Fall Foliage Report: November 16

“How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.” – George Burns

A few remaining orange and russet leaves hold on tightly during fall’s final days at the King and Queen Seat at Rocks State Park. Photo by Administrative Specialist David Gigliotti.

Fall foliage in Maryland this year was unpredictable yet still delighted with breathtaking fall color, even if it was short-lived in some areas of the state. We began the season discussing possible leaf outcomes from this summer’s drought, and Marylanders in some regions certainly saw their share of premature leaf drop and subdued fall hues. The pace of leaf changes picked up markedly toward season’s end, with some of our Western Maryland foresters seeing changes in as little as 48 hours. As fall foliage draws to a close, our state foresters and park rangers – many of whom were first-time contributors to this report – summarize the season from their unique viewpoint in each region and show current foliage conditions across the state. For those of us who love (or hate) the winter, we’re including our predictions for the coldest months of the year as well. Read more…


Fall Foliage Report, November 9, 2023

Fall Foliage as of 11/9/23

“Autumn…the year’s last, loveliest smile.” – William Cullen Bryant

Red, orange, yellow and green leaves in Montgomery County.

Bold shades of red and copper are perfectly framed between blue skies and tranquil waters in Montgomery County. Photo by Tim Mohr.

Fall foliage season is coming to a close in Maryland and we’ve had plenty of sunshine and clear blue skies to take in some amazing views across the state. Leaf drop is significant, and our forest floors and park trails are providing colorful pathways to views otherwise unseen during the warmer months. We begin this week’s report from the south and east where visitors can still catch autumn’s best and final curtain call. Read more…


Fall Foliage Report November 2, 2023

Fall Foliage as of 11/02/23

“It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon.” — Sarah Addison Allen, from the novel “First Frost”

Green, red, yellow, and orange leaves in Prince George's County

Photo by Vincent C., Prince George’s County.

Blink and you might miss it. Peak fall color that is. Some reports out of western Maryland this week describe past peak conditions, and foresters and park rangers in other regions of the state also report rapid changes, with tree canopies transforming from mostly green to brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red often in as little as 48 hours. A strong cold front at the beginning of the week brought a sweeping wind into the forests and mountain ranges, resulting in a colorful forest floor and a lot of nearly bare trees. Time is of the essence for those wanting to capture autumn’s glory before it’s gone.  Read more…


Fall Foliage Report October 26, 2023

Fall Foliage as of 10/26/23

“I wish that every day was Saturday and every month was October.” 

– Charmaine J. Forde

Orange, red, yellow, and green leaves on Sword Mountain.

The treetops of Sword Mountain awaken as the sun rises in Clear Spring. Photo by Forester Aaron Cook.

With colors intensifying across the state this week, parts of Maryland are right on the cusp of peak leaf change. The mountains of western Maryland are seeing bold shades of amber, crimson and gold, while other regions of our state are reporting marked increases in autumnal hues, spreading further along the tree canopies in central, northern, and southern Maryland. This weekend’s weather promises to bring warmer than average temperatures to the region, and we’re embracing the shift – and the burst in fall color – by including some of our best locations to enjoy a walk in the woods at one of our state parks and forests.

Join us as we follow Maryland’s changing autumn landscape each week – subscribe to the Fall Foliage Report email newsletter to have it arrive in your inbox! 

Read more…


DNR Fall Foliage Report – October 19, 2023

 

Fall Foliage as of 10/19

“Two sounds of autumn are unmistakable … the hurrying rustle of crisp leaves blown along the street … by a gusty wind, and the gabble of a flock of migrating geese.” —Hal Borland

Drone photo of red, green, yellow, and orange leaves

A Department of Natural Resources drone captured this patchwork of autumnal beauty over the Burkholder off-road vehicle trail area of Potomac-Garrett State Forest. Photo courtesy of Melissa Nash, forester.

Peak leaf change is right around the corner in the western half of the state, evident in the russet leaves of the oaks, bronze and yellow hickory canopies, and the dazzling ruby red maples. The weather conditions remain ideal during the weekdays when Marylander’s are experiencing crystal blue, sunlit skies during the day, winding down with star-filled skies and chilly temperatures at night. Weekend weather systems have been a regular feature, bringing us wind and rain across much of the region, resulting in premature leaf loss in some areas of our state. However, there is plenty of fall color to be found if you know where to look. And this week, Western Maryland steals the show. Read more…


Fall Foliage Report – October 12, 2023

Fall Foliage map as of 10/12/2023

“If I were a bird, I would fly about the Earth seeking successive autumns.”

– George Eliot

We’re feeling a drop in temperatures across the state, with parts of Western Maryland dipping into the low 30s. Cooler temperatures and sunny days bode well for leaf change. According to the U.S. Forest Service, trees are continuing to produce sugars in their leaves, but the cool nights and the gradual closing of veins in leaves prevent these sugars from moving out. These conditions – lots of sugar and light – spur production of the brilliant anthocyanin pigments, which tint leaves with a variety of reds, purples, and crimson. However, optimal fall weather conditions cannot entirely undo the effects of this year’s summer drought, which is amounting to delays in leaf change and subdued color in the forest canopies. Read more…


Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fall Foliage Report – October 5, 2023

Fall Foliage Map as of 10/5/2023

 

“In the entire circle of the year there are no days so delightful as those of a fine October.”
Alexander Smith

Fall days are here – blue skies, clouds like giant marshmallows, and gobs of sunshine. The only thing missing is the cooler daytime temperatures characteristic of fall weather. Crisp autumn air causes leaves to stop making food or stop the process of photosynthesis, which turns the leaves green during warmer months. When the temperature drops, chlorophyll breaks down and the green color begins to disappear, revealing yellows, oranges and in some tree species, purple tones. Although daytime temperatures across the state have been in the 80s this week, nighttime temperatures are dipping into the low 50s and 60s, giving us the cooler conditions necessary for leaf change. Next week, temperatures drop across Maryland, setting the stage for fall’s colorful show. Read more…


Fall Foliage Report September 28, 2023

Fall Foliage Map as of 9/28/2023

“I cannot endure to waste something as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house.”

– Nathaniel Hawthorne

Most of us are rejoicing after seeing the sun for the first time in days. Tropical Storm Ophelia brought drenching rain to Maryland’s coastal region last weekend, with additional rain stretching into the western portion of our state. The rainy days and cloudy skies continued for much of the week, providing much needed moisture to areas experiencing drought conditions. While this last batch of rain won’t be enough to offset the previous weeks of dry weather, it has made an impact on foliage in the region. Read more…


Maryland Fall Foliage Report – September 21, 2023 – Autumn Colors Beginning to Pop

Fall foliage map for September 21, 2023. Things are just starting to change in Garrett County. The rest of the state is mostly green.

“When summer gathers up her robes of glory, and, like a dream, glides away.”

– Sarah Helen Whitman

Sideling Hill Overlook, mountain valley with a river

Photo of Sideling Hill State Park, by Ranger Kendra Bree.

Most of Maryland’s tree canopies are still vibrant green, but there are pops of color to be found, even in southern Maryland, one of the last regions to reveal fall color change.  The western portion of our state remains very dry with drought conditions ranging from abnormally dry to moderate, but a system off the coastline promises to bring gusty winds and downpours over the weekend.

Will this much needed rain benefit fall leaf change? According to Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forester Aaron Cook, this system “could help offset drought conditions but will likely not reverse the course on drought stress impacts to fall color from an entire growing season of drought conditions.” Read more…


Fall Foliage Report – November 17, 2022

Fall colors across a mountain range in Western Maryland

Western Maryland the week of October 13 – Photo by Melissa Nash

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report – November 10, 2022

Map of Maryland, we're past peak across the state. Some color remains, mostly on the eastern shore

The close of autumn is upon us in Maryland. The western and northern regions of our state are covered with fallen leaves, crackly forest floors, and bare trees indicating fall’s passing. However, there are still fall destinations and foliage worth a visit in other areas of Maryland, revealing some of fall’s last glory for us to savor. 

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report – November 4, 2022

Map of Maryland, past peak out west, peak in the middle and far south almost peak on the eastern shore and mid-southern Maryland

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.

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report – October 27, 2022

Foliage map of Maryland far west is past peak, at peak in Allegany and Washington, near or close to peak in central and getting there in southern and eastern parts of the state

The majority of our state is resplendent in fall color right now, with most of Maryland’s counties experiencing peak or near-peak conditions. Our resident photographers are capturing the moment, producing these gorgeous shots from Rocky Gap and Greenbrier State Parks and Thurmont, Maryland.

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report – October 20, 2022

 

past peak in the far west middle of the state is peaking, central and eastern are starting to change

Maryland has been called “America in Miniature” – you can find just about any kind of natural feature here, except a desert. This has extended to the weather in recent days, with snow falling in Western Maryland and sunny, 70 degree days and blue skies on the Eastern Shore. The snowfall caused the loss of a lot of leaves, leaving areas in western and northern Garrett County past peak conditions. In other areas of the state we’re seeing color changes in a pattern consistent with past years, just with the fall colors turned up a welcome notch. 

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report – October 13, 2022

Maryland map leaves are near peak in Garrett and Allegany counties. Washington County is at midpoint and the rest of the state is just starting to see changes

This fall season is shaping up to be a memorable one, and if you’re lucky enough to live in or visit Western Maryland right now, you’ll soon know why. The fall foliage show is on in mountainous Western Maryland with a full spectrum of fall colors on display. This week we have an extended report from our park staff and foresters out west to help you figure out what’s happening where and plan your visits accordingly. 

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report – October 6, 2022

October 6 map - Near peak out west, just changing up to the eastern shore

“The sun after the rain is much more beautiful than the sun before the rain.”

Bill Watterson

Last week we mentioned one of the biggest impacts on fall foliage – weather. Ian brought a lot of wind and rain to our region, resulting in a wet forest floor and cooler temperatures, and thankfully not a lot of leaf drop due to the early fall timing of the storm. And while the trails in our parks may be muddy, folks, weekends like this are made for the fall. 

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report – September 29, 2022

Map of Maryland. Garrett County has started to see color, Allegany and Washington Counties are just changing

“Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.”

-Delia Owens

The maples and black gums continue to lead the fall transition, however most of Maryland is still seeing little change. Three factors influence autumn leaf color: leaf pigments, weather, and most importantly, length of night. The timing of color changes is primarily regulated by the calendar, and as the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, biochemical processes in the leaves begin to reveal autumn’s palette of colors across Maryland’s landscape.

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report September 22, 2022

Map of Maryland showing fall foliage just changing in Western Maryland

“It was a beautiful, bright autumn day, with air like cider and a sky so blue, you could drown in it.”

– Diana Gabaldon

Cooler temps bring crisp mornings and the hope of finding signs of fall in the treetops. Keep checking back each Thursday for the latest information.  Read more…


Fall Foliage Report – November 24, 2021

Map of Maryland showing past peak foliage in most of the state

The meteorological fall season comes to a close on December 1, and we are beginning to experience consistently cooler temperatures and brisk winds across Maryland. Fall foliage enthusiasts who bundle up and head east will be rewarded with leaves of crimson, amber, and gold adorning the Eastern Shore’s beautiful waterfront landscapes. A few pops of color remain in the central part of our state, and our citizen reporters spotted gorgeous burgundy-red leaves in Frederick and mellower tones of yellow and orange at Seneca Creek State Park. We’d like to thank all of the Marylanders that submitted photos capturing the fall season this year. We were thrilled with the response, and your photos helped us with our foliage forecasting. 

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report – November 18, 2021

Map of Maryland showing peak foliage on the Eastern Shore

GO EAST! Western portions of the state have passed peak conditions and even had a little snow. Although there are still patches of fall scenery in the central part of the state, the fall color has shifted east of I-95 in Maryland. Based on our reports, the last of fall’s glory can be seen in bright reds, oranges, and yellows; even driving around the neighborhood can provide some beautiful views. On Maryland’s Eastern Shore there are also plenty of conifers, and the pops of green mixed in with traditional fall colors make for great scenic landscapes in vast open spaces. 

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report – November 11, 2021

Map of Maryland showing peak foliage in southern and eastern Maryland

The corn mazes are wrapping up, farmers markets are shifting to their winter offerings, and the trees across Maryland are preparing for their winter break. But there are still opportunities to see fall color, especially in the central and eastern parts of the state. A good way to enjoy the remaining fall days is with a drive along one of Maryland’s Scenic byways. At this point, the Roots and Tides, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad, Chesapeake Country, Religious Freedom, and John Wilkes Booth trails are your best bets for capturing fall’s final curtain call. Colors are still muted compared to previous years but there are plenty of beautiful spots that make it worth the trip.

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report – November 4, 2021

Map showing foliage past peak to the west and peaking or nearing peak in the rest of the state

The fall foliage this year has been a moving target, and we find ourselves entering November with some lackluster conditions. We are generally seeing a pattern from western Garrett County in the past peak stage to lots of green with pockets of color in far eastern Maryland. With the recent wind and rain, we’re seeing an end to prime foliage colors in most of the state mainly because of leaf drop. Generally speaking, fall foliage seekers should go far north where there has been more change and your best bet will be along the Blue Ridge mountain range (Allegany, Washington, and Frederick counties).  It’s still a great time to enjoy the cooler weather outside as the leaves fall! We had lots of photo submissions this week from citizen forest watchers across our state so look to see what’s happening on the ground through their lenses.

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report for October 28, 2021

Map of Maryland showing peak fall foliage in western Maryland

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. 

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report for October 21, 2021

Map showing peak color in the west and foliage just turning to the east

It’s mid-October here in Maryland and we have something to offer every fall foliage enthusiast. Crossing our state from west to east, you will experience it all — glorious autumn jewel tones decorating the skyline in the west —breathtaking sunrises and local critters basking in the last warm days of fall in the east. We cover it all this week, and we’ve received some of the best photos yet from our park managers, forestry staff, and loyal readers to beautifully illustrate this magical time of year.

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report for October 14, 2021

Map showing peak foliage in far Western Maryland and most of the state changing

Here we are, mid-October, and reports indicate that the leaves are dropping quickly. With wet conditions the past few days and some wind in the forecast for the weekend we may see significant leaf loss through the next week. Fall seems to have taken hold across the state with the west near or at peak foliage and areas east slowly following suit. Most of the Eastern Shore has yet to substantially change, but we see signs that will change soon. 

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report for October 7, 2021

Map of Maryland showing far western counties at midpoint foliage

Here we go folks, we’re seeing more color out west and the rest of the state is being blanketed in subtle yellows and reds. In the far western portions of the state our reports are indicating we’re at the mid-point, especially in the higher elevations. Through central and southern Maryland, we have a mixed bag mainly because summer weather has been slow to depart. The eastern portion of the state is still mainly green with a few hints of fall color; this landscape remains perfect for pollinators, spending autumnal hours collecting nectar and pollen.

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report – September 30, 2021

Cooler evenings and crisp mornings bring a change in the air, and the leaves are responding. Thanks to submissions from our readers, it looks like fall colors have finally spread across Maryland. Keep checking back each Thursday for the latest information. 

Read more…


Fall Foliage Report – September 23, 2021

Map of fall foliage in Maryland, with Garrett and Allegany counties just beginning to change

Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Fall is officially here and the trees are starting their transformation across the state. The western parts of Maryland will see the first true signs of color beginning this week, although things are off to a slow start. With the recent rain fall color should ramp up soon and the show will begin.
Read more…


Fall Foliage Report – September 16, 2021

Map of fall foliage in Maryland, with Garrett and Allegany counties just beginning to change

“Autumn comes with regal ease, content to arrive with slow grace. Though the first leaves have tumbled to the soil so rich with rain, most remain green, fluttering in the strengthening wind. And so, though I’m wishing for that garland of reds and golds, I must be as patient as she.”

– Angela Caroline Abraham, Descriptionari.com

Fall has not yet begun in Maryland and many trees across the state are still a bit bashful about revealing their fall finest before the season officially kicks off September 22.

However in Western Maryland, pockets of trees are slowly starting to greet us with hints of brilliant color. Traditionally this is the region where leaf color changes are seen first, with the foliage in Garrett and Allegany counties beginning to turn in late September and peaking toward the middle of October. Read more…


Fall Foliage Report Template DRAFT

Map of Maryland. Garrett County has started to see color, Allegany and Washington Counties are just changing

“Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.”

-Delia Owens

The maples and black gums continue to lead the fall transition, however most of Maryland is still seeing little change. Three factors influence autumn leaf color: leaf pigments, weather, and most importantly, length of night. The timing of color changes is primarily regulated by the calendar, and as the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, biochemical processes in the leaves begin to reveal autumn’s palette of colors across Maryland’s landscape.

Read more…


Maryland Fall Foliage Report: November 12, 2020

Image of Maryland showing peak fall foliage in Southern Maryland and the lower Eastern ShoreWelcome to the Fall Foliage Report for November 12, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Fall colors have finally reached their peak in Southern Maryland and the lower Eastern Shore. Plan a drive or hike to get out and see the foliage this weekend! Read more…


Fall Foliage Report: November 5, 2020

 

Map of Maryland showing peak foliage in central and southern Maryland

Welcome to the Fall Foliage Report for November 5, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Although recent wind and rain have sent much of Maryland past peak foliage, the southern part of the state is looking very colorful. Read more…


Maryland Fall Foliage Report: October 29, 2020

Map of Maryland foliage showing Western Maryland past peak and central Maryland at peak

Welcome to the Fall Foliage Report for October 29, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. We are looking forward to a full moon Hallo-weekend with peaking foliage in parts of central Maryland! Read more…


Maryland Fall Foliage Report: October 22, 2020

Map of Maryland showing fall foliage reaching peak in Washington and Frederick counties

Welcome to the Fall Foliage Report for October 22, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This season continues to bring on the best fall color Maryland has seen in years, as Washington and Frederick counties reach peak foliage. Read more…


Maryland Fall Foliage Report: October 15, 2020

Map of Maryland showing Western Maryland passing through peak color
Welcome to the Fall Foliage Report for October 15, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…


Maryland Fall Foliage Report: October 8, 2020

Map of Maryland showing western Maryland reaching peak fall foliage

Welcome to the Fall Foliage Report for October 8, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The western corner of Maryland is seeing peak foliage setting in, headlined by the vivid yellows, reds, and oranges of maple leaves. Elsewhere, Maryland forests are exhibiting scattered spots of color, with the real fall showing yet to come! Read more…


Maryland Fall Foliage Report: October 1, 2020

Image of Maryland map showing Western Maryland nearing peak fall colorWelcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for October 1, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…


Maryland Fall Foliage Report: September 24, 2020

Map of Maryland showing fall foliage starting to turn in Western Maryland

Maple tree in Deep Creek Lake State Park, photo by Roy Musselwhite

Maple tree in Deep Creek Lake State Park, photo by Roy Musselwhite

It is now officially fall with a chill in the air and the welcomed return of the Canada geese. The most obvious indicator of autumn’s arrival, the changing of the foliage, is still a few weeks away for most of the state. However, in Western Maryland, pockets here and there are starting to show splotches of brilliant color. Traditionally it’s the region where leaf color changes are seen first, with the foliage in Garrett and Allegany counties beginning to turn beginning in late September and peaking toward the middle of October. Read more…


Maryland Fall Foliage Report Preview: September 18, 2020

Map showing color just starting in Garrett County

Welcome to the 2020 Maryland Fall Foliage Report, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Although we will mention a festival or event occasionally, that will not be a major focus this year due to numerous cancellations of many seasonal events.  However, the men and women working for Maryland’s Park Service and Forest Service will provide eyewitness accounts, as well as photographs, as the fall season unfolds. Read more…


Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Nov. 16-17, 2019

Map of fall foliage changes in MarylandWelcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for November 16 and 17 brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…


Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Nov. 9-10, 2019

Map of fall foliage in MarylandWelcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for November 9 and 10 brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…


Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Nov. 2-3, 2019

Map of changing fall foliage in MarylandWelcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for November 2 and 3, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…


Fall Foliage and Festival Report – Oct. 26-27, 2019

Map of changing fall foliage across MarylandWelcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Oct. 26 and 27, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…


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