![\"Fall](\"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/FALL-FOLIAGE-MAP-GRAPHIC-10-19-2023.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\u201cTwo sounds of autumn are unmistakable \u2026 the hurrying rustle of crisp leaves blown along the street \u2026 by a gusty wind, and the gabble of a flock of migrating geese.\u201d \u2014Hal Borland<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Western Maryland<\/b><\/p>\n Cold, wet and windy conditions persisted through much of the week in northern Garrett County, bringing more leaves down to the forest floor. But leaf peepers need not despair, according to Forest Manager Sean Nolan<\/strong>.<\/span> \u201cPlenty of colorful leaves remain in the treetops at Savage River State Forest,<\/a>” Nolan said. “The maple leaves have all turned while the oak trees are at various stages of color change with many still holding green leaves.\u00a0 The color change is definitely coming in waves, with individual trees showing vibrant colors and surrounding trees showing subtle changes.\u00a0 I would say we have certainly reached the midpoint and are moving toward peak as the oak trees continue to change.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Meadow Mountain Overlook in Savage River State Forest, northern Garrett County. Photo by Wyatt Orner, natural resources technician.<\/p><\/div> All roads lead to fall color in Savage River State Forest. Photo by Wyatt Orner, natural resources technician.<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n More changes are happening in Big Pool where reds are beginning to appear in the tree canopies and fallen leaves in shades of amber and gold line the forest floor. However, peak leaf change is still some days away. \u201cThere are still many green trees, especially near our water sources,\u201d reports Ranger Kendra Bree<\/strong>, of <\/span>Fort Frederick State Park<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Shades of amber and gold stand out against a vibrant green along Straus Pond in Sideling Hill State Park. Photo by Ranger Kendra Bree.<\/p><\/div> Rich burgundy and golden hues greet visitors along the road to Straus Lodge. Photo by Ranger Kendra Bree, Fort Frederick State Park Complex.<\/p><\/div> A spectacular array of orange leaves awaits leaf peepers visiting Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Photo by Julie Conway, Allegany County Forest Ranger.<\/p><\/div> Fall color extends as far as the eye can see above the treetops in Western Maryland. Photo by Melissa Nash, forester, Garrett and Allegany counties.<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Pops of fall color dot the shoreline along Lake Habeeb in Rocky Gap. Photo by Sarah Milbourne, Acting Western Region Manager.<\/p><\/div>\n This picturesque view of Lake Habeeb is framed by the iconic Evitts Mountain, named after one of the area’s earliest European settlers, Jacob Evart. Jacob moved to the mountain to live a hermit life after being rejected by a woman in the Frederick County area in the 1730s.<\/p>\n Aaron Cook, project manager and forester<\/strong>, reports from Clear Spring this week: \u201cThe sugar maples are showing some wonderful color despite the dry growing season. Hickory is starting to be in full color, and the ridges are turning an orange hue with individual dots of red and purple.\u00a0 I would guess peak color will happen just before Halloween. For anyone taking advantage of the early muzzleloader<\/a> or black bear hunting<\/a> seasons, they should revel in being in the woods during the peak of fall foliage.”<\/span><\/p>\n Nature\u2019s paintbrush has left wide brush strokes of persimmon, amber and gold along the tree line in Clear Spring. Photo by Aaron Cook, project manager and forester.<\/p><\/div>\n C<\/b><\/span>entral Maryland<\/b> Ruby red leaves draw the eye upward, rewarding leaf peepers with autumn\u2019s glory in the McKeldin Area of Patapsco State Park. Photo by Melissa Carson, Park Ranger Lead, Patapsco State Park.<\/p><\/div> Quiet shades of orange and yellow delicately line the banks of Morgan Run, Patapsco State Park. Photo by Melissa Carson, Park Ranger Lead, Patapsco State Park.<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>
\nMelissa Carson, Park Ranger Lead reports from Patapsco Valley State Park<\/a> this week where \u201cthe hickories are fading to a buttery yellow and the tulip trees are looking pretty bare from last weekend\u2019s wind and rain.\u201d However, a fall favorite among leaf peepers – maples – are finally beginning to make their presence known in the forest canopies. \u201cThe maples are certainly the star of the show right now.”<\/span><\/p>\n