{"id":48954,"date":"2026-11-05T12:58:45","date_gmt":"2026-11-05T17:58:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/?p=48954"},"modified":"2026-11-05T13:51:18","modified_gmt":"2026-11-05T18:51:18","slug":"fall-foliage-report-nov-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/2026\/11\/05\/fall-foliage-report-nov-5\/","title":{"rendered":"Fall Foliage Report Nov. 5"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Western<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maryland\u2019s fall foliage in areas west of Frederick is past its peak, while Baltimore and Annapolis are hitting the highs this week with bold maples and ochre oaks. The Eastern Shore is also reaching peak foliage, making now a great time to get outside.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Along with the fall colors, troops of mushrooms are sprouting at Pocomoke River State Park, all in time for the third annual Fungi Fest on Saturday, Nov. 7.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As fall foliage season ends, fall wildfire season begins. Wildfire activity in Maryland peaks during the spring and fall, when the absence of leaf cover allows sunlight and wind to reach and dry the forest floor. Nearly all wildfires in Maryland are caused by human activity, with debris burning being the leading cause.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please take care, especially with outdoor fires, when all those crunchy leaves are on the ground!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Leaves

Leaves change in the Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden in Annapolis.<\/p><\/div>\n

Foliage Reports<\/span><\/h2>\n

Forester Aaron Cook, Washington County<\/b><\/p>\n

\"Yellow<\/p>\n

The slow, steady progression to peak fall color takes an entire month. Once at peak the pace quickens, so much so that it can seem if you blink you may have missed the entire show.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite excellent conditions, such as dry, calm weather, many of the leaves have started to fall to the ground, and we are now seeing bare trees in many locations. We have passed peak, but there are still pockets of color to be found.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The showers this week should bring down more leaves, and provide needed rain.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Foliage in Blairs Valley.<\/p><\/div>\n

Forester Nathan House, Baltimore County<\/b><\/p>\n

\"Orange

Fiery maple leaves.<\/p><\/div>\n

We are at peak foliage this week.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ranger Lesley Leader, Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area<\/b><\/p>\n

Foliage in Cecil County is displaying a glorious palette of orange and gold. It’s been a beautiful fall season. Calm warm days with low winds have meant the leaves have been hanging on for longer than is usual.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Light

Near Oak Point. Photo By Gianna Emmons.<\/p><\/div>

Training Center Drive. Photo by Christian Gerard.<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n

Forester Alex Fignar, Mid-Shore<\/b><\/p>\n

Changing leaves on the mid-Shore.<\/p><\/div>\n

Wow, what a difference a week makes! The Maryland Forest Service has just declared the Mid Shore open for peak leaf peeping!<\/span><\/p>\n

The deciduous trees have all been electrified with fall colors from bright yellows and oranges to reds that present in shades of neon and fire.\u00a0 The days are still temperate and warm with cooler nights.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Changing<\/p>\n

It is still the perfect weather to grab a crab cake sandwich or a glass of wine at one of our fine waterfront cafes and view the beautiful fall foliage against glistening waterways. Our state forests and parks also provide miles of hiking trails that will provide you with an off-the-beaten-path leaf-peeping experience that cannot be enjoyed at highway speeds.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are coming to the east side of the Bay, get here quickly, because the leaves are changing every day!<\/span><\/p>\n

Kevin Dietrich, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Museum<\/b><\/p>\n

Grasshopper at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park.<\/p><\/div>\n

Rachel Egolf, Somerset County<\/b><\/p>\n

\"Changing<\/p>\n

It’s a beautiful time to be in the woods here on the Lower Shore. We are approaching peak color this week.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can see all the colors of fall on any given stretch of road and trail.\u00a0 The stars of the show, bronze colored oaks, red maples, yellow hickories, yellow to crimson-red sweet gums, and burgundy flowering dogwoods, are the colors you’ll find in the vibrant palette this week.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Watch out for poison ivy! It has joined in on the color change, so the usual shiny leaves of three have changed to red.<\/span><\/p>\n

Forester Ian McGovern, Worcester County<\/b><\/p>\n

We are at peak this week down in Worcester. Look for full reds and oranges in the hardwood areas near water in the county. Especially the bald cypress trees along the Pocomoke River which are showing their very unique rusty color this week.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Changing bald cypress turn a rusty shade. Notice the distinctive knees spread out around the base of the tree.<\/p><\/div>\n

Celestial Report<\/span><\/h1>\n

By Anthony Burrows<\/span><\/p>\n

With a new moon arriving on Nov. 9, dark skies make this week ideal for stargazing. You might even catch a few lingering meteors from the tail end of the Taurid peak. To spot them, look toward the constellation Taurus.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because the Moon is rising in the early pre-dawn hours, the next few mornings offer a great opportunity to catch some dramatic moonrises:<\/span><\/p>\n