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. Click here for fall foliage in Montgomery County.
Western Maryland: 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. “Plenty of colorful leaves remain in the treetops at Savage River State Forest,” 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. The color change is definitely coming in waves, with individual trees showing vibrant colors and surrounding trees showing subtle changes. I would say we have certainly reached the midpoint and are moving toward peak as the oak trees continue to change.”
Central Maryland: Melissa Carson, Park Ranger Lead reports from Patapsco Valley State Park this week where “the hickories are fading to a buttery yellow and the tulip trees are looking pretty bare from last weekend’s wind and rain.” However, a fall favorite among leaf peepers – maples – are finally beginning to make their presence known in the forest canopies. “The maples are certainly the star of the show right now.”
Northern Maryland: Fall foliage enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the tree buffer area of Bohemia River State Park for a unique opportunity to see the leaves change on over 2,000 native hardwood trees planted between agricultural fields and Great Bohemia Creek. Unlike older forested areas, newer plantings allow visitors to easily walk among the trees, surrounding themselves with a cloak of amber, scarlet and gold during the fall months. “It’s pretty amazing to see in its entirety,” explains Shin Ae, seasonal Park Ranger at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area and Bohemia River State Park. “Once mature, the buffer will serve as a habitat and food source for local wildlife who call the park home.”
Southern Maryland: Project Forester Chase Kolstrom is seeing more color in the tree canopies in Cedarville State Forest, where over 50 species of trees thrive in an actively managed 3,707-acre forest: “Those beautiful fall colors are starting to peek through the treetops this week. Visitors to the area will notice changes among the dogwoods, sweetgum and red maples, with the oaks following close behind.” Cedarville State Forest lies on the line between Charles and Prince George’s counties and offers over 19 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians – and leaf peepers too!
Courtesy of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources