Fall Foliage 2023: Western MD Counties Star Of The Show This Week

MARYLAND — Prompted by ideal weather conditions, fall colors are starting to shine in Maryland Peak leaf change is "right around the corner in the western half of the state, the Department of Natural Resources said Thursday in its fall foliage report.

Allegany and Garrett counties are considered near peak color, while Washington, Frederick, and Carroll counties are at the midpoint of the leaf change, DNR staff said. The rest of the state is labeled just changing.

"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," the foliage report said. "However, there is plenty of fall color to be found if you know where to look. And this week, Western Maryland steals the show."

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. I would say we have certainly reached the midpoint and are moving toward peak as the oak trees continue to change.”

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. “There are still many green trees, especially near our water sources,” said Ranger Kendra Bree of Fort Frederick State Park.

Related: Fall Foliage Peak 2023: When To Time Leaf-Peeping Tours In MD

The USDA Forest Service says three primary factors influence autumn leaf color: leaf pigments, length of night, and weather.

Central Region

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.”

Fall leaf change is moving a little more slowly in Harford County where Dave Gigliotti, administrative specialist at Rocks and Susquehanna State Parks reports clusters of light orange and yellow entering the landscape. “The colors are more muted than years past and some leaves are quickly drying up and falling to the ground, evidence of summer drought’s effect on fall foliage in the area,” said Gigliotti.

Northern Region

Visit the tree buffer area of Bohemia River State Park to see the leaves change on over 2,000 native hardwood trees planted between agricultural fields and Great Bohemia Creek. “It’s pretty amazing to see in its entirety,” said 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 Region

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," Kolstrom said.

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.

The DNR weekly Fall Foliage Report is posted online and sent by email bulletin to subscribers.

The 2023 Fall Foliage Prediction Map indicates leaves will peak the week of Oct. 23 in much of Maryland.

The predictive map, from the travel site Smokymountains.com, uses a refined data model based on historical and forecast temperatures and precipitation, the types of trees prominent in specific geographic areas, and real-time user reports.

The slider at the bottom resets weekly to include the latest data. To see when leaves are expected to peak, move the slider to the right. Leaves haven’t started changing yet in green areas, and the brown color means foliage has passed its peak.

For people planning to travel, the site curated a list of the best places to see fall foliage in every state.

Here are some suggested Maryland fall leaf-peeping road trips:

• Patapsco Valley State Park stretches 32 miles along the Patapsco River in Baltimore and Howard counties and offers some of the best autumn scenery in Maryland.
• Turkey Point Lighthouse Trail, North East: Set atop a 100-foot bluff, the lighthouse provides a 360-degree view of the Chesapeake Bay and all the fall colors. As you take the two-mile trek up to the lighthouse, you’ll get to experience the beauty of Elk Neck State Park located on a peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Elk River.
• Adkins Arborteum: Across its 400 acres, this garden features more than 600 species of plants, ranging from trees and shrubs to wildflowers and grasses near Ridgeley in Caroline County. Trek the five miles of paths through the grounds of the arboretum.
• Oregon Ridge Park near Cockeysville has hiking trails that showcase a tree-scape of yellow, orange and red.
• Other areas to visit close to the Baltimore-Washington metro area: Gwynnbrook Wildlife Management Area in Owings Mills, Baltimore County; Sugar Loaf Mountain Natural Resource Area in southern Frederick County; Seneca Creek State Park just southwest of Gaithersburg; and Dierssen Wildlife Management Area situated between the C&O Canal and the Potomac River in Montgomery County, offering first-rate opportunities for waterfowl watching and quiet interludes for strollers along the Canal Tow Path.

More 2023 Fall Foliage Predictions

• The Farmer’s Almanac predicts that much of New England will be at or near peak fall color by October 11; a little further south in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it looks like mid-October is Maryland's best bet for peak fall color.
• According to the Washington Post, Maryland should see peak colors by mid-October with an ultimate peak arriving around Oct. 23. The northern half of Virginia should be past peak by then.