MD Fall Foliage 2023: Leaves Begin To Change In 2/3 Of Counties But Drought Dims Colors

MARYLAND — Fall colors across the state will likely be muted this year because of heat stress and drought, with about two-thirds of the counties seeing leaves starting to change hues, experts with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources said in its Oct. 5 fall foliage report.

Autumn has arrived but the state is missing the cooler daytime temperatures characteristic of fall weather. Crisp 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, the DNR said.

Although daytime temperatures across the state have been in the 80s this week, nighttime temperatures are dipping into the low 50s and 60s, bringing the cooler conditions necessary for leaf change. Next week, temperatures drop across Maryland, setting the stage for fall’s colorful show, the experts predict.

Here's what the DNR says to expect from fall foliage this year and when leaf peepers can catch a glimpse of fall’s best colors.

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.

Western Region

Forester Dakota Durcho reports near peak conditions in some tree species: “The trees we typically see change early – black walnut, black gum, and sassafras – have mostly changed at this point. However, most of the other dominant hardwoods in the area such as yellow poplar, hickory, and oak are just now starting to change, some of which can be attributed to dry conditions.”

Mark Spurrier, state park ranger manager, Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks, said: “The process is just really starting this week, but we suspect it will begin to accelerate with cooler temperatures ahead. Colors are definitely muted this year.”

Melissa Nash, forester in Garrett and Allegany counties, reports from Grantsville, where the ridgetops are nearing the midpoint with a good bit of color beginning to mix with the green. “The colder weather and a little moisture expected to begin this weekend and into next week should prime everything for the main color show in mid-October.”

Central Region

“Still mostly green, with a few pops of color – yellows appearing in the poplars and walnut and reds in the dogwood and oak canopies,” said Dave Gigliotti, administrative specialist, Rocks State Park. Peak color change is still a few weeks away in this region of Maryland, but Gigliotti said visitors will enjoy the sights and sounds of the fall bird migration, which includes the first appearance of a rose-breasted grosbeak this season.

“They pass through for a few days every spring and fall. There is also a very nice warbler migration, especially through Susquehanna.”

Northern Region

With their ruby reds and fiery oranges, maples top the list of favorites among fall leaf peepers. Shin Ae Gonzalez, seasonal ranger with Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area and Bohemia River State Park is a fan. “Our maples are turning; the colors are just amazing.”

Gonzalez has noticed other signs of fall leaf change as well. “Black gum in Fair Hill are starting to turn and sycamores are becoming yellow and dropping leaves quickly.”

Southern Region

American beech, sweetgum, red maple, and scarlet oak are just beginning to turn in southern Maryland, but the region remains mostly a vibrant green. Chase Kolstrom, project forester, hopes a change in the weather brings more fall color to the treetops.

“I don’t expect to see any major changes this week. Fall weather is supposedly coming soon, so we may see more change next week.”

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

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.