Peak Leaf Color Near In 5 MD Counties This Weekend: DNR

MARYLAND — Fall colors are nearly at peak brilliance in Maryland's five western and northernmost counties this weekend, the Department of Natural Resources said in its fall foliage report Oct. 26.

Allegany, Garrett, Washington, Frederick, and Carroll counties are near the peak of fall colors, DNR staff said. The rest of the state is at the midpoint of the color change.

"With colors intensifying across the state this week, parts of Maryland are right on the cusp of peak leaf change. The mountains of western Maryland are seeing bold shades of amber, crimson and gold, while other regions of our state are reporting marked increases in autumnal hues, spreading further along the tree canopies in central, northern, and southern Maryland," the DNR report said. "This weekend’s weather promises to bring warmer than average temperatures to the region, and we’re embracing the shift – and the burst in fall color."

Western Maryland

Forest Manager Sean Nolan said, "I would put this week in the ‘near peak’ category again. Much of Garrett’s forested areas are dominated by oaks, typically the last tree to turn during the fall season. We often base our peak conditions on the changing of the oak leaves.”

“Fall has arrived in full splendor” in Frederick County, according to Cunningham Falls State Park Manager Mark Spurrier. Cunningham Falls is located in the Catoctin Mountains, an ideal spot for viewing fall colors.

Aaron Cook, Project Manager/Forester in Clear Spring, predicts Washington and Frederick counties will reach peak leaf change next week as the area enjoys another weather pattern of sun-filled days and crisp, starry nights.

“The leaves in Clear Spring are nearly peak; Sideling Hill is also pretty close,” said Cook. “South Mountain oaks are starting to pop, but most of the color on the ridge is from red maple, which has just about peaked and is fading. Down by Sugarloaf the color is a little less uniform and a tad bit behind. If you get into the woods, rather than taking in the view from afar, it is very colorful and almost overwhelming.”

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

Dave Gigliotti, Administrative Specialist at Rocks and Susquehanna state parks reports promising signs of change in the central region at Rocks State Park this week: “The golden-hued hickories are particularly noticeable. Park visitation to areas like the King and Queen Seat and various trails is picking up as people come out to see the fall show and walk among the changing leaves.”

Eastern Shore

Maryland’s Eastern Shore is starting to show more signs of leaf change as the season progresses, with shades of burgundy, yellow and amber popping up in the forest canopies.

Northern Region

“Our fall color really got going this week, and it has changed the feeling of a walk in the woods, especially when the sun is shining through the leaves,” reports Shin Ae, Seasonal Park Ranger at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area and Bohemia River State Park in Cecil County.

Southern Maryland

Project Forester Chase Kolstrom at Cedarville State Forest noticed an increase in fall color.

“All of those beautiful colors are really starting to pop much more than last week,” said Kolstrom, who attributes the change to consistently cooler nighttime temperatures. He expects to see more autumn color in the days ahead, “I’m still seeing some green holding strong, but there’s still a lot more color change to come in the next week or so.”

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. 30 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.