Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Bureau of Forestry

PENNSYLVANIA WEEKLY FALL FOLIAGE REPORT

November 3 – November 9, 2022
CAMERON

BRADFORD

To predict peak season from the colors, use these guidelines:

➢ Dark Green/No Change= peak is three weeks to a month away
➢ Light Green/Starting to Change= peak is approximately two to three weeks away
➢ Yellow/Approaching Best Color= peak is approximately one week away
➢ Orange/Best Color= foliage is peaking this week
➢ Red/Starting to Fade= still some nice color but won’t last more than a few more days
➢ Brown/Past Peak= all or nearly all color is gone

Statewide Fall Foliage Overview

It has been a great year for fall color in Pennsylvania, with most fall foliage reporters describing the best color they’ve
seen in years. Pockets of vibrant color remain in the form of hickories, oaks, and beech, but the last glimmers of autumn
are upon us. Sightseers should target southeastern counties this week for a few last views. Read below for more details
in the final PA Fall Foliage Report for 2022.
Northwestern Region

The district manager in Cornplanter State Forest District (Warren, Erie counties) reported that many trees in the
northwest corner of Pennsylvania have lost or are losing their leaves, as the fall foliage season draws to a close. There is
still a scattering of russet brown and burnt orange from oaks and late maples, providing a last glimpse of fall color.

Still a bit of color along the Allegheny River near Emlenton, Venango County. (photo by T. Ryen)

Northcentral Region

The district manager in Susquehannock State Forest (Potter, McKean counties) said fall foliage season is over in the
region.

Foresters in Loyalsock State Forest (Lycoming, Sullivan counties) said most of the district is bare now. There are still
some leaves on the oaks in the Little Bear area south of Barbours, but these leaves are coming down fast.

The Tioga County service forester said the area is past peak, with only dull colors hanging on some oaks. Most leaves are
on the ground and fall foliage season is over.

Many remaining leaves in Tiadaghton State Forest fell last week, leaving only isolated pockets of oak, hickory, and beech
color.

The Clinton County service forester (Sproul State Forest) reported a sense of melancholy with the falling leaves and the
end of the season. Oaks are about the only trees retaining leaves. For a last gasp of fall, visit Bucktail State Park in
Clinton County for a few last glimpses of autumn scenery.
 Few leaves remain on trees in Clinton County. (photo by L. Greenaway)

The Elk County service forester reported that the season is over in northern Elk and Cameron counties, with nearly all
leaves on the ground.

West-central and Southwestern Regions

The Mercer County (Clear Creek Forest District) service forester said the leaves are mostly down in the western end of
the state from Clarion to Mercer County. A few maple leaves are still hanging on, displaying yellow. Leaves are plentiful
on oak trees, but most of them are brown. The scattered brilliant colors seen last week are nearly all gone.

In Forbes State Forest District, the education specialist said some lingering fall colors can be seen throughout
southwestern PA, however peak foliage for the entire region is past. Leaves continue to fall and with recent rains, many
trees are bare, closing what was a vibrant season for color.

In Gallitzin State Forest District (Blair, Indiana, Cambria counties), most leaves are down with a few areas still displaying
some modest color on beech, oak, and hickory.
Central and Southcentral Regions

In Bald Eagle State Forest District (Mifflin, Snyder, Centre and Union counties), forests are mostly bare, but sporadic oak
stands still have some muted fall color.

The Perry/Juniata County service forester (Tuscarora State Forest District) reported a still pleasant sightseeing
experience as crops are harvested with brilliant fall colors in the background. Although colors are fading and leaves are
dropping, some trees are still holding vivid leaves. With good weather expected for the weekend, visitors can catch
some attractive views before the leaves fall.

Interesting contrast between forest edge and fall harvest, Juniata County. (photo by L. Book)

Foresters in Buchanan State Forest (Fulton, Bedford, Franklin counties) reported that fall color is quickly disappearing in
the region. A few maples are hanging on to some yellow, but remaining leaves on oaks are a dull brown.

The Clearfield County Service Forester (Moshannon State Forest) said spotty pockets of good color remain in the oak-
dominated forests of the Black Moshannon Division. Elsewhere, the maples, cherry, and aspen have lost their leaves.
Oaks are muted yellow and brown with some understory blueberry still a scarlet red. This is an especially good time to
see the fall-flowering witch hazel with its yellow flowers dotting the understory. Motorists will see the last remnants of
color along Route 504 through the Black Moshannon Division. Looking south offers excellent views of the Bald Eagle
Valley and Bald Eagle Mountain in the distance.
Last color on oaks along Route 504, Black Moshannon Division, Moshannon State Forest. (photo by R. Conrad)

Last color in Allen’s Valley, Buchanan State Forest. (photo by K. Ewan)

Gorgeous colors at the state capitol on 11/1/22. (photo by R. Reed)
 Colorful mix of hickories and oaks on top of Round Mountain near Trough Creek State Park. (photo by R. Reed)

Rothrock State Forest staff said the season is essentially over in the
northern half of the district (north of Huntingdon). The southern
half of the district near Trough Creek and Raystown Lake still
retains some pleasant color, but it won’t last long. Bright yellow
hickories are especially beautiful, along with oaks ranging from
burgundy to orange.

The education specialist in Michaux State Forest said fall foliage is

past peak in the district. There are still occasional pops of yellow on
a growing sea of muted red, orange, and brown. The best color this
week will be found in the southern halves of Adams, Franklin, and
York counties.

The Dauphin/Lebanon County service forester said there are still

some nice colors to observe, but many leaves fell over the
weekend. About 50 percent of the leaves are still on the trees,
consisting of mostly oak, with a few maples and hickories hanging
on.

Vibrant hickory. Trough Creek Division. (photo by R. Reed)

 Tussey Mountain near Marklesburg. (photo by J. Thompson)

Northeastern Region

Foresters in Pinchot State Forest said Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming, Lackawanna, and Luzerne counties are all past
peak with few leaves remaining, overall.

The Delaware State Forest (Pike, Monroe counties) service forester said recent rain and wind have significantly reduced
the number of leaves on trees. All species have changed color and are rapidly shedding their leaves. Oak and beech are
still holding leaves. The best area to see the remaining fall color is southern Monroe County. Areas along Blue Mountain
have the most leaves remaining. Views south of the mountain into the Lehigh Valley will reveal the most color.

Southeastern Region

The Lancaster/Chester County

service forester reported a wide
range of conditions in the William
Penn State Forest District.
Northern counties in the district
(Northampton, Lehigh) are past
peak and Berks, Montgomery, and
Bucks are fading. The best color in
the region for the forecast period
will be Lancaster, Chester,
Philadelphia, and Delaware
counties, where oaks and beech
are most vivid. Sightseers should
consider a visit to Neshaminy,
Benjamin Rush, White Clay Creek,
or Ridley Creek State parks to find
attractive fall color in the area.

Warm fall color at Glen Providence County Park. (photo by K. Kehres)