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Fall colors spread across Pennsylvania, but Adams County is just starting

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Fall color is spreading across Pennsylvania, but the state’s latest forest report places Adams County at the beginning of its display. The difference means drivers may find very different conditions from one ridge or valley to the next as the season advances.

In a report issued Oct. 15, foresters for Michaux State Forest said color had changed noticeably during the previous week. The forest district includes Adams, Cumberland and York counties, and staff reported that birches were showing yellow while red maples added bright patches to the landscape.

Some areas remain mostly green, the report said, while early-changing trees have already lost leaves in spots after recent rain. The report expects cooler weather to help bring more color across Pennsylvania over the following days.

For a nearby drive, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recommends Ridge Road, Route 233 and Milesburn Road in Michaux State Forest. The routes pass through the forest district’s varied terrain, where the mix of tree species can make colors change at different times.

The agency also suggests stopping at Long Pine Run Reservoir. Drivers can make a short outing of the route, or take more time to look for the yellow birch leaves and red maple color described by forest staff.

Further east, fall colors are advancing in southeastern Pennsylvania, according to DCNR’s report. In Philadelphia, the foliage is still building, and Axios reported Oct. 21 that leaf-peepers can look to nearby Bucks County for earlier displays along the Delaware River.

More than 40% of Pennsylvania counties had reached peak color, with another 22% approaching it, Axios reported, citing the state’s foliage tracking. Adams County was listed as “just starting” in DCNR’s Oct. 15 county report, so local color may continue to develop after some other parts of the state have peaked.

Sources: Axios’ Pennsylvania foliage update and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Oct. 15 report. The report includes county conditions and scenic suggestions for Michaux State Forest.

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