BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A rash of cool days, and even colder nights, have “spurred a very colorful change in Penn’s Woods,” state officials said Thursday.
“Bright color can be found from the southern Poconos though the middle and southern Appalachians,” state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials said in this week’s fall foliage forecast.
“The Allegheny Plateau is gorgeous from northwestern Pennsylvania to the southwestern reaches of the commonwealth.
“Southeastern Pennsylvania forests are catching up and will provide attractive viewing opportunities, as well.”
Four weeks into Pennsylvania’s six-week fall foliage season, the Lehigh Valley has reached peak color.
While the optimum leaf-peeping week for the region is a little earlier than last year because of weather and other variables, the colors are vibrant, with brilliant yellows, golds, oranges and reds dotting the landscape.
But some areas of the state, particularly in the northeast reaches, already have peaked and are beginning to fade.
“Some shades of orange and brown can still be seen in the oak species,” said foresters from Pinchot State Forest District, which include Lackawanna and Luzerne counties.
“American beech will also be at peak color, adding a mix of yellow and orange. Parts of the southern portion of the district began to peak this week and will continue into next week.
“Some red maples that were late to change are adding vibrant colors of red. Sassafras, birch and witch hazel are all contributing varying shades of yellow to the understory. The oak species will continue to add a mix of red, yellow and orange to the landscape.”
‘Dappling the region with vibrant colors’
The Lehigh Valley’s peak foliage week this year falls in line with historical trends, peaking in mid-to-late October.
Lehigh and Northampton counties are situated in the commonwealth’s William Penn State Forest District — a parcel that encompasses 1,683 acres in 10 separate tracts across southeastern parts of the state.
While southern parts of the district still are approaching best color, the Valley, the most northern part of the district, is in peak, officials said.
Currently dappling the region with vibrant colors are maples, hickories, sassafras, poplar and black gum.Pa. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
“Currently dappling the region with vibrant colors are maples, hickories, sassafras, poplar and black gum,” officials said. “At over 400 acres, the Wertz Tract in Berks County offers a variety of trails to view the beautiful colors.
“A trip to any of the region’s state parks, including Nolde Forest, Evansburg, Ralph Stover, French Creek or Marsh Creek, will be sure to provide attractive autumn views.”
The weekly report, which runs from Thursday through Wednesday, shows all counties in either “approaching best color,” “best color” or “starting to fade.”
The majority are in the first two categories.
While the Valley got an early dose of winter Thursday, the weekend is expected to be warmer, and could bring an extra opportunity for outside activities.
Temperatures are expected to reach 71 degrees Saturday under sunny skies, according to the National Weather Service. Sunday could hit 75 degrees.
