PA Fall Foliage Nearing Peak, Department Of Conservation Says

PENNSYLVANIA — Most of the state is peaking or at near peak for fall foliage as cooler autumnal temperatures have triggered noticeable changes in color, according to the the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The department's latest foliage update reports that in southwestern Pennsylvania, many hardwood species have begun to decline in color but oaks are changing to scarlet, yellow and orange.

Regarding some of the best locations to view the leaves, the department recommends Keystone Park in Westmoreland County, Route 381 from Ligonier to Farmington and the forested hillsides of Ohiopyle State Park. In Somerset County, peak colors are expected early in the coming week, but colors are expected to quickly fade.

In the southeastern part of the state, leaves in Berks and Chester counties in the William Penn State Forest District are still green because of unseasonably warm weather recently. But slight color is being reported on maples, birch and spicebush.

The department says attractive fall color can be found on the Wertz Tract on Texter Mountain in Berks County, but peak color in the region is still about 10 days away.