Western PA Could See Amazing Fall Foliage This Year

PITTSBURGH, PA — Western Pennsylvania could see its most vivid fall foliage in years, according to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

With autumn's arrival this week, the department issued its first foliage report. Regarding southwestern Pennsylvania, the department stated. "The season is setting up for perhaps the best fall foliage display in years."

While leaves haven't begun to turn in the Pittsburgh area, the department noted that leaves are starting to change in the Lawrence and Mercer county areas. A light frost and cool nights nave pushed maples, sumac, dogwood, black gum and Virginia creeper to a burgundy color.

"The 2020 growing season presented abnormally dry conditions which may impact localized areas of full color, but beautiful overall fall color is anticipated," the department noted. "The forecast indicates good conditions for fall color development."

The department recommends kicking off the foliage season in the higher elevations of the Laurel Highlands on Chestnut and Laurel ridges.