Maryland Fall Foliage Report Oct. 15
The foliage is popping this week along the summit of South Mountain. Now is a great time to check out foliage along the Appalachian Trail and at state parks in Western Maryland, such as Rocky Gap and Swallow Falls state parks.
Photo by Ranger Dave Best, Rocky Gap State Park.
In Frederick County, most trees are in some phase of change. Things are starting to change in Baltimore County, but are not near the peak yet. Somerset County is still green, with some trees starting to turn.
The forecast drop in temperatures this weekend should prompt some bright colors.
EnChroma View Finder at Seneca Creek
The EnChroma view finder at Seneca Creek State Park, along Clopper Lake.
Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County features a scenic view finder equipped with EnChroma lenses, which help viewers with red-green color blindness view the true hues of foliage.
To use the view finder, park at the lower Boat Center lot near the self-launch ramp. Follow the gravel path to the shoreline, and you’ll find the viewfinder waiting at the end of the trail.
Foliage Reports
Forester Melissa Nash, Garrett County
The Western Maryland 4-H Center surrounded by changing leaves. Photo by Melissa Nash.
Wind and rain over the weekend brought down some leaves, but there is still plenty of color to be had. The northern end of Garrett County is seeing its peak this week, with the southern portion of the county seeing more rapid change.
Forester Aaron Cook, Washington County
Pockets of woods are near peak, especially along the summit of South Mountain, where birch trees have turned autumn gold.
Oaks remain mostly green, some are beginning to change hues of purple, red, and orange.
If you get out in the woods, this weekend would be a great time to hike the Appalachian Trail or any of the parks along South Mountain. You will enjoy the fall splendor.
Peak will likely happen during the last week of October.
Forester Dakota Durcho, Frederick County
Nearly all trees have begun to transition leaf color at this point. Consistent moisture and cooler temperatures have sped this process up over the past week.
The blackgum and black walnut were the first to change. In many cases these trees are nearly leafless. Flowering dogwood is now a deep reddish purple. Red maples, especially at the tops of their crowns, are vibrant red. Hickories vary, however some have turned completely golden in color, while others are just starting to change. Oaks for the most part are just starting to see some color. I would expect peak color in about two weeks.
Overall colors should be more vibrant than last year, as we have seen consistent precipitation and cooler temperatures.
Forester Nathan House, Baltimore County
Photo by Nathan House.
The Baltimore metropolitan area does not appear to be near peak foliage yet. Yellows are showing on dogwoods, ash, maples, persimmon, and blackgum. Bright pops of red from sumac and Virginia creeper, and the white blooms of saltbush (baccharis), provide seasonal beauty along the freeway.
Ranger Lesley Leader, Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area
Black gum at Willis House. Photo by Gianna Emmons.
Significant amounts of red and orange among the green at Fair Hill; red maples are lovely in orange and black gums are a beautiful deep red. We’ve had a lot of rain and some cool nighttime temperatures, which are helping the color change move along. The predicted cooler temperatures toward the end of this week should reward us with plenty of fall color to come.
It’s been a great year for goldenrod and aster; every field edge and ditches are humming with bees.
Forester Rachel Egolf, Somerset County
East Creek. Photo by Rachel Egolf.
Somerset County is still green, but you will find some trees starting to turn.
Celestial Report
An illustration showing where the Orionid meteor shower will appear in the sky
By Anthony Burrows
On October 21-22 the Orionid meteor shower takes over the sky. This is a little more active than recent showers– you could see up to 20 meteors per hour. This shower is produced by dust particles left behind by the comet Halley. This one will be later, and with a pretty bright moon it may be hard to see some of the faint meteors. But the moon will set at 2:20 a.m. so viewing in the very early morning may be your best bet
We wrap up with a full moon on Oct. 26. The October moon is known as the Hunter’s Moon. It has also been called the Travel Moon and Blood Moon. It will rise at 6:13 p.m. If you can, catch the moonrise. Close to the horizon, the moon will look especially large and may have an orange tint. It will set at 9:18 a.m. on Oct. 27.
Happenings
Helmets and Harvest
Check out the Helmets and Harvest AgriTrail, which celebrates Maryland’s bike trails and agritourism businesses! Pick a region to explore, then check in at designated bike paths and businesses to earn points toward autumnal swag – 10 points for a sticker, 15 points for a water bottle, and 20 points for a knit beanie!
More information and links to sign up are available on the Maryland’s Best website.
Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center After Dark
October 17, 6-8 p.m.
Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center
Come check out The Discovery Center after dark! We’ll have our reptile ambassadors out to greet you, some crafts and a few spooky things to do while you’re visit.
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Self-Guided Haunted Hike
Oct. 17, 7-9 p.m.
New Germany State Park
403 McAndrews Hill Road, Grantsville
If you’re up for a spooky adventure, don’t miss this 1.5-mile self-guided haunted hike. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp to get to and from the trail safely. Be sure to drop by the Nature Center before or after your hike for hot cocoa, while supplies last. This event is sponsored by the Friends of New Germany. There is no fee, but donations are welcome. NOTICE: This activity will include frightening scenes, startling sounds, and walking on uneven terrain after dark. It may not be suitable for young children. Pets are not allowed.
Spooky Hollow Hike
Oct. 23 at 7 p.m.
Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area
Meet at the Gallaher Lot, 491 Gallaher Road in Elkton
Join us for family friendly fun on Fair Hill NRMA’s annual tradition, the Spooky Hollow Hike! Our illuminated Osage Orange Tree tunnel brings a magical touch to this nighttime nature walk. Hiking boots, flashlights and walking sticks are recommended, as the trail can be muddy and uneven. See you in the hollow! To register email [email protected].
Fungi Fest
Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to noon
Pocomoke River State Park Shad Landing Area
Celebrate all things fungi while promoting healthy, active lifestyles and a love of the outdoors. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning with a 5K walk/run followed by a farmers market-style festival featuring vendors, live music, interpretive programs, arts and crafts, and family-friendly yard games.
