ANNAPOLIS — Fall color has reached its peak in Maryland’s westernmost mountains and is closing in on central Maryland, according to the state’s latest foliage report.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Oct. 22 fall foliage report says Garrett and Allegany counties are at peak this week, central Maryland is at its midpoint and approaching peak, and the Eastern Shore continues to trail the rest of the state.
The weekly report did not include an update for Southern Maryland. In the previous week’s report, DNR’s map placed the rest of the Western Shore, which includes Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, at midpoint. The new report expects cooler temperatures to speed the change in central Maryland, but it gives no peak date for Southern Maryland.
Region by region
Garrett and Allegany counties: Garrett County Forester Melissa Nash reported that the early bright colors are giving way to the gold and russet tones of oaks and hickories as the region hits peak.
Washington County: Forester Aaron Cook reported that South Mountain and Catoctin Ridge are near peak, led by birch, poplar and maple, with some leaves starting to fall. Western ridges are turning in patches, and full landscape color is expected in about a week. Oaks are just beginning to change.
Frederick County: Forester Dakota Durcho described color between midpoint and peak, with peak expected next week. Black walnut and blackgum are mostly bare, dogwoods and maples are still vivid, and hickories and oaks show a mix of green and yellow. Durcho said overall color is more vibrant than in recent years.
Cecil County: Ranger Lesley Leader described Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area as at peak fall beauty.
Eastern Shore: Dorchester County Forester Alex Fignar said the shore runs behind the west because of its long, mild growing season. Surviving white ash trees turn bright yellow in early to mid-October. DNR said ash has been hit hard by the emerald ash borer but may be recovering with help from biological controls.
What to look for
Oaks and hickories are the last trees to turn in many areas, so color can linger after maples and other early species drop their leaves. DNR suggested looking at oaks up close, where a single tree can show a range of colors, and catching the low light at sunrise and sunset.
The report also noted that invasive plants tend to hold their leaves longer than native species but add less to fall color.
Anyone heading into the woods should keep hunting seasons in mind. Early muzzleloader deer season runs through the end of October, and DNR urged hikers as well as hunters to wear blaze orange.
The Chronicle has followed the season’s color since September, including reports that Western Maryland hit peak and that color was spreading across the state. DNR publishes its foliage report weekly during the fall season.
