2025 Fall Foliage Report: Week of September 25-October 1

Foresters in Tiadaghton State Forest (serving Lycoming County) said foliage has just begun changing in the district with peak color expected in the second or third week of October. Birches, sassafras, and black gums are showing yellows, orange, and scattered red. Most of the color can be found in the northern part of the district now. A good place to see some color in the region this week is Francis Road above Slate Run.

Foresters in Moshannon State Forest (serving Clearfield County) indicated fall foliage in the region is well underway and ahead of schedule due to the drought. However, with the upper forest canopy consisting mostly of oaks, foliage is still light green throughout the forest. Early changing species like black birch have turned yellow.

Forestry staff in Loyalsock State Forest (serving Lycoming, Sullivan, and Bradford counties) indicated that the progression to fall color is currently in the early stages of change in the district. Species currently exhibiting color are red maple, sugar maple, black cherry, staghorn sumac, birch, and a few oak stands. With plenty of green canopies still, a recommended way to see the lovely foliage is a drive on the state forest roads within Sullivan and Lycoming counties as the foliage colors vary with changes in elevation. Overlooks and vistas will also offer pretty views of fall shades.

Foresters in Elk State Forest (serving Elk and Cameron counties) said leaves are rapidly changing throughout the district. The prolonged drought jumpstarted the natural foliage transition back in late August. It is estimated that peak color for the early turning species should occur sometime during the first week of October. Currently, red maple, sugar maple, black birch, and black gum are displaying vivid colors. Oaks, which dominate much of the south and southeastern reaches of the district, are still maintaining most of their summer green. An enjoyable ride to take to see the yellows and reds of the birches and maples would be along Hicks Run and Dents Run.

Forestry staff in Sproul State Forest (serving Clinton County) said fall color started early in the region, partially due to drought, with birches and maples already starting to yellow and black gum turning red. Color is focused on the dry ridges and slopes with trees on flats and wetter areas still retaining their green. The best color in the area can be seen along the Bucktail Natural Area on Route 120 between Lock Haven and Renovo. Peak color could arrive as soon as the end of September.

Staff at Tioga State Forest reported the picture of Elk Run Vista “does not do our area justice”, stating foliage in Tioga State Forest is beautiful now. The northern hardwoods are near their peak colors, with maples stealing the show, giving striking crimsons, yellows, and golds. Oak sites have not yet started to change, so the “second peak” is still to come. The Route 6 corridor is a beautiful drive right now along with most of Tioga State Forest. Sand Run Falls is a suggested hike that will offer awesome views, as well.

Forestry staff in Susquehannock State Forest (serving Potter and McKean counties) said the dry conditions and cold mornings over last several weeks has pushed the color change much faster than usual on maples. Forests in the southern half of the district, which have a more substantial component of oaks, have been slower to change and are still mostly green. The Billy Lewis Trail is recommended for some beautiful fall hiking scenery, as well as a drive along Route 6 or Lyman Run Road. Peak in the region is expected during the next forecast period.

Forestry staff in Forbes State Forest reported dry conditions across southwestern Pennsylvania pushed fall color development an estimated week or more ahead of average. Black gum, signaling the start of fall color, is showing beautiful shades of bright red to burgundy across the ridges of the Laurel Highlands.

Drought conditions impacting much of southwestern Pennsylvania can be observed in fall color progression, with less drought tolerant trees like maples, birches, black cherry, and yellow poplar experiencing rapid, early color change, and leaf drop. Oaks have been less impacted by recent drought and remain green.

The diverse forests of this region will provide fall color viewing opportunities throughout October, with the earliest color developing in southern Somerset County, near the towns of Somerset, Berlin, Meyersdale, and the area surrounding the highest elevation in Pennsylvania, Mt. Davis (elevation 3,213 ft). Don’t delay visiting Mt. Davis, as this area will be the earliest to show peak fall color. Visitors to the Laurel Highlands this week should focus on northern hardwoods forests with sugar and red maples, black cherry, and birch for the best fall color. Northern hardwood forests are approaching their best color for this season and will peak soon across the highest elevations of the Laurel Highlands. Visitors to Forbes State Forest can see sugar maples and birches along Jones Mill Run Road at their best fall color for the season now. Visit Laurel Hill State Park for beautiful fall scenery along Jones Mill Run and Laurel Hill Lake. Splashes of color are also developing across the lower elevations of Allegheny, Washington, Greene, western Fayette, and western Westmoreland counties where maples are beginning to show beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows.

Forestry staff in Buchanan State Forest (serving Bedfored, Fulton, and Franklin counties) said most forests in the region are starting to change, but some areas of Bedford County are further along in the transition. Peak for Bedford County will likely occur during the first week of October. Fulton and Franklin county forests are still relatively green.

Foresters in Weiser State Forest (serving Carbon, Schuylkill, Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Lebanon, and Dauphin counties) said most of the northern half of the region is approaching peak. Black birches are at peak, walnuts are a light yellow, and hickories are turning golden yellow. Black gum and winged sumac are showing bright crimson hues now. Red maple is showing classic reds and witch hazel is showing light yellows. Flowering dogwoods are also contributing crimson shades. The Penn Forest and Roaring Creek tracts are recommended for good fall foliage viewing. Locust Lake and Hickory Run State parks are also suggested destinations to observe some beautiful foliage, as well.

Forestry staff in Bald Eagle State Forest (serving Union, Snyder, Mifflin, and Centre counties) indicated that leaves are starting to change in the area, with color changes noted on sweet birch, red maple, sassafras, and black gum, which is currently displaying the most vibrant color.

Foresters in William Penn State Forest (serving southeastern PA) said most foliage is still dark green and unchanged in the region. Some species, like tulip poplars and maples, are showing some signs of drought stress. In Northampton County, black gum, birch, and some maples have begun to change color. At French Creek State Park, black gum and water-stressed maples are showing similar coloration. For a look at some early autumn tones, fall foliage enthusiasts should visit the Goat Hill Serpentine Barrens in Chester County.