FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. — Bright reds, oranges and yellows are emerging across the region as cooler nights advance Pennsylvania’s fall foliage season, offering opportunities to catch early autumn color before many oaks begin to change.
The state’s fall foliage report for Oct. 8-14 identifies the northern tier, northern Poconos and Laurel Highlands as the best places to see autumn color now. Closer to Franklin County, the seasonal display is developing at different rates, with some tree species showing vivid colors while others remain largely green.
Forestry staff in Buchanan State Forest, which serves Franklin, Fulton and Bedford counties, reported that this week will offer the best viewing for maples, sassafras, birch and yellow poplar in Bedford and Fulton counties. Most oaks there remain green.
For Franklin County residents planning a nearby foliage outing, those reports point to an opportunity to see the first wave of color to the west. Maples began changing last week along roads and forest openings, while stands of black gum displayed full color along ridgetops.
The Buchanan report focuses on Bedford and Fulton counties and does not identify a peak foliage date for Franklin County.
Nearby parks offer early color
Michaux State Forest, which stretches across Franklin, Cumberland and Adams counties, offers another option for residents seeking fall scenery.
Forestry staff reported that many ridgetops remain mostly green, but the understory is showing considerable color in some places. Black gum, birch, tulip poplar, red maple and sassafras are contributing to the developing display.
Suggested viewing routes and destinations include a drive up the mountain to Kings Gap State Park, a stop at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, or a trip along Birch Run or Ridge roads in Michaux State Forest.
Farther north, foliage is also progressing in Huntingdon County’s Rothrock State Forest, though foresters estimated peak color remained two to three weeks away. Sugar maples, poplar and birch are showing yellows, with sassafras and red maples adding red accents.
Fall events complement foliage trips
Residents heading west can pair a foliage drive with the final weekend of Historic Downtown Bedford’s 62nd annual Bedford Fall Foliage Festival.
Another regional option is the 40th annual Sherman’s Valley Heritage Days, scheduled for Oct. 9-11 in Blain, Perry County. The county’s service forester reported noticeable yellow and orange foliage on red and sugar maples, poplar and black gum. Large sycamores along Shermans Creek are also changing color at the picnic grounds.
For Franklin County residents, this week’s report highlights a developing autumn landscape, with nearby destinations offering early color while other areas continue their transition.
