Fall foliage has reached its peak across Buchanan State Forest, including Franklin County, according to forestry staff in the district.
The Oct. 22-28 fall foliage report describes peak color throughout the forest district, which serves Bedford, Fulton and Franklin counties. Cool nighttime temperatures have brought out colors in valleys that remained green a week earlier, while the first frost appeared to signal the start of color changes among oak species.
Visitors can look for red leaves on black gum and maple trees in the understory, yellow and orange on sugar maples and sassafras, and emerging burgundy shades on white oaks.
Forestry staff said the district offers its best variety of colors this week, but cautioned that leaves will fall quickly.
Buchanan State Forest offers opportunities for camping, hiking and mountain biking, with more than 200 miles of multiuse trails and four picnic areas where visitors can stop for lunch and take in the scenery.
Nearby Michaux State Forest also continues to offer fall color, although windy weekend conditions brought down many leaves. Forestry staff reported colorful views along Route 233 through the forest and at nearby Kings Gap.
Conditions across the Michaux district remain variable, with some lower elevations retaining green leaves as oaks begin changing color. Recent overnight frosts are expected to accelerate the transition.
Across Pennsylvania, the report describes widespread color in maples, birches, poplars, sassafras and hickories following colder nights.
