Peak foliage in the Lehigh Valley is still a few weeks out, according to experts.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources released its first statewide foliage report of the season this week, and said leaves in Lehigh and Northampton counties, as well as neighboring Bucks, Berks, Carbon and Monroe counties, are just starting to change.

That is the case with most of the state, outside of three counties in central Pennsylvania and seven counties in northern Pennsylvania, which already are approaching peak color.

The DCNR said mid-summer and September rainfall quenched drought-stressed forests across the state, greening tree canopies and priming them for a “fantastic autumn show.”

“Expected cold nights in the forecast this week will continue to advance the color transition across the state,” foresters said in their weekly report. “The best colors are still to come!”

The DCNR said foresters are seeing changes in the northern part of the southeastern Pennsylvania district, including Bucks, Berks and Northampton counties. Otherwise, the region is not seeing much change. Foresters recommend going to Nockamixon State Park in Bucks County to see the beginnings of fall color.

Red maple and birch trees will be the first to show color, foresters said.

The DCNR releases it weekly foliage report every Thursday. It can be found at pa.gov/fallfoliage.

Leaf peepers, it’s finally time! Plan your fall adventure with our first Fall Foliage Report of 2026. 🍂👀

Rainy summer weather helped revive drought‑stressed forests, and the trees are gearing up for an amazing fall display.

View the full report: https://t.co/rLk4Xe5M4K pic.twitter.com/WCWjjVhuJk

— PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (@DCNRnews) October 1, 2026

Ryan Reed, program specialist for the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, said recently that peak foliage, when colors are most vivid, will likely be between mid- and late October in the Lehigh Valley, depending on weather conditions.

Overall, this year’s fall foliage season is expected to be longer and more colorful than last year, when drought conditions led to more rapid changes.

Besides Nockamixon State Park, other leaf peeping spots to check out include the Delaware Water Gap, the Poconos region and, if you don’t mind a drive, Mount Davis in Somerset County.