Leaves in the Lehigh Valley are approaching or already at peak color, according to experts.
The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said in its weekly foliage report that Lehigh County and neighboring Berks, Bucks and Montgomery counties will approach peak color over the next several days.
Northampton and Carbon counties will be at peak color, while Monroe County will be colorful but declining, the report states.
“This week will offer outstanding foliage across the state with remarkable color in a broad diversity of species including standouts like maple, birch, poplar, sassafras, and hickory,” foresters wrote in their report. “The time is now for getting out there to appreciate what has become one of the most impressive fall foliage displays in recent memory!”
Foresters in the William Penn Forest, which represents Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, said they are seeing fall color throughout the entire district, according to the report, which notes hickories, maples and birches as showing the most color. The DCNR recommends people visit the Perkiomen Trail in Montgomery County or the David R. Johnson Natural Area in Bucks County to see good fall color.
Most of Carbon County is showing peak foliage now, according to the DCNR report, which said sassafras, sumac, poplar, and hickory are showing good color there. Many of the early changing species in Monroe County have lost their leaves and will continue to do so as the week goes on, officials said.
It’s time for your Week 4 Fall Foliage Report! 🍁🍂
It’s shaping up to be one of the most impressive fall foliage seasons in a few years, making right now the perfect time to get outside and enjoy PA’s breathtaking autumn scenery!
View the full report: https://t.co/rLk4Xe5M4K pic.twitter.com/VbeA7aQSGH
— PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (@DCNRnews) October 22, 2026
The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, in its weekly foliage outlook, said Carbon County and southern Monroe County are experiencing peak foliage, with white oak, chestnut oak and red oak showing the most vibrant color. Full color is about 80%, with 80% of the leaves still on the trees, according to their report. Peak color should last until Oct. 28, the visitors bureau said.
Species in northern Monroe County have changed color, and trees that changed early have lost the majority of their leaves. The area is past peak color with about 60% of the leaves on the tree, according to their report.
Statewide, southeastern Pennsylvania appears to be the only part will not see peak color over the next week, according to the DCNR report. Northern parts of the state are still declining, with the exception of Susquehanna and Wayne counties, where the season is over.