2026 Fall Foliage: Report for October 8-14 | Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Forestry staff in Buchanan State Forest (serving Bedford, Fulton, and Franklin counties) said travelers through Bedford and Fulton counties should be on the lookout for the first wave of bright red, orange, and yellow foliage. Though a majority of oaks remain green, this week will be the best for viewing maples, sassafras, birch, and yellow poplar. Last week maples began to change along road corridors and openings, while stands of black gum could be seen in full color along the ridgetops. As a reminder, this weekend is the last chance to visit Historic Downtown Bedford’s 62nd Annual Bedford Fall Foliage Festival.

Foresters in Weiser State Forest (representing Carbon, Schuylkill, Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Dauphin, and Lebanon counties) said red maple and black gum are showing the most color in the region now. Sassafras, staghorn sumac, and winged sumac also show vivid colors. Sweet birch and hickory are starting to change in the northern half of the district. Hickory Run State Park, the Penn Forest Tract, and Penrose Tract will provide the best fall foliage viewing in the area now.

Forestry staff in Michaux State Forest (serving Cumberland, Adams, and York counties) said while many of the ridgetops are mostly green, the understory is showing quite a bit of color in some places. Take a drive up the mountain to Kings Gap State Park, stop in at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, or check out Birch Run or Ridge Roads in Michaux State Forest to see the bright colors of black gum, birch, tulip poplar, red maple, and sassafras.

Foresters in Gallitzin State Forest (serving Blair, Cambria, and Indiana counties) said maple, birch, cherry, and aspens are beginning to show their colors. However, the display isn’t up to full color yet—most of these trees are only partially changed and have a week or more to go until they reach their bright reds and oranges. If you’re planning a visit, any of the three scenic overlooks in the district will be worth a stop.

The Perry/Juniata County service forester (Tuscarora State Forest) said fall color is starting to show with remarkable change in leaf color. Vibrant yellow and orange are noticeable on red and sugar maple, poplar, and black gum. A great place to see some fall color this weekend will be in Blain, Perry County, at the 40th annual Sherman’s Valley Heritage Days on October 9-11. The picnic grounds offer large sycamore trees changing color along the beautiful Shermans Creek.

Forestry staff in Bald Eagle State Forest (serving Union, Mifflin, and Snyder counties) reported that foliage is transitioning quickly in the region. Currently noticeable are color changes on sweet birch, red maple, black gum, walnut, and sassafras. Black gum and red maple are currently displaying the most vibrant color.

Foresters in Rothrock State Forest (Huntingdon County) said peak foliage is about two to three weeks away. Sugar maples, poplar, and birch are showing lovely yellows, while sassafras and red maples are adding red accents to the growing spread of colors. Some of the early changers are dropping leaves with the recent blustery weather, adding some color to the ground as well. A visit to the Bear Meadows Natural Area will showcase the variety of colors that is growing day by day.