Maryland fall foliage forecast: Map shows leaves still approaching peak around Baltimore metro
Maryland's fall colors still haven't reached their peak in central parts of the state, according to the latest update from the Department of Natural Resources.
Trees in the Baltimore metro are reaching their midpoint, while those in Washington and Frederick counties are starting to approach peak colors.
Meanwhile, foliage continues to peak in Allegany and Garrett counties in the northwestern part of the state.
Cooler temperatures should help spur the change for places that are still waiting for their colors to pop.
The DNR says to keep an eye out for sugar maples, with their shades of red, orange and yellow.
"You can see a sunset in a single tree," forester Bob Schwartz said.
On the Eastern Shore, you may also catch a glimpse of a rare ash tree with golden leaves.
"While the emerald ash borer beetle has caused significant damage to ash trees, efforts to fight the pest with biocontrols offer a glimmer of hope that ash may one day return to a place of prominence in Maryland forests," the DNR update reads.
When will fall foliage peak in Maryland?
Maryland's annual burst of fall colors is expected to peak from north to south through October and into early November.
The DNR predicted a near-average foliage season this year. The ongoing drought, followed by rain and wind from a passing nor'easter, has impacted the season a bit.
Ideal conditions for the colors to explode include mild and sunny days and chilly nights.
The leaves will really begin to pop across central Maryland, the Baltimore metro and parts of the Eastern Shore during these first couple of weeks of October.
Looking back at previous years, fall color usually peaks between the last week of October and first week of November across the greater Baltimore area.
Maryland foliage tracker
Here is the latest Fall Foliage report from Maryland's DNR. For a broader look at leaf conditions across the country, you can also check out this fall foliage map.
Some of the best places to see brilliant leaf color in the Baltimore region include Patapsco Valley State Park, Loch Raven Reservoir, Gunpowder Falls State Park, Oregon Ridge State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park. However, brilliant blasts of color can be seen in and around Baltimore City, as well.