BETHLEHEM, Pa. — It’s only the first week of Pennsylvania’s fall foliage season, but in the Lehigh Valley, as well as other parts of the commonwealth, leaves are already starting to change.
“After several periods of dryness during the growing season, much-needed summer/early fall rains helped stave off premature leaf drop, keeping forest canopies green,” state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Facebook officials said in the first report, posted online. “Cold nights, coupled with prevailing dry conditions during late August and early September stimulated noticeable color changes throughout Penn’s Woods.
“Fall foliage viewers should expect a vibrant season that arrives sooner and lasts for a slightly shorter period compared to recent years.”
State officials on Thursday released the commonwealth’s first fall foliage report, an annual effort that maps the state’s six-week leaf-peeping season. While the Lehigh Valley is still a week or so away from peak fall colors, residents can use the reports to plan outdoor activities across the commonwealth.
Both Lehigh and Northampton counties, as well as the majority of the state, have been classified as “starting to change” on the report’s scale for "week one," which runs from Thursday through Wednesday.
Wayne, Pike and Somerset counties are already “approaching best color,” while counties to the southeast, like Chester, Lancaster, Delaware and Philadelphia, are still at the starting point — “no change.”
“Foresters in William Penn State Forest District (southeastern counties) reported a prevailing designation of ‘no change,’” according to the report. “A few species are currently showing a bit of color, including dogwoods, black birch, and tulip poplar.
“For a look at some early autumn tones, fall foliage enthusiasts should consider a visit to the Trexler Nature Preserve near Schnecksville in Lehigh County.”
An earlier, shorter season
Generally, the Valley hits peak in mid-to-late October, with leaves changing colors from north to south as the region moves into fall. However, weather patterns, including temperature and precipitation, can change the schedule.
Looks like this tree is really anxious for fall to arrive.
— Kris Alexander (@Timeismc2) September 16, 2024
Hollo Road, Sunday afternoon.
@ssigafoos @69News @NWS_MountHolly @cjmoren01 @MollyBilinski pic.twitter.com/Cliyfa4grV
Last year, the Valley was classified as “no change” during the first week of foliage reporting. However, the season seems to be earlier this year, as residents have noted trees already starting to pop brilliant yellows, oranges and reds.
While the dry, cool weather preceding the season could bring an earlier peak, experts said, it could also condense the season. But an earlier and/or shorter season doesn’t mean the colors will be dull or muted.
"Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation — or anywhere in the world."Pa. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
“Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation — or anywhere in the world,” according to the state DCNR’s website. “ … Pennsylvania’s location between 40° and 42° North latitude and its varied topography from sea level on the coastal plain to over 3,000 feet in the Laurel Highlands supports 134 species of trees and many more shrubs and vines that contribute to the display of autumn color.”
